Several works of Mr. Iohn Murcot, that eminent and godly preacher of the Word, lately of a Church of Christ at Dublin in Ireland. Containing, I. Circumspect walking, on Eph. 5.15,16. II. The parable of the ten virgins, on Mat. 25. from ver. 1. to ver. 14. III. The sun of righteousness hath healing in his wings for sinners, on Mal. 4.2. IV. Christs willingness to receive humble sinners, on John 6.37. Together with his life and death. Published by Mr. Winter, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Carryl, and Mr. Manton. With alphabetical tables, and a table of the Scriptures explained throughout the whole.
         Murcot, John, 1625-1654.
      
       
         
           1657
        
      
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             Several works of Mr. Iohn Murcot, that eminent and godly preacher of the Word, lately of a Church of Christ at Dublin in Ireland. Containing, I. Circumspect walking, on Eph. 5.15,16. II. The parable of the ten virgins, on Mat. 25. from ver. 1. to ver. 14. III. The sun of righteousness hath healing in his wings for sinners, on Mal. 4.2. IV. Christs willingness to receive humble sinners, on John 6.37. Together with his life and death. Published by Mr. Winter, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Carryl, and Mr. Manton. With alphabetical tables, and a table of the Scriptures explained throughout the whole.
             Murcot, John, 1625-1654.
             Winter, Samuel, 1596?-1665.
             Chambers, Robert, minister in Dublin.
             Eaton, Samuel, 1506?-1665.
             Manton, Thomas, 1620-1677.
             Caryl, Joseph, 1602-1673.
             J. G.
          
           [32], 95, [1], 695, [25] p.
           
             printed by R. White, for Francis Tyton, at the three Daggers in Fleet-street, near the Inner-Temple gate,
             London :
             1657.
          
           
             "Moses in the mount .. Being a narrative of the life and death of Mr. Iohn Murcot .. Written by a friend", signed "J.G." on A2v, has separate dated title page; pagination and register are continuous.
             "The parable of the ten virgins" (caption title) begins new pagination on 2Ar.
             Includes indexes.
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "May 25"; "May".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Bible. -- N.T. -- Ephesians V, 15-16 -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
           Bible. -- N.T. -- Matthew XXV -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
           Bible. -- O.T. -- Malachi IV, 2 -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
           Bible. -- N.T. -- John VI, 37 -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           Several
           Works
           OF
           Mr.
           IOHN
           MURCOT
           ,
           That
           Eminent
           and
           Godly
           preacher
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           lately
           of
           a
           Church
           of
           Christ
           at
           Dublin
           in
           Ireland
           .
        
         
           
             CONTAINING
             ,
          
           
             I.
             Circumspect
             Walking
             ,
             on
             Eph.
             5.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             II.
             The
             Parable
             of
             the
             ten
             Virgins
             ,
             on
             Mat.
             25.
             from
             ver
             .
             1.
             to
             ver
             .
             14.
             
          
           
             III.
             The
             Sun
             of
             Righteousness
             hath
             healing
             in
             his
             wings
             for
             Sinners
             ,
             on
             Mal.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             IV.
             Christs
             Willingness
             to
             receive
             Humble
             Sinners
             ,
             on
             John
             6.
             37.
             
          
        
         
           Together
           with
           his
           Life
           and
           Death
           .
        
         
           Published
           by
           Mr.
           Winter
           ,
           Mr.
           Chambers
           ,
           Mr.
           Eaton
           ,
           Mr.
           Carryl
           ,
           and
           Mr.
           Manton
           .
        
         
           With
           Alphabetical
           Tables
           ,
           and
           a
           Table
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           explained
           throughout
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             R.
             White
          
           ,
           for
           
             Francis
             Tyton
          
           ,
           at
           the
           three
           Daggers
           in
           Fleet-street
           ,
           near
           the
           Inner-Temple
           Gate
           .
           1657.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Right
           Honourable
           the
           Lord
           Deputy
           FLEETWOOD
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           
             HEN.
             CROMWELL
          
           .
        
         
           
             My
             Dear
             and
             ever
             Honoured
             Lords
             ,
          
        
         
           THough
           you
           love
           not
           applause
           ,
           nor
           I
           can
           give
           titles
           to
           men
           ,
           lest
           in
           so
           doing
           ,
           my
           Maker
           should
           cut
           me
           off
           ;
           Yet
           must
           I
           perform
           my
           duty
           to
           God
           and
           to
           you
           ,
           in
           bearing
           witness
           to
           the
           truth
           as
           it
           is
           in
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           effectually
           and
           exemplarily
           dwels
           in
           you
           .
           Your
           piety
           ,
           faithfulness
           ,
           zeal
           towards
           God
           ,
           tenderness
           to
           the
           Saints
           ,
           in
           whom
           is
           
             aliquid
             Christi
          
           ,
           your
           ardent
           love
           to
           the
           faithful
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           this
           our
           dear
           Brother
           departed
           ,
           with
           his
           dearly
           beloved
           consort
           and
           children
           ,
           challengeth
           no
           less
           at
           my
           hands
           ;
           who
           was
           my
           Partner
           and
           Fellow-helper
           in
           
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           an
           earthen
           Angel
           ,
           and
           an
           heavenly
           Mortal
           (
           that
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           ;
           )
           of
           whom
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           of
           that
           Brother
           )
           his
           praise
           is
           in
           the
           Gospel
           throughout
           all
           the
           Churches
           :
           I
           have
           seldom
           known
           of
           his
           years
           a
           head
           better
           hearted
           ,
           or
           heart
           better
           headed
           :
           The
           enlargement
           of
           whose
           heart
           was
           the
           enlargement
           of
           his
           abilities
           :
           He
           was
           a
           burning
           and
           bright
           shining
           star
           in
           the
           Firmament
           of
           our
           Church
           :
           holy
           for
           Doctrine
           and
           Piety
           ,
           but
           shining
           with
           a
           borrowed
           light
           from
           the
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           (
           which
           he
           was
           very
           sensible
           of
           .
           )
           For
           he
           did
           not
           offer
           to
           God
           that
           which
           cost
           him
           nought
           ,
           but
           gave
           up
           himself
           wholly
           to
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Word
           and
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           was
           with
           him
           :
           Who
           did
           not
           only
           (
           as
           he
           said
           )
           lay
           it
           on
           but
           with
           a
           warm
           hand
           rub
           it
           in
           .
           I
           have
           sometimes
           thought
           (
           when
           I
           have
           come
           into
           the
           Congregation
           )
           that
           the
           Church-meeting-place
           was
           filled
           with
           the
           smoke
           of
           Gods
           presence
           ;
           such
           a
           power
           there
           was
           that
           went
           along
           with
           the
           word
           :
           for
           he
           first
           did
           ,
           then
           taught
           ,
           and
           taught
           and
           did
           again
           .
           
             Acts
             1.
             
             Mat.
          
           5.
           living
           over
           in
           the
           week
           time
           ,
           that
           which
           he
           preached
           to
           others
           on
           the
           Lords
           day
           ;
           (
           as
           the
           Priest
           did
           of
           the
           Shew-bread
           which
           was
           set
           upon
           the
           Table
           ,
           which
           none
           but
           themselves
           might
           feed
           upon
           )
           his
           life
           being
           a
           Commentary
           upon
           his
           Text
           :
           and
           doubtless
           the
           Word
           is
           as
           efficacious
           to
           a
           gracious
           dispenser
           ,
           as
           to
           any
           of
           his
           hearers
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           made
           his
           Ministry
           so
           efficacious
           ,
           
             Mat.
             21.
             
             John
          
           wrought
           no
           Miracles
           ,
           but
           (
           acting
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Righteousness
           )
           he
           was
           more
           prevalent
           than
           if
           he
           had
           wrought
           Miracles
           ;
           for
           to
           obey
           is
           more
           than
           to
           work
           a
           Miracle
           ,
           (
           as
           Luther
           said
           :
           )
           Hence
           it
           was
           that
           in
           him
           all
           Miracles
           (
           almost
           )
           met
           in
           one
           ;
           the
           blind
           see
           ,
           the
           deaf
           hear
           ,
           the
           dumb
           speak
           ,
           the
           
           lame
           walk
           ,
           the
           leapers
           are
           cured
           ,
           and
           the
           poor
           are
           evangelized
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           and
           turned
           into
           the
           mould
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           word
           delivered
           up
           to
           them
           ,
           but
           they
           delivered
           into
           the
           form
           of
           the
           word
           .
           His
           style
           did
           
             (
             piscatoriam
             simplicitatem
             olere
          
           )
           savoured
           of
           Fisher-like
           simplicity
           ,
           (
           as
           Chemnitius
           said
           )
           he
           did
           not
           sore
           aloft
           in
           high
           expressions
           ,
           shooting
           over
           his
           hearers
           ,
           but
           did
           condescend
           to
           the
           capacities
           of
           the
           meanest
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           excellence
           in
           any
           :
           A
           garish
           attire
           doth
           not
           become
           a
           chast
           matron
           ,
           neither
           doth
           the
           affectation
           of
           humane
           eloquence
           become
           a
           grave
           sober
           Minister
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           as
           much
           affection
           as
           you
           will
           ,
           but
           no
           affectation
           ,
           for
           nothing
           affected
           affects
           ,
           
             nihil
             affectationum
             afficit
             ;
             aeger
             non
             querit
             medicum
             eloquentem
             sed
             sanantem
             .
          
        
         
           We
           say
           of
           a
           Diamond
           ,
           
             quicquid
             absconditur
             perditur
          
           ,
           whatsoever
           is
           hid
           of
           it
           is
           lost
           ;
           those
           Rethorical
           flourishes
           are
           like
           the
           painted
           glass
           in
           the
           windows
           ,
           that
           make
           a
           fair
           shew
           ,
           but
           hinder
           the
           light
           :
           therefore
           (
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           3.
           )
           because
           the
           Gospel
           is
           glorious
           ,
           we
           use
           plainness
           of
           speech
           .
        
         
           But
           that
           which
           was
           the
           glory
           of
           all
           in
           this
           our
           dear
           Brother
           ,
           was
           this
           (
           I
           may
           boldly
           say
           )
           his
           labours
           were
           crowned
           with
           the
           conversion
           of
           many
           souls
           ;
           which
           is
           an
           evident
           sign
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Ministry
           by
           which
           they
           were
           converted
           :
           He
           was
           sweetest
           (
           as
           Christ
           )
           towards
           his
           latter
           end
           ,
           for
           he
           was
           not
           as
           a
           staff
           behind
           the
           door
           ,
           but
           being
           planted
           in
           the
           House
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           enjoying
           Communion
           with
           many
           precious
           Saints
           ,
           he
           grew
           fast
           :
           whereas
           many
           with
           
             Thomas
             ,
             Joh
          
           ,
           20.
           24.
           absenting
           themselves
           ,
           have
           fallen
           short
           of
           that
           intimate
           Fellowship
           and
           Communion
           with
           Christ
           they
           might
           have
           attained
           to
           .
           But
           he
           was
           not
           like
           Joshuah's
           Sun
           that
           
           stood
           still
           ,
           nor
           Hezekiahs
           Sun
           that
           went
           back
           ;
           but
           like
           Solomons
           Sun
           ,
           shining
           more
           and
           more
           to
           the
           perfect
           day
           ;
           neither
           did
           he
           set
           in
           a
           cloud
           (
           as
           many
           that
           have
           ecclipsed
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           and
           therefore
           he
           ecclipseth
           theirs
           )
           but
           sets
           gloriously
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           riseth
           (
           I
           am
           perswaded
           )
           more
           gloriously
           in
           another
           ;
           therefore
           well
           may
           I
           cry
           out
           ,
           (
           bitterly
           lamenting
           his
           death
           )
           as
           that
           Prophet
           did
           ,
           
             My
             father
             ,
             my
             father
             ,
             the
             chariots
             of
          
           Israel
           ,
           
             and
             the
             horsemen
             thereof
          
           ;
           or
           as
           David
           concerning
           his
           son
           
             Absalom
             ,
             O
             my
             son
             Absalom
             ,
             my
             son
             !
             my
             son
             Absalom
             !
             would
             God
             I
             had
             dyed
             for
             thee
             !
             O
             Absalom
             ,
             my
             son
             ,
             my
             son
             !
          
           for
           I
           may
           truly
           say
           ,
           it
           hath
           been
           no
           small
           trouble
           to
           me
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           should
           take
           away
           this
           eminent
           instrument
           in
           the
           prime
           of
           his
           daies
           ,
           and
           leave
           me
           behind
           (
           being
           a
           dry
           barren
           tree
           ,
           and
           declining
           fast
           )
           as
           the
           dresser
           of
           his
           Vineyard
           :
           but
           as
           in
           the
           means
           of
           grace
           ,
           God
           grants
           them
           to
           some
           that
           will
           not
           make
           use
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           denies
           them
           to
           others
           that
           would
           ,
           (
           for
           his
           waies
           are
           unsearchable
           )
           even
           so
           he
           takes
           away
           some
           more
           hopeful
           instruments
           ,
           and
           leaves
           behind
           such
           as
           are
           less
           hopeful
           .
           —
           To
           prevent
           that
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           incident
           to
           many
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           live
           above
           all
           ,
           having
           our
           hand
           upon
           the
           stern
           of
           duty
           ,
           and
           our
           eye
           on
           the
           Star
           Christ
           .
        
         
           My
           Lords
           ,
           I
           present
           to
           your
           serious
           view
           ,
           this
           piece
           of
           this
           our
           dear
           Brother
           ,
           transcribed
           by
           his
           beloved
           Consort
           ,
           which
           (
           though
           it
           hold
           forth
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Virgin-Church
           to
           come
           in
           the
           latter
           daies
           )
           yet
           is
           it
           very
           suitable
           to
           the
           present
           times
           ,
           in
           which
           you
           may
           see
           ,
           like
           Peters
           Cock
           ,
           he
           claps
           his
           wings
           ,
           and
           calls
           upon
           others
           to
           waken
           out
           of
           their
           drunken
           sleep
           .
           When
           the
           Cocks
           begin
           to
           crow
           ,
           the
           day
           begins
           to
           dawn
           ,
           when
           the
           Cocks
           crow
           young
           and
           old
           ,
           we
           say
           its
           clear
           day
           :
           
           but
           when
           they
           hasten
           to
           their
           roost
           (
           with
           the
           sweet
           chirping
           birds
           ,
           Cant.
           2.
           )
           night
           draws
           on
           :
           Now
           the
           Lord
           look
           back
           upon
           us
           as
           he
           did
           upon
           Peter
           :
           And
           give
           us
           to
           remember
           our
           Rulers
           ,
           even
           such
           as
           have
           been
           (
           as
           appears
           by
           the
           words
           following
           )
           our
           Rulers
           ;
           and
           have
           taught
           us
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Lord
           again
           and
           again
           ,
           considering
           the
           end
           of
           their
           conversation
           ,
           &c.
           for
           assuredly
           ,
           the
           living
           speeches
           of
           dying
           Prophets
           live
           for
           ever
           ,
           Zach.
           1.
           
           Their
           word
           took
           hold
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           did
           pursue
           ,
           overtake
           and
           seize
           upon
           that
           generation
           .
           And
           so
           will
           the
           word
           of
           this
           our
           dear
           Brother
           fasten
           upon
           many
           a
           soul
           (
           if
           not
           to
           his
           salvation
           )
           certainly
           to
           his
           eternal
           destruction
           ,
           who
           if
           he
           were
           alive
           again
           ,
           would
           he
           not
           speak
           as
           now
           (
           though
           dead
           )
           in
           this
           present
           discourse
           he
           speaketh
           ?
           Oh!
           rest
           not
           satisfied
           with
           the
           Lamp
           of
           profession
           ,
           but
           get
           the
           oyl
           of
           saving
           grace
           into
           the
           vessels
           of
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           go
           forth
           to
           meet
           the
           Bride-groom
           ,
           that
           when
           he
           cometh
           ,
           whether
           at
           midnight
           ,
           cock-crowing
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           dawning
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           you
           may
           not
           be
           found
           sleeping
           ,
           but
           may
           enter
           in
           with
           him
           .
           It
           s
           said
           of
           Arrius
           ,
           that
           as
           his
           errour
           ,
           with
           the
           sad
           effects
           thereof
           ,
           spread
           after
           his
           death
           ,
           so
           his
           torments
           were
           increased
           in
           hell
           ;
           for
           the
           Lord
           will
           render
           to
           every
           man
           not
           only
           according
           to
           his
           doings
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           fruit
           of
           his
           doings
           :
           If
           so
           (
           as
           I
           believe
           it
           is
           a
           truth
           )
           O
           then
           !
           would
           we
           add
           to
           this
           our
           Brothers
           Crown
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           more
           massie
           ,
           and
           fuller
           of
           those
           choice
           pearls
           another
           day
           ,
           let
           us
           remember
           ,
           and
           forget
           not
           what
           by
           him
           was
           done
           and
           taught
           ;
           but
           say
           ,
           (
           as
           she
           said
           )
           Lord
           lay
           up
           this
           for
           me
           ,
           that
           whenever
           I
           have
           occasion
           to
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           (
           as
           when
           not
           )
           I
           may
           so
           remember
           it
           ,
           as
           that
           I
           may
           practise
           ,
           and
           be
           blessed
           in
           my
           deed
           .
        
         
         
           But
           I
           detain
           your
           Lordships
           too
           long
           ,
           I
           shall
           conclude
           with
           my
           hearty
           prayers
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           hath
           made
           you
           eminently
           instrumental
           ,
           so
           he
           would
           take
           pleasure
           in
           you
           both
           ,
           to
           make
           you
           more
           and
           more
           instrumental
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Christ
           ,
           (
           which
           next
           to
           our
           salvation
           ,
           is
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           priviledges
           in
           this
           life
           )
           and
           lengthen
           out
           your
           daies
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           return
           slowly
           to
           heaven
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           humble
           desire
           of
           ,
        
         
           
             My
             Lords
             ,
          
           
             Your
             most
             devoted
             servant
             ,
             Sam.
             Winter
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           Epistle
           to
           the
           READER
           .
        
         
           
             Curteous
             and
             Christian
             Reader
             ,
          
        
         
           THou
           hast
           here
           presented
           to
           thy
           view
           some
           Sermons
           os
           Mr.
           
             John
             Murcot
          
           ,
           whilst
           he
           lived
           ,
           a
           precious
           Instrument
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           a
           Workman
           that
           needed
           not
           to
           be
           ashamed
           :
           And
           now
           being
           dead
           ,
           yet
           speaketh
           by
           these
           and
           his
           other
           labours
           .
        
         
           Concerning
           the
           Author
           ,
           he
           was
           (
           according
           to
           his
           years
           )
           of
           an
           exact
           judgement
           ;
           which
           appeared
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           choice
           of
           apt
           Subjects
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           persons
           and
           times
           wherein
           he
           lived
           ;
           as
           he
           aimed
           at
           the
           setting
           up
           of
           Christs
           interest
           and
           the
           welfare
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           so
           he
           singled
           out
           arguments
           answerable
           ,
           upon
           the
           improvement
           whereof
           he
           spent
           his
           best
           thoughts
           :
           as
           might
           be
           instanced
           in
           these
           and
           several
           other
           pieces
           of
           his
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           all
           his
           undertakings
           he
           laboured
           to
           discover
           to
           poor
           creatures
           the
           vileness
           of
           sin
           ,
           Gods
           free
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           ne●
           〈◊〉
           the
           prejudice
           of
           Gospel-obedience
           :
           in
           the
           promoting
           
           whereof
           he
           laboured
           very
           much
           ,
           knowing
           the
           great
           relactancy
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           thereto
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           His
           wisdom
           appeared
           in
           his
           care
           and
           tenderness
           ,
           in
           that
           with
           the
           discovery
           of
           sin
           he
           always
           joyned
           the
           nearness
           of
           Mercy
           :
           as
           he
           cast
           down
           with
           one
           hand
           ,
           so
           he
           raised
           up
           with
           the
           other
           :
           a
           Bonerges
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           son
           of
           consolation
           :
           
             and
             oh
             how
             tender
             and
             humble
             towards
             poor
             troubled
             doubting
             souls
             !
          
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           the
           healing
           and
           preventing
           of
           breaches
           among
           Brethren
           ,
           he
           was
           admirable
           :
           the
           Lord
           gave
           him
           wisdom
           above
           his
           years
           .
        
         
           (
           2
           )
           As
           he
           was
           exact
           in
           judgement
           ,
           so
           was
           he
           full
           of
           affections
           :
           how
           warm
           were
           they
           ,
           lying
           in
           the
           very
           bosom
           of
           his
           Master
           ,
           which
           appeared
           in
           his
           melting
           frame
           of
           Spirit
           ordinarily
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           thirst
           to
           draw
           down
           notions
           ,
           that
           floated
           in
           the
           brain
           ,
           to
           the
           heart
           and
           feeling
           ,
           wherein
           he
           was
           exceedingly
           successful
           .
        
         
           (
           3
           )
           As
           for
           conversation
           ,
           he
           was
           not
           only
           spotless
           ,
           but
           active
           in
           good
           ,
           in
           his
           studies
           a●dlabours
           ,
           wherein
           as
           he
           was
           abundant
           and
           unwearied
           (
           which
           probably
           helped
           to
           shorten
           his
           life
           ,
           that
           when
           his
           body
           came
           to
           conflict
           with
           the
           disease
           ,
           he
           had
           not
           strength
           to
           overcome
           )
           at
           all
           other
           times
           doing
           or
           receiving
           good
           ;
           of
           whom
           it
           may
           be
           truly
           said
           ,
           that
           he
           did
           
             Epilcopum
             agere
             &
             vivere
          
           act
           and
           live
           a
           true
           Minister
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           blessed
           Bradford
           connted
           that
           hour
           lost
           wherein
           he
           did
           not
           some
           good
           with
           his
           tongue
           ,
           pen
           or
           purse
           .
           It
           was
           the
           commendation
           of
           blessed
           Hooper
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           spare
           of
           Dyet
           ,
           spare
           of
           Words
           ,
           and
           sparest
           of
           Time.
           
        
         
           These
           things
           being
           committed
           to
           another
           hand
           ,
           we
           shall
           forbear
           ;
           the
           scope
           of
           this
           Epistle
           being
           to
           acquaint
           thee
           with
           the
           grounds
           of
           publishing
           these
           Sermons
           ,
           and
           to
           intreat
           thy
           candid
           interpretation
           and
           acceptance
           of
           our
           endeavours
           therein
           .
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           The
           satisfying
           of
           the
           longing
           desires
           of
           several
           ,
           some
           of
           whom
           eminent
           not
           only
           in
           Place
           ,
           but
           Piety
           ,
           that
           their
           hearts
           may
           be
           refreshed
           ,
           &
           their
           memories
           strengthened
           by
           reading
           what
           they
           formerly
           heard
           with
           much
           delight
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           general
           acceptation
           of
           the
           Author
           ,
           even
           with
           all
           sorts
           in
           those
           places
           where
           he
           lived
           or
           was
           known
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           seasonableness
           of
           the
           Subject
           :
           it
           being
           an
           Antidote
           against
           the
           raigning
           of
           that
           most
           dangerous
           evil
           of
           the
           times
           ,
           Formality
           :
           the
           most
           satisfying
           themselves
           with
           the
           bare
           Lamp
           of
           Profession
           ,
           not
           regarding
           the
           want
           of
           oyl
           in
           their
           vessels
           :
           and
           the
           best
           too
           apt
           to
           be
           nodding
           when
           the
           cry
           is
           made
           :
           and
           with
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           most
           sleep
           when
           it
           most
           concerned
           them
           to
           be
           watching
           ;
           which
           renders
           this
           Subject
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           present
           ,
           but
           lasting
           use
           and
           benefit
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           manner
           of
           handling
           ,
           which
           is
           solid
           and
           spiritual
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           ingenuous
           Reader
           may
           find
           in
           this
           Lamp
           ,
           not
           only
           light
           to
           direct
           him
           ,
           but
           heat
           to
           warm
           him
           when
           he
           is
           a
           cold
           ,
           and
           a
           Cry
           to
           awaken
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           asleep
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           Authors
           exactness
           in
           penning
           them
           :
           as
           if
           Providence
           ,
           contrary
           to
           his
           approved
           modesty
           ,
           had
           designed
           them
           for
           publick
           view
           ,
           which
           thou
           hast
           here
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           left
           in
           his
           own
           private
           notes
           :
           and
           you
           know
           ,
           First
           ,
           That
           writing
           and
           speaking
           have
           their
           several
           Graces
           ,
           they
           were
           publikely
           delivered
           with
           much
           advantage
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           They
           are
           set
           forth
           after
           his
           death
           ,
           and
           you
           know
           charity
           is
           due
           to
           Orphans
           :
           the
           Authors
           more
           then
           ordinary
           growth
           in
           a
           few
           years
           ,
           assures
           us
           ,
           that
           had
           he
           lived
           to
           have
           revised
           this
           Work
           ,
           it
           would
           have
           been
           much
           more
           digested
           and
           refined
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Being
           left
           in
           Characters
           ,
           in
           the
           transcribing
           
           whereof
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           diligent
           and
           exact
           ,
           some
           mistakes
           are
           almost
           unavoidable
           ,
           so
           that
           these
           may
           challenge
           allowance
           ,
           being
           transcribed
           by
           the
           Authors
           dearest
           relation
           ,
           who
           acquired
           the
           knowledge
           of
           his
           Character
           after
           his
           death
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           we
           intreat
           thee
           good
           Reader
           to
           bear
           with
           what
           might
           have
           escaped
           upon
           that
           ,
           or
           our
           own
           accompt
           ,
           which
           we
           shall
           willingly
           own
           ,
           judging
           it
           our
           duty
           to
           prefer
           the
           Publike
           ,
           and
           eternal
           good
           of
           souls
           to
           our
           own
           names
           ,
           for
           whose
           sake
           as
           the
           Pretious
           Author
           bestowed
           much
           of
           his
           oyl
           in
           the
           trimming
           of
           this
           Lamp
           ,
           so
           we
           have
           set
           it
           up
           in
           view
           ,
           beseeching
           the
           Father
           of
           Lights
           ,
           to
           bless
           and
           own
           it
           with
           like
           success
           and
           entertainment
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           those
           that
           shall
           read
           it
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           when
           it
           was
           at
           first
           preached
           :
           Remaining
           (
           Christian
           Reader
           )
        
         
           
             Thy
             friends
             in
             and
             for
             the
             Truths
             sake
             ,
             
               
                 Samuel
                 Winter
                 .
              
               
                 Robert
                 Chambers
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Christian
           Reader
           ,
        
         
           MY
           Design
           in
           these
           few
           lines
           to
           thee
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           commend
           the
           work
           that
           is
           here
           presented
           to
           thy
           view
           ;
           I
           suppose
           it
           will
           sufficiently
           commend
           it self
           .
           And
           if
           it
           should
           be
           otherwise
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           I
           ,
           nor
           any
           other
           ,
           who
           by
           a
           bare
           testimony
           can
           add
           to
           the
           Merit
           of
           it
           .
           For
           though
           I
           must
           ingenuously
           confess
           ,
           that
           since
           it
           was
           left
           with
           me
           ,
           I
           have
           not
           had
           time
           to
           read
           it
           exactly
           ,
           nor
           could
           I
           keep
           it
           longer
           in
           my
           hands
           ,
           to
           satisfie
           my self
           that
           way
           ,
           without
           some
           injury
           ,
           having
           been
           confined
           in
           my
           retaining
           of
           it
           with
           me
           ,
           to
           a
           certain
           time
           .
           Yet
           so
           far
           as
           I
           read
           ,
           I
           have
           observed
           ,
           that
           with
           much
           satisfaction
           to
           my self
           ,
           which
           I
           judge
           may
           be
           acceptable
           to
           others
           ,
           both
           to
           instruct
           them
           ,
           as
           also
           to
           awaken
           ,
           quicken
           ,
           refresh
           ,
           &
           comfort
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           those
           who
           are
           wise
           ,
           and
           will
           diligently
           observe
           what
           they
           read
           ,
           may
           be
           greatly
           edified
           thereby
           .
           My
           intent
           is
           rather
           to
           speak
           of
           the
           man
           ,
           (
           that
           precious
           servant
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           Mr.
           Murcot
           ,
           who
           now
           is
           taken
           to
           his
           rest
           ,
           in
           that
           near
           Communion
           which
           he
           enjoyes
           with
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           blessed
           Head
           )
           then
           of
           any
           particular
           work
           of
           his
           .
           I
           first
           knew
           him
           when
           he
           lived
           in
           Wirral
           ,
           near
           Chester
           ,
           and
           there
           was
           reason
           that
           I
           should
           be
           familiarly
           acquainted
           with
           him
           ,
           at
           that
           time
           ,
           both
           because
           he
           was
           Preacher
           at
           a
           place
           ,
           and
           also
           to
           a
           people
           there
           ,
           to
           many
           of
           whom
           my self
           in
           former
           times
           stood
           related
           ,
           till
           the
           violence
           of
           the
           then
           prevailing
           Prelates
           expulsed
           
           me
           thence
           ;
           and
           also
           because
           he
           took
           to
           wife
           from
           among
           us
           ,
           Mrs.
           
             Hester
             Marsden
          
           ,
           well
           reputed
           of
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           who
           now
           survives
           him
           ,
           a
           serious
           Mourner
           ,
           under
           the
           heavy
           loss
           of
           him
           .
           He
           was
           while
           he
           lived
           there
           ,
           the
           glory
           of
           that
           Countrey
           .
           A
           very
           quick
           ,
           and
           lively
           ,
           and
           powerful
           Preacher
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           mighty
           in
           prayer
           .
           Eminent
           for
           piety
           ,
           gravity
           ,
           and
           holy
           innocency
           :
           warming
           and
           heating
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           Saints
           by
           his
           doctrine
           and
           life
           ;
           a
           considerable
           part
           whereof
           ,
           he
           spent
           in
           holy
           Communion
           with
           them
           :
           And
           over-awing
           and
           silencing
           the
           rest
           of
           men
           where
           he
           lived
           ,
           by
           his
           wise
           ,
           grave
           and
           harmless
           conversation
           .
           Dearly
           loved
           he
           was
           by
           some
           ,
           and
           greatly
           reverenced
           by
           others
           .
           But
           in
           Ireland
           ,
           especially
           in
           the
           chief
           City
           thereof
           ,
           Dublin
           ,
           (
           to
           which
           place
           he
           went
           ,
           when
           he
           left
           Wirrall
           ,
           and
           where
           he
           ended
           his
           daies
           )
           he
           became
           like
           Jonah
           his
           Gourd
           ,
           he
           sprung
           up
           as
           it
           were
           in
           a
           night
           ,
           his
           growth
           was
           wonderful
           in
           that
           place
           :
           he
           filled
           that
           City
           ,
           (
           I
           may
           say
           in
           some
           sense
           )
           that
           Land
           ,
           with
           his
           shadow
           :
           his
           fame
           went
           abroad
           through
           the
           whole
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           reached
           to
           many
           parts
           of
           this
           Nation
           also
           .
           And
           when
           the
           Providence
           of
           the
           Lord
           carried
           me
           over
           thither
           (
           which
           was
           about
           twelve
           moneths
           since
           ,
           and
           about
           six
           moneths
           after
           he
           had
           finished
           his
           course
           ,
           though
           my
           stay
           there
           was
           but
           for
           a
           little
           moment
           ,
           yet
           )
           I
           met
           with
           the
           sweet
           savour
           of
           his
           precious
           name
           ,
           which
           was
           like
           an
           oyntment
           poured
           forth
           in
           all
           places
           where
           I
           travelled
           .
           God
           was
           (
           doubtless
           )
           very
           remarkably
           with
           him
           ,
           for
           a
           great
           work
           was
           done
           by
           him
           in
           a
           short
           time
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           clearly
           witnessed
           by
           all
           good
           people
           that
           live
           there
           .
           He
           spake
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           one
           who
           was
           much
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           indeed
           he
           had
           alwaies
           much
           inward
           close
           Communion
           with
           God
           in
           secret
           ,
           before
           he
           revealed
           any
           thing
           of
           him
           or
           from
           him
           openly
           .
           He
           studied
           the
           peoples
           distempers
           ,
           and
           found
           out
           ,
           that
           formality
           was
           the
           great
           epidemical
           disease
           among
           professors
           ,
           as
           indeed
           so
           it
           is
           every
           where
           in
           this
           declining
           age
           :
           And
           he
           was
           wisely
           guided
           in
           the
           choice
           of
           such
           soul-searching
           Scriptures
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           might
           then
           separate
           the
           Sheep
           from
           the
           Goats
           ,
           the
           wise
           Virgins
           from
           the
           foolish
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           Christs
           work
           hereafter
           .
           In
           a
           word
           (
           for
           prolixity
           is
           not
           so
           suitable
           for
           one
           who
           now
           presents
           all
           upon
           report
           ,
           there
           being
           all
           the
           while
           he
           lived
           there
           ,
           a
           Sea
           betwixt
           him
           and
           me
           )
           he
           was
           a
           most
           industrious
           vigilant
           Pastor
           ,
           and
           a
           most
           austere
           and
           self-observing
           Christian
           .
           And
           this
           Crown
           
           of
           glory
           the
           Lord
           put
           upon
           him
           ,
           which
           few
           others
           have
           had
           the
           honour
           to
           wear
           ;
           he
           was
           like
           a
           rising
           Star
           ,
           ever
           to
           his
           death
           in
           a
           rising
           State
           ,
           increasing
           in
           spiritual
           height
           and
           stature
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           grew
           more
           eminent
           and
           excellent
           in
           his
           gifts
           ,
           graces
           ,
           labours
           ,
           usefulness
           and
           profitableness
           continually
           ;
           and
           he
           lived
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           at
           a
           stay
           ,
           much
           less
           to
           decline
           ,
           but
           when
           he
           was
           nearest
           heaven
           ,
           the
           Lord
           carried
           him
           thither
           .
           He
           may
           be
           reckoned
           among
           the
           Lords
           Worthies
           ,
           of
           whom
           the
           world
           was
           not
           worthy
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           taken
           him
           ,
           but
           his
           remembrance
           will
           not
           be
           so
           soon
           gone
           .
           He
           will
           live
           while
           any
           that
           knew
           him
           shall
           live
           ;
           and
           afterwards
           also
           ,
           if
           the
           Lords
           blessing
           shall
           accompany
           the
           rehearsal
           of
           his
           life
           and
           death
           ,
           and
           his
           Sermons
           Printed
           ,
           in
           such
           sort
           as
           his
           blessing
           hath
           attended
           the
           passing
           and
           spending
           of
           his
           life
           ,
           and
           his
           dying
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           preaching
           of
           such
           Sermons
           :
           All
           which
           were
           greatly
           sanctified
           to
           the
           people
           that
           beheld
           and
           heard
           them
           .
           Now
           that
           it
           may
           be
           so
           ,
           shall
           be
           the
           earnest
           prayer
           of
           ,
        
         
           
             Thy
             real
             friend
             to
             serve
             thee
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Sam.
             Eaton
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           Christian
           READER
           .
        
         
           I
           Never
           knew
           the
           Author
           of
           this
           Work
           in
           Person
           while
           he
           lived
           ,
           but
           being
           dead
           ,
           I
           know
           him
           by
           his
           Picture
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Picture
           of
           his
           better
           and
           more
           noble
           part
           .
           The
           first
           Part
           of
           this
           Book
           is
           formally
           so
           ,
           being
           a
           very
           exact
           draft
           of
           his
           whole
           Life
           ,
           and
           the
           image
           of
           his
           inner
           .
           Man
           in
           all
           the
           Divine
           Colours
           ,
           Lights
           ,
           Lineaments
           and
           beauties
           of
           it
           .
           Few
           men
           have
           found
           such
           a
           Pen●il
           to
           draw
           them
           ,
           and
           few
           Pencils
           have
           found
           such
           a
           man
           to
           draw
           .
           He
           was
           but
           a
           little
           while
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           but
           he
           lived
           long
           ,
           else
           he
           had
           never
           yielded
           true
           Materials
           for
           so
           long
           a
           History
           of
           his
           Life
           .
           The
           following
           Parts
           of
           the
           Book
           are
           vertually
           so
           ,
           I
           mean
           the
           Picture
           of
           his
           better
           Part
           ,
           or
           the
           image
           of
           his
           mind
           :
           in
           which
           ,
           though
           dead
           ,
           he
           yet
           speaketh
           ,
           and
           breatheth
           through
           every
           Page
           and
           Line
           ,
           Truth
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           Zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           Compassion
           to
           the
           Souls
           of
           men
           ,
           his
           own
           Tasts
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           Gracious
           ,
           and
           ●is
           longing
           Desires
           to
           make
           others
           partake
           of
           the
           same
           Grace
           ,
           which
           himself
           had
           tasted
           .
           Read
           the
           Book
           ,
           and
           therein
           you
           have
           the
           Soul
           of
           a
           faithful
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           copied
           out
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           an
           amazing
           Providence
           to
           see
           many
           unprofitable
           Drones
           ,
           Idol
           Shepherds
           ,
           blind
           Guides
           ,
           Men
           whose
           Graces
           are
           not
           at
           all
           discernable
           in
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           whose
           gifts
           are
           sapless
           ,
           Spiritless
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           matter
           useless
           in
           their
           Ministery
           ,
           live
           to
           old
           age
           ,
           and
           wither
           upon
           the
           Stalk
           ;
           while
           others
           of
           shining
           Graces
           ,
           of
           lively
           Gifts
           ,
           and
           of
           unwearied
           Industry
           in
           the
           Lords
           Vineyard
           ,
           are
           cropt
           off
           in
           the
           very
           blooming
           ,
           and
           as
           soon
           as
           shewed
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           called
           out
           of
           it
           .
           
             But
             who
             may
             say
             to
             God
             ,
             what
             dost
             thou
             ?
             He
             is
             in
             one
             mind
             ,
             and
             who
             can
             turn
             him
             ?
             and
             what
             his
             Soul
             desireth
             ,
             even
             that
             he
             doth
             .
             He
             performeth
             the
             thing
             that
             is
             appointed
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             many
             such
             things
             are
             with
             him
             .
          
        
         
         
           But
           though
           we
           have
           nothing
           to
           say
           
             to
             God
             ,
             the
             most
             wise
             God
             ,
          
           about
           this
           dispensation
           ;
           yet
           this
           saith
           much
           to
           Man.
           This
           saith
           much
           to
           Ireland
           ,
           whither
           God
           sent
           this
           burning
           and
           shining
           light
           ;
           Have
           not
           they
           much
           cause
           to
           consider
           how
           they
           prized
           it
           ,
           how
           they
           improved
           it
           ,
           seeing
           God
           put
           it
           out
           so
           quickly
           ,
           and
           gave
           them
           so
           short
           a
           season
           to
           rejoyce
           in
           it
           ?
           
             That
             he
             preached
             so
             few
             years
             to
             them
             ,
             should
             be
             to
             them
             an
             everlasting
             Sermon
             .
          
           And
           this
           question
           should
           come
           thick
           upon
           the
           heart
           of
           that
           Church
           there
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           Candlestick
           in
           which
           God
           placed
           this
           light
           ;
           why
           was
           it
           so
           ?
           why
           was
           it
           so
           ?
           why
           hath
           the
           Lord
           removed
           our
           Teacher
           into
           a
           Corner
           (
           the
           very
           Grave
           )
           so
           that
           our
           eyes
           cannot
           see
           our
           Teacher
           (
           who
           was
           also
           a
           Pastor
           after
           his
           own
           heart
           )
           any
           more
           ?
           Was
           he
           enough
           in
           our
           hearts
           ?
           or
           was
           he
           too
           much
           there
           ?
           We
           may
           forfeit
           our
           enjoyments
           by
           too
           high
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           by
           too
           low
           an
           esteem
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           by
           looking
           too
           much
           upon
           means
           ,
           provoke
           God
           to
           hide
           it
           from
           us
           .
           But
           whatever
           moved
           the
           Lord
           to
           take
           him
           from
           you
           ,
           it
           well
           becomes
           you
           to
           be
           thankful
           that
           you
           had
           him
           (
           though
           but
           for
           a
           short
           season
           )
           in
           person
           among
           you
           ,
           and
           that
           so
           much
           of
           him
           (
           this
           mant
           le
           which
           fell
           from
           him
           as
           he
           was
           ascending
           )
           is
           gathered
           up
           ,
           and
           left
           with
           you
           and
           other
           Churches
           ,
           as
           his
           Monument
           and
           Memorial
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           
             Joseph
             Caryl
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Good
           Reader
           ,
        
         
           IT
           is
           often
           seen
           that
           good
           men
           die
           soonest
           ,
           our
           translation
           to
           heaven
           is
           delayed
           only
           till
           our
           fitness
           to
           enjoy
           heaven
           ,
           assoon
           as
           we
           are
           meet
           for
           that
           blessed
           inheritance
           ,
           we
           are
           gathered
           in
           
             like
             a
             shock
             of
             Corn
             in
             its
             season
             :
          
           some
           ripen
           for
           heaven
           apace
           ,
           and
           are
           taken
           out
           of
           the
           world
           sooner
           then
           others
           ,
           now
           it
           is
           pitty
           that
           all
           their
           fruit
           should
           die
           with
           them
           ;
           Christ
           saith
           to
           his
           Apostles
           ;
           
             I
             have
             ordained
             you
             to
             bring
             forth
             fruit
             ,
             and
             that
             your
             fruit
             should
             remain
             :
          
           Intending
           (
           I
           suppose
           )
           not
           only
           their
           
             reward
             in
             heaven
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             continuance
             of
             Believers
          
           ,
           begotten
           by
           them
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           in
           a
           very
           commodious
           sense
           are
           the
           
             surviving
             fruit
          
           of
           their
           labours
           ,
           but
           also
           
             their
             Doctrine
          
           consigned
           to
           the
           use
           of
           future
           ages
           by
           writing
           :
           The
           writings
           of
           the
           Apostles
           (
           I
           confess
           )
           are
           more
           necessary
           then
           those
           of
           private
           men
           ,
           as
           making
           up
           the
           Canon
           and
           
             rule
             of
             Faith
          
           ,
           but
           yet
           the
           explications
           of
           
             ordinary
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
          
           have
           their
           use
           and
           benefit
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           commendable
           diligence
           in
           them
           that
           
             gather
             up
             the
             fragments
          
           of
           good
           men
           ,
           
             that
             nothing
             be
             lost
          
           .
        
         
           It
           pleased
           God
           to
           call
           up
           this
           worthy
           servant
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           heaven
           betimes
           ,
           it
           were
           pitty
           that
           the
           Sermons
           coming
           from
           such
           a
           warm
           and
           affectionate
           spirit
           ,
           should
           die
           away
           with
           the
           breath
           in
           which
           they
           were
           uttered
           ;
           as
           his
           
             fruit
             remaineth
          
           (
           I
           hope
           )
           in
           the
           
           hearts
           of
           many
           that
           heard
           him
           ,
           so
           is
           it
           wrapt
           up
           in
           these
           papers
           by
           the
           diligence
           of
           his
           surviving
           friends
           ,
           to
           preserve
           it
           from
           perishing
           and
           forgetfulness
           .
        
         
           It
           s
           an
           happiness
           ,
           though
           not
           to
           be
           
             hoped
             for
          
           ,
           yet
           to
           be
           
             wished
             for
          
           ,
           that
           none
           would
           write
           in
           this
           publick
           way
           ,
           but
           
             very
             holy
          
           ,
           or
           
             very
             learned
          
           men
           ,
           who
           either
           from
           their
           
             profounder
             knowledge
          
           of
           the
           mysteries
           of
           godliness
           ,
           or
           
             inward
             acquaintance
          
           with
           the
           workings
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           are
           most
           likely
           to
           improve
           or
           
             keep
             alive
          
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Christian
           world
           ;
           this
           worthy
           instrument
           thou
           wilt
           find
           to
           be
           a
           man
           by
           no
           means
           of
           
             dispicable
             abilities
          
           ,
           but
           chiefly
           excelling
           in
           
             a
             gracious
             heart
          
           ,
           and
           
             much
             inward
             experience
          
           in
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           though
           
             deep
             speculations
          
           ,
           and
           
             luscious
             language
          
           is
           not
           here
           to
           be
           expected
           ,
           yet
           many
           wholsom
           and
           heart-warming
           truths
           ,
           delivered
           in
           a
           grave
           and
           unaffected
           stile
           ,
           which
           (
           if
           my
           hopes
           deceive
           me
           not
           )
           will
           be
           of
           great
           use
           to
           quicken
           this
           dull
           and
           carnal
           age
           to
           a
           greater
           study
           and
           vigour
           of
           holiness
           ;
           and
           therefore
           (
           being
           desired
           )
           I
           could
           not
           but
           recommend
           these
           Sermons
           ,
           to
           thy
           best
           acceptance
           ;
           I
           am
           .
        
         
           
             Covent-Garden
             ,
             
               this
               19.
               of
               Jan.
               1656.
               
            
          
           
             Thine
             in
             the
             Lords
             work
             ,
             Tho.
             Manton
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           
           
             De.
             Authore
             .
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Per
               Tho.
               Gloverum
               ,
               Warwicensis
               Scholae
               Ludimagistrum
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             De
             Eodem
             .
          
           
             
               FAllor
               ?
               an
               ipse
               tuo
               Murcotte
               per
               omnia
               vives
            
             
               Saecula
               ,
               cum
               terris
               corpus
               inane
               jacet
               ?
            
             
               Dignus
               es
               aeterna
               ,
               qui
               ,
               laude
               ,
               feraris
               ad
               astra
               ,
            
             
               Cui
               novi
               terras
               vix
               peperisse
               parem
               .
            
             
               Mortuus
               es
               Murcotte
               ,
               at
               saeva
               morte
               triumphas
               ,
            
             
               Quem
               non
               Lethaeis
               sors
               dare
               quivit
               aquis
               .
            
             
               Membra
               licet
               jaceant
               tristi
               resupina
               sepulchro
               ,
            
             
               Facta
               tamen
               nolunt
               saecula
               sera
               mori
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             Per
             Eundem
             .
          
           
             
               CHristian
               come
               hither
               ,
               read
               ,
               and
               reading
               mind
               ,
            
             
               And
               thou
               shalt
               here
               ,
               a
               Directory
               find
               .
            
             
               A
               light
               indeed
               ,
               but
               borrowed
               from
               heaven
               ,
            
             
               Which
               will
               direct
               to
               keep
               thy
               foot-steps
               even
               .
            
             
               Whilest
               that
               a
               darksom
               wilderness
               we
               tread
               ,
            
             
               The
               fiery
               Pillar
               ,
               will
               us
               safely
               lead
               .
            
             
               See
               ,
               here
               's
               a
               Pillar
               ,
               on
               which
               who
               casts
               his
               sight
               ,
            
             
               Shall
               see
               a
               flame
               ,
               out-shining
               all
               false
               light
               .
            
             
               Through
               which
               ,
               maugre
               the
               spight
               of
               mankinds
               foe
               ,
            
             
               He
               shall
               to
               the
               coelestial
               Canaan
               go
               :
            
             
               Where
               that
               Star
               shines
               now
               in
               perfection
               ,
            
             
               Which
               sparkled
               here
               for
               Saints
               direction
               .
            
          
           
             
               per
               me
               ,
               Tho.
               Glover
               Warwicensis
               Scholae
               ,
               Ludimagistrum
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           Table
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           opened
           and
           explained
           in
           this
           Volumn
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Genesis
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 Chap.
                 
              
               
                 Ver.
                 
              
               
                 Page
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 120
              
            
             
               
                 17
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 487
              
            
             
               
                 25
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 329
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Exodus
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 490
              
            
             
               
                 16
              
               
                 25
              
               
                 370
              
            
             
               
                 20
              
               
                 20
              
               
                 553
              
            
             
               
                 32
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 395
              
            
             
               
                 34
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 636
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Leviticus
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 19
              
               
                 23
              
               
                 89
              
            
             
               
                 25
              
               
                 41
              
               
                 517
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 42
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 44
              
               
                 487
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 45
              
               
                 530
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 46
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Joshua
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 430
              
            
             
               
                 18
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 296
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
                 Samuel
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 523
              
            
             
               
                 9
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 219
              
            
             
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 Kings
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 11
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 394
              
            
             
               
                 22
              
               
                 29
              
               
                 159
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Nehemiah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 8
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 341
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Job
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 22
              
               
                 393
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 26
              
               
                 326
              
            
             
               
                 8
              
               
                 07
              
               
                 558
              
            
             
               
                 16
              
               
                 00
              
               
                 066
              
            
             
               
                 19
              
               
                 27
              
               
                 137
              
            
             
               
                 21
              
               
                 from
                 7
                 ,
                 to
                 9
              
               
                 133
              
            
             
               
                 31
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 364
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 236
              
            
             
               
                 33
              
               
                 26
              
               
                 182
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Psalms
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 245
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 091
              
            
             
               
                 18
              
               
                 23
              
               
                 235
              
            
             
               
                 36
              
               
                 08
              
               
                 340
              
            
             
               
                 40
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 532
              
            
             
               
                 51
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 281
              
            
             
               
                 75
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 344
              
            
             
               
                 76
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 193
              
            
             
               
                 84
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 561
              
            
             
               
                 92
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 560
              
            
             
               
                 94
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 402
              
            
             
               
                 111
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 p.
                 81
                 See
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 ,
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 119
              
               
                 59
              
               
                 76.
                 
                 See
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 ,
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Proverbs
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 26
              
               
                 315
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 14
              
               
                 367
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 27
              
               
                 61
                 See
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 ,
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 9
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 353
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 357
              
            
             
               
                 12
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 396
              
            
             
               
                 24
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 605
              
            
             
               
                 26
              
               
                 23
              
               
                 399
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Eccles
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 558
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Canticles
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 81
                 See
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 ,
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 .
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 419
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 350
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 158
                 ,
                 168
                 ,
                 184
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 160
                 ,
                 161
              
            
             
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Isaiah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 442
                 ,
                 443
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 399
              
            
             
               
                 6
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 296
              
            
             
               
                 17
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 559
              
            
             
               
                 27
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 634
              
            
             
               
                 35
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 088
              
            
             
               
                 40
              
               
                 29
              
               
                 634
              
            
             
               
                 50
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 241
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 103
                 ,
                 225
                 ,
                 242
              
            
             
               
                 60
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 414
              
            
             
               
                 61
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 496
              
            
             
               
                 62
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 048
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Jeremiah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 185
              
            
             
               
                 13
              
               
                 25
              
               
                 321
              
            
             
               
                 17
              
               
                 09
              
               
                 269
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Ezekiel
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 34
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 442
              
            
             
               
                 44
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 088
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Hosea
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 19
              
               
                 074
              
            
             
               
                 7
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 105
              
            
             
               
                 14
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 85
                 ,
                 86
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 633
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 115
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Amos.
                 
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 395
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Jonah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 144
                 ,
                 151
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Micah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 405
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Zephaniah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 48
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Zechariah
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 9
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 506
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Malachy
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 411
                 ,
                 429
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                  
              
               
                 431
                 ,
                 434
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                  
              
               
                 436
                 ,
                 438
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                  
              
               
                 478
                 ,
                 558
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Matthew
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 62
                 See
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 ,
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 7
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 242
              
            
             
               
                 9
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 035
              
            
             
               
                 13
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 415
                 ,
                 434
              
            
             
             
               
                  
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 2
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 31
                 ,
              
               
                 &c.
                 562
              
            
             
               
                 16
              
               
                 24
              
               
                 594
              
            
             
               
                 18
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 579
              
            
             
               
                 19
              
               
                 22
              
               
                 381
              
            
             
               
                 22
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 36
                 ,
                 53
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 19
              
               
                 497
              
            
             
               
                 24
              
               
                 28
              
               
                 672
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 37
              
               
                 173
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 45
              
               
                 3
              
            
             
               
                 25
              
               
                 from
                 1.
                 to
                 14
                 Paraphrased
                 .
              
               
                 from
                 5
                 to
                 18
                 ,
                 33
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 103
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 119
                 ,
                 140
                 ,
                 to
                 144
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 197
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 221
                 ,
                 240
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 262
                 ,
                 286
                 ,
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 301
                 ,
                 314
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 319
                 ,
                 325
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                  
              
               
                 338
                 ,
                 363
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 377
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 ibid.
                 391
              
            
             
               
                 26
              
               
                 29
              
               
                 342
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 40
              
               
                 145
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 45
              
               
                 176
                 ,
                 182
              
            
             
               
                 27
              
               
                 46
              
               
                 245
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Luke
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 78
              
               
                 415
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 528
              
            
             
               
                 7
              
               
                 47
              
               
                 610
              
            
             
               
                 11
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 493
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 22
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 12
              
               
                 29
              
               
                 513
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 39
              
               
                 208
              
            
             
               
                 17
              
               
                 26
              
               
                 151
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 27
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 18
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 582
              
            
             
               
                 19
              
               
                 42
              
               
                 273
                 ,
                 279
              
            
             
               
                 24
              
               
                 45
              
               
                 021
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 John.
                 
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 417
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 678
              
            
             
               
                 6
              
               
                 37
              
               
                 655
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 38
              
               
                 669
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 39
              
               
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 45
              
               
                 653
              
            
             
               
                 8
              
               
                 32
              
               
                 484
                 ,
                 566
                 ,
                 605
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 33
              
               
                 481
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 34
              
               
                 491
              
            
             
               
                 10
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 368
              
            
             
               
                 12
              
               
                 32
              
               
                 672
              
            
             
               
                 14
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 394
              
            
             
               
                 17
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 41
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 350
                 ,
                 533
              
            
             
               
                 20
              
               
                 23
              
               
                 401
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Acts.
                 
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 8
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 96
              
            
             
               
                 9
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 654
              
            
             
               
                 18
              
               
                 25
              
               
                 62.
                 
                 See
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 of
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 20
              
               
                 26
              
               
                 679
              
            
             
             
               
                 26
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 270
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Romans
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 128
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 485
              
            
             
               
                 6
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 492
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 499
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 22
              
               
                 542
              
            
             
               
                 7
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 548
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 14
              
               
                 61.
                 
                 See
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 of
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 ,
                 488
                 ,
                 512
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 394
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 25
              
               
                 239
              
            
             
               
                 10
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 438
              
            
             
               
                 13
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 167
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 Corinthians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 1
              
               
                 514
                 ,
                 612
                 ,
                 643
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 11
              
               
                 99
              
            
             
               
                 7
              
               
                 14
              
               
                 92
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 29
              
               
                 173
              
            
             
               
                 15
              
               
                 52
              
               
                 200
                 ,
                 202
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
                 Corinthians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 303
              
            
             
               
                 11
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 44
                 ,
                 68
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Galathians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 483
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 485
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 23
              
               
                 500
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 24
              
               
                 486
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 238
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Ephesians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 576
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 8
              
               
                 495
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 53
                 ,
                 55
                 ,
                 57
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                  
              
               
                 63
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 See
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 subject
                 of
                 
                   Circumspect
                   walking
                
                 .
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 355
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 667
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 363
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 14
              
               
                 253
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 022
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 20
              
               
                 056
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 10
              
               
                 243
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Collossians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 24
              
               
                 127
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 250
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 493
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 19
              
               
                 569
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 Thessalonians
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 7
                 ,
                 200
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 Timothy
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 639
              
            
             
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Hebrews
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 416
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 3
              
               
                 039
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 24
              
               
                 502
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 62
              
            
             
               
                 11
              
               
                 40
              
               
                 433
              
            
             
               
                 12
              
               
                 13
              
               
                 665
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 285
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 James
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 337
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 19
              
               
                 461
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 Peter
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 630
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 540
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 19
              
               
                 436
              
            
             
               
                 4
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 309
              
            
             
               
                 5
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 249
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 619
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
                 Peter
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 1
              
               
                 5
              
               
                 624
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 328
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 17
              
               
                 250
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 18
              
               
                 249
                 ,
                 604
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 1
                 John.
                 
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 20
              
               
                 104
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 24
              
               
                 24
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 351
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 12
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 3
                 John.
                 
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 618
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Jude
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 12
              
               
                 589
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Revelation
                 .
              
               
                  
              
            
             
               
                 2
              
               
                 4
              
               
                 146
              
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 128
              
            
             
               
                 3
              
               
                 2
              
               
                 257
              
            
             
               
                 21
              
               
                 9
              
               
                 36
              
            
             
               
                 22
              
               
                 15
              
               
                 363
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           Errata's
           following
           begins
           at
           
             The
             Parable
             of
             the
             ten
             Virgins
             .
          
           PAge
           2.
           line
           .
           30.
           blot
           out
           not
           ;
           p.
           3.
           l.
           29
           for
           
             fast
             you
          
           ,
           read
           ,
           
             as
             fast
             as
             you
          
           ;
           p.
           29.
           l.
           last
           ,
           for
           
             her
             own
          
           ,
           r.
           
             our
             own
          
           ;
           p.
           71.
           l.
           9.
           blot
           our
           for
           ;
           p.
           75.
           l.
           22.
           for
           
             we
             choose
          
           ,
           r.
           
             will
             choose
          
           ;
           p.
           87.
           l.
           5.
           for
           
             to
             fit
             loose
          
           ,
           r.
           
             to
             fit
             loose
          
           ;
           p.
           105.
           l.
           10.
           for
           
             bidden
             arts
          
           ,
           r.
           
             hidden
             parts
          
           ;
           p.
           106.
           l.
           23.
           for
           fall
           ,
           r.
           fill
           ;
           p.
           115.
           l.
           12.
           for
           
             All
             proressions
          
           ,
           r.
           
             All
             processions
          
           ;
           p.
           117.
           l.
           13.
           for
           
             widows
             case
          
           ,
           r.
           
             widows
             cruse
          
           ;
           p.
           126.
           l.
           34.
           blot
           out
           thou
           ;
           p.
           165.
           l.
           3.
           blot
           out
           and
           ;
           p.
           188.
           l.
           37.
           for
           
             he
             asleep
          
           ,
           r.
           
             be
             asleep
          
           ;
           p.
           225.
           l.
           17.
           for
           
             i●
             is
          
           ,
           r.
           
             is
             it
          
           ;
           p.
           561.
           l.
           29.
           for
           decy
           ,
           r.
           decay
           ;
           p.
           428.
           l.
           7.
           for
           Maditation
           ,
           r.
           Moditation
           ;
           p.
           609.
           l.
           32.
           for
           
             though
             be
             ,
             r●
             though
             he
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
           
             
             
               MOSES
               IN
               THE
               MOUNT
               :
               OR
               ,
               The
               beloved
               Disciple
               leaning
               on
               Iesus
               ,
               S
               bosom
               .
            
             
               Being
               a
               Narrative
               of
               the
               Life
               and
               Death
               of
               Mr.
               
                 John
                 Murcot
              
               ,
               Minister
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               Teacher
               of
               the
               Church
               at
               Dublin
               .
            
             
               
                 Written
                 by
                 a
                 Friend
              
               .
            
             
               Prov.
               7.
               10.
               
               
                 The
                 memory
                 of
                 the
                 just
                 is
                 blessed
                 .
              
            
             
               LONDON
               ,
               Printed
               by
               
                 Robert
                 White
              
               ,
               for
               
                 Francis
                 Tyton
              
               ,
               at
               the
               three
               Daggers
               in
               Fleet-street
               ,
               near
               the
               Inner-Temple
               Gate
               .
               1657.
               
            
          
           
             
             
             
               The
               Epistle
               to
               the
               Reader
               .
            
             
               
                 Christian
                 Reader
                 ,
              
            
             
               THOU
               maist
               haply
               be
               offended
               that
               I
               bring
               upon
               the
               Stage
               ,
               and
               present
               unto
               thy
               view
               the
               meer
               shadow
               of
               a
               man
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               living
               substance
               :
               Sit
               but
               a
               while
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               see
               something
               pass
               before
               thee
               ,
               worthy
               thy
               observation
               .
               I
               must
               needs
               acknowledge
               a
               disparaging
               disproportion
               betwixt
               this
               Copy
               and
               the
               Original
               :
               Had
               I
               drawn
               his
               Picture
               ,
               whilest
               alive
               ,
               I
               might
               have
               described
               his
               perfections
               in
               more
               resembling
               Characters
               ;
               but
               doing
               it
               since
               his
               death
               ,
               it
               cannot
               be
               expected
               I
               should
               draw
               him
               in
               any
               other
               ,
               then
               dead
               colours
               .
               His
               Graces
               were
               more
               lively
               ,
               and
               sparkling
               in
               their
               exercise
               and
               operation
               ,
               then
               in
               this
               faint
               and
               languishing
               Representation
               .
               However
               ,
               something
               I
               was
               willing
               to
               do
               to
               revive
               the
               memory
               of
               our
               departed
               friend
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               him
               known
               unto
               those
               ,
               who
               have
               not
               yet
               heard
               of
               him
               by
               the
               hearing
               of
               the
               
               ear
               .
               Reader
               ,
               thou
               hast
               here
               a
               bright
               Torch
               ,
               that
               had
               much
               flame
               and
               but
               a
               little
               smoke
               ,
               and
               more
               matter
               for
               thy
               imitation
               ,
               then
               caution
               .
               Be
               a
               follower
               of
               him
               ,
               who
               followed
               the
               Lord
               fully
               ,
               and
               having
               done
               his
               work
               ,
               is
               gone
               to
               receive
               his
               wages
               ,
               and
               to
               take
               up
               his
               place
               about
               the
               Throne
               .
               Gods
               glory
               ,
               and
               thy
               spiritual
               advantage
               are
               in
               the
               eyes
               ,
               and
               aim
               of
               ,
            
             
               
                 Dublin
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   10
                   th
                   .
                   of
                   October
                   1655.
                   
                
              
               
                 thy
                 souls
                 friend
                 ,
                 J.
                 G.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
             
               Moses
               in
               the
               
                 Mount
                 ;
                 OR
              
               ,
               The
               beloved
               Disciple
               leaning
               on
               Iesus's
               Bosom
               .
            
             
               
                 Being
                 a
                 Narrative
                 of
                 the
                 life
                 and
                 death
                 of
                 Mr.
                 
                   Iohn
                   Murcot
                
                 ,
                 Minister
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 Teacher
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 at
                 Dublin
                 .
              
            
             
               THE
               children
               of
               God
               are
               not
               without
               cause
               stiled
               his
               Workmanship
               ,
               his
               Building
               .
               
               Every
               particular
               Believer
               is
               a
               little
               living
               Temple
               ,
               and
               made
               the
               Habitation
               of
               God
               through
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               such
               honour
               have
               all
               his
               Saints
               .
            
             
               Christian
               Reader
               ,
               I
               am
               about
               to
               present
               unto
               thine
               eye
               a
               curious
               Piece
               ,
               a
               stately
               Structure
               ,
               framed
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               Free
               Grace
               ,
               in
               the
               Survey
               of
               which
               ,
               much
               of
               the
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               goodness
               of
               God
               will
               be
               eminently
               conspicuous
               .
               I
               have
               several
               wel-furnished
               Rooms
               to
               lead
               thee
               to
               ,
               but
               must
               first
               pass
               through
               the
               Porch
               and
               
               Preface
               ,
               the
               grounds
               of
               my
               undertaking
               ,
               and
               so
               make
               the
               fa●rer
               way
               for
               the
               ensuing
               Relation
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               It
               hath
               not
               been
               a
               thing
               novel
               ,
               and
               unheard
               of
               in
               the
               Church
               of
               God
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               way
               as
               this
               ,
               to
               transmit
               unto
               Posterity
               the
               Names
               ,
               Memories
               ,
               Gracious
               Conversations
               of
               eminenter
               Saints
               ,
               especially
               Ministers
               ,
               who
               in
               their
               several
               Sphears
               and
               Generations
               ,
               have
               shined
               like
               stars
               of
               the
               first
               magnitude
               ,
               streaming
               and
               issuing
               ▪
               forth
               a
               more
               then
               ordinary
               and
               illustrious
               Light.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               lives
               of
               morally
               ▪
               honest
               Heathens
               are
               both
               recorded
               ,
               and
               read
               with
               profit
               ,
               not
               only
               by
               fellow
               pagans
               ,
               but
               by
               us
               Christians
               .
               Who
               knows
               not
               that
               Plutarch●
               lives
               have
               in
               them
               many
               things
               serving
               for
               Caution
               and
               Imitation
               ?
               More
               advantage
               doubtless
               will
               redound
               by
               reading
               the
               lives
               of
               the
               Evangelically
               ,
               spiritually
               ,
               and
               really
               religious
               .
            
             
               3
               We
               have
               the
               warrant
               of
               sacred
               Writ
               ,
               which
               (
               being
               not
               only
               Doctrinal
               but
               in
               a
               great
               part
               Historical
               )
               doth
               much
               incourage
               to
               a
               Practise
               of
               this
               Nature
               .
               The
               11.
               
               Chap.
               of
               the
               Epistle
               to
               the
               Hebrews
               ,
               you
               will
               find
               to
               be
               an
               Epitome
               of
               the
               lives
               of
               the
               Fathers
               .
               Now
               where
               we
               have
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               going
               before
               ,
               we
               may
               well
               follow
               after
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               extraordinary
               strictness
               ,
               exemplary
               severity
               ,
               unwearied
               industry
               ,
               and
               activity
               of
               this
               man
               of
               God
               in
               the
               waies
               and
               work
               of
               the
               Lord
               do
               exceedingly
               excite
               and
               strongly
               provoke
               to
               make
               him
               thus
               publike
               ,
               and
               to
               propose
               the
               holiness
               of
               his
               life
               ,
               and
               comforts
               in
               death
               ,
               for
               the
               direction
               and
               consolation
               of
               those
               ,
               whose
               faces
               are
               set
               towards
               Sion
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               this
               account
               of
               him
               shall
               come
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               That
               God
               may
               have
               the
               glory
               of
               what
               he
               had
               done
               in
               him
               in
               a
               way
               of
               gracious
               discoveries
               and
               manifestations
               ,
               of
               what
               he
               had
               done
               for
               him
               in
               a
               way
               of
               clear
               providences
               ,
               and
               encouraging
               dispensations
               ,
               of
               what
               he
               had
               done
               by
               him
               in
               giving
               success
               unto
               his
               labours
               ,
               and
               letting
               him
               see
               the
               travel
               of
               his
               soul
               ,
               to
               his
               no
               small
               solace
               and
               satisfaction
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               That
               the
               Name
               of
               such
               a
               Pleasant
               Plant
               ,
               and
               fruitful
               Bough
               might
               be
               preserved
               fresh
               ▪
               green
               and
               verdant
               in
               the
               memories
               of
               Gods
               people
               ,
               e●ough
               himself
               be
               withe●ed
               ,
               lopt
               off
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               death
               ,
               and
               fo●
               a
               while
               laid
               in
               the
               dust
               .
            
             
               As
               Abel
               ,
               so
               other
               Saints
               ,
               though
               dead
               ,
               may
               yet
               speak
               ,
               and
               be
               
               made
               known
               .
               And
               O
               what
               a
               glorious
               thing
               is
               it
               ,
               when
               departed
               souls
               are
               lodged
               in
               Abrahams
               blissful
               bosom
               ,
               and
               dead
               bodies
               intombed
               in
               living
               Sepulchres
               ,
               sending
               forth
               a
               sweet
               and
               refreshing
               savour
               into
               the
               nostrils
               of
               surviving
               friends
               !
               A
               flower
               may
               smell
               sweet
               after
               it
               is
               cropt
               ,
               and
               a
               way
               made
               for
               the
               Sun
               to
               shine
               after
               it
               is
               set
               .
            
             
               Mr.
               
                 John
                 Murcot
              
               ,
               (
               the
               History
               of
               whose
               life
               is
               now
               to
               be
               related
               )
               was
               born
               in
               the
               antient
               Town
               of
               Warwick
               ,
               of
               Parents
               considerable
               for
               their
               Extraction
               ,
               more
               for
               their
               shining
               and
               pious
               conversation
               .
            
             
               His
               Fathers
               name
               
                 Job
                 Murcot
              
               ,
               who
               applyed
               himself
               to
               the
               study
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
               which
               brought
               him
               in
               a
               competent
               and
               comfortable
               subsistence
               ,
               though
               since
               humbled
               by
               the
               calamitous
               inconveniences
               of
               these
               distracted
               times
               ,
               whose
               various
               revolutions
               have
               occasioned
               a
               wasting
               and
               undoing
               unto
               many
               .
            
             
               His
               mothers
               name
               before
               her
               marriage
               with
               his
               Father
               ,
               was
               
                 Joan
                 Townsend
              
               ,
               of
               raised
               parts
               ,
               and
               eminent
               piety
               ,
               the
               happy
               mother
               of
               an
               hopeful
               son
               ,
               the
               renowned
               Root
               from
               whence
               apppeared
               and
               sprouted
               up
               this
               fair
               and
               flourishing
               Branch
               ,
               planted
               by
               the
               Rivers
               of
               water
               ,
               who
               brought
               forth
               his
               fruit
               in
               his
               ●eason
               ,
               his
               leaves
               did
               not
               wither
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               he
               did
               ,
               the
               Lord
               made
               it
               to
               prosper
               .
            
             
               His
               Parents
               were
               conscientiously
               careful
               of
               his
               education
               ,
               made
               it
               their
               business
               to
               season
               him
               with
               sound
               and
               solid
               Principles
               in
               his
               young
               and
               tender
               years
               ,
               which
               he
               greedily
               suckt
               in
               ,
               as
               having
               an
               early
               thirst
               after
               God
               ;
               and
               he
               ,
               who
               erst
               while
               hung
               on
               his
               Mothers
               breast
               for
               milk
               ,
               now
               hangs
               on
               her
               lips
               for
               instruction
               .
            
             
               His
               Parents
               perceiving
               in
               this
               their
               young
               Timothy
               an
               ardent
               desire
               to
               be
               intimately
               acquainted
               with
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               and
               in
               order
               thereunto
               ,
               with
               Academical
               learning
               were
               very
               prone
               to
               contribute
               their
               endeavours
               towards
               the
               ripening
               of
               these
               hopeful
               Buddings
               and
               promising
               Beginnings
               ,
               and
               therefore
               in
               the
               first
               place
               committed
               him
               to
               the
               care
               and
               tuition
               of
               an
               able
               and
               godly
               School-master
               ,
               Mr.
               Dugard
               ,
               who
               instilled
               instruction
               both
               with
               his
               lips
               and
               life
               ,
               desirous
               to
               make
               him
               not
               only
               a
               Scholar
               ,
               but
               a
               Christian
               ;
               It
               s
               hard
               to
               say
               〈◊〉
               which
               was
               more
               diligent
               ,
               and
               industrious
               ,
               the
               Master
               in
               teaching
               ,
               or
               the
               Scholar
               in
               learning
               .
               Time
               was
               not
               mispent
               and
               prodigally
               expended
               
               in
               the
               eager
               pursuite
               of
               childish
               vanities
               ;
               he
               ran
               at
               his
               first
               seting
               out
               ,
               and
               did
               not
               lazily
               loiter
               when
               he
               should
               be
               minding
               his
               work
               ;
               yea
               ,
               when
               other
               boyes
               would
               be
               sporting
               and
               playing
               ,
               he
               would
               be
               studiously
               retired
               ,
               solitariness
               and
               meditation
               being
               unto
               him
               instead
               of
               recreation
               .
            
             
               Being
               competently
               furnished
               for
               the
               University
               ,
               his
               Father
               sent
               him
               to
               Oxford
               ,
               where
               he
               continued
               his
               former
               diligence
               in
               his
               studies
               ,
               under
               the
               conduct
               and
               oversight
               of
               Mr.
               Button
               ,
               his
               faithful
               and
               religious
               ▪
               Tutor
               in
               Merton
               Colledge
               .
               About
               two
               years
               after
               his
               thriving
               abode
               there
               ,
               the
               Kings
               Forces
               possessed
               themselves
               of
               Oxford
               ,
               put
               all
               things
               into
               an
               hurry
               ,
               and
               ingaged
               the
               students
               in
               such
               perplexing
               snares
               ,
               that
               Mr.
               Murcot
               ,
               to
               disintangle
               himself
               out
               of
               these
               uncouth
               inconveniences
               ,
               fled
               from
               Oxford
               disguised
               ,
               and
               repaired
               to
               the
               House
               of
               Mr.
               Leigh
               of
               Budworth
               ,
               an
               antient
               ,
               grave
               ,
               able
               and
               learned
               man
               ,
               and
               Minister
               of
               that
               place
               ;
               and
               there
               studied
               hard
               both
               day
               and
               night
               ,
               allowing
               himself
               but
               four
               hours
               for
               sleep
               ,
               so
               intent
               was
               he
               upon
               his
               Book
               ,
               and
               so
               wholly
               taken
               up
               with
               religious
               Exercises
               .
               The
               cloud
               being
               blown
               over
               ,
               he
               repaired
               the
               second
               time
               to
               the
               University
               ,
               and
               his
               former
               diligence
               which
               caused
               the
               eyes
               of
               many
               to
               fix
               and
               fasten
               on
               him
               ,
               as
               perceiving
               something
               more
               then
               ordinary
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               expecting
               more
               than
               ordinary
               from
               him
               .
               Though
               means
               and
               maintenance
               were
               now
               very
               short
               ,
               yet
               it
               did
               not
               discourage
               and
               cause
               him
               to
               de●ist
               .
               he
               did
               not
               unbend
               the
               Bow
               and
               slacken
               the
               string
               he
               still
               stood
               an
               end
               to
               his
               Oar
               ,
               and
               with
               wonted
               diligence
               prosecuted
               his
               studies
               ,
               it
               being
               his
               meat
               and
               his
               drink
               to
               do
               his
               Fathers
               will.
               Having
               taken
               his
               degree
               ,
               he
               returned
               to
               his
               old
               friend
               Mr.
               Leigh
               ,
               and
               was
               several
               waies
               useful
               to
               him
               ,
               who
               now
               called
               upon
               him
               to
               appear
               in
               publike
               ,
               which
               he
               did
               not
               without
               much
               fear
               ,
               and
               trembling
               ,
               as
               being
               conscious
               to
               himself
               of
               his
               own
               inabilities
               for
               so
               ponderous
               an
               employment
               ,
               and
               loth
               to
               put
               to
               his
               shoulders
               ,
               lest
               he
               should
               sink
               under
               the
               burden
               .
               But
               being
               pressed
               and
               egged
               on
               by
               his
               friends
               and
               a
               Call
               from
               the
               Inhabitants
               of
               Ashbury
               ,
               he
               entred
               into
               the
               Lords
               Vineyard
               ,
               put
               his
               hand
               unto
               the
               Plough
               ,
               and
               was
               ordained
               a
               Minister
               at
               Manchest●●
               He
               professed
               (
               to
               use
               his
               own
               words
               )
               that
               he
               was
               drawn
               as
               a
               Bear
               to
               the
               stake
               ,
               *
               complaining
               ,
               
               and
               often
               bewailing
               his
               want
               of
               a
               sufficient
               stock
               of
               University
               learning
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               was
               pleased
               to
               own
               him
               in
               his
               first
               attempts
               and
               endeavours
               ,
               giving
               him
               a
               seal
               unto
               his
               Ministry
               ,
               by
               the
               conversion
               of
               two
               especially
               ,
               who
               being
               awakened
               by
               his
               sound
               Doctrine
               ,
               smart
               expression
               ,
               and
               powerful
               delivery
               ,
               sadly
               bemoaned
               themselves
               and
               mourned
               over
               their
               lost
               condition
               ,
               even
               in
               publike
               .
            
             
               From
               Ashbury
               (
               a
               call
               being
               cleared
               up
               )
               he
               removed
               to
               Eastham
               in
               Woral
               ,
               and
               gained
               mightily
               upon
               the
               affections
               of
               many
               ,
               especially
               ▪
               the
               godly
               ,
               whose
               hearts
               began
               betimes
               to
               be
               knit
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               here
               likewise
               the
               Lord
               was
               pleased
               to
               water
               his
               labours
               with
               the
               dew
               of
               his
               blessing
               .
            
             
               But
               me
               thinks
               I
               see
               a
               black
               cloud
               arising
               ;
               this
               bright
               star
               ,
               who
               shined
               full
               clearly
               ,
               and
               comfortably
               unto
               others
               ,
               is
               now
               himself
               eclipsed
               ,
               and
               He
               ,
               who
               was
               a
               skilful
               Pilot
               to
               direct
               others
               through
               the
               splitting
               Rocks
               and
               swallowing
               Gulphs
               ,
               is
               now
               himself
               plunged
               into
               the
               great
               deep
               ;
               the
               Lord
               persecutes
               him
               with
               his
               tempest
               ,
               and
               makes
               him
               afraid
               with
               his
               storm
               ,
               all
               his
               waves
               ,
               and
               his
               billows
               go
               over
               him
               .
               But
               what
               might
               be
               the
               occasion
               of
               so
               sad
               a
               desertion
               ?
               1.
               
               *
               The
               folly
               and
               the
               vanity
               of
               his
               youth
               ,
               though
               not
               stained
               wi●h
               irruptions
               into
               grosser
               evils
               .
               2.
               
               His
               too
               far
               yielding
               at
               Oxford
               ,
               with
               those
               impositions
               ,
               which
               grate
               upon
               conscience
               and
               scourge
               it
               with
               severe
               remorse
               .
               3
               The
               Lord
               would
               hereby
               ripen
               him
               ,
               and
               make
               him
               the
               more
               fi●
               for
               himself
               and
               service
               .
               He
               must
               be
               frost-bitten
               ,
               that
               so
               he
               may
               be
               the
               more
               mellow
               ,
               and
               his
               fruit
               of
               a
               more
               delicious
               taste
               .
            
             
               There
               are
               no
               Preachers
               so
               experimental
               ,
               spiritual
               ,
               powerful
               ,
               couragious
               ,
               awakening
               ,
               convincing
               converting
               compassionate
               ,
               comforting
               ,
               as
               those
               who
               have
               passed
               through
               the
               Pikes
               ,
               and
               have
               been
               sorely
               bat●ered
               with
               showers
               of
               Hail-stones
               .
            
             
               There
               are
               none
               so
               expert
               at
               binding
               up
               the
               broken
               bones
               ,
               as
               those
               who
               have
               been
               broken
               upon
               the
               wheel
               ,
               and
               made
               to
               roar
               out
               by
               reason
               of
               the
               disquietness
               of
               their
               hearts
               .
            
             
               They
               know
               how
               to
               speak
               a
               word
               in
               season
               unto
               him
               that
               is
               weary
               ,
               who
               have
               themselves
               been
               weary
               and
               heavy
               laden
               ,
               sighing
               full
               sadly
               ,
               and
               groaning
               full
               heavily
               under
               the
               cold
               ,
               hill
               ,
               clouding
               and
               cutting
               expressions
               of
               Gods
               displeasure
               .
               
               They
               know
               how
               to
               speak
               peace
               unto
               distressed
               consciences
               ,
               who
               have
               themselves
               been
               soundly
               frighted
               with
               the
               sounding
               of
               the
               Trumpet
               ,
               and
               the
               Alarm
               of
               War.
               
            
             
               There
               are
               no
               Trees
               so
               firmly
               rooted
               ,
               as
               those
               that
               have
               been
               sorely
               shaken
               ,
               and
               made
               to
               bow
               and
               bend
               with
               the
               stormy
               wind
               and
               tempest
               of
               the
               wrath
               of
               the
               Almighty
               .
               The
               scales
               many
               times
               stick
               so
               close
               even
               unto
               the
               Seers
               eyes
               ,
               that
               they
               will
               not
               be
               rub'd
               off
               but
               with
               a
               rough
               hand
               ,
               and
               a
               sharp
               file
               .
            
             
               But
               will
               the
               Lord
               contend
               for
               ever
               ,
               will
               he
               be
               alwaies
               wroth
               ?
               
               Surely
               no
               ,
               and
               that
               lest
               the
               spirits
               should
               fail
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               the
               souls
               that
               he
               hath
               made
               .
               There
               is
               a
               lifting
               up
               after
               a
               casting
               down
               .
               The
               Lord
               turns
               for
               him
               his
               mourning
               into
               dancing
               ,
               gives
               unto
               him
               beauty
               for
               ashes
               ,
               and
               the
               garment
               of
               praise
               for
               the
               spirit
               of
               heaviness
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               soft
               hand
               wipes
               away
               the
               tears
               from
               his
               swoln
               eyes
               .
            
             
               The
               instrumental
               means
               of
               scattering
               the
               darkness
               and
               distress
               that
               lay
               upon
               him
               and
               of
               restoring
               the
               former
               beams
               of
               light
               ,
               with
               which
               he
               was
               wont
               to
               be
               refreshed
               ,
               were
               the
               reading
               of
               Mr
               
                 Tho.
                 Goodwins
                 Child
                 of
                 Light
                 walking
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
              
               and
               other
               of
               his
               Treatises
               :
               So
               that
               now
               we
               have
               the
               Lord
               shining
               on
               him
               in
               a
               way
               of
               consolation
               ,
               as
               he
               on
               others
               in
               a
               way
               of
               instruction
               ,
               and
               information
               .
            
             
               About
               the
               25.
               year
               of
               his
               age
               ,
               being
               resolved
               to
               change
               his
               condition
               ,
               and
               discoursing
               with
               a
               friend
               about
               it
               ,
               there
               was
               proposed
               unto
               him
               Hester
               ,
               the
               daughter
               of
               Mr.
               
                 Ralph
                 Marsden
              
               ,
               (
               Minister
               of
               West-kerby
               ,
               of
               note
               ,
               and
               useful
               in
               his
               generation
               )
               whom
               he
               afterwards
               took
               to
               him
               to
               be
               the
               companion
               of
               his
               life
               .
            
             
               But
               before
               the
               consummation
               of
               the
               marriage
               ,
               the
               people
               of
               West-kerby
               ,
               (
               Mr.
               Marsden
               departing
               this
               life
               )
               gave
               him
               a
               call
               ,
               which
               upon
               examination
               and
               supplication
               ,
               being
               found
               to
               be
               of
               God
               ,
               was
               complied
               with
               .
            
             
               The
               seed
               of
               Gospel
               :
               counsels
               being
               sown
               with
               a
               diligent
               hand
               ,
               did
               not
               long
               lie
               buried
               under
               the
               clods
               ,
               but
               sprang
               up
               ,
               and
               put
               forth
               it self
               in
               visible
               fruit
               ,
               wh●ch
               was
               a
               farther
               clearing
               of
               the
               ●all
               ,
               and
               chearing
               of
               the
               heart
               of
               this
               pains-taking
               Husband-man
               .
            
             
               It
               s
               no
               new
               thing
               for
               external
               and
               bitter
               afflictions
               to
               accompany
               the
               sweet
               honey
               of
               Gospel-consolations
               .
               How
               often
               do
               
               dashing
               showers
               fall
               upon
               mellifluous
               Hives
               ,
               and
               the
               fairest
               flowers
               that
               grow
               in
               Gods
               Garden
               ?
               How
               often
               are
               the
               labouring
               bees
               assaulted
               with
               a
               tempest
               whilest
               abroad
               ,
               and
               bringing
               home
               provisions
               against
               the
               ensuing
               winter
               ?
               What
               more
               usual
               then
               Sun-shines
               ,
               mixed
               with
               blustring
               winds
               ,
               and
               wetting
               rains
               ?
            
             
               Two
               Villages
               of
               the
               Parish
               of
               West-kerby
               are
               sorely
               visited
               
               with
               the
               Pestilence
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               scatters
               abroad
               the
               black
               tokens
               of
               his
               displeasure
               ,
               the
               product
               of
               which
               was
               many
               fasts
               ,
               tears
               ,
               prayers
               ,
               importunate
               requests
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               would
               shew
               unto
               his
               people
               ,
               why
               he
               thus
               contended
               with
               them
               .
            
             
               Mr.
               Murcot
               hath
               his
               ears
               opened
               to
               instruction
               .
               This
               thundering
               Providence
               awakens
               him
               to
               a
               more
               exact
               scrutinie
               ,
               and
               narrower
               search
               into
               his
               heart
               and
               waies
               ,
               and
               is
               now
               perswaded
               that
               he
               had
               been
               too
               lax
               and
               general
               in
               the
               administration
               of
               the
               sealing-Ordinances
               ,
               so
               that
               he
               resolves
               to
               forbear
               ,
               and
               draw
               back
               his
               hand
               unless
               the
               known
               godly
               will
               combine
               ,
               which
               occasioned
               many
               Fasts
               ,
               Conferences
               ,
               Debates
               :
               However
               he
               perseveres
               in
               preaching
               work
               ,
               and
               waits
               on
               Providence
               ,
               to
               see
               how
               the
               Lord
               will
               dispose
               and
               encline
               the
               peoples
               hearts
               .
            
             
               An
               Irish
               Lord
               quartering
               at
               West-kerby
               ,
               being
               bound
               for
               Ireland
               ,
               was
               observed
               to
               be
               a
               prodigious
               swearer
               ,
               belching
               out
               
               most
               horrid
               Oaths
               in
               great
               abundance
               .
               Tidings
               are
               brought
               to
               Mr.
               Murcot
               in
               the
               morning
               as
               he
               is
               going
               to
               celebrate
               a
               solemn
               Fast
               .
               The
               work
               of
               the
               day
               being
               over
               ,
               Mr.
               Murcot
               being
               lately
               with
               God
               in
               the
               Mount
               ,
               and
               now
               grown
               warm
               in
               his
               cause
               
               and
               quarrel
               ,
               is
               impatient
               of
               brooking
               these
               high
               dishonours
               that
               were
               done
               unto
               his
               Majesty
               .
               Wherefore
               taking
               with
               him
               a
               friend
               he
               rides
               the
               same
               night
               six
               miles
               to
               a
               Magistrate
               ,
               procures
               a
               Warrant
               ;
               the
               trembling
               Constables
               at
               first
               are
               astonished
               to
               think
               of
               approaching
               in
               such
               a
               way
               to
               guilty
               greatness
               ;
               but
               being
               animated
               by
               Mr.
               Murcot
               ,
               they
               serve
               their
               Warrant
               ,
               which
               provoked
               a
               new
               rage
               to
               the
               multiplying
               of
               fresh
               oaths
               ,
               even
               without
               number
               ,
               to
               the
               great
               amazement
               of
               the
               standers
               by
               .
               Notwithstanding
               the
               boisterous
               menaces
               ,
               and
               outrage
               of
               this
               great
               man
               ,
               his
               horses
               were
               seized
               on
               ,
               and
               kept
               ,
               till
               he
               paid
               20
               which
               was
               employed
               as
               a
               stock
               for
               the
               poor
               of
               the
               Parish
               ,
               so
               wickedly
               liberal
               was
               this
               Lord
               unto
               them
               .
               This
               exemplary
               Act
               of
               Justice
               procured
               and
               prosecuted
               by
               Mr.
               Murcol's
               
               active
               zeal
               ,
               so
               danted
               and
               overawed
               his
               Lordship
               ,
               that
               during
               his
               abode
               there
               ,
               he
               held
               his
               mouth
               and
               tongue
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               with
               bit
               and
               bridle
               .
            
             
               The
               prsence
               of
               a
               si●
               punishing
               Magistrate
               hath
               in
               it
               a
               co-ercive
               and
               restraining
               vertue
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               most
               debanched
               and
               profligate
               sons
               of
               Belial
               are
               afraid
               ,
               and
               confined
               with
               n
               some
               bounds
               of
               moderation
               ;
               who
               ,
               if
               remote
               ,
               and
               at
               a
               distance
               ,
               they
               lift
               up
               their
               heads
               with
               a
               mighty
               confidence
               ,
               and
               finding
               the
               reins
               lye
               loose
               upon
               their
               shoulders
               ,
               rush
               into
               all
               manner
               of
               wickedness
               ,
               as
               the
               Horse
               rusheth
               ●nto
               the
               battle
               .
               Mr.
               Murcot
               wanted
               the
               advantage
               of
               a
               Magstrate
               upon
               the
               place
               ,
               had
               no
               other
               sword
               to
               fight
               withal
               save
               that
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               yet
               such
               was
               his
               Integrity
               ,
               Gravity
               ,
               Austerity
               ,
               and
               his
               Activity
               in
               informing
               and
               exciting
               Magstrates
               to
               punish
               Offenders
               impartially
               ,
               that
               the
               people
               round
               about
               him
               had
               an
               awe
               and
               dread
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               durst
               not
               lash
               out
               into
               publike
               ,
               extravagant
               ,
               scandalous
               courses
               .
            
             
               Great
               resort
               was
               had
               unto
               him
               to
               heal
               the
               Breaches
               and
               compose
               the
               differences
               betwixt
               dis●enting
               and
               disagreeing
               Brethren
               ;
               which
               grateful
               and
               acceptable
               work
               ,
               did
               exceedingly
               heighten
               him
               in
               the
               peoples
               esteem
               ,
               and
               preserved
               them
               from
               greater
               animosities
               ,
               and
               distances
               ,
               by
               going
               to
               Law.
               If
               the
               Peace-makers
               be
               pronounced
               blessed
               ,
               he
               must
               needs
               be
               so
               upon
               this
               account
               .
               
            
             
               It
               was
               a
               common
               Practise
               in
               those
               parts
               ;
               to
               have
               Ales
               ,
               as
               they
               called
               them
               ,
               alias
               Good-fellow
               meetings
               ,
               in
               which
               the
               night
               was
               consumed
               in
               rioting
               and
               drunkenness
               :
               the
               creatures
               abused
               ,
               God
               most
               shamefully
               dishonoured
               ,
               and
               men
               and
               women
               there
               met
               together
               ,
               drawn
               into
               singular
               inconveniences
               ,
               which
               disorders
               were
               a
               sword
               in
               the
               bones
               ,
               and
               a
               sharp
               thorn
               in
               the
               tender
               eye
               of
               this
               waking
               watchman
               .
            
             
               One
               revelling
               night
               ,
               he
               and
               a
               godly
               neighbour
               *
               went
               to
               the
               Constables
               ,
               ingage
               their
               assistance
               ,
               advance
               ,
               and
               before
               them
               entred
               the
               house
               ,
               or
               rather
               the
               den
               of
               Dragons
               ,
               at
               whose
               approach
               and
               presence
               ,
               the
               rabble
               rout
               scatters
               like
               a
               mist
               before
               the
               rising
               Sun.
               Some
               run
               affrighted
               out
               of
               doors
               ,
               and
               leave
               their
               !
               Ale
               behind
               them
               ,
               others
               hide
               in
               secret
               places
               :
               The
               flight
               was
               so
               full
               of
               confusion
               ,
               you
               would
               have
               thought
               it
               occasioned
               by
               the
               incursion
               of
               an
               enemy
               ,
               and
               that
               their
               
               lives
               were
               rather
               invaded
               ,
               then
               their
               Purses
               and
               Reputations
               .
            
             
               One
               onely
               of
               the
               company
               assumes
               the
               confidence
               to
               stand
               it
               out
               ,
               and
               having
               a
               brow
               of
               brass
               ,
               thinks
               to
               out-face
               both
               sacred
               
               and
               civil
               Officers
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               Shall
               I
               fear
               Murcot
               ?
               Calls
               for
               more
               beer
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               bravado
               drinks
               to
               him
               ,
               who
               pledg'd
               him
               with
               a
               stern
               silence
               ,
               and
               frowning
               aspect
               .
               The
               names
               of
               the
               Ring-leaders
               and
               Capital
               Offenders
               are
               returned
               to
               the
               Justices
               ,
               and
               they
               constrained
               to
               pay
               their
               imposed
               fines
               .
            
             
               But
               did
               this
               son
               of
               impudence
               (
               who
               dares
               thus
               affront
               Gods
               Minister
               )
               thus
               escape
               ?
               Though
               the
               sickness
               at
               that
               time
               was
               comfortably
               abated
               ,
               and
               the
               family
               to
               which
               he
               related
               ,
               not
               in
               the
               least
               tainted
               ,
               yet
               ,
               this
               man
               is
               very
               shortly
               after
               visited
               ,
               and
               by
               that
               signal
               stroak
               from
               the
               hand
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               hurried
               out
               of
               the
               Land
               of
               the
               living
               .
            
             
               The
               following
               Sabbath
               Mr.
               Murcot
               chose
               a
               subject
               to
               treat
               on
               ,
               suitable
               to
               the
               preceding
               tumultnary
               agitations
               and
               transactions
               ,
               laid
               before
               them
               the
               blackness
               of
               guilt
               contracted
               ,
               and
               the
               dreadfulness
               of
               wrath
               deserved
               ,
               (
               their
               fines
               being
               but
               part
               of
               payment
               ,
               and
               an
               earnest-penny
               of
               an
               after-reckoning
               )
               and
               was
               so
               severe
               and
               cutting
               in
               his
               Rebukes
               ,
               that
               they
               caused
               in
               the
               Congregation
               strong
               pangs
               of
               affection
               ,
               and
               unwonted
               transportations
               .
               The
               guilty
               shrink
               down
               into
               their
               seats
               ,
               like
               affrighted
               birds
               into
               their
               hollow
               trees
               :
               many
               melted
               into
               tears
               of
               professed
               repentance
               .
            
             
               A
               maid
               ,
               by
               her
               gastly
               countenance
               and
               trembling
               hands
               ,
               gave
               cause
               to
               think
               ,
               that
               the
               arrow
               of
               conviction
               was
               shot
               through
               her
               liver
               ,
               and
               stuck
               fast
               in
               her
               sides
               ;
               and
               indeed
               so
               it
               did
               ,
               and
               proved
               the
               happy
               occasion
               of
               her
               after-conversion
               .
            
             
               Being
               still
               unsatisfied
               with
               the
               present
               constitution
               of
               his
               Congregation
               ,
               he
               had
               several
               meetings
               with
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               plainly
               told
               them
               ,
               that
               he
               could
               not
               live
               without
               the
               Ordinances
               ;
               nor
               administer
               them
               as
               formerly
               :
               to
               which
               some
               (
               unwilling
               to
               be
               brought
               to
               the
               Test
               ,
               and
               new-moulded
               )
               replyed
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               then
               take
               his
               liberty
               ,
               and
               be
               gone
               :
               Yet
               the
               godly
               are
               loth
               to
               part
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               as
               loth
               to
               part
               with
               them
               ;
               but
               an
               amicable
               accord
               cannot
               be
               accomplished
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               resolves
               to
               weigh
               anchor
               ,
               and
               spread
               his
               sails
               to
               the
               leading
               gale
               of
               Providence
               .
            
             
             
             
             
             
             
               An
               invitation
               from
               Bellfast
               ,
               in
               the
               North
               of
               Ireland
               ,
               under
               many
               hands
               ,
               as
               also
               from
               Dublin
               ,
               from
               the
               Commissioners
               of
               Parliament
               ,
               urgeth
               him
               to
               a
               removal
               ,
               and
               draws
               forth
               serious
               considerations
               of
               the
               matter
               ,
               whether
               it
               might
               not
               be
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               consequently
               to
               be
               followed
               with
               an
               obsequious
               prosecution
               .
            
             
               A
               company
               of
               godly
               persons
               live
               in
               a
               Parish
               ,
               who
               are
               desirous
               to
               enjoy
               the
               Oridinances
               appointed
               by
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               to
               be
               observed
               by
               his
               people
               ,
               thereby
               providing
               for
               their
               comfortable
               growth
               (
               while
               under
               imperfection
               ,
               )
               being
               convinced
               that
               the
               years
               past
               wherein
               they
               have
               lived
               without
               them
               ,
               are
               more
               then
               sufficient
               ,
               and
               fearing
               the
               guilt
               of
               sinful
               neglect
               doth
               already
               lie
               upon
               them
               :
               But
               yet
               are
               not
               satisfied
               to
               hold
               Communion
               in
               them
               with
               such
               a
               promiscuous
               Assembly
               ,
               but
               only
               with
               a
               small
               number
               in
               comparison
               :
               the
               most
               being
               such
               as
               they
               see
               not
               how
               they
               can
               be
               admitted
               by
               any
               rule
               of
               Christ
               ;
               for
               the
               Ministers
               subsistence
               there
               is
               also
               a
               particular
               dependance
               upon
               every
               one
               in
               the
               Parish
               :
               And
               having
               good
               ground
               (
               from
               an
               earnest
               of
               the
               Spirits
               of
               the
               most
               of
               the
               Parish
               ,
               already
               much
               disrelishing
               any
               separation
               of
               them
               as
               the
               vile
               from
               the
               precious
               ,
               and
               from
               experience
               of
               most
               sad
               ,
               unutterable
               ,
               and
               dishonourable
               breaches
               made
               by
               the
               like
               attemps
               elsewhere
               )
               to
               conclude
               ,
               that
               if
               all
               such
               as
               are
               unfit
               be
               deba
               〈…〉
               '
               d
               ,
               they
               will
               be
               exasperated
               ,
               at
               least
               so
               far
               as
               to
               withdraw
               the
               maintenance
               ;
               and
               such
               as
               are
               fit
               ,
               will
               be
               found
               too
               few
               to
               afford
               comfortable
               subsistence
               to
               the
               Minister
               :
               and
               therefore
               if
               they
               should
               attempt
               to
               enjoy
               the
               Ordinances
               in
               such
               a
               manner
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               place
               ,
               it
               would
               in
               all
               probability
               procure
               a
               sudden
               dissolution
               of
               them
               ,
               to
               the
               great
               dishonour
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               triumphing
               of
               wicked
               men
               :
               The
               premises
               judiciously
               and
               impartially
               weighed
               ,
               the
               Question
               is
               ,
               Whether
               it
               be
               more
               suit
               able
               to
               the
               mind
               of
               Christ
               for
               such
               godly
               persons
               to
               look
               out
               elsewhere
               ,
               where
               they
               may
               comfortably
               enjoy
               these
               indispensable
               appointments
               of
               Christ
               ,
               or
               to
               run
               so
               apparent
               and
               eminent
               an
               hazard
               of
               dishonour
               to
               Christ
               ,
               by
               their
               sudden
               dissolution
               upon
               enjoyment
               of
               them
               in
               such
               a
               Parish
               .
            
             
               Your
               judgement
               and
               spiritual
               grounds
               that
               most
               poise
               your
               own
               spirit
               are
               desired
               .
            
             
             
               This
               bright
               star
               hath
               not
               long
               to
               shine
               in
               that
               part
               of
               the
               Firmament
               ,
               where
               he
               ▪
               was
               at
               present
               fixed
               ,
               yet
               before
               his
               departure
               ,
               and
               transfusion
               of
               his
               Beams
               to
               the
               neighbouring
               Provinces
               ,
               there
               appears
               a
               formidable
               ,
               and
               blazing
               Comet
               at
               Chester
               ,
               one
               Mr
               ,
               Knowls
               ,
               who
               exercised
               as
               publike
               Preacher
               to
               the
               Garrison
               there
               ,
               and
               in
               publike
               Sermons
               ,
               private
               conferences
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               manuscript
               by
               him
               framed
               ,
               denyed
               Jesus
               Christ
               to
               be
               the
               most
               high
               God.
               Several
               in
               the
               City
               ,
               professing
               godliness
               ,
               are
               dangerously
               insnared
               ,
               and
               swallow
               down
               that
               poison
               ,
               which
               will
               turn
               to
               gall
               and
               worm-wood
               in
               their
               bowels
               .
               Mr.
               Marcot
               with
               others
               ,
               especially
               Mr.
               Eaton
               ,
               labour
               to
               establish
               the
               people
               in
               the
               truth
               received
               ,
               and
               to
               pluck
               up
               that
               stinking
               weed
               ,
               which
               began
               to
               spread
               and
               fasten
               its
               contagious
               roots
               .
               Upon
               complaint
               made
               ,
               the
               flaming
               fire-brand
               is
               removed
               ,
               yet
               left
               behind
               him
               those
               unquencht
               sparks
               that
               break
               forth
               into
               fresh
               flames
               .
            
             
               Some
               godly
               in
               Chester
               being
               embodied
               ,
               and
               wanting
               a
               Pastor
               to
               take
               the
               charge
               of
               them
               ,
               express
               their
               desires
               of
               enjoying
               Mr.
               Murcot
               ,
               who
               is
               sent
               unto
               ,
               and
               requested
               to
               preach
               among
               them
               by
               way
               of
               trial
               ,
               and
               in
               order
               to
               his
               future
               establishment
               ,
               but
               withal
               ,
               intreated
               not
               to
               intermeddle
               in
               the
               present
               Controversie
               ,
               or
               engage
               against
               Mr.
               Knowls
               ,
               lest
               his
               settlement
               should
               be
               obstructed
               ,
               and
               the
               desires
               of
               the
               godly
               frustrated
               .
            
             
               Yet
               such
               was
               his
               zeal
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               love
               to
               the
               truth
               ,
               &
               so
               transcending
               his
               own
               private
               concernments
               ,
               and
               the
               respects
               of
               men
               ,
               that
               preaching
               on
               that
               Text
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 knowest
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               he
               vindicated
               the
               Deity
               of
               Christ
               from
               those
               vile
               aspersions
               ,
               and
               abhorred
               
               calumniations
               that
               were
               cast
               upon
               it
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               dint
               of
               argument
               ,
               battered
               down
               the
               blasphemous
               suggestions
               of
               contradicting
               Gain-sayers
               ,
               to
               the
               exasperation
               of
               those
               that
               were
               tainted
               ,
               and
               not
               as
               yet
               convinced
               of
               the
               errour
               embraced
               .
            
             
               The
               day
               that
               he
               preached
               ,
               Captain
               Whitworth
               invited
               him
               to
               dinner
               ;
               some
               contests
               arose
               by
               reason
               of
               his
               preceding
               smart
               discourse
               ,
               insomuch
               that
               one
               in
               a
               fury
               and
               discontent
               rose
               up
               from
               the
               table
               ,
               and
               reproachfully
               reviled
               him
               with
               the
               unbese●ming
               expression
               of
               foolish
               and
               ignorant
               .
               Mr.
               Murcot
               in
               obedience
               to
               Scripture
               command
               ;
               doth
               not
               render
               reviling
               for
               revileing
               ,
               but
               seriously
               ,
               and
               sadly
               said
               ,
               I
               am
               so
               ;
               but
               as
               for
               you
               ,
               the
               Lord
               
               give
               you
               an
               humble
               frame
               ,
               which
               meek
               and
               mild
               answer
               so
               far
               convinced
               and
               silenced
               his
               Adversary
               ,
               that
               he
               quietly
               sate
               down
               at
               the
               Table
               again
               .
            
             
               These
               harsh
               Ocurrences
               ;
               and
               uncomfortable
               incounters
               ,
               put
               a
               period
               to
               all
               Overtures
               concerning
               his
               removal
               to
               Chester
               ,
               so
               that
               now
               he
               saith
               ,
               I
               will
               be
               gone
               to
               Ireland
               .
               I
               cannot
               live
               without
               the
               Ordinances
               at
               West-kerby
               ,
               nor
               like
               a
               Salamander
               in
               the
               fire
               at
               Chester
               .
            
             
               His
               debate
               concerning
               a
               tranfretation
               to
               Ireland
               ,
               is
               now
               ripened
               in
               to
               a
               resolution
               .
               Wherefore
               ,
               taking
               his
               leave
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               he
               imbarques
               himself
               in
               a
               small
               vessel
               ,
               though
               others
               of
               considerable
               For●e
               and
               Burden
               presented
               ,
               the
               rather
               ,
               because
               she
               was
               bound
               directly
               for
               Dublin
               ,
               when
               others
               intended
               to
               make
               an
               halt
               at
               the
               I
               le
               of
               Man
               ,
               which
               was
               now
               to
               be
               assaulted
               ,
               and
               in
               order
               thereunto
               ,
               a
               Fleet
               ,
               and
               souldiers
               prepared
               .
            
             
               Being
               near
               Holy-Head
               ,
               the
               wind
               ,
               though
               not
               contrary
               ,
               began
               to
               arise
               and
               grow
               impetuous
               ,
               and
               was
               but
               a
               degree
               below
               a
               down-right
               storm
               ;
               so
               that
               the
               master
               thought
               it
               most
               ▪
               convenient
               to
               cast
               Anchor
               under
               the
               shelter
               of
               a
               rocky
               Iland
               ,
               till
               the
               force
               of
               the
               wind
               should
               be
               somewhat
               abated
               .
               Mr.
               Murcot
               is
               desired
               by
               some
               godly
               Passengers
               ,
               to
               present
               their
               condition
               before
               that
               God
               in
               prayer
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               Hope
               of
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               of
               them
               that
               are
               afar
               off
               upon
               the
               Sea
               ,
               which
               he
               did
               ,
               with
               inlarged
               affections
               and
               desired
               success
               .
               The
               wind
               is
               presently
               confined
               and
               made
               a
               Prisoner
               to
               Omnipotency
               ,
               and
               no
               wonder
               ;
               A
               more
               g●ateful
               Gale
               comes
               blowing
               into
               Gods
               bosom
               ,
               from
               the
               Region
               of
               a
               devout
               heart
               .
            
             
               *
               The
               groaning
               Gusts
               and
               swelling
               Surges
               are
               husht
               into
               silence
               and
               calmness
               ,
               when
               once
               the
               soft
               ,
               and
               sweet
               breathings
               of
               the
               Spirit
               approach
               the
               ears
               of
               the
               Holy
               one
               of
               Israel
               .
            
             
               Jonah's
               prayer
               was
               a
               line
               to
               pluck
               him
               up
               out
               of
               the
               deep
               ;
               Mr.
               Murcots
               ,
               a
               bladder
               to
               keep
               him
               ,
               and
               many
               others
               from
               sinking
               into
               it
               .
            
             
               The
               night
               coming
               on
               ,
               it
               was
               resolved
               to
               put
               to
               Sea
               ,
               hoping
               by
               the
               morning-light
               ,
               they
               would
               be
               near
               the
               Bar
               ▪
               of
               Dublin
               ,
               and
               by
               this
               means
               be
               secure
               from
               those
               Piratical
               Rovers
               ,
               who
               were
               now
               abroad
               ,
               and
               much
               infested
               the
               Coast
               .
            
             
               As
               they
               are
               thrusting
               into
               the
               Bay
               of
               Dublin
               ,
               a
               ship
               is
               espied
               near
               the
               head
               of
               Hoath
               ,
               and
               not
               without
               cause
               suspected
               to
               be
               
               an
               enemy
               ,
               for
               it
               presently
               made
               towards
               them
               ,
               and
               as
               they
               prepare
               to
               flie
               ,
               their
               Rudder
               is
               unhanged
               ,
               and
               they
               in
               danger
               of
               being
               made
               a
               Prey
               ,
               but
               diligence
               being
               used
               ,
               it
               is
               again
               fastened
               ;
               and
               before
               the
               Adversary
               approach
               so
               near
               ,
               as
               to
               make
               them
               feel
               the
               force
               of
               his
               sharpened
               claws
               ,
               he
               hath
               his
               Rudder
               also
               unhanged
               ,
               which
               being
               set
               to
               right
               again
               ,
               the
               Lord
               took
               away
               his
               heart
               ,
               that
               he
               ceased
               to
               pursue
               ,
               and
               gave
               over
               the
               chase
               ;
               and
               this
               he
               confessed
               ,
               being
               two
               daies
               after
               taken
               by
               a
               Man
               of
               War
               ,
               belonging
               to
               the
               Parliament
               .
            
             
               Drawing
               near
               to
               the
               Bar
               of
               Dublin
               ,
               which
               as
               yet
               had
               not
               water
               enough
               to
               warrant
               a
               safe
               passage
               over
               it
               ;
               a
               small
               vessel
               which
               was
               there
               at
               Anchor
               weighs
               ,
               as
               fearing
               a
               surprisal
               ,
               and
               flies
               ,
               when
               none
               pursues
               .
               Much
               of
               God
               will
               be
               seen
               by
               considering
               what
               this
               little
               bottom
               was
               ,
               and
               in
               what
               condition
               its
               trembling
               Passengers
               were
               .
               A
               vessel
               of
               four
               guns
               set
               sail
               from
               Lever-pool
               water
               the
               same
               tyde
               ,
               with
               this
               Mr.
               Murcot
               was
               in
               ,
               but
               did
               not
               cast
               Anchor
               at
               Holy-Head
               as
               she
               did
               ,
               but
               chose
               rather
               to
               keep
               to
               Sea
               ,
               by
               which
               means
               they
               fell
               into
               the
               hands
               of
               an
               hungry
               Pirate
               ,
               who
               lay
               in
               wait
               to
               destroy
               .
               Their
               four
               guns
               are
               not
               of
               force
               sufficient
               to
               beat
               off
               the
               assaulting
               enemy
               .
               In
               the
               contest
               some
               powder
               is
               fired
               ,
               several
               Passengers
               are
               blown
               up
               into
               the
               air
               ,
               and
               fall
               into
               the
               Sea
               ,
               both
               Elements
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               conspiring
               their
               ruine
               ,
               the
               one
               by
               scorching
               ,
               and
               the
               other
               by
               suffocation
               .
               Others
               are
               miserably
               wounded
               ,
               rent
               ,
               torn
               ,
               mangled
               ,
               who
               being
               taken
               out
               ,
               are
               put
               into
               this
               small
               vessel
               ,
               which
               the
               Man
               of
               War
               had
               by
               him
               .
            
             
               How
               free
               is
               that
               grace
               that
               saves
               some
               ,
               whilest
               others
               are
               destroyed
               ;
               and
               keeps
               their
               feet
               from
               running
               into
               that
               snare
               ,
               in
               which
               others
               are
               intangled
               to
               their
               undoing
               ?
            
             
               The
               Lord
               hath
               more
               work
               for
               Mr.
               Murcet
               to
               do
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               shall
               not
               dye
               ,
               but
               live
               ,
               and
               declare
               the
               Name
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               Arriving
               at
               Dublin
               ,
               he
               is
               hospitably
               and
               kindly
               entertained
               by
               Sir
               
                 Robert
                 King
              
               in
               his
               own
               house
               ,
               who
               conduced
               much
               towards
               his
               coming
               over
               .
            
             
               A
               while
               after
               ,
               observing
               with
               a
               strict
               eye
               the
               Church
               at
               Dublin
               ,
               and
               approving
               its
               soundness
               in
               doctrine
               ,
               and
               severity
               in
               discipline
               ,
               he
               assayed
               to
               joyn
               himself
               unto
               them
               ,
               and
               was
               readily
               embraced
               ,
               
               they
               unanimously
               and
               chearfully
               giving
               unto
               him
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               fellowship
               .
            
             
               And
               now
               like
               a
               slip
               placed
               in
               a
               rich
               soil
               ,
               he
               sprouted
               up
               apace
               ,
               which
               appeared
               by
               a
               visible
               increase
               of
               Gifts
               and
               Graces
               .
               His
               leaves
               were
               not
               only
               broad
               and
               beautiful
               ,
               but
               his
               fruit
               was
               fair
               and
               full
               ,
               and
               of
               proportionable
               dimensions
               .
               His
               Spikenard
               sent
               forth
               the
               smell
               thereof
               to
               the
               refreshing
               of
               many
               ,
               and
               his
               smell
               was
               as
               the
               smell
               of
               a
               Field
               that
               the
               Lord
               had
               blessed
               .
            
             
               Preaching
               on
               a
               Fast-day
               before
               the
               Commissioners
               of
               Parliament
               ,
               he
               got
               cold
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               dangerous
               Feavour
               was
               brought
               to
               the
               brink
               of
               the
               Pit.
               Being
               in
               a
               very
               great
               and
               ill-portending
               sweat
               ,
               his
               Physitians
               gave
               him
               over
               ,
               as
               thinking
               that
               his
               life
               and
               sweat
               would
               expire
               and
               cease
               together
               ,
               but
               the
               Lord
               had
               mercy
               on
               him
               ,
               and
               therein
               on
               many
               others
               ,
               especially
               his
               absent
               wife
               ,
               who
               was
               not
               yet
               come
               to
               him
               .
               The
               means
               of
               his
               Recovery
               this
               :
               His
               Nurse
               seeing
               him
               in
               such
               a
               deplorable
               condition
               ,
               resolved
               to
               try
               her
               skill
               ,
               and
               commit
               the
               success
               unto
               God
               ;
               wherefore
               mingling
               some
               Sack
               with
               his
               broth
               ,
               she
               gave
               it
               him
               to
               drink
               ,
               with
               which
               his
               wasted
               spirits
               are
               refreshed
               ,
               his
               sweat
               leaves
               him
               ,
               and
               with
               it
               his
               disease
               .
            
             
               The
               Commissioners
               of
               Parliament
               having
               occasion
               to
               go
               into
               the
               West
               ,
               take
               him
               along
               with
               them
               ,
               as
               knowing
               that
               he
               would
               be
               of
               use
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               several
               places
               through
               which
               they
               were
               to
               pass
               ;
               and
               indeed
               so
               he
               was
               ,
               leaving
               a
               sweet
               savour
               behind
               him
               upon
               the
               spirits
               of
               many
               .
            
             
               Being
               at
               Cork
               ,
               his
               continuance
               and
               fixing
               there
               was
               desired
               and
               requested
               ,
               especially
               by
               the
               godly
               ,
               who
               afterwards
               employing
               Mr.
               
                 Walter
                 Cooper
              
               (
               whose
               affairs
               called
               him
               up
               to
               Dublin
               )
               by
               him
               made
               a
               solemn
               address
               to
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               importunately
               intreated
               a
               supply
               out
               of
               their
               store
               .
               The
               matter
               is
               debated
               ,
               the
               Lord
               sought
               in
               the
               thing
               ,
               but
               no
               inclination
               appears
               of
               parting
               with
               him
               .
               But
               above
               all
               ,
               Mr.
               Murcot
               addresseth
               himself
               in
               private
               to
               a
               more
               serious
               and
               penetrating
               consideration
               of
               the
               matter
               .
               Some
               few
               of
               those
               many
               particulars
               which
               he
               spread
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               weighed
               in
               the
               Ballance
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               ,
               are
               here
               presented
               ,
               for
               the
               rest
               are
               unhappily
               lost
               .
            
             
             
               
                 
                   
                     Encouragements
                     to
                     continue
                     still
                     at
                     Dublin
                     .
                  
                   
                     Discouragements
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     
                       ENjoyment
                       of
                       the
                       Ordinances
                    
                     .
                  
                   
                     1.
                     
                     VNsuitableness
                     for
                     so
                     populous
                     a
                     place
                     ,
                     by
                     reason
                     of
                     his
                     youth
                     and
                     weakness
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       Plentiful
                       converse
                       with
                       many
                       fellow-Christians
                       ,
                       and
                       their
                       watchful
                       eye
                       over
                       him
                       ,
                       which
                       being
                       young
                       he
                       needed
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Haply
                     not
                     having
                     an
                     interest
                     in
                     the
                     affections
                     of
                     the
                     Generality
                     of
                     Gods
                     people
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                   
                     Encouragements
                     to
                     go
                     to
                     Cork
                     .
                  
                   
                     Discouragements
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     
                       THeir
                       great
                       need
                       and
                       extream
                       want
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     1.
                     
                     WAnt
                     of
                     the
                     Ordinances
                     there
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       Their
                       ardent
                       desire
                       to
                       enjoy
                       him
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Vnfitness
                     to
                     engage
                     in
                     matters
                     controversal
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     3.
                     
                     
                       The
                       pressing
                       importunity
                       of
                       the
                       Commissioners
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     His
                     heart
                     not
                     enclined
                     after
                     seeking
                     God.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   
                      
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Want
                     of
                     such
                     a
                     Magistracy
                     at
                     Cork
                     ,
                     as
                     would
                     publikely
                     and
                     professedly
                     own
                     the
                     waies
                     and
                     worship
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     back
                     the
                     Ministry
                     of
                     the
                     word
                     by
                     its
                     Power
                     and
                     Authority
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
               In
               vain
               doth
               a
               Minister
               preach
               up
               the
               morality
               of
               the
               Sabbath
               ,
               and
               the
               necessity
               of
               a
               religious
               observance
               ,
               if
               the
               Magistrate
               draw
               not
               forth
               the
               sword
               of
               Justice
               ,
               and
               severely
               punish
               its
               prophane
               violators
               ,
               who
               either
               lie
               lurking
               in
               blind
               corners
               ,
               and
               swine-like
               prefer
               a
               little
               nasty
               puddle
               before
               the
               clear
               and
               crystaline
               waters
               that-flow
               from
               under
               the
               threshold
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               ,
               
               or
               like
               so
               many
               vagrants
               ,
               and
               vagabonds
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
               wander
               up
               and
               down
               the
               high-waies
               ,
               and
               fields
               ,
               being
               more
               delighted
               belike
               with
               the
               singing
               of
               hedge-birds
               ,
               then
               with
               the
               tinckling
               of
               their
               feet
               ,
               who
               bring
               the
               glad
               tidings
               of
               peace
               .
            
             
               What
               avails
               it
               to
               invade
               drunkards
               and
               swearers
               with
               a
               whole
               squadron
               of
               Scripture
               arguments
               ,
               if
               a
               Magistrate
               ,
               seeing
               and
               hearing
               their
               villanous
               outrage
               ,
               be
               not
               presently
               awakened
               and
               startled
               into
               an
               holy
               indignation
               ,
               and
               unbended
               resolution
               to
               make
               them
               smart
               for
               their
               offences
               ,
               and
               by
               this
               means
               preserve
               from
               future
               e●ormities
               ?
            
             
               It
               s
               sad
               ,
               when
               a
               Justice
               of
               Peace
               shall
               take
               his
               denomination
               from
               holding
               his
               peace
               ,
               when
               he
               should
               speak
               and
               plead
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               from
               being
               at
               peace
               with
               sin
               ,
               and
               sinners
               ,
               whose
               whorish
               foreheads
               ,
               and
               brazen
               brows
               should
               be
               battered
               into
               a
               more
               modest
               softness
               ,
               and
               whose
               unruly
               hands
               and
               feet
               should
               be
               bound
               and
               hampered
               with
               the
               cords
               of
               the
               Law
               ?
            
             
               O
               ,
               that
               Psalm
               101.
               might
               be
               seriously
               perused
               ,
               and
               conscienciously
               practised
               by
               men
               in
               power
               .
               I
               might
               then
               expect
               the
               savour
               ,
               and
               face
               of
               Religion
               in
               those
               Places
               that
               are
               now
               over-grown
               with
               unbounded
               Barbarism
               ,
               and
               rooted
               Prophaneness
               .
            
             
               The
               result
               of
               all
               is
               briefly
               this
               ,
               a
               Resolution
               to
               continue
               still
               at
               Dublin
               ,
               unless
               taken
               off
               by
               a
               clearer
               Call
               then
               this
               .
            
             
               Some
               time
               after
               
                 Joseph
                 Eyres
              
               came
               out
               of
               England
               to
               Youghall
               upon
               the
               account
               of
               his
               own
               personal
               concernments
               ,
               and
               rosolved
               after
               the
               expiration
               of
               some
               moneths
               to
               return
               to
               London
               ,
               but
               preaching
               occasionally
               at
               Cork
               ,
               the
               inhabitants
               desire
               his
               stay
               and
               exercise
               of
               his
               Ministry
               amongst
               them
               ,
               and
               so
               much
               the
               rather
               ,
               because
               at
               that
               time
               the
               Ministers
               of
               the
               County
               of
               Cork
               were
               generally
               articled
               against
               .
               A
               Petition
               was
               presented
               to
               the
               Authority
               there
               ,
               which
               to
               the
               sadning
               of
               the
               souls
               of
               the
               righteous
               ,
               met
               not
               with
               a
               desired
               compliance
               .
               However
               Mr.
               Eyres
               was
               ingaged
               to
               continue
               there
               ,
               till
               addresses
               should
               be
               made
               to
               the
               superiour
               powers
               at
               Dublin
               .
            
             
               In
               order
               hereunto
               ,
               a
               Fast
               is
               appointed
               ,
               Dr.
               Worth
               ,
               Mr.
               Hacket
               ,
               and
               Mr.
               Eyres
               preached
               and
               prayed
               ,
               the
               product
               of
               which
               was
               ,
               an
               unanimous
               Resolution
               in
               the
               people
               to
               send
               Mr.
               
                 Mark
                 Taylor
              
               ,
               (
               a
               man
               of
               known
               integrity
               ,
               zeal
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               love
               to
               
               the
               Truth
               )
               to
               Dublin
               ,
               with
               a
               Petition
               to
               the
               Commissioners
               of
               Parliament
               ,
               the
               tenour
               of
               which
               was
               an
               humble
               request
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               have
               Mr.
               Murcot
               and
               Mr.
               Eyres
               settled
               amongst
               them
               .
               The
               Commissioners
               are
               more
               inclinable
               to
               Mr
               Murcots
               removal
               then
               the
               Inhabitants
               of
               Dublin
               ,
               who
               are
               loath
               to
               part
               with
               a
               clear
               and
               steady
               light
               in
               times
               of
               distraction
               ,
               confusion
               ,
               and
               doleful
               defection
               from
               the
               Truth
               .
               Wherefore
               the
               City
               Petitions
               the
               Authority
               for
               his
               stay
               ,
               yet
               are
               willing
               to
               spare
               him
               for
               two
               moneths
               ;
               so
               that
               Mr.
               Taylor
               hath
               his
               company
               down
               to
               Cork
               ,
               and
               the
               people
               of
               that
               and
               other
               places
               the
               benefit
               of
               his
               Ministry
               ;
               whose
               doctrine
               dropping
               as
               the
               rain
               ,
               and
               distilling
               as
               the
               dew
               ,
               caused
               a
               greenness
               ,
               and
               verdure
               to
               appear
               upon
               some
               parched
               mountains
               of
               Pride
               ,
               Vanity
               ,
               Prophanness
               ,
               and
               a
               Reflourishing
               in
               such
               precious
               plants
               ,
               as
               were
               now
               in
               a
               languishing
               condition
               ,
               for
               want
               of
               these
               refreshing
               showers
               ,
               which
               after
               a
               time
               of
               drought
               ,
               were
               the
               more
               welcome
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               the
               more
               fruitfully
               improved
               by
               them
               .
            
             
               During
               the
               time
               of
               his
               abode
               at
               Cork
               ,
               and
               visible
               success
               there
               ,
               an
               unhappy
               Accident
               fell
               out
               ,
               whereby
               the
               minds
               of
               the
               attentive
               people
               ,
               (
               who
               now
               began
               to
               look
               about
               them
               ,
               and
               to
               mind
               the
               things
               belonging
               unto
               their
               peace
               )
               were
               wofully
               distracted
               ,
               and
               the
               free
               progress
               and
               passage
               of
               the
               Gospel
               impeded
               ,
               and
               that
               was
               his
               engagement
               with
               Dr.
               Harding
               about
               Infant-Baptism
               ,
               an
               account
               whereof
               take
               under
               his
               own
               hand
               ,
               sent
               in
               a
               letter
               to
               a
               friend
               in
               Dublin
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                     
                       A
                       brief
                       Narrative
                       of
                       the
                       discourse
                       between
                       Dr.
                       Harding
                       ,
                       and
                       Dr.
                       Worth
                       ,
                       and
                       my self
                       ,
                       and
                       the
                       occasion
                       thereof
                       .
                    
                     
                       
                         FOrmerly
                         .
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         and
                         some
                         others
                         ,
                         had
                         a
                         conference
                         with
                         Dr.
                      
                       Harding
                       
                         and
                         some
                         others
                         touching
                         infants
                         Baptism
                         ,
                         and
                         being
                         not
                         satisfied
                         herewith
                         ,
                         Dr.
                      
                       Harding
                       
                         did
                         provoke
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         to
                         a
                         further
                         debate
                         about
                         it
                         .
                         And
                         to
                         omit
                         many
                         other
                         passages
                         not
                         worth
                         the
                         mentioning
                         ,
                         Vpon
                      
                       Thursday
                       ,
                       May
                       '
                       19.
                       
                         after
                         my
                         Sermon
                         at
                      
                       Peters
                       ,
                       Dr.
                       Harding
                       
                         publikely
                         produced
                         a
                         Question
                         ,
                         (
                         which
                         before
                         he
                         had
                         sent
                         to
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       )
                       
                         and
                         bore
                         the
                         people
                         in
                         hand
                         ;
                         he
                         was
                         willing
                         to
                         dispute
                         it
                         with
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         that
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         was
                         unwilling
                         ;
                         though
                         indeed
                         the
                         Question
                         was
                         such
                         a
                         confused
                         heap
                         ,
                         that
                         it
                         is
                         no
                         wonder
                         if
                         neither
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       ,
                       
                         nor
                         any
                         other
                         rational
                         man
                         would
                         undertake
                         it
                         :
                      
                       viz.
                       
                         Whether
                         the
                         practise
                         of
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         and
                         other
                         pretended
                         Ministers
                         of
                         Jesus
                         Christ
                         in
                      
                       England
                       ,
                       Scotland
                       and
                       Ireland
                       ,
                       
                         in
                         sprinkling
                         of
                         Infants
                         ,
                         were
                         according
                         to
                         the
                         mind
                         of
                         Christ
                         ,
                         and
                         so
                         be
                         proved
                         and
                         approved
                         by
                         the
                         Primitive
                         Churches
                         ;
                         or
                         to
                         this
                         purpose
                         I
                         am
                         sure
                         for
                         all
                         the
                         substantials
                         of
                         it
                         .
                         If
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         undertake
                         this
                         ,
                         then
                         every
                         rational
                         man
                         sees
                         ;
                         what
                         confusion
                         he
                         is
                         involved
                         in
                         ;
                         if
                         not
                         ,
                         then
                         the
                         people
                         must
                         believe
                         he
                         declines
                         disputing
                         with
                         him
                         .
                         It
                         is
                         doubtful
                         Dr.
                      
                       Harding
                       
                         did
                         not
                         much
                         matter
                         which
                         way
                         it
                         had
                         gone
                         ,
                         he
                         had
                         his
                         ends
                         either
                         way
                         .
                         I
                         conceive
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         declined
                         his
                         Question
                         as
                         stated
                         by
                         himself
                         ,
                         and
                         offered
                         to
                         dispute
                         upon
                         either
                         of
                         these
                         two
                         :
                      
                       viz.
                       1.
                       
                       
                         Whether
                         any
                         Infants
                         ought
                         to
                         be
                         baptized
                         ,
                         holding
                         the
                         Affirmative
                         .
                         2.
                         
                         Whether
                         persons
                         duly
                         baptized
                         in
                         infancy
                         ,
                         ought
                         to
                         be
                         rebaptized
                         ,
                         when
                         adult
                         ,
                         holding
                         the
                         Negative
                         .
                         Dr.
                      
                       Harding
                       
                         refused
                         both
                         ,
                         and
                         nothing
                         would
                         serve
                         him
                         but
                         his
                         confused
                         heap
                         of
                         Questions
                         in
                         one
                         ;
                         A
                         known
                         fallacy
                         .
                         After
                         much
                         contest
                      
                       Pro
                       and
                       Con
                       :
                       
                         I
                         was
                         grieved
                         to
                         see
                         so
                         little
                         Candor
                         ,
                         as
                         I
                         conceived
                         in
                         Dr.
                      
                       Harding
                       ,
                       
                         and
                         took
                         the
                         boldness
                         to
                         request
                         of
                         him
                         to
                         satisfie
                         the
                         Congregation
                         ;
                         that
                         to
                         the
                         first
                         of
                         the
                         two
                         ,
                         he
                         would
                         say
                         I
                         or
                         no.
                         When
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         prest
                         him
                         to
                         it
                         many
                         times
                         ,
                         he
                         would
                         not
                         answer
                         ,
                         no
                         sooner
                         had
                         I
                         spoken
                         ,
                         but
                         he
                         said
                         ,
                         To
                         Mr.
                      
                       Murcot
                       
                         he
                         would
                         say
                         No
                         ,
                         that
                         is
                         ,
                         That
                         no
                         infants
                         
                         were
                         to
                         be
                         baptized
                         ;
                         And
                         to
                         satisfie
                         the
                         Congregation
                         ,
                         would
                         maintain
                         it
                         against
                         me
                         ▪
                         though
                         not
                         against
                         him
                         .
                         This
                         much
                         troubled
                         me
                         ,
                         it
                         being
                         so
                         beside
                         my
                         intention
                         ,
                         and
                         against
                         my
                         resolution
                         ,
                         to
                         turn
                         aside
                         from
                         the
                         main
                         work
                         to
                         any
                         thing
                         of
                         this
                         nature
                         ;
                         And
                         indeed
                         it
                         did
                         ,
                         I
                         doubt
                         ,
                         (
                         through
                         the
                         subtilty
                         of
                         the
                         wicked
                         one
                         )
                         put
                         that
                         Sermon
                         put
                         of
                         the
                         Peoples
                         minds
                         ,
                         and
                         prevent
                         them
                         of
                         another
                         the
                         next
                         week
                         ;
                         I
                         did
                         long
                         refuse
                         it
                         ,
                         telling
                         him
                         ,
                         He
                         did
                         but
                         now
                         challenge
                         all
                         men
                         ,
                         and
                         why
                         not
                         undertake
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       
                         as
                         well
                         as
                         me
                         ,
                         except
                         he
                         fought
                         for
                         Victory
                         more
                         then
                         Truth
                         ?
                         but
                         at
                         last
                         I
                         yielded
                         to
                         undertake
                         it
                         ,
                         with
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       ,
                       
                         though
                         I
                         must
                         be
                         the
                         Forlorn
                         ▪
                         The
                         next
                      
                       Thursday
                       ,
                       
                         that
                         is
                      
                       ,
                       May
                       26.
                       
                         as
                         I
                         remember
                         ,
                         was
                         set
                         for
                         it
                         ,
                         the
                         Question
                         was
                         agreed
                         upon
                         then
                         a
                         week
                         before
                         ,
                         and
                         the
                         manner
                         of
                         managing
                         it
                         ,
                         by
                         way
                         of
                         Syllogism
                         ,
                         not
                         long
                         discourses
                         ,
                         which
                         lead
                         people
                         into
                         a
                         maze
                         .
                         The
                         time
                         came
                         ,
                         and
                         yet
                         (
                         notwithstanding
                         former
                         agreements
                         in
                         the
                         face
                         of
                         the
                         Congregation
                         )
                         there
                         was
                         so
                         little
                         candor
                         shewed
                         ,
                         as
                         that
                         two
                         hours
                         I
                         am
                         confident
                         were
                         spent
                         before
                         I
                         could
                         bring
                         him
                         to
                         agree
                         to
                         the
                         Question
                         and
                         manner
                         of
                         disco●rsing
                         it
                         ;
                         A
                         sad
                         Omen
                         what
                         the
                         issue
                         was
                         like
                         to
                         be
                         !
                         All
                         that
                         he
                         urged
                         for
                         the
                         Negative
                         (
                         which
                         according
                         to
                         promise
                         ,
                         at
                         last
                         I
                         prevailed
                         with
                         him
                         to
                         defend
                         )
                         was
                         ,
                         That
                         there
                         was
                         no
                         Command
                         or
                         Example
                         ;
                         or
                         thus
                         ,
                         No
                         Institution
                         ,
                         Warrant
                         nor
                         Example
                         for
                         it
                         in
                         the
                         Gospel
                      
                       ;
                       ergo
                       ,
                       
                         It
                         was
                         answered
                         ,
                         There
                         was
                         express
                         warrant
                         for
                         Baptism
                         in
                         the
                         Gospel
                         ,
                         and
                         consequential
                         warrant
                         for
                         the
                         circumstance
                         of
                         time
                         ,
                         the
                         age
                         of
                         the
                         subject
                         .
                         After
                         a
                         cavil
                         (
                         rather
                         then
                         an
                         Arg●ment
                         )
                         that
                         for
                         the
                         time
                         ,
                         it
                         must
                         be
                         in
                         the
                         womb
                         ,
                         or
                         after
                         Birth
                         ,
                         and
                         then
                         before
                         the
                         eighth
                         day
                         ,
                         or
                         upon
                         it
                         ,
                         or
                         after
                         it
                         ,
                         which
                         were
                         as
                         easily
                         answered
                         as
                         said
                         ;
                         the
                         result
                         was
                         ,
                         he
                         denyed
                         my
                         consequential
                         Gospel-Warrant
                         for
                         the
                         time
                         ,
                         and
                         truly
                         this
                         was
                         all
                         he
                         had
                         to
                         say
                         against
                         us
                         there
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         Now
                         I
                         was
                         put
                         to
                         prove
                         a
                         consequential
                         Warrant
                         for
                         Infants
                         Baptism
                         from
                         the
                         Gospel
                         ,
                         I
                         first
                         laid
                         down
                         ,
                      
                       Mat.
                       28.
                       19.
                       
                         to
                         argue
                         from
                         a
                         Scripture
                         ,
                         &
                         argued
                         that
                         from
                         thence
                         there
                         was
                         warrant
                         to
                         baptize
                         all
                         Disciples
                         whatsoever
                         ,
                         and
                         Infants
                         were
                         Disciples
                         .
                      
                       Ergo.
                       
                         I
                         put
                         not
                         the
                         Arguments
                         in
                         form
                         in
                         this
                         Narrative
                         :
                         much
                         cavilling
                         there
                         was
                         about
                         Discipling
                         ;
                         He
                         would
                         have
                         it
                         only
                         such
                         Disciples
                         as
                         could
                         learn
                         ,
                         and
                         that
                         Infants
                         were
                         not
                         made
                         Disciples
                         according
                         to
                      
                       Mat.
                       28.
                       
                       Dr.
                       Worth
                       
                         urged
                         according
                         to
                         that
                         before
                         ,
                         if
                         the
                         word
                         there
                         
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                        
                         ,
                         signifie
                         all
                         Disciples
                         whatsoever
                         ,
                         then
                         Infants
                         are
                         such
                         as
                         are
                         there
                         intended
                         ,
                         but
                         the
                         former
                         is
                         true
                      
                       ;
                       Ergo.
                       
                         Here
                         Mr.
                      
                       Hacket
                       
                       
                         unadvisedly
                         tore
                         a
                         piece
                         of
                         the
                         paper
                         upon
                         which
                         the
                         Arguments
                         were
                         written
                         ,
                         thinking
                         he
                         had
                         torn
                         off
                         only
                         a
                         Syllogism
                         of
                         his
                         own
                         which
                         he
                         had
                         written
                         ,
                         not
                         willing
                         to
                         appear
                         in
                         the
                         dispute
                         in
                         writing
                         ;
                         it
                         seems
                         some
                         little
                         of
                         Dr.
                      
                       Hardings
                       
                         writing
                         was
                         on
                         the
                         other
                         side
                         ,
                         or
                         of
                         mine
                         ,
                         which
                         Mr.
                      
                       Hacket
                       
                         saw
                         not
                         ,
                         else
                         I
                         believe
                         he
                         would
                         not
                         have
                         torn
                         it
                         .
                         At
                         this
                         the
                         Dr.
                         takes
                         occasion
                         to
                         break
                         off
                         ,
                         crying
                         out
                         of
                         Perfidiousness
                         ,
                         which
                         the
                         Lord
                         knows
                         ,
                         was
                         nothing
                         but
                         an
                         Ignorance
                         ;
                         I
                         am
                         sure
                         to
                         me
                         it
                         was
                         so
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         He
                         knew
                         the
                         best
                         time
                         to
                         give
                         over
                         ,
                         even
                         before
                         we
                         came
                         to
                         the
                         pitch
                         of
                         the
                         Controversie
                         ,
                         so
                         the
                         people
                         went
                         away
                         as
                         much
                         unsatisfied
                         as
                         they
                         came
                         ,
                         except
                         it
                         were
                         of
                         the
                         want
                         of
                         ingenuity
                         in
                         carrying
                         of
                         it
                         on
                         .
                         I
                         am
                         sure
                         ,
                         I
                         was
                         not
                         a
                         little
                         troubled
                         we
                         should
                         tire
                         our selves
                         and
                         the
                         people
                         in
                         six
                         hours
                         discourse
                         to
                         so
                         little
                         purpose
                         ;
                         I
                         hope
                         it
                         will
                         be
                         a
                         warning
                         to
                         me
                         for
                         the
                         future
                         .
                         The
                         Dr.
                         being
                         full
                         at
                         stomack
                         ,
                         the
                         last
                         Lords
                         day
                         in
                         the
                         morning
                         at
                      
                       Peters
                       
                         names
                         a
                         Text
                      
                       ,
                       Heb.
                       6.
                       
                         beginning
                         ,
                         laies
                         it
                         aside
                         ,
                         instead
                         of
                         a
                         Sermon
                         ,
                         calls
                         for
                         ink
                         and
                         paper
                         ,
                         writes
                         down
                         the
                         following
                         13.
                         
                         Arguments
                         for
                         Infants
                         Baptism
                         ,
                         professing
                         (
                         I
                         suppose
                         ,
                         else
                         I
                         know
                         not
                         to
                         what
                         end
                         he
                         took
                         that
                         pains
                         )
                         to
                         maintain
                         the
                         Negative
                         against
                         all
                         these
                         grounds
                         ;
                         thus
                         he
                         entertained
                         the
                         Congregation
                         he
                         had
                         ,
                         to
                         the
                         wearying
                         of
                         some
                         of
                         them
                         ,
                         and
                         sent
                         the
                         paper
                         ,
                         either
                         to
                         Dr.
                      
                       Worth
                       ,
                       
                         or
                         in
                         his
                         absence
                         to
                         me
                         ,
                         but
                         with
                         no
                         intimation
                         to
                         what
                         end
                         ,
                         as
                         I
                         remember
                         ,
                         the
                         Arguments
                         are
                         as
                         followeth
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         Paedobaptis
                         .
                         Assert
                         .
                      
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Circumcisi
                         sunt
                         baptizandi
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Discipuli
                         (
                         
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                        
                         )
                         &c.
                         
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                        
                         *
                         baptizandi
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         4.
                         
                         Familiae
                         —
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         5.
                         
                         Sancti
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         6.
                         
                         Foederati
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         7.
                         
                         Sanctificati
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         
                         8.
                         
                         Filii
                         Dei.
                         
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         9.
                         
                         Christiani
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         10.
                         
                         Haeredes
                         Regni
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         11.
                         
                         Privilegiati
                         ,
                         seu
                         privilegio
                         peculiari
                         supra
                         caeteros
                         ;
                         
                           the
                           next
                           word
                           I
                           cannot
                           read
                           .
                        
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         12.
                         
                         Traditio
                         seu
                         consuetudo
                         .
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                       
                         13.
                         
                         Promissum
                         (
                         
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                           〈◊〉
                        
                         .
                         )
                      
                       
                         At
                         —
                         gò
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         These
                         I
                         received
                         about
                         half
                         an
                         hour
                         before
                         I
                         went
                         to
                         preach
                         in
                         the
                         afternoon
                         ,
                         which
                         (
                         though
                         some
                         di●traction
                         to
                         my
                         thoughts
                         )
                         I
                         resolved
                         to
                         say
                         nothing
                         to
                         ,
                         but
                         to
                         mind
                         that
                         I
                         prepared
                         for
                         the
                         peoples
                         greater
                         edification
                         ;
                         only
                         by
                         way
                         of
                         Preface
                         ,
                         I
                         let
                         the
                         people
                         know
                         I
                         had
                         received
                         such
                         a
                         paper
                         of
                         Arguments
                         for
                         Infants
                         Baptism
                         ;
                         some
                         whereof
                         .
                         I
                         owned
                         ,
                         and
                         some
                         not
                         ,
                         but
                         in
                         the
                         General
                         I
                         said
                         what
                         was
                         said
                         of
                      
                       Bellarmine
                       ,
                       
                         That
                         he
                         had
                         brought
                         more
                         arguments
                         against
                         himself
                         then
                         he
                         could-answer
                         ,
                         so
                         I
                         thought
                         of
                         these
                         ;
                         and
                         c●utioned
                         the
                         people
                         to
                         beware
                         what
                         Doctrine
                         they
                         did
                         embrace
                         ,
                         and
                         gave
                         some
                         other
                         suitable
                         counsel
                         to
                         them
                         .
                         And
                         so
                         I
                         fell
                         upon
                         my
                         intended
                         Sermon
                         .
                         This
                         is
                         the
                         true
                         state
                         of
                         the
                         matter
                         for
                         the
                         substance
                         ,
                         which
                         I
                         thought
                         good
                         to
                         send
                         ,
                         conceiving
                         there
                         might
                         be
                         occasion
                         for
                         it
                         there
                         .
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         J.
                         M.
                         
                      
                    
                  
                
              
            
             
               The
               allotted
               time
               of
               his
               continuance
               at
               Cork
               being
               expired
               ,
               he
               returned
               to
               Dublin
               ,
               to
               the
               great
               rejoycing
               of
               those
               ,
               whose
               very
               hearts
               were
               glued
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               whose
               thirsty
               souls
               longed
               after
               him
               .
               A
               friend
               asking
               him
               in
               what
               measure
               the
               Lord
               had
               blessed
               his
               labours
               as
               to
               conversion-work
               ,
               and
               the
               gaining
               in
               of
               souls
               to
               God
               ;
               he
               answered
               ,
               That
               at
               his
               first
               coming
               to
               Cork
               ,
               he
               to
               his
               joy
               knew
               some
               ,
               and
               heard
               of
               others
               ,
               whose
               faces
               were
               set
               towards
               Sion●
               ,
               and
               began
               to
               enquire
               after
               the
               Lord
               ,
               till
               the
               bone
               of
               dis●●ntion
               was
               cast
               in
               ,
               with
               which
               the
               people
               were
               wholly
               taken
               
               up
               ,
               and
               then
               with
               a
               sorrowful
               countenance
               ,
               and
               with
               eyes
               and
               hands
               lifted
               up
               to
               heaven
               ,
               said
               ,
               The
               Lord
               pardon
               me
               that
               ever
               I
               yielded
               to
               that
               wrangling
               dispute
               .
            
             
               Though
               Cork
               hath
               not
               his
               personal
               presence
               ,
               yet
               hath
               it
               a
               large
               share
               in
               his
               affections
               ,
               supplications
               and
               endeavours
               for
               its
               good
               ,
               which
               he
               manifested
               by
               procuring
               an
               Order
               for
               the
               repairing
               of
               Christ-Church
               ,
               and
               setling
               Mr.
               Eyres
               in
               it
               .
            
             
               The
               sickness
               beginning
               to
               break
               forth
               afresh
               at
               Dublin
               ,
               the
               Commissioners
               of
               Parliament
               send
               to
               the
               several
               Churches
               to
               humble
               themselves
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               to
               return
               to
               them
               an
               Account
               of
               what
               lay
               upon
               their
               spirits
               as
               the
               provoking
               and
               procuring
               cause
               of
               this
               smart
               expression
               of
               rekindled
               displeasure
               .
               The
               society
               Mr.
               Murcot
               was
               related
               to
               ,
               drew
               up
               their
               digested
               thoughts
               in
               certain
               Queries
               ;
               the
               most
               remarkable
               are
               here
               annexed
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Whether
               denying
               ,
               neglecting
               ,
               flighting
               ,
               and
               countenancing
               of
               〈…〉
               ghters
               of
               Mini●ters
               of
               the
               publike
               Ordinances
               of
               God
               ,
               be
               not
               an
               
                 Achan
                 ?
                 Exod.
                 4.
                 24.
                 5.
                 3.
                 
                 Lev.
              
               26.
               15
               ,
               25.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               Whether
               endeavouring
               to
               supplant
               the
               Ministry
               under
               pretence
               of
               all
               the
               Congregation
               of
               the
               Lords
               people
               being
               holy
               ,
               every
               one
               of
               them
               ,
               Numb
               .
               1.
               6.
               2
               ,
               3.
               5.
               21
               ,
               22.
               (
               in
               opposition
               whereunto
               ,
               Aar●n
               is
               called
               the
               Saint
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Psal
               .
               106.
               16.
               so
               Deut.
               33.
               11.
               
               )
               and
               abusing
               the
               Ministry
               ,
               be
               not
               a
               means
               to
               bring
               wrath
               without
               remedy
               ,
               2
               Chron
               36.
               15.
               which
               abuses
               are
               declared
               in
               the
               defence
               of
               the
               Worcestershire
               Petition
               ,
               especially
               in
               the
               Preface
               thereof
               :
               And
               whether
               if
               Magistrates
               keep
               silence
               ,
               they
               do
               not
               thereby
               make
               the
               sin
               their
               own
               ?
               1
               Sam.
               3.
               13.
               
            
             
               Mr.
               Murcot
               is
               chosen
               with
               others
               humbly
               to
               present
               this
               Representation
               ;
               
               which
               he
               did
               with
               a
               resolved
               ,
               and
               clear
               confidenee
               ,
               as
               knowing
               the
               cause
               was
               Gods
               ,
               and
               truth
               worth
               the
               owning
               .
            
             
               Shortly
               after
               ,
               the
               Church
               at
               Dublin
               (
               the
               Lord
               being
               sought
               unto
               by
               solemn
               fasting
               and
               prayer
               )
               with
               extraordinary
               chearfulness
               ,
               and
               unanimity
               ,
               
                 nemine
                 contradicente
              
               ,
               chose
               him
               to
               be
               their
               Teacher
               ;
               which
               being
               proposed
               to
               him
               ,
               he
               at
               first
               expressed
               his
               loathness
               to
               bow
               with
               his
               back
               to
               so
               great
               a
               burden
               ;
               yet
               took
               time
               to
               consider
               of
               the
               matter
               ,
               which
               he
               spent
               in
               private
               Fasting
               ,
               Prayer
               ,
               and
               clearing
               up
               his
               Call
               by
               an
               impartial
               preponderation
               of
               all
               considerable
               circumstances
               :
               an
               account
               whereof
               under
               his
               own
               hand
               you
               have
               here
               annexed
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                     
                       Jan.
                       31.
                       1653.
                       
                    
                     
                       The
                       Question
                       ,
                       Whether
                       I
                       should
                       answer
                       the
                       peoples
                       Call
                       to
                       be
                       Teacher
                       ?
                    
                     
                       
                         For
                         the
                         Affirmative
                      
                       
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             The
                             Pastors
                             weakness
                             in
                             body
                             ,
                             and
                             the
                             peoples
                             need
                             thereby
                             .
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             The
                             Church
                             also
                             increasing
                             .
                          
                           
                             3.
                             
                             Their
                             unanimous
                             consent
                             in
                             choice
                             of
                             me
                             ,
                             after
                             solemn
                             seeking
                             of
                             God
                             for
                             it
                             .
                          
                        
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         For
                         the
                         Negative
                      
                       
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             My
                             being
                             a
                             man
                             of
                             such
                             uncircumcised
                             heart
                             ,
                             and
                             such
                             polluted
                             lips
                             ,
                             as
                             the
                             Lord
                             knoweth
                             ,
                             &c.
                             
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             My
                             being
                             so
                             weak
                             and
                             not
                             able
                             to
                             convince
                             Gain-sayers
                             ,
                             a
                             very
                             child
                             in
                             managing
                             controversies
                             ,
                             if
                             they
                             arise
                             in
                             the
                             Church
                             ,
                             especially
                             in
                             such
                             a
                             Congregation
                             .
                          
                           
                             3.
                             
                             My
                             ignorance
                             what
                             a
                             Teacher
                             is
                             .
                          
                           
                             4.
                             
                             My
                             being
                             but
                             a
                             Novice
                             ,
                             as
                             the
                             Apostle
                             saith
                             ,
                             1
                             Tim.
                             3.
                             6.
                             
                          
                        
                      
                    
                     
                       But
                       doubts
                       ,
                    
                     
                       1.
                       
                       Whether
                       in
                       these
                       former
                       Objections
                       I
                       do
                       not
                       mind
                       more
                       the
                       praise
                       of
                       men
                       then
                       the
                       praise
                       of
                       God
                       ,
                       because
                       of
                       my
                       weakness
                       in
                       parts
                       .
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       Whether
                       it
                       be
                       not
                       the
                       burthen
                       without
                       any
                       outward
                       reward
                       ,
                       which
                       sticks
                       so
                       hard
                       ?
                       If
                       there
                       were
                       a
                       great
                       outward
                       reward
                       ,
                       how
                       would
                       it
                       then
                       prevail
                       with
                       me
                       ?
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       Whether
                       it
                       be
                       love
                       to
                       Christ
                       ,
                       to
                       indent
                       as
                       I
                       may
                       say
                       ,
                       and
                       thus
                       much
                       I
                       will
                       do
                       ,
                       and
                       no
                       further
                       ?
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       Whether
                       God
                       may
                       not
                       call
                       first
                       ,
                       and
                       fit
                       afterwards
                       .
                       Yet
                       it
                       was
                       so
                       with
                       David
                       ,
                       so
                       with
                       Saul
                       at
                       first
                       ,
                       and
                       so
                       Solomon
                       had
                       his
                       Spirit
                       of
                       wisdom
                       given
                       him
                       afterwards
                       ;
                       and
                       have
                       not
                       we
                       the
                       like
                       priviledge
                       to
                       ask
                       and
                       have
                       ,
                       as
                       he
                       had
                       ?
                       
                         Mat.
                         7.
                         7.
                         
                         Paul
                      
                       was
                       ready
                       to
                       go
                       or
                       do
                       what
                       God
                       would
                       have
                       him
                       ,
                       before
                       he
                       had
                       received
                       the
                       Spirit
                       ,
                       Act.
                       9.
                       
                    
                     
                     
                       5.
                       
                       Whether
                       God
                       may
                       not
                       call
                       ,
                       and
                       I
                       not
                       see
                       it
                       ?
                       as
                       
                         Samuel
                         ,
                         1
                         Sam.
                      
                       2.
                       
                    
                     
                       6.
                       
                       Whether
                       I
                       may
                       not
                       be
                       willing
                       enough
                       ,
                       and
                       yet
                       seem
                       thus
                       unwilling
                       ,
                       which
                       is
                       great
                       hypocrisie
                       ?
                    
                     
                       7.
                       
                       Whether
                       I
                       could
                       be
                       willing
                       to
                       have
                       another
                       set
                       up
                       rather
                       then
                       my self
                       ,
                       and
                       therefore
                       as
                       unworthy
                       as
                       I
                       judge
                       my self
                       ,
                       yet
                       I
                       may
                       judge
                       my self
                       better
                       then
                       he
                       ?
                    
                     
                       8.
                       
                       Whether
                       the
                       evil
                       frame
                       of
                       heart
                       hath
                       not
                       been
                       upon
                       me
                       since
                       my
                       denyal
                       of
                       it
                       ?
                       and
                       the
                       thoughts
                       of
                       yielding
                       ,
                       are
                       they
                       not
                       pleasing
                       ,
                       and
                       when
                       any
                       thing
                       produced
                       to
                       the
                       contrary
                       of
                       my
                       mind
                       ,
                       doth
                       it
                       make
                       me
                       smile
                       and
                       lighten
                       my
                       heart
                       ?
                       Whether
                       out
                       of
                       pride
                       ,
                       and
                       delight
                       to
                       hear
                       others
                       good
                       opinion
                       of
                       me
                       ,
                       and
                       desire
                       towards
                       me
                       ;
                       or
                       whether
                       out
                       of
                       a
                       secret
                       hankering
                       after
                       the
                       thing
                       ,
                       notwithstanding
                       my
                       opposing
                       it
                       ;
                       or
                       whether
                       from
                       the
                       Lord
                       ,
                       is
                       doubtful
                       ?
                    
                     
                       9.
                       
                       Whether
                       the
                       people
                       are
                       not
                       better
                       Judges
                       of
                       my
                       gifts
                       then
                       my self
                       ?
                    
                     
                       10.
                       
                       Whether
                       all
                       this
                       discouragement
                       be
                       not
                       through
                       unbelief
                       of
                       the
                       Promises
                       ,
                       as
                       in
                       
                         Moses
                         ?
                         Exod.
                      
                       6.
                       12
                       ,
                       30.
                       
                    
                     
                       11.
                       
                       Whether
                       this
                       be
                       not
                       hypocrisie
                       :
                       Before
                       being
                       called
                       ,
                       forward
                       enough
                       ,
                       and
                       when
                       called
                       ,
                       how
                       backward
                       ,
                       even
                       as
                       
                         Moses
                         ?
                         Exod.
                      
                       2.
                       13.
                       4.
                       10.
                       6.
                       12
                       ,
                       30.
                       
                    
                     
                       12.
                       
                       Time
                       was
                       ,
                       when
                       I
                       entred
                       upon
                       this
                       work
                       with
                       a
                       very
                       wicked
                       heart
                       ,
                       much
                       more
                       wicked
                       ,
                       blessed
                       be
                       his
                       name
                       for
                       his
                       present
                       grace
                       ,
                       and
                       yet
                       not
                       humbled
                       for
                       this
                       to
                       this
                       very
                       day
                       as
                       I
                       ought
                       I
                       doubt
                       .
                    
                     
                       13.
                       
                       Yet
                       notwithstanding
                       he
                       hath
                       manifested
                       himself
                       to
                       give
                       a
                       better
                       heart
                       in
                       some
                       measure
                       then
                       before
                       ;
                       as
                       I
                       hope
                       ,
                       and
                       why
                       not
                       now
                       if
                       I
                       undertake
                       more
                       ,
                       may
                       he
                       not
                       do
                       more
                       as
                       well
                       as
                       before
                       ?
                       O
                       he
                       did
                       not
                       give
                       me
                       up
                       as
                       some
                       others
                       ,
                       who
                       in
                       the
                       like
                       condition
                       have
                       undertaken
                       this
                       work
                       !
                    
                     
                       14.
                       
                       I
                       have
                       been
                       (
                       as
                       it
                       were
                       )
                       checkt
                       ,
                       What
                       ,
                       wilt
                       thou
                       not
                       venture
                       thy self
                       upon
                       Jesus
                       Christ
                       ?
                       and
                       then
                       the
                       Lord
                       made
                       me
                       willing
                       to
                       do
                       it
                       .
                    
                     
                       15.
                       
                       To
                       get
                       strength
                       against
                       corruption
                       ▪
                       is
                       not
                       likely
                       to
                       be
                       done
                       by
                       turning
                       the
                       back
                       upon
                       any
                       work
                       of
                       his
                       .
                    
                     
                       16.
                       
                       And
                       is
                       it
                       not
                       better
                       I
                       should
                       perish
                       by
                       corruption
                       or
                       temptation
                       in
                       doing
                       the
                       work
                       of
                       Christ
                       then
                       not
                       ?
                       But
                       can
                       any
                       perish
                       that
                       in
                       truth
                       give
                       up
                       themselves
                       to
                       his
                       work
                       ?
                    
                     
                     
                       Wednesday
                       ,
                       Feb.
                       22.
                       meditating
                       upon
                       that
                       of
                       Moses
                       ,
                       that
                       he
                       said
                       ,
                       Send
                       by
                       whom
                       thou
                       wilt
                       send
                       ,
                       God
                       was
                       angry
                       .
                       Such
                       
                       thoughts
                       I
                       had
                       ,
                       God
                       might
                       testifie
                       against
                       me
                       ,
                       by
                       leavi●g
                       me
                       to
                       blasphemous
                       ,
                       horrid
                       thoughts
                       ,
                       and
                       an
                       untoward
                       frame
                       of
                       Spirit
                       .
                       When
                       he
                       had
                       answered
                       him
                       that
                       Objection
                       touching
                       his
                       want
                       of
                       eloquence
                       .
                       Now
                       saith
                       he
                       ,
                       when
                       he
                       was
                       angry
                       with
                       him
                       ,
                       Is
                       not
                       Aaron
                       thy
                       Brother
                       ?
                       he
                       is
                       a
                       man
                       of
                       eloquence
                       ,
                       and
                       he
                       will
                       be
                       glad
                       to
                       meet
                       thee
                       .
                    
                     
                       So
                       in
                       this
                       God
                       hath
                       joyned
                       such
                       an
                       one
                       as
                       was
                       able
                       through
                       grace
                       to
                       do
                       that
                       ,
                       I
                       doubted
                       my
                       sufficiency
                       most
                       in
                       ;
                       that
                       is
                       to
                       say
                       ,
                       the
                       managing
                       controversies
                       .
                       And
                       then
                       telling
                       him
                       they
                       are
                       dead
                       that
                       sought
                       thy
                       life
                       ,
                       which
                       was
                       the
                       Core.
                       So
                       ,
                       who
                       knoweth
                       but
                       this
                       fear
                       of
                       opposition
                       may
                       be
                       taken
                       away
                       ▪
                    
                     
                       So
                       upon
                       1
                       Cor.
                       9.
                       17.
                       
                       If
                       I
                       do
                       it
                       will●ngly
                       ,
                       I
                       have
                       a
                       reward
                       ,
                       &c.
                       
                    
                     
                       And
                       upon
                       1
                       Pet.
                       5.
                       2.
                       
                       Taking
                       the
                       overlight
                       ,
                       not
                       of
                       constraint
                       or
                       necessity
                       ,
                       but
                       a
                       willing
                       mind
                       .
                    
                     
                       And
                       John
                       21.
                       
                       Lovest
                       thou
                       me
                       ?
                       feed
                       my
                       sheep
                       ;
                       did
                       somewhat
                       bow
                       my
                       spirit
                       to
                       a
                       resolution
                       to
                       close
                       with
                       it
                       .
                    
                  
                
              
            
             
               Having
               (
               though
               with
               some
               reluctancy
               at
               first
               )
               taken
               upon
               him
               the
               oversight
               of
               the
               Flock
               of
               God
               ,
               he
               led
               them
               forth
               into
               green
               pastures
               ,
               by
               the
               sides
               of
               the
               pleasant
               waters
               ,
               and
               fed
               them
               ,
               not
               with
               husks
               (
               as
               many
               do
               )
               but
               wholsom
               food
               :
               Careful
               he
               was
               to
               preserve
               the
               poor
               Lambs
               of
               Christ
               from
               infection
               ,
               &
               depredation
               .
            
             
               If
               any
               sheep
               ●as
               stragling
               from
               the
               fold
               ,
               he
               would
               reduce
               ,
               and
               bring
               it
               back
               again
               ;
               if
               weak
               ,
               he
               would
               take
               it
               up
               in
               his
               bosom
               ,
               and
               carry
               it
               upon
               his
               shoulders
               .
               His
               bowels
               were
               rowled
               within
               him
               ,
               and
               did
               exceedingly
               melt
               and
               yern
               towards
               those
               for
               whom
               Christ
               shed
               his
               blood
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               having
               fixt
               him
               in
               the
               Firmament
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               he
               proved
               not
               a
               wandring
               star
               ;
               his
               regular
               motion
               kept
               others
               within
               compass
               .
               He
               was
               not
               a
               cloud
               without
               water
               ,
               as
               appeared
               by
               the
               flourishing
               growth
               of
               many
               Christians
               ,
               who
               sate
               under
               the
               honey
               drops
               that
               distilled
               from
               his
               lips
               .
            
             
               How
               did
               he
               thirst
               after
               the
               salvation
               of
               souls
               ,
               and
               how
               anxiously
               inquisitive
               after
               the
               success
               of
               his
               labours
               ?
               It
               did
               not
               satisfie
               him
               that
               the
               seed
               was
               sown
               ,
               fruits
               must
               appear
               ,
               or
               else
               his
               heart
               is
               mightily
               troubled
               within
               him
               ,
               and
               little
               comfort
               taken
               in
               the
               comforts
               of
               this
               life
               .
            
             
               It
               was
               an
               heart-breaking
               unto
               him
               ,
               that
               the
               hearts
               of
               sinners
               
               were
               no
               more
               boken
               ;
               their
               dry
               eys
               would
               cause
               his
               to
               overflow
               with
               briny
               tears
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               did
               not
               give
               up
               his
               Ministry
               to
               the
               curse
               of
               a
               miscarrying
               womb
               and
               dry
               breasts
               .
               He
               was
               able
               to
               say
               ,
               Lo
               here
               am
               
               I
               ,
               and
               the
               children
               whom
               thou
               hast
               given
               me
               .
            
             
               Surely
               in
               labours
               he
               was
               more
               abundant
               then
               many
               others
               ,
               
               as
               his
               Closet
               ,
               Pulpit
               ,
               besides
               many
               other
               places
               can
               well
               testifie
               .
               Recreations
               he
               declined
               ,
               so
               loath
               was
               he
               to
               be
               accounted
               a
               loyterer
               ,
               or
               idler
               in
               Gods
               Vineyard
               .
               Having
               put
               his
               hand
               unto
               
               the
               Plough
               ,
               he
               did
               not
               at
               any
               time
               stand
               still
               he
               looked
               not
               back
               he
               sate
               not
               down
               in
               the
               cool
               and
               gentle
               shade
               ,
               but
               was
               always
               in
               an
               erect
               posture
               ,
               and
               continually
               pressing
               forward
               ,
               contented
               to
               bear
               the
               burthen
               ,
               and
               the
               heat
               of
               the
               day
               ,
               as
               knowing
               that
               the
               time
               of
               refreshing
               was
               shortly
               to
               come
               from
               the
               presence
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               So
               eagerly
               bent
               was
               he
               upon
               his
               work
               ,
               that
               when
               seriously
               setled
               to
               it
               ,
               his
               necessary
               and
               appointed
               food
               was
               frequently
               neglected
               ,
               wife
               ,
               children
               ,
               and
               other
               Relations
               not
               taken
               notice
               of
               .
               If
               any
               refreshing
               was
               urged
               ,
               he
               would
               say
               ,
               This
               is
               not
               the
               way
               to
               get
               my
               Fathers
               work
               done
               .
            
             
               The
               Subjects
               that
               he
               pitcht
               on
               were
               usually
               adapted
               and
               accommodated
               to
               the
               temper
               of
               the
               Times
               and
               his
               own
               condition
               ,
               as
               Preaching
               both
               to
               others
               and
               himself
               .
               It
               did
               not
               satisfie
               him
               that
               ▪
               Truth
               was
               Preached
               ,
               unless
               it
               were
               seasonable
               and
               suitable
               .
               The
               Sermons
               that
               he
               Prcached
               ,
               he
               throughly
               digested
               before
               hand
               ,
               and
               made
               them
               his
               own
               by
               a
               deep
               impression
               of
               them
               ,
               not
               only
               on
               his
               memory
               ,
               but
               affections
               ;
               so
               that
               he
               still
               spake
               from
               the
               heart
               to
               the
               heart
               .
               They
               ,
               who
               beheld
               him
               in
               a
               Pulpir
               ,
               with
               a
               spiritually
               discerning
               eye
               ,
               thought
               the
               place
               to
               be
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               filled
               with
               smoak
               ,
               and
               signal
               expressions
               of
               the
               Divine
               Presence
               .
            
             
               The
               growing
               and
               prevailing
               Corruptions
               of
               the
               Times
               he
               strongly
               opposed
               .
               Errors
               ,
               though
               countenanced
               by
               great
               Ones
               ,
               were
               not
               basely
               baulked
               ,
               and
               passed
               by
               in
               silence
               .
               The
               miscarriages
               of
               those
               in
               high
               Places
               were
               sure
               to
               meet
               with
               a
               severe
               and
               sharp
               rebuke
               .
            
             
               He
               often
               bewailed
               ,
               and
               greatly
               mourned
               for
               the
               evil
               ,
               and
               dangerous
               consequence
               of
               corrupt
               men
               called
               to
               the
               Ministry
               ,
               who
               daub
               with
               untempered
               morter
               ,
               and
               slightly
               heal
               the
               wound
               that
               is
               made
               with
               a
               faithful
               hand
               .
            
             
             
               When
               secure
               and
               sleepy
               sinners
               are
               at
               any
               time
               awakned
               by
               a
               stirring
               and
               a
               soul-searching
               Ministry
               ,
               and
               complain
               of
               the
               terrors
               of
               the
               Lord
               that
               set
               themselves
               in
               battle
               array
               against
               them
               ;
               these
               miserably-mercifull
               men
               ,
               with
               an
               oyly
               tongue
               labour
               to
               lick
               them
               whole
               again
               ,
               and
               skin
               over
               the
               sore
               ;
               they
               make
               it
               their
               design
               to
               bind
               up
               the
               broken
               bone
               ,
               without
               putting
               their
               patients
               to
               any
               pain
               ,
               perswading
               them
               that
               Ministers
               now-adays
               are
               too
               severe
               ,
               sour
               ,
               strict
               ,
               streight
               lac●
               ,
               and
               fright
               silly
               folk
               (
               who
               do
               not
               understand
               themselves
               )
               with
               Bug
               bears
               ,
               and
               Sear
               ▪
               crows
               .
               For
               a
               Waspish
               and
               inraged
               conscience
               thy
               provide
               a
               sweet
               and
               stupifying
               sop
               ,
               and
               so
               lay
               it
               to
               sleep
               again
               .
               Thus
               are
               men
               flattered
               into
               a
               good
               opinion
               of
               themselves
               ,
               when
               in
               the
               mean
               time
               they
               are
               in
               the
               gall
               of
               bitterness
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               bond
               of
               iniquity
               Wo
               and
               alas●
               that
               ever
               men
               should
               be
               thus
               contentedly
               cheated
               of
               their
               souls
               ,
               and
               prefer
               their
               present
               ease
               before
               their
               future
               safety
               !
            
             
               He
               ,
               who
               was
               chosen
               a
               Ruler
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               was
               so
               in
               his
               Family
               ,
               
               which
               he
               ruled
               well
               ,
               and
               diligently
               instructed
               in
               the
               knowledge
               of
               Christ
               .
               He
               prayed
               twice
               a
               day
               with
               his
               Family
               ,
               and
               expounded
               some
               portion
               of
               Scripture
               ,
               and
               in
               these
               exercises
               usually
               expended
               an
               hour
               and
               an
               half
               at
               a
               time
               .
               *
               In
               Singing
               he
               was
               much
               transported
               ,
               and
               even
               lifted
               up
               ,
               and
               delighted
               much
               in
               Psal
               .
               63.
               and
               103.
               
            
             
               He
               was
               with
               Paul
               ,
               in
               fastings
               often
               ,
               and
               that
               ,
               not
               only
               when
               publickly
               required
               ,
               for
               he
               was
               herein
               often
               ingaged
               upon
               the
               account
               of
               his
               own
               personall
               concernments
               ,
               and
               condition
               .
            
             
               In
               preparations
               for
               Fasts
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               in
               the
               celebration
               of
               them
               ,
               he
               was
               very
               solemn
               and
               severe
               ,
               as
               will
               afterwards
               more
               plentifully
               appear
               .
               Food
               on
               such
               days
               he
               tasted
               not
               till
               late
               at
               night
               ;
               if
               any
               offered
               ,
               it
               was
               entertained
               with
               dislike
               in
               his
               very
               looks
               .
               In
               Prayer
               ,
               at
               all
               times
               ,
               especially
               then
               ,
               he
               was
               copious
               ,
               inlarged
               ,
               spiritual
               ,
               powerfull
               ,
               to
               the
               melting
               of
               the
               Congregation
               into
               tears
               and
               sighs
               .
            
             
               His
               love
               to
               the
               Ordinances
               was
               very
               great
               ,
               and
               his
               heart
               did
               even
               break
               with
               longing
               after
               that
               of
               the
               Supper
               ;
               and
               in
               preparation
               for
               it
               ,
               he
               would
               unbowel
               himself
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               be
               very
               strict
               in
               the
               duty
               of
               self
               examination
               .
               †
               When
               his
               children
               
               were
               Baptized
               ,
               and
               had
               the
               Seals
               of
               the
               Covenant
               imprest
               upon
               them
               ,
               he
               would
               wonderfully
               rejoyce
               ,
               thereby
               declaring
               a
               sweet
               refreshing
               and
               full
               satisfaction
               .
            
             
               With
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               he
               had
               rather
               be
               a
               door
               keeper
               in
               the
               House
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               then
               dwell
               in
               the
               Tents
               of
               wickedness
               .
               One
               day
               in
               Gods
               Court
               was
               better
               then
               a
               thousand
               elsewhere
               .
            
             
               He
               would
               cheerfully
               chirp
               ,
               and
               sweetly
               warble
               out
               his
               high-strained
               Notes
               ,
               when
               (
               with
               the
               Swallow
               )
               neer
               Gods
               Alta
               ;
               but
               would
               mourn
               like
               a
               Dove
               ,
               and
               chatter
               like
               a
               Crane
               ,
               when
               the
               waters
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               were
               dammed
               up
               ,
               and
               did
               not
               freely
               flow
               forth
               ;
               he
               would
               droop
               and
               hang
               the
               wing
               ,
               though
               under
               the
               broad
               spreading
               guords
               of
               carnal
               contentments
               .
            
             
               He
               abridged
               and
               cut
               himself
               short
               in
               the
               use
               of
               the
               warrantable
               contentments
               of
               the
               present
               life
               .
               He
               was
               unwilling
               to
               launch
               out
               too
               far
               ,
               lest
               he
               should
               lose
               the
               sight
               of
               his
               Harbor
               ,
               and
               a
               storm
               arise
               ere
               he
               got
               in
               again
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               loath
               to
               swallow
               down
               large
               morsels
               for
               fear
               of
               an
               ensuing
               surseit
               ,
               and
               dismal
               dolefull
               distempers
               that
               might
               thence
               arise
               .
               He
               knew
               that
               the
               fairest
               full-blown
               Rose
               was
               not
               without
               its
               grieving
               thorn
               ,
               and
               that
               a
               scratching
               Bryer
               lay
               lurking
               under
               the
               blooming
               leaves
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               passed
               over
               the
               most
               flowrie
               and
               fragrant
               walk
               with
               an
               hasty
               and
               trembling
               foot
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               none
               of
               those
               whom
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               of
               ,
               that
               mind
               earthly
               things
               .
               His
               work
               was
               his
               wages
               .
               His
               design
               was
               not
               to
               
               spread
               his
               roots
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               to
               secure
               a
               carnal
               interest
               by
               corrupt
               compliances
               .
               His
               mouth
               was
               not
               gagg'd
               with
               a
               wedge
               of
               gold
               ,
               or
               his
               lips
               sown
               up
               with
               the
               silken
               thread
               of
               preferment
               .
            
             
               Being
               poslessed
               of
               the
               pearl
               of
               price
               he
               thought
               himself
               rich
               enough
               ;
               and
               having
               food
               and
               raiment
               he
               was
               therewithall
               content
               .
               If
               any
               thing
               considerable
               were
               providentially
               cast
               in
               ,
               it
               
               was
               not
               greedily
               gaped
               after
               ,
               and
               extorted
               by
               much
               pressing
               importunity
               and
               incroaching
               crouching
               attendances
               .
            
             
               The
               things
               which
               he
               possessed
               ,
               he
               was
               ignorant
               of
               ,
               as
               not
               willing
               to
               intermiddle
               at
               all
               in
               the
               matters
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               that
               so
               he
               might
               in
               a
               more
               serene
               way
               and
               maner
               have
               his
               conversation
               
               in
               heaven
               ,
               from
               whence
               he
               expected
               the
               Saviour
               .
            
             
               Christ
               was
               so
               fair
               and
               full
               in
               his
               eye
               ,
               that
               in
               comparison
               of
               
               him
               ,
               all
               other
               enjoyments
               ,
               though
               swelling
               to
               a
               mountanous
               bulk
               ,
               were
               but
               motes
               and
               molehills
               .
               He
               admired
               not
               the
               beauty
               of
               any
               Rose
               ,
               save
               that
               of
               Sharon
               .
               The
               flower-planted
               without
               hand
               was
               lovely
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               and
               sweet
               unto
               his
               smell
               .
            
             
               He
               tasted
               such
               surpassing
               and
               heart-ravishing
               sweetness
               in
               communion
               with
               Christ
               ,
               that
               the
               edge
               of
               his
               appetite
               to
               the
               things
               of
               the
               world
               was
               exceedingly
               blunted
               and
               rebated
               .
            
             
               The
               love
               of
               God
               being
               shed
               abroad
               in
               his
               heart
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               he
               valued
               not
               the
               favor
               or
               the
               frowns
               of
               the
               children
               of
               men
               .
               Whilst
               others
               had
               their
               beilies
               cleaving
               unto
               the
               dust
               ,
               he
               almost
               loathed
               to
               touch
               it
               with
               his
               feet
               ;
               so
               far
               was
               he
               from
               panting
               after
               the
               dust
               of
               the
               earth
               .
            
             
               He
               preferred
               grave
               contentments
               ,
               and
               solid
               delights
               before
               the
               fleeting
               and
               transcient
               titillations
               of
               the
               exterior
               senses
               .
               How
               much
               better
               are
               the
               wholsome
               severities
               of
               Religion
               ,
               then
               the
               fulsome
               satisfactions
               of
               the
               flesh
               ?
            
             
               His
               heart
               and
               hands
               were
               mightily
               inlarged
               in
               a
               way
               of
               charitable
               contribution
               ,
               even
               to
               considerable
               summs
               ,
               when
               the
               necessitous
               condition
               of
               others
               called
               for
               speedy
               succours
               and
               supplies
               .
               
               What
               he
               gave
               was
               not
               grudgingly
               ,
               but
               of
               a
               ready
               mind
               .
               He
               did
               not
               say
               ,
               Come
               again
               ,
               and
               to
               morrow
               I
               will
               give
               thee
               ,
               
               when
               he
               had
               ●t
               by
               him
               :
               He
               gave
               liberally
               ,
               and
               sowed
               bountifully
               .
               He
               cast
               h●s
               bread
               upon
               the
               waters
               ,
               knowing
               that
               after
               
               many
               dayes
               he
               should
               find
               it
               .
            
             
               His
               meekness
               was
               remarkable
               ,
               as
               knowing
               it
               was
               his
               glory
               to
               pass
               by
               an
               offence
               ;
               the
               reproaches
               of
               rayling
               Rabshak●hs
               he
               
               thought
               not
               worth
               the
               taking
               notice
               of
               .
               He
               was
               not
               easily
               stirred
               up
               to
               anger
               ,
               but
               had
               a
               sweet
               calm
               in
               his
               spirit
               ,
               though
               sometimes
               blown
               upon
               by
               the
               surly
               winds
               of
               unhandsome
               provocations
               .
               Passionate
               expressions
               fell
               not
               from
               him
               though
               naturally
               of
               an
               harsh
               and
               hasty
               temper
               .
               He
               would
               not
               say
               I
               will
               do
               unto
               the
               man
               as
               he
               hath
               done
               to
               me
               ,
               but
               chose
               rather
               to
               
               do
               good
               for
               evil
               ,
               and
               melt
               (
               rather
               then
               exasperate
               )
               his
               adversaries
               ,
               by
               heaping
               up
               coals
               of
               kindness
               upon
               their
               heads
               .
            
             
               Humility
               is
               not
               without
               cause
               stiled
               the
               grace
               of
               graces
               ,
               as
               being
               that
               which
               adds
               a
               lustre
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               makes
               them
               the
               more
               orient
               ,
               and
               resplendent
               .
               He
               who
               is
               low
               in
               his
               own
               esteem
               ,
               is
               high
               in
               the
               esteem
               of
               God
               and
               good
               men
               .
               Pride
               (
               the
               prevailing
               sin
               of
               the
               Professors
               of
               this
               age
               )
               is
               that
               which
               doth
               darken
               ,
               
               sulley
               ,
               cloud
               our
               otherways
               laudable
               endowments
               ;
               it
               is
               that
               worm
               which
               makes
               the
               greenest
               gourd
               to
               wither
               ,
               and
               the
               fairest
               flower
               to
               lose
               its
               native
               beauty
               .
               Self-depressions
               (
               provided
               they
               be
               sincere
               )
               are
               always
               attended
               with
               exaltations
               and
               plentifull
               
               supplies
               from
               the
               fountain
               of
               all
               grace
               and
               goodness
               .
            
             
               Humility
               was
               Master
               
                 Murcot
                 ▪
              
               sh●ning
               grace
               ,
               which
               though
               low
               in
               its
               self
               ,
               it
               was
               taller
               then
               the
               rest
               by
               the
               head
               and
               shoulders
               .
               So●e
               ex●ressions
               of
               it
               are
               these
               that
               follow
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               His
               mean
               thoughts
               of
               himself
               ,
               though
               his
               gifts
               ,
               graces
               ,
               performances
               rendred
               him
               considerable
               ,
               yet
               the
               esteem
               which
               he
               had
               of
               himself
               was
               very
               small
               .
               His
               face
               did
               shine
               as
               that
               of
               Moses
               ,
               to
               the
               dazling
               of
               others
               eys
               ,
               yet
               he
               saw
               it
               not
               himself
               ,
               nor
               could
               endure
               to
               be
               told
               by
               others
               that
               it
               did
               so
               ,
               but
               would
               cry
               out
               of
               a
               snare
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               His
               high
               thoughts
               of
               others
               gifts
               and
               graces
               ,
               though
               possibly
               coming
               short
               of
               his
               .
               The
               proud
               man
               looks
               upon
               others
               enjoyments
               and
               attainments
               with
               a
               cloudy
               and
               discontented
               eye
               ▪
               which
               in
               Master
               Murcot
               drew
               forth
               commendations
               and
               serious
               thanksgivings
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               His
               condescending
               to
               men
               of
               low
               degree
               ,
               whose
               company
               and
               converse
               he
               ●i
               〈…〉
               dained
               not
               ,
               especially
               if
               godly
               .
               He
               delighted
               not
               to
               be
               busily
               buzzing
               about
               the
               Chambers
               and
               Tables
               of
               great
               men
               ,
               but
               could
               sweetly
               solace
               himself
               with
               the
               society
               of
               the
               meanest
               Christian
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               His
               temptations
               to
               pride
               and
               puffings
               up
               ,
               were
               not
               a
               few
               ,
               having
               the
               high
               and
               bosome
               respects
               of
               great
               and
               small
               ;
               the
               applauses
               ,
               commendations
               ,
               gratulations
               of
               the
               generality
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               great
               success
               of
               his
               labours
               .
               When
               others
               would
               be
               lifting
               him
               up
               ,
               he
               still
               croucht
               .
               and
               lay
               low
               .
               He
               was
               none
               of
               those
               whom
               a
               freer
               access
               ,
               and
               a
               more
               open
               bosome
               ,
               a
               kinder
               glance
               ,
               and
               a
               more
               favourable
               nod
               from
               great
               men
               ,
               swell
               with
               self-conceit
               and
               p●ff
               up
               into
               a
               lofty
               disdain
               of
               their
               poor
               brethren
               ,
               so
               that
               they
               must
               not
               be
               approacht
               without
               much
               complementall
               observance
               ,
               and
               cringing
               incurvations
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               His
               garb
               had
               nothing
               of
               vanity
               and
               gaudry
               in
               it
               .
               The
               vile
               raiment
               was
               more
               pleasing
               to
               him
               then
               silks
               ,
               sattins
               and
               plushcoats
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               none
               of
               those
               Court-preachers
               ,
               whose
               extraordinary
               spruceness
               ,
               gay
               apparrel
               ,
               and
               bridling
               deportment
               are
               shrewdly
               
               suspected
               to
               be
               nought
               else
               but
               the
               frothy
               ebullitions
               of
               a
               proud
               and
               vain
               spirit
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               no
               Borderer
               upon
               Religion
               ,
               dwelling
               only
               in
               the
               out-fields
               ,
               and
               confines
               of
               godliness
               ,
               but
               was
               admitted
               into
               its
               interiour
               ,
               and
               secret
               recesses
               .
               Religion
               indeed
               was
               his
               business
               ,
               which
               he
               prosecuted
               with
               all
               his
               might
               .
               The
               world
               had
               but
               a
               small
               portion
               of
               his
               time
               and
               a
               very
               slender
               interest
               in
               his
               affections
               .
               He
               was
               grown
               as
               dexterous
               in
               the
               exercise
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               successful
               promoting
               ,
               and
               carrying
               on
               of
               the
               holy
               life
               ,
               as
               others
               are
               in
               growing
               rich
               ,
               greatning
               themselves
               ,
               and
               providing
               for
               Posterity
               .
               He
               was
               afraid
               of
               digging
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
               lest
               a
               cold
               damp
               should
               arise
               to
               dimm
               his
               light
               ,
               and
               suffocate
               his
               celestial
               comforts
               .
               His
               constant
               commerce
               was
               with
               heaven
               ,
               and
               surely
               that
               trade
               which
               he
               drove
               was
               for
               rich
               commodities
               .
            
             
               He
               adventured
               his
               all
               ,
               and
               was
               blessed
               with
               daily
               returns
               ,
               to
               his
               unspeakable
               advantage
            
             
               Though
               he
               were
               a
               stranger
               in
               this
               earth
               ▪
               yet
               he
               was
               not
               so
               to
               his
               Saviour
               ,
               or
               himself
               ,
               which
               will
               plainly
               appear
               ,
               if
               you
               consider
               what
               his
               daily
               practise
               was
               for
               some
               years
               before
               his
               death
               .
            
             
               He
               kept
               an
               exact
               Diary
               of
               his
               own
               life
               ,
               in
               which
               he
               was
               very
               curious
               and
               methodical
               ;
               in
               one
               Column
               ,
               or
               side
               of
               the
               page
               he
               would
               set
               down
               the
               Good
               ,
               in
               the
               other
               ,
               opposite
               against
               it
               ,
               the
               Evil.
               His
               intention
               doubtless
               was
               ,
               never
               to
               make
               ,
               either
               the
               whole
               or
               any
               part
               of
               it
               publick
               ,
               yet
               judicious
               Christians
               apprehending
               that
               several
               Passages
               in
               it
               may
               tend
               very
               much
               to
               the
               edification
               of
               others
               ,
               some
               choice
               flowers
               growing
               here
               and
               there
               in
               this
               spacious
               and
               odoriferous
               garden
               ,
               I
               have
               pickt
               up
               ,
               made
               into
               a
               Posie
               ,
               and
               do
               here
               expose
               them
               to
               publick
               view
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   One
                   day
                   instanced
                   in
                   as
                   a
                   taste
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Good.
                     
                  
                   
                     Evil.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   
                     In
                     morning
                     Closet
                     duty
                     not
                     altogether
                     without
                     his
                     presence
                     ;
                     studied
                     my
                     Sermons
                     ,
                     not
                     altogether
                     without
                     him
                     ,
                     blessed
                     be
                     his
                     Name
                     .
                  
                   
                     My
                     heart
                     but
                     in
                     a
                     listless
                     frame
                     this
                     day
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     In
                     evening
                     Closet
                     duty
                     ,
                     by
                     way
                     of
                     preparation
                     very
                     sweet
                     meltings
                     ,
                     and
                     outgoings
                     of
                     my
                     soul
                     after
                     the
                     Lord
                     ,
                     blessed
                     be
                     the
                     Lord.
                     
                  
                   
                     Yet
                     some
                     distractions
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
             
               1.
               
               He
               was
               very
               observant
               ,
               not
               only
               of
               the
               Out-breaches
               of
               sin
               ,
               but
               of
               its
               internal
               stirrings
               and
               more
               spiritual
               actings
               ;
               The
               very
               thoughts
               of
               his
               heart
               ,
               if
               irregular
               ,
               he
               carefully
               recorded
               ,
               and
               bitterly
               bewaited
               .
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 O
                 my
                 proud
                 thoughts
                 rising
                 and
                 bubbling
                 up
                 this
                 day
                 !
              
            
             
               2.
               
               He
               set
               a
               watch
               ,
               not
               only
               before
               the
               door
               of
               his
               lips
               ,
               but
               before
               the
               door
               of
               his
               heart
               also
               ,
               with
               which
               he
               took
               unwearied
               pains
               ,
               being
               indeed
               the
               Fort-Royal
               ,
               either
               of
               Christ
               ,
               or
               Satan
               .
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 This
                 day
                 I
                 could
                 not
                 get
                 my
                 heart
                 in
                 tune
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 took
                 an
                 hour
                 ,
                 or
                 two
                 hours
                 pains
                 with
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Endeavouring
                 some
                 hours
                 with
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 remained
                 very
                 untoward
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 do
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Through
                 mercy
                 I
                 desire
                 a
                 clean
                 heart
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 Time
                 he
                 accounted
                 precious
                 ,
                 and
                 improved
                 it
                 to
                 spiritual
                 purposes
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 best
                 advantage
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 This
                 day
                 up
                 early
                 —
                 or
                 ,
              
               
                 This
                 day
                 lay
                 long
                 sluggishly
                 .
              
               
                 Read
                 4.
                 
                 Hebrew
                 Chapters
                 with
                 notes
                 profitably
                 .
              
               
                 Read
                 60.
                 pages
                 in
                 Dr.
                 Preston
                 .
              
               
                 Studied
                 my
                 Sermons
                 .
              
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 The
                 sight
                 of
                 sin
                 did
                 exceedingly
                 sadden
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 examination
                 of
                 my self
                 ,
                 March
                 9.
                 1652.
                 
                 Through
                 mercy
                 I
                 have
                 a
                 sight
                 and
                 sense
                 of
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 am
                 affected
                 ,
                 and
                 pained
                 under
                 the
                 burthen
                 of
                 my
                 daily
                 wants
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 closet-duty
                 much
                 humbled
                 for
                 the
                 sins
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 melted
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Many
                 wandrings
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 burthen
                 of
                 my
                 soul
                 .
              
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 The
                 sinful
                 adherences
                 of
                 the
                 best
                 duties
                 he
                 recorded
                 with
                 regret
                 ,
                 and
                 sadness
                 of
                 spirit
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Not
                 altogether
                 without
                 him
                 in
                 duty
                 ,
                 though
                 but
                 dry
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 some
                 wandrings
                 of
                 heart
                 in
                 duty
                 .
                 At
                 Supper-Ordinance
                 ,
                 ah
                 my
                 wandrings
                 ,
                 In
                 prayer
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 preaching
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 morning
                 closet-duty
                 I
                 could
                 do
                 nothing
                 ,
                 my
                 heart
                 very
                 untoward
                 —
                 full
                 of
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 in
                 the
                 evening
                 meditation
                 ,
                 which
                 put
                 me
                 out
                 of
                 order
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 afternoon
                 prayer
                 before
                 Sermon
                 but
                 little
                 affected
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 my self
                 had
                 little
                 enlargement
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 perceive
                 it
                 was
                 profitable
                 to
                 others
                 :
                 God
                 would
                 hide
                 pride
                 from
                 mine
                 eyes
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Distracted
                 ,
                 and
                 formal
                 in
                 singing
                 .
              
            
             
               6.
               
               
                 Powerful
                 assistance
                 in
                 holy
                 services
                 he
                 gratefully
                 recorded
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               In
               Baptizing
               of
               my
               son
               Job
               ,
               my
               heart
               much
               drawn
               out
               in
               prayer
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               
                 Yea
                 ,
                 the
                 least
                 income
                 and
                 assistance
                 was
                 not
                 passed
                 by
                 in
                 silence
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               Not
               altogether
               left
               in
               evening
               closet-duty
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               
                 The
                 ebbings
                 and
                 flowings
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 he
                 distinctly
                 considered
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               In
               the
               morning
               closet-duty
               ,
               not
               so
               much
               of
               his
               presence
               as
               in
               the
               evening
               closet-duty
               ,
               though
               indeed
               much
               melted
               ,
               after
               some
               pains
               taken
               with
               my
               heart
               .
            
             
               9.
               
               
                 Diabolical
                 injections
                 he
                 detested
                 with
                 highest
                 indignation
                 ,
                 against
                 which
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 reverberating
                 wall
                 of
                 brass
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               This
               day
               pestred
               with
               blasphemous
               and
               horrid
               thoughts
               ,
               to
               my
               loathing
               —
               to
               my
               wounding
               —
               O
               horrid
               —
               O
               abominable
               !
            
             
               10.
               
               
                 To
                 the
                 distressed
                 he
                 gave
                 friendly
                 visits
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               Spent
               this
               day
               in
               visiting
               a
               condemned
               man
               ,
               and
               divers
               widows
               in
               sickness
               and
               sorrow
               .
            
             
               11.
               
               
                 He
                 made
                 God
                 the
                 ultimate
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 actings
                 .
              
            
             
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               Though
               much
               mixtures
               of
               self
               ,
               yet
               I
               desire
               to
               make
               God
               the
               great
               end
               of
               all
               my
               duties
               ,
               preachings
               ,
               prayers
               .
            
             
               12.
               
               
                 He
                 was
                 wholly
                 at
                 the
                 dispose
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 contented
                 to
                 follow
                 the
                 conduct
                 of
                 Providence
                 ,
                 even
                 through
                 thorny
                 waies
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               I
               hope
               I
               am
               made
               willing
               to
               come
               to
               him
               through
               any
               condition
               ,
               any
               tribulation
               ,
               taking
               up
               the
               Cross
               .
            
             
               13.
               
               
                 When
                 any
                 spiritual
                 distemper
                 was
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 presently
                 inquire
                 into
                 its
                 causes
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               What
               may
               be
               the
               cause
               of
               my
               streightness
               and
               deadness
               now
               ?
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 not
                 being
                 so
                 thankful
                 for
                 enlargements
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 had
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 cannot
                 bear
                 such
                 enlargements
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 humility
                 enough
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 satisfie
                 my self
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 follow
                 that
                 which
                 I
                 preach
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 envy
                 against
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 I
                 more
                 affect
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 ther
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Because
                 I
                 want
                 love
                 to
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 mind
                 more
                 the
                 setting
                 forth
                 my self
                 ,
                 then
                 edification
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 mind
                 more
                 enlargements
                 ,
                 and
                 gifts
                 ,
                 then
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 take
                 the
                 fittest
                 time
                 ,
                 when
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 frame
                 for
                 study
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 because
                 more
                 troubled
                 at
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 enlargement
                 ,
                 then
                 at
                 all
                 the
                 sins
                 which
                 have
                 caused
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 searching
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 diligently
                 ,
                 constantly
                 .
              
            
             
               14.
               
               
                 Success
                 of
                 labours
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 sweet
                 and
                 solacing
                 !
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               The
               14.
               day
               ;
               His
               presence
               with
               me
               in
               preaching
               and
               prayer
               very
               much
               ,
               blessed
               be
               his
               name
               :
               Several
               touched
               by
               
               that
               Sermon
               ,
               as
               the
               Nurse
               and
               my
               maid
               ,
               and
               Mrs.
               Taylor
               ,
               and
               my
               sister
               Hastings
               her
               maid
               ,
               who
               came
               to
               me
               afterwards
               .
               A
               sweet
               pledge
               of
               his
               presence
               ;
               and
               since
               I
               hear
               divers
               others
               were
               stirred
               through
               much
               mercy
               at
               that
               Sermon
               .
            
             
               15.
               
               
                 He
                 was
                 much
                 inlarged
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 of
                 thankfulness
                 for
                 mercies
                 received
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 my
                 journey
                 from
                 Cork
                 to
                 Dublin
                 ;
                 neer
                 the
                 passage
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Long
                   Iland
                
                 ,
                 not
                 looking
                 to
                 my
                 horse
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 step
                 down
                 a
                 deep
                 precipice
                 ,
                 near
                 the
                 Sea.
                 Watchless
                 over
                 my
                 thoughts
                 that
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Afterwards
                 at
                 Clemell
                 I
                 had
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 run
                 up
                 into
                 an
                 infected
                 house
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 prevented
                 me
                 .
                 I
                 had
                 much
                 sweetness
                 in
                 Communion
                 with
                 God
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Delivered
                 from
                 fire
                 in
                 my
                 study
                 ,
                 which
                 lay
                 smothering
                 under
                 the
                 harth
                 three
                 daies
                 undiscovered
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 maid
                 Elisabeth
                 set
                 fire
                 on
                 the
                 bed
                 with
                 the
                 child
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 not
                 prevented
                 ,
                 all
                 had
                 been
                 consumed
                 .
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 My
                 wife
                 and
                 children
                 wonderfully
                 preserved
                 ,
                 two
                 Bricks
                 falling
                 down
                 the
                 chimney
                 ,
                 they
                 sitting
                 by
                 the
                 fires
                 side
                 .
              
            
             
               16.
               
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 God
                 he
                 made
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 his
                 ardent
                 desire
                 and
                 delight
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               Before
               the
               Supper
               ,
               upon
               examination
               ,
               I
               could
               find
               none
               in
               heaven
               or
               earth
               ,
               I
               did
               desire
               in
               comparison
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               17.
               
               
                 He
                 sought
                 not
                 happiness
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 other
                 creature
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               Through
               mercy
               I
               renounce
               my
               own
               merit
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               in
               the
               world
               as
               an
               happiness
               ,
               and
               therefore
               resolve
               to
               seek
               the
               chief
               Good
               in
               Gods
               favour
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             
               18.
               
               
                 Christ
                 was
                 high
                 in
                 his
                 esteem
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 dearly
                 beloved
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
             
               Through
               mercy
               I
               desire
               to
               prize
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               above
               all
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               be
               precious
               to
               me
               ,
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               6.
               
            
             
               19.
               
               
                 In
                 preparation
                 for
                 Fast-daies
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 unbosom
                 and
                 unbowel
                 himself
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 He
                 did
                 not
                 only
                 skim
                 off
                 the
                 uppermost
                 froth
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ;
                 but
                 would
                 search
                 every
                 nook
                 and
                 crany
                 ,
                 and
                 fetch
                 up
                 mud
                 from
                 the
                 very
                 bottom
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 O
                 how
                 proud
                 ,
                 and
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 lifted
                 up
                 upon
                 all
                 occasions
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 How
                 envious
                 against
                 others
                 !
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Of
                 late
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 very
                 dead
                 and
                 formal
                 in
                 all
                 services
                 ,
                 publike
                 and
                 private
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Very
                 backward
                 to
                 any
                 service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 not
                 constrained
                 by
                 love
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Very
                 trifling
                 away
                 my
                 precious
                 time
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Very
                 sluggish
                 ,
                 *
                 not
                 up
                 early
                 about
                 things
                 of
                 so
                 great
                 weight
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 But
                 negligent
                 in
                 preparation
                 to
                 holy
                 duties
                 ,
                 publike
                 and
                 private
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 How
                 empty
                 and
                 vain
                 in
                 discourses
                 ,
                 and
                 unprofitable
                 ?
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 How
                 distempered
                 in
                 hearing
                 publikely
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 conferences
                 with
                 the
                 Church
                 ?
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 Vile
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 reading
                 ,
                 and
                 meditation
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 deep
                 hypocrisie
                 .
              
               
                 11.
                 
                 Yet
                 back-slidden
                 ,
                 even
                 since
                 the
                 last
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 .
              
               
                 12.
                 
                 Yet
                 little
                 pure
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 as
                 Saints
                 .
              
               
                 13.
                 
                 Yet
                 not
                 a
                 sensible
                 heart
                 of
                 the
                 dishonour
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 these
                 times
                 .
              
               
                 14.
                 
                 Yet
                 not
                 a
                 tender
                 ,
                 nor
                 believing
                 heart
                 in
                 holding
                 out
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 reconciliation
                 .
              
            
             
               20.
               
               
                 In
                 preparation
                 for
                 the
                 Supper-Ordinance
                 he
                 would
                 bring
                 himsels
                 unto
                 the
                 Test
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 say
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 was
                 very
                 clear
                 in
                 the
                 discovering
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 condition
                 ,
                 being
                 well
                 acquainted
                 with
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Gods
                 dealing
                 with
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 souls
                 closing
                 with
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
             
               Instance
               ,
               April
               3.
               1653.
               upon
               search
               I
               find
               ,
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 My self
                 an
                 undone
                 creature
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 sufficiently
                 satisfied
                 as
                 Mediator
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 for
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 That
                 he
                 is
                 freely
                 offered
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 So
                 far
                 as
                 I
                 know
                 my
                 own
                 heart
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 through
                 mercy
                 heartily
                 consent
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 only
                 shall
                 be
                 my
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 not
                 my
                 works
                 or
                 duties
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 do
                 only
                 in
                 obedience
                 to
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 If
                 I
                 know
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 be
                 ruled
                 by
                 his
                 word
                 &
                 Spirit
                 .
                 Behold
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 the
                 summe
                 and
                 substance
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
              
            
             
               21.
               
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 blessed
                 his
                 enquiries
                 with
                 gracious
                 returns
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 set
                 himself
                 seriously
                 to
                 clear
                 up
                 his
                 interest
                 in
                 him
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
               October
               30.
               1652.
               
            
             
               As
               I
               was
               questioning
               and
               searching
               whether
               I
               were
               a
               child
               of
               God
               or
               no
               ,
               me
               thought
               this
               was
               suddenly
               spoken
               in
               me
               ,
               or
               to
               me
               :
               If
               I
               be
               not
               thy
               Father
               ,
               what
               am
               I
               then
               to
               thee
               ?
               Am
               I
               an
               enemy
               to
               thee
               ?
               which
               did
               much
               affect
               and
               melt
               my
               heart
               through
               much
               mercy
               .
            
             
               In
               preparation
               for
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               ,
               Jan.
               1.
               1652.
               as
               I
               was
               upon
               the
               same
               Question
               within
               my self
               ,
               whether
               I
               was
               a
               child
               of
               God
               yea
               or
               no
               ,
               me
               thought
               this
               was
               suggested
               within
               me
               :
               If
               I
               be
               not
               thy
               ●ather
               ,
               why
               dost
               thou
               follow
               me
               so
               hard
               ,
               and
               breath
               after
               me
               ?
               which
               also
               did
               much
               affect
               my
               heart
               at
               that
               time
               .
            
             
               22.
               
               
                 He
                 got
                 ground
                 on
                 his
                 corruptions
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 grave-cloaths
                 fell
                 off
                 apace
                 ,
                 while
                 he
                 was
                 yet
                 alive
                 .
                 Several
                 daies
                 I
                 find
                 good
                 recorded
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 evil
                 .
              
            
             
               Instance
               ,
               
                 
                   
                     Good.
                     
                  
                   
                     Evil.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   
                     In
                     morning
                     read
                     a
                     long
                     Hebrew
                     Chapter
                     —
                     in
                     closet-duty
                     ,
                     not
                     altogether
                     without
                     his
                     presence
                     ,
                     studied
                     for
                     my
                     Sermons
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     afternoon
                     spent
                     much
                     ,
                     what
                     in
                     preparation
                     of
                     my self
                     for
                     the
                     Lords
                     Supper
                     ,
                     and
                     not
                     altogether
                     without
                     his
                     presence
                     ,
                     for
                     blessed
                     be
                     his
                     name
                     ,
                     he
                     humbled
                     me
                     ,
                     and
                     melted
                     me
                     in
                     the
                     ●ight
                     of
                     my
                     own
                     vileness
                     .
                  
                   
                      
                  
                
              
            
             
             
               About
               7.
               weeks
               before
               his
               translation
               ,
               returning
               from
               London
               ,
               he
               found
               his
               Family
               in
               a
               languishing
               condition
               by
               reason
               of
               a
               feavourish
               distemper
               which
               had
               crept
               in
               among
               them
               .
               It
               being
               the
               Lords
               wont
               to
               send
               some
               forerunning
               waves
               to
               dash
               against
               ,
               and
               wet
               us
               ,
               before
               he
               send
               that
               mountainous
               one
               ,
               with
               which
               he
               will
               overwhelm
               us
               .
               His
               youngest
               child
               save
               one
               ,
               departs
               this
               life
               on
               Friday
               night
               ,
               being
               the
               11.
               of
               Nov.
               1654.
               
            
             
               How
               often
               are
               the
               little
               Lambs
               taken
               from
               the
               sides
               of
               their
               dams
               ,
               from
               whom
               they
               received
               life
               ,
               and
               carried
               to
               the
               place
               ,
               where
               they
               met
               with
               their
               deaths
               ?
               An
               hopeful
               branch
               must
               be
               lopt
               off
               ,
               before
               the
               Root
               it self
               dry
               up
               ,
               and
               wither
               .
            
             
               Saturday
               morning
               that
               Chapter
               came
               to
               be
               read
               in
               course
               ,
               which
               contains
               Davids
               Fasting
               and
               mourning
               for
               his
               child
               whilst
               it
               lived
               ,
               &c.
               
               Comparing
               his
               own
               condition
               with
               that
               of
               David
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Davids
               mourning
               went
               before
               ,
               but
               mine
               must
               follow
               after
               .
               The
               duties
               of
               the
               Family
               being
               over
               ,
               he
               retires
               again
               into
               his
               study
               ,
               keeps
               the
               day
               as
               a
               Fast
               ,
               and
               being
               awakened
               by
               this
               affliction
               ,
               is
               put
               upon
               serious
               self-reflexions
               ,
               and
               searching
               endeavours
               to
               find
               out
               the
               cause
               of
               this
               smart-stroke
               of
               Gods
               hand
               ,
               an
               account
               whereof
               ,
               taken
               out
               of
               his
               Diary
               ,
               you
               have
               as
               follows
               .
            
             
               
                 God
                 taking
                 away
                 my
                 little
                 babe
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   November
                
                 11.
                 1654.
                 
                 Searching
                 my
                 waies
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Not
                 returning
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 multiplyed
                 mercies
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 not
                 thankful
                 enough
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 not
                 endeared
                 to
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 More
                 lax
                 in
                 watching
                 over
                 my
                 thoughts
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 A
                 foolish
                 stupidity
                 ,
                 and
                 security
                 before
                 this
                 blow
                 from
                 the
                 the
                 Lord
                 —
                 far
                 from
                 waiting
                 for
                 changes
                 —
                 Jonah-like
                 ,
                 fast
                 asleep
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 An
                 unnatural
                 heart
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 —
                 insensible
                 of
                 his
                 pains
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Grown
                 very
                 slight
                 in
                 the
                 Lords
                 service
                 ;
                 though
                 wofully
                 distracted
                 ,
                 and
                 dead
                 in
                 every
                 duty
                 almost
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 humbled
                 under
                 it
                 —
                 had
                 lost
                 of
                 that
                 spiritualness
                 ,
                 and
                 heavenly-mindedness
                 ,
                 once
                 I
                 had
                 through
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Partial
                 affection
                 to
                 the
                 sons
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 to
                 the
                 daughters
                 ,
                 therefore
                 God
                 took
                 this
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 smote
                 the
                 other
                 .
              
            
             
               His
               wife
               would
               have
               had
               the
               Funerals
               deferr'd
               till
               Munday
               ,
               but
               he
               would
               not
               give
               way
               ,
               saying
               I
               have
               other
               work
               to
               do
               tomorrow
               .
            
             
             
               At
               even
               the
               people
               being
               come
               together
               ,
               he
               accompanied
               the
               Corps
               unto
               the
               grave
               ,
               into
               which
               he
               was
               observed
               to
               look
               very
               wishly
               ,
               as
               if
               he
               had
               been
               curiosly
               looking
               for
               a
               resting
               ,
               place
               for
               himself
               ,
               shortly
               to
               lye
               down
               in
               ,
               and
               had
               thus
               bespoken
               his
               dead
               
               child
               ,
               I
               shall
               shortly
               come
               to
               thee
               ,
               but
               thou
               shalt
               not
               return
               to
               me
               .
            
             
               Coming
               home
               ,
               he
               was
               very
               raised
               and
               chearful
               ,
               and
               comforted
               his
               wife
               ,
               with
               this
               saying
               among
               many
               others
               ;
               Come
               love
               ,
               he
               has
               but
               got
               the
               start
               of
               us
               .
            
             
               It
               being
               my
               work
               to
               track
               him
               ,
               and
               tread
               upon
               the
               print
               of
               his
               heels
               .
               I
               must
               follow
               him
               ,
               even
               through
               the
               valley
               of
               the
               shadow
               of
               death
               ,
               which
               was
               not
               so
               frightful
               to
               him
               in
               its
               approach
               ,
               as
               to
               me
               uncomfortable
               in
               its
               description
               .
            
             
               The
               time
               of
               his
               departure
               is
               at
               hand
               ,
               and
               no
               wonder
               ;
               He
               was
               ripe
               betimes
               ,
               and
               therefore
               gathered
               ,
               and
               taken
               into
               Gods
               Granary
               .
               He
               had
               done
               his
               work
               ,
               and
               must
               therefore
               go
               to
               receive
               his
               wages
               ;
               and
               this
               I
               may
               be
               bold
               to
               say
               ,
               that
               he
               did
               God
               more
               service
               in
               a
               little
               time
               ,
               then
               many
               others
               ,
               whose
               line
               of
               life
               was
               twice
               as
               long
               as
               his
               .
               He
               cannot
               be
               far
               off
               from
               his
               center
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               swiftness
               of
               his
               motion
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               alwaies
               much
               upon
               the
               wing
               ,
               but
               towards
               his
               latter
               end
               ,
               he
               was
               wont
               to
               soar
               very
               high
               ,
               and
               took
               many
               a
               turn
               in
               Paradise
               every
               day
               ,
               and
               would
               be
               often
               hovering
               about
               the
               Casements
               of
               the
               Star-chamber
               ;
               which
               having
               delightfully
               peept
               and
               pryed
               into
               ,
               he
               came
               down
               again
               ,
               though
               not
               without
               much
               regret
               and
               grief
               ,
               yet
               solacing
               himself
               with
               this
               consideration
               ,
               that
               he
               should
               shortly
               meet
               the
               Lord
               in
               the
               air
               ,
               and
               then
               be
               ever
               with
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               During
               the
               time
               of
               his
               pilgrimage
               ,
               and
               abode
               in
               the
               Lords
               Vineyard
               ,
               he
               served
               his
               God
               ,
               and
               his
               Generation
               with
               all
               his
               might
               .
               He
               ran
               faster
               then
               others
               ,
               and
               was
               therefore
               sooner
               out
               of
               breath
               .
               He
               screwed
               up
               the
               peggs
               so
               high
               ,
               that
               the
               strings
               of
               his
               several
               faculties
               crack
               ,
               and
               can
               hold
               out
               no
               longer
               .
               He
               did
               with
               so
               much
               vehemency
               and
               contention
               of
               spirit
               ,
               continually
               stir
               up
               himself
               to
               take
               hold
               on
               God
               ,
               and
               followed
               so
               hard
               after
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               sunk
               under
               the
               burden
               of
               his
               own
               endeavours
               .
            
             
               His
               late
               journey
               to
               London
               heated
               his
               blood
               ,
               and
               disposed
               his
               already-wasting
               body
               to
               a
               dangerous
               distemper
               ,
               which
               discovered
               
               
               it self
               on
               the
               Lords
               day
               in
               his
               forenoons
               Sermon
               ,
               which
               (
               after
               his
               return
               from
               the
               Congregation
               )
               he
               laboured
               to
               conceal
               from
               his
               wife
               ,
               by
               endeavouring
               to
               eat
               ,
               though
               it
               were
               much
               against
               his
               stomach
               :
               she
               perceiving
               some
               alteration
               in
               his
               countenance
               ,
               and
               carriage
               ,
               said
               ,
               You
               are
               not
               well
               ,
               pray
               preach
               not
               again
               ;
               to
               whom
               he
               replyed
               ,
               away
               ,
               away
               ,
               hinder
               me
               not
               :
               Whereupon
               he
               retired
               to
               his
               study
               ,
               and
               adventured
               to
               preach
               again
               in
               the
               afternoon
               ,
               though
               with
               some
               difficulty
               ,
               and
               apparent
               symptoms
               of
               sickness
               in
               his
               very
               visage
               .
               It
               was
               upon
               the
               spirits
               of
               some
               ,
               that
               this
               was
               the
               last
               time
               they
               should
               ever
               hear
               him
               :
               One
               seeing
               and
               observing
               him
               in
               his
               return
               ,
               said
               ,
               Thou
               art
               almost
               in
               heaven
               ,
               I
               shall
               never
               see
               thee
               more
               .
            
             
               The
               Text
               which
               he
               preached
               on
               that
               day
               ,
               is
               considerable
               —
               
                 Psal
                 .
                 4.
                 6.
                 
                 There
                 be
                 many
                 that
                 say
                 ,
                 Who
                 will
                 shew
                 us
                 any
                 good
                 ?
                 Lord
                 ,
                 lift
                 thou
                 up
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 thy
                 countenance
                 upon
                 us
                 .
              
               The
               former
               part
               ,
               viz.
               the
               enquiry
               ,
               
                 Who
                 will
                 shew
                 us
                 any
                 good
                 ?
              
               he
               finished
               in
               the
               fore-noon
               ,
               and
               urged
               several
               arguments
               ,
               why
               men
               ought
               to
               sit
               loose
               from
               all
               things
               that
               are
               here
               below
               :
               His
               expressions
               argued
               in
               him
               affections
               disingaged
               from
               matters
               dreggy
               and
               terrene
               :
               One
               foot
               is
               off
               the
               earth
               already
               ,
               the
               other
               will
               be
               so
               too
               shortly
               :
               He
               takes
               his
               flight
               from
               earth
               to
               heaven
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               afternoon
               made
               entrance
               on
               the
               latter
               part
               of
               the
               verse
               :
               
                 Lord
                 lift
                 thou
                 up
              
               ;
               &c.
               a
               suitable
               subject
               for
               him
               to
               speak
               to
               ,
               who
               was
               now
               about
               to
               enter
               into
               the
               gloomy
               horrours
               of
               the
               grave
               .
               Those
               bright
               ,
               refulgent
               beams
               of
               heavenly
               light
               ,
               are
               never
               more
               seasonable
               ,
               then
               when
               we
               are
               upon
               the
               borders
               of
               the
               Land
               of
               darkness
               .
               Ten
               glorious
               fruits
               and
               effects
               of
               the
               lifting
               up
               of
               the
               light
               of
               Gods
               countenance
               he
               held
               forth
               ;
               the
               heads
               of
               which
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               spirituality
               of
               the
               matter
               ,
               and
               being
               the
               words
               of
               a
               dying
               man
               ,
               and
               experienced
               ▪
               Christian
               ,
               you
               will
               find
               in
               the
               *
               Margin
               .
            
             
               Judicious
               Christ●ans
               plainly
               perceived
               him
               at
               that
               time
               to
               be
               wonderfully
               raised
               ,
               and
               his
               spreading
               sailes
               to
               be
               sweetly
               swelled
               with
               the
               powerful
               breathings
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               for
               he
               spake
               more
               like
               one
               neer
               the
               Throne
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               company
               of
               Angels
               ,
               then
               one
               in
               a
               Pulpit
               ,
               and
               surrounded
               with
               mortalls
               .
            
             
               At
               even
               ,
               the
               people
               (
               according
               to
               their
               accustomed
               manner
               )
               came
               crouding
               and
               thronging
               to
               Repetition
               .
               His
               wife
               in
               vain
               perswaded
               him
               to
               dismiss
               the
               Assembly
               :
               in
               repeating
               his
               Sermons
               ,
               Singing
               and
               Prayer
               ,
               he
               spent
               about
               two
               hours
               time
               .
            
             
               At
               Supper
               he
               did
               eat
               a
               little
               with
               his
               wife
               ,
               and
               that
               chearfully
               ,
               yet
               complained
               of
               an
               unusual
               heaviness
               in
               his
               head
               ,
               and
               soreness
               in
               his
               eys
               ,
               when
               endeavou●ing
               to
               lift
               them
               up
               ,
               and
               took
               little
               rest
               the
               ensuing
               night
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               morning
               seeing
               that
               he
               must
               be
               sick
               indeed
               ,
               he
               blessed
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               he
               found
               him
               in
               his
               work
               .
               The
               Physitian
               being
               sent
               for
               ,
               and
               consulted
               with
               ,
               said
               ,
               he
               had
               got
               cold
               ,
               and
               was
               feavorish
               :
               the
               second
               night
               is
               passed
               over
               with
               as
               little
               rest
               as
               the
               first
               .
            
             
               A
               day
               of
               Thanksgiving
               in
               private
               for
               his
               own
               return
               from
               London
               ,
               and
               his
               wives
               late
               safe
               delivery
               ,
               was
               designed
               to
               be
               celebrated
               about
               this
               time
               ;
               the
               consideration
               of
               which
               occasioned
               some
               sadness
               ,
               whereupon
               to
               his
               wife
               he
               said
               ,
               This
               is
               sad
               love
               ,
               this
               looks
               as
               if
               the
               Lord
               would
               not
               accept
               of
               an
               Offering
               of
               praise
               from
               our
               hands
               :
               And
               then
               he
               called
               for
               the
               Notes
               of
               a
               Thanksgiving
               Sermon
               ,
               preached
               long
               before
               by
               Doctor
               Jones
               on
               that
               passage
               of
               Hezekiah
               ,
               Who
               rendred
               not
               unto
               the
               Lord
               according
               
               to
               the
               benefit
               .
            
             
               The
               third
               day
               ,
               as
               a
               choice
               Christian
               friend
               ,
               who
               came
               to
               visit
               him
               ,
               was
               discoursing
               with
               his
               wife
               ,
               he
               fell
               afleep
               ,
               and
               two
               or
               three
               hours
               after
               awaking
               ,
               he
               called
               for
               his
               wife
               ,
               who
               coming
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               kneeling
               down
               upon
               the
               beds
               side
               ,
               he
               fixed
               his
               eys
               
               on
               her
               ,
               and
               said
               ,
               dost
               thou
               know
               that
               place
               ,
               I
               will
               give
               them
               the
               
               Valley
               of
               Achor
               for
               a
               door
               of
               hope
               ?
               Who
               said
               ,
               yes
               .
               He
               further
               asked
               her
               if
               she
               k●ew
               the
               meaning
               of
               it
               ,
               who
               expressing
               her
               apprehensions
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               yea
               ,
               there
               it
               is
               and
               then
               a
               little
               nodding
               his
               head
               ,
               and
               pointing
               with
               his
               finger
               at
               her
               ,
               said
               ,
               Rem●mber
               this
               Our
               valley
               of
               trouble
               shall
               be
               our
               door
               of
               hope
               .
            
             
               About
               the
               fifth
               day
               ,
               in
               letting
               blood
               he
               fainted
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               low
               voyce
               said
               ,
               What
               means
               this
               ?
               it
               was
               not
               thus
               with
               me
               at
               Sir
               
                 Roberts
                 Kings
              
               .
               To
               his
               wife
               looking
               upon
               him
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Now
               Love
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               weaning
               time
               .
               He
               was
               more
               careful
               of
               Gods
               Service
               then
               of
               his
               own
               attendance
               ,
               causing
               the
               servants
               to
               leave
               him
               ,
               that
               so
               their
               duty
               to
               God
               in
               ways
               of
               worship
               might
               not
               be
               neglected
               .
            
             
               The
               seventh
               day
               ,
               being
               the
               Sabbath
               ,
               he
               inquired
               who
               carried
               on
               the
               work
               ,
               and
               seemed
               to
               affect
               retirement
               ,
               and
               secret
               converse
               with
               God
               upon
               his
               own
               day
               .
               Most
               part
               of
               the
               second
               week
               was
               passed
               over
               in
               a
               silent
               submission
               ,
               and
               quiet
               waiting
               on
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               The
               thirteenth
               day
               in
               the
               morning
               ,
               being
               Saturday
               ,
               his
               pains
               were
               very
               violent
               for
               an
               hour
               and
               half
               ,
               and
               extorted
               from
               him
               that
               doleful
               complaint
               ,
               Lord
               how
               long
               ?
               Ah
               ,
               my
               bowels
               ,
               my
               bowels
               ,
               I
               have
               grieved
               bowels
               ,
               this
               speaks
               much
               ;
               I
               have
               wanted
               bowels
               ,
               I
               have
               not
               been
               so
               pittiful
               towards
               others
               .
            
             
               The
               Doctor
               being
               sent
               for
               ,
               and
               staying
               longer
               then
               was
               expected
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Lord
               give
               us
               help
               from
               trouble
               ,
               for
               vain
               is
               the
               help
               of
               man.
               At
               night
               he
               was
               much
               refreshed
               ,
               chearful
               all
               night
               
               and
               prone
               to
               discourse
               ,
               and
               praised
               without
               any
               complaining
               ,
               and
               withall
               said
               ,
               I
               would
               have
               given
               the
               whole
               world
               for
               so
               much
               ease
               in
               the
               morning
               .
            
             
               The
               Lords
               day
               in
               the
               morning
               the
               Doctor
               coming
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               looking
               on
               him
               ,
               wept
               ,
               to
               whom
               Master
               Murcot
               said
               ,
               How
               is
               it
               with
               me
               ?
               Doctor
               :
               You
               may
               do
               well
               Brother
               ,
               I
               hope
               ,
               if
               you
               can
               get
               any
               sleep
               .
               Master
               Murcot
               :
               Tell
               me
               true
               ,
               how
               is
               my
               Pulse
               ?
               Doctor
               :
               I
               confess
               it
               is
               but
               bad
               ,
               but
               you
               may
               do
               well
               if
               you
               can
               sleep
               ,
               which
               he
               indeavoured
               a
               while
               ,
               (
               though
               in
               vain
               )
               by
               closing
               his
               eys
               .
               To
               his
               wife
               looking
               sadly
               on
               him
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Love
               ,
               canst
               thou
               pray
               for
               ●leep
               for
               me
               ,
               what
               saist
               thou
               ?
               to
               which
               her
               swelling
               grief
               permitted
               her
               not
               to
               return
               answer
               .
               The
               rumou●
               of
               his
               weak
               condition
               being
               spread
               abroad
               ,
               a
               Doctor
               was
               sent
               
               from
               my
               Lord
               Deputy
               ,
               to
               see
               if
               there
               were
               any
               hope
               of
               life
               ,
               who
               speaking
               to
               him
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Doctor
               ,
               I
               am
               spent
               with
               sweating
               .
               To
               his
               Sister
               he
               said
               ,
               and
               that
               without
               any
               amazement
               and
               pe●turbation
               of
               spirit
               :
               Sister
               ,
               I
               must
               now
               tell
               you
               ,
               I
               am
               not
               for
               this
               world
               and
               then
               lifting
               up
               himself
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               Lord
               remember
               me
               ,
               
               how
               I
               have
               walked
               before
               thee
               in
               sincerity
               ,
               with
               all
               my
               might
               .
               He
               wished
               the
               Sabbath
               were
               over
               ,
               that
               so
               he
               might
               do
               something
               about
               his
               Will
               ,
               though
               little
               were
               to
               be
               done
               .
               His
               wife
               seeing
               &
               hearing
               these
               passages
               ,
               said
               to
               him
               ,
               Now
               I
               see
               that
               you
               know
               that
               you
               must
               leave
               us
               .
               He
               answered
               ,
               yes
               Love
               ;
               whereat
               she
               weeping
               ,
               he
               exhorted
               her
               to
               a
               Resignation
               ,
               to
               which
               she
               answered
               ,
               The
               Lord
               hath
               enabled
               me
               to
               surrender
               you
               up
               heartily
               ;
               at
               the
               ●ear●ng
               of
               which
               he
               lifting
               up
               his
               hands
               ,
               blessed
               the
               Lord.
               To
               h●s
               w●fe
               he
               said
               ,
               haste
               haste
               Love
               ,
               for
               my
               time
               is
               very
               short
               ,
               and
               withall
               told
               his
               Sister
               ,
               I
               shall
               not
               reach
               midnight
               .
               Then
               lifting
               up
               himfelf
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               these
               raptures
               tell
               me
               I
               must
               be
               gone
               quickly
               .
               The
               consideration
               of
               his
               approaching
               rest
               did
               wonderfully
               revive
               .
               The
               Messenger
               of
               the
               Lord
               whispered
               him
               in
               the
               ear
               ,
               and
               told
               him
               his
               Father
               had
               sent
               for
               him
               home
               ,
               which
               happy
               tidings
               made
               his
               heart
               to
               ●eap
               for
               joy
               within
               him
               .
               The
               glimmerings
               of
               the
               white
               Throne
               ,
               of
               the
               Lamb
               sitting
               on
               that
               Throne
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               glorious
               troops
               of
               Saints
               and
               Angels
               all
               in
               white
               about
               the
               I
               ●rone
               ,
               with
               the
               apprehensions
               and
               confident
               assurance
               of
               his
               bearing
               a
               part
               in
               the
               Musick
               ,
               of
               their
               Hallelujahs
               ,
               caused
               in
               him
               sublime
               elevations
               ,
               and
               springing
               exultings
               of
               spirit
               in
               a
               body
               depressed
               ,
               and
               bowed
               down
               with
               pinching
               pains
               ,
               and
               the
               agonies
               of
               an
               approaching
               death
               .
               He
               is
               now
               in
               the
               Cutfields
               of
               Emanuels
               Land
               ,
               and
               is
               gotten
               almost
               to
               the
               top
               of
               the
               Mount
               ,
               and
               his
               soul
               ,
               impatient
               of
               delaies
               ,
               is
               ready
               to
               leap
               out
               of
               the
               crazy
               and
               declining
               Cottage
               of
               mouldring
               Flesh
               .
            
             
               Paper
               being
               brought
               ,
               he
               began
               thus
               ;
               I
               resign
               my
               spirit
               into
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               Father
               of
               Spirits
               ,
               and
               into
               the
               bosome
               of
               my
               dear
               Lord
               ,
               &c.
               
               To
               this
               there
               were
               but
               three
               or
               four
               lines
               more
               added
               ,
               for
               he
               was
               in
               haste
               and
               longed
               to
               be
               at
               home
               .
            
             
               To
               his
               wife
               (
               having
               in
               a
               very
               short
               space
               dispatched
               his
               Will
               )
               he
               said
               ,
               Bury
               me
               in
               silence
               ,
               without
               Funeral
               Sermon
               ,
               I
               will
               have
               no
               manner
               of
               pomp
               ;
               but
               was
               perswaded
               to
               yeild
               to
               the
               intreaties
               of
               his
               wife
               ,
               as
               to
               a
               Sermon
               .
            
             
               As
               his
               children
               were
               called
               for
               ,
               Doctor
               Winter
               came
               in
               to
               
               visit
               him
               ,
               who
               unexpectedly
               seeing
               death
               in
               his
               face
               ,
               said
               ,
               with
               a
               loud
               and
               lamenting
               voice
               ,
               Brother
               Murcot
               are
               you
               leaving
               us
               ?
               who
               with
               unaltered
               countenance
               ,
               said
               ,
               Yes
               ,
               and
               desired
               him
               to
               pray
               quickly
               .
               His
               children
               being
               brought
               ,
               he
               said
               to
               his
               eldest
               ,
               Will
               Hester
               be
               a
               good
               child
               and
               serve
               the
               Lord
               ?
               His
               son
               being
               presented
               ,
               he
               expressed
               himself
               thus
               ,
               The
               Lord
               break
               thy
               stubborn
               heart
               .
               When
               the
               little
               one
               hanging
               on
               the
               mothers
               brest
               was
               exposed
               to
               his
               sight
               ,
               he
               lift
               up
               his
               hands
               ,
               and
               said
               ,
               The
               Lord
               bless
               thee
               .
               Being
               put
               in
               mind
               of
               his
               servants
               ,
               he
               affectionately
               and
               even
               smilingly
               looked
               up
               upon
               one
               ,
               whom
               he
               had
               been
               instrumental
               to
               convert
               ,
               and
               said
               ,
               Bess
               hath
               a
               better
               Master
               ,
               the
               Lord
               be
               with
               thee
               Bess
               .
               The
               children
               being
               taken
               away
               ,
               and
               his
               wife
               coming
               to
               take
               her
               last
               leave
               and
               final
               farewel
               of
               him
               ,
               he
               alone
               lift
               up
               himself
               and
               kissed
               her
               .
               Dr.
               Winter
               desiring
               an
               interest
               in
               his
               prayers
               ,
               he
               said
               ,
               The
               Lord
               strengthen
               you
               for
               the
               double
               work
               that
               now
               lies
               on
               you
               ,
               and
               withal
               desired
               him
               to
               pray
               with
               him
               ;
               which
               he
               did
               in
               a
               most
               pathetical
               and
               doleful
               manner
               ,
               groaning
               out
               his
               requests
               unto
               God.
               The
               people
               ,
               though
               desired
               ,
               are
               loath
               to
               leave
               the
               chamber
               ,
               and
               hang
               so
               thick
               on
               the
               curtains
               ,
               bed-posts
               ,
               hangings
               ,
               doors
               ,
               having
               not
               the
               power
               to
               leave
               their
               dear
               and
               departing
               friend
               ,
               so
               that
               he
               is
               in
               danger
               of
               being
               smothered
               ,
               and
               dying
               before
               his
               time
               .
            
             
               Drawing
               near
               his
               end
               ,
               his
               sister
               said
               to
               him
               ,
               Are
               you
               in
               charity
               with
               all
               the
               Lords
               people
               ,
               though
               differing
               from
               you
               ?
               Who
               lifting
               up
               his
               eyes
               affectionately
               ,
               said
               ,
               Yes
               ;
               She
               desiring
               him
               to
               manifest
               it
               by
               his
               last
               request
               ,
               he
               lifted
               up
               his
               hands
               and
               requested
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               Lords
               people
               might
               be
               one
               ,
               as
               his
               way
               was
               one
               .
            
             
               Then
               stretching
               out
               his
               arms
               ,
               and
               lifting
               himself
               up
               ,
               he
               said
               with
               a
               loud
               and
               shrill
               voice
               ,
               Lord
               Jesus
               draw
               me
               up
               to
               thee
               :
               which
               sweet
               expressions
               ,
               by
               a
               frequent
               and
               fervent
               repetition
               wasted
               his
               spirits
               ,
               so
               that
               afterwards
               he
               lay
               in
               somewhat
               a
               silent
               posture
               ,
               waiting
               for
               his
               change
               ,
               which
               was
               now
               neer
               at
               hand
               .
            
             
               About
               nine
               of
               the
               clock
               he
               breathed
               out
               his
               soul
               into
               the
               bosom
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               quietly
               slept
               in
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               The
               Wednesday
               following
               ,
               being
               the
               appointed
               time
               of
               his
               interment
               ,
               great
               was
               the
               confluence
               of
               people
               ,
               who
               attended
               the
               corps
               unto
               the
               grave
               .
               The
               Lord
               Deputy
               Fleetwood
               followed
               the
               
               Body
               ,
               after
               him
               the
               Council
               ,
               then
               the
               Maior
               ,
               Aldermen
               ,
               and
               Citizens
               in
               such
               numerous
               troops
               ,
               that
               the
               like
               hath
               not
               been
               usually
               seen
               in
               Dublin
               .
               Dr.
               Winter
               preached
               his
               funeral
               Sermon
               ,
               on
               
                 Heb.
                 13.
                 7.
                 
                 Remember
                 them
                 which
                 have
                 the
                 rule
                 over
                 you
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 spoken
                 unto
                 you
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 whose
                 Faith
                 follow
                 ,
                 considering
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 their
                 conversation
                 .
                 —
              
               Upon
               the
               face
               of
               the
               whole
               Congregation
               sate
               a
               black
               cloud
               of
               sorrow
               and
               disconsolation
               ,
               being
               not
               able
               to
               vent
               it
               on
               that
               doleful
               and
               uncomfortable
               occasion
               into
               showers
               .
               The
               Body
               being
               brought
               unto
               the
               place
               of
               burial
               ,
               the
               sadned
               spectators
               and
               standers-by
               sighed
               him
               into
               his
               grave
               ,
               and
               mingling
               his
               dust
               with
               their
               moist
               tears
               ,
               departed
               and
               left
               him
               in
               his
               bed
               of
               rest
               .
            
             
               Relation
               I
               would
               willing
               back
               with
               Exhortation
               .
               A
               few
               words
               of
               spiritual
               advice
               in
               the
               close
               of
               the
               whole
               may
               be
               of
               use
               ,
               though
               from
               an
               inferiour
               hand
               .
            
             
               And
               first
               to
               you
               ,
               my
               Brethren
               in
               the
               Ministry
               ,
               I
               address
               my self
               ,
               and
               earnestly
               intreate
               you
               in
               the
               bowels
               of
               Christ
               Jesus
               our
               Lord
               to
               remember
               ,
               That
               you
               are
               not
               only
               Church-Officers
               ,
               but
               Christians
               .
               Spend
               not
               your
               whole
               time
               in
               reading
               books
               ,
               and
               studying
               other
               men
               ;
               you
               will
               do
               well
               to
               study
               your selves
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               acquainted
               with
               the
               frame
               of
               your
               own
               hearts
               .
               The
               way
               which
               you
               point
               out
               unto
               others
               ,
               walk
               in
               your selves
               ,
               and
               conscientiously
               practise
               the
               duties
               which
               you
               pangatively
               press
               .
               Beware
               of
               beams
               in
               your
               own
               eyes
               ,
               whilest
               you
               are
               diligently
               
               plucking
               motes
               out
               of
               your
               brothers
               eyes
               .
               Let
               not
               your
               own
               cloathes
               be
               full
               of
               dust
               ,
               when
               you
               are
               brushing
               other
               mens
               backs
               .
               It
               s
               not
               handsom
               for
               us
               to
               be
               alwaies
               sweeping
               before
               the
               doors
               of
               others
               ,
               and
               picking
               up
               the
               least
               offensive
               straw
               ,
               whilest
               huge
               heaps
               of
               dunghil
               filth
               lie
               before
               our
               own
               doors
               unremoved
               .
               It
               
               opens
               the
               mouths
               of
               opposites
               ,
               when
               we
               are
               taken
               notice
               of
               ,
               to
               bind
               heavy
               burdens
               on
               other
               mens
               shoulders
               ,
               we
               in
               the
               mean
               time
               refusing
               to
               touch
               them
               with
               the
               least
               of
               our
               fingers
               .
               Know
               we
               not
               the
               pleadings
               of
               many
               at
               the
               last
               day
               ,
               
                 Have
                 we
                 not
                 preached
              
               
               
                 in
                 thy
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 thy
                 name
                 cast
                 out
                 Devils
                 ?
              
               whom
               yet
               Christ
               will
               spurn
               from
               his
               presence
               ,
               and
               cast
               forth
               as
               an
               everlasting
               abhorring
               .
            
             
               What
               though
               Judas
               had
               the
               grace
               of
               Apostleship
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               he
               had
               not
               grace
               with
               his
               Apostleship
               ?
               It
               was
               a
               wise
               course
               that
               
               Paul
               took
               ,
               and
               deserving
               imitation
               ,
               who
               did
               beat
               down
               his
               own
               
               body
               ,
               lest
               having
               preached
               unto
               others
               ,
               he
               himself
               should
               become
               a
               cast-away
               .
               What
               though
               Satan
               fall
               down
               from
               heaven
               like
               ●ightning
               before
               us
               ,
               if
               he
               be
               not
               cast
               out
               of
               our
               hearts
               ?
               We
               have
               more
               reason
               to
               rejoyce
               in
               having
               our
               names
               written
               in
               the
               
               Lambs
               book
               of
               Life
               ,
               then
               in
               having
               the
               Devils
               subject
               to
               us
               .
               O
               whilest
               we
               passionately
               endeavour
               the
               salvation
               of
               others
               souls
               ,
               let
               us
               have
               an
               eye
               of
               tender
               regard
               unto
               our
               own
               .
               One
               hint
               more
               at
               parting
               ,
               —
               We
               cannot
               be
               too
               often
               put
               in
               mind
               of
               that
               which
               is
               our
               proper
               work
               ,
               and
               doth
               most
               neerly
               concern
               us
               to
               be
               busied
               about
               :
               viz.
               Reading
               ,
               Exhortation
               ,
               Doctrine
               .
               Let
               
               not
               our
               Sabbath-daies
               discourses
               savour
               of
               the
               tiresom
               distractions
               of
               the
               preceding
               week
               ;
               giving
               the
               People
               occasion
               to
               say
               ,
               That
               if
               we
               were
               less
               earthly
               and
               carnal
               ,
               our
               discourses
               would
               be
               more
               heavenly
               and
               spiritual
               .
               The
               ingrateful
               world
               many
               times
               puts
               us
               to
               our
               shifts
               to
               get
               a
               subsistence
               ,
               yet
               let
               us
               take
               heed
               of
               too
               deep
               and
               unnecessary
               engagements
               in
               matters
               secular
               ,
               that
               are
               heterogeneal
               and
               excentrical
               to
               our
               employment
               .
               It
               s
               inconvenient
               ,
               and
               gives
               occasion
               of
               disgust
               to
               be
               seen
               so
               often
               in
               the
               streets
               ,
               and
               found
               so
               seldom
               in
               our
               studies
               .
               It
               should
               not
               satisfie
               that
               something
               is
               done
               by
               us
               on
               the
               Lords
               day
               ,
               to
               stop
               the
               clamours
               of
               conscience
               ,
               and
               the
               Congregation
               .
               It
               becomes
               not
               those
               who
               should
               serve
               God
               with
               all
               their
               might
               ,
               to
               offer
               unto
               him
               that
               which
               cost
               them
               nothing
               .
               The
               more
               pains
               we
               take
               in
               private
               ,
               the
               more
               rational
               and
               methodical
               shall
               we
               be
               in
               publike
               .
               Those
               Sermons
               are
               most
               affectionate
               ,
               and
               melting
               ,
               that
               are
               written
               with
               sweat
               and
               tears
               as
               well
               as
               Ink.
               Sapless
               and
               successless
               usually
               are
               those
               discourses
               ,
               that
               are
               the
               blustring
               inforcements
               ,
               and
               yawning
               exactations
               of
               lusty
               lungs
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               clear
               and
               elaborate
               distillations
               of
               a
               judicious
               ,
               and
               working
               brain
               .
               A
               loud
               sound
               of
               words
               may
               make
               the
               ears
               to
               tingle
               ,
               and
               cause
               a
               blind
               ,
               and
               confused
               agitation
               of
               the
               affections
               to
               little
               purpose
               ;
               but
               the
               Understanding
               and
               Reason
               are
               not
               captivated
               but
               by
               clear
               and
               solid
               arguments
               .
               As
               for
               disgorging
               that
               which
               lies
               uppermost
               ,
               on
               the
               top
               of
               a
               squezy
               stomach
               ,
               under
               the
               notion
               of
               the
               immediate
               ,
               and
               undoubted
               dictates
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               that
               hath
               been
               sufficiently
               exploded
               by
               able
               pens
               ,
               as
               being
               apparently
               repugnant
               to
               sound
               Reason
               and
               Religion
               .
            
             
               Christians
               ,
               I
               would
               likewise
               caution
               and
               advise
               in
               a
               few
               words
               .
            
             
             
               1.
               
               Flatter
               not
               your selves
               with
               fallacious
               and
               ungrounded
               hopes
               of
               being
               saved
               upon
               easie
               terms
               .
               Religion
               knows
               no
               reward
               without
               a
               preceding
               work
               .
               Expect
               not
               to
               ride
               in
               a
               triumphant
               Chariot
               ,
               unless
               you
               first
               tumble
               in
               sweat
               and
               dust
               .
               Lazy
               Lozels
               shall
               be
               scourged
               ,
               when
               conquering
               combatants
               shall
               be
               crowned
               .
               Christ
               hath
               told
               you
               ,
               that
               the
               way
               is
               narrow
               ,
               and
               the
               Gate
               is
               straight
               ;
               and
               therefore
               turn
               the
               deaf
               ear
               to
               the
               contrary
               
               suggestions
               of
               those
               ,
               who
               would
               fain
               perswade
               you
               ,
               that
               the
               way
               is
               broader
               ,
               and
               the
               Gate
               wider
               then
               Christ
               hath
               made
               it
               .
               The
               Saints
               of
               old
               took
               no
               more
               pains
               then
               was
               necessary
               ,
               who
               instantly
               served
               God
               day
               and
               night
               ,
               in
               order
               to
               obtaining
               the
               promised
               ,
               
               and
               purchased
               inheritance
               .
               Our
               way
               is
               up-hill
               ,
               no
               coming
               thither
               without
               panting
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Be
               not
               discouraged
               because
               of
               the
               unavoidable
               difficulties
               of
               Religion
               .
               Let
               not
               the
               high
               hills
               ,
               and
               the
               ragged
               rocks
               over
               which
               you
               must
               climb
               ,
               fright
               you
               into
               a
               benumming
               deadness
               ,
               and
               irresolution
               .
               Lay
               not
               aside
               your
               Oars
               ,
               though
               the
               wind
               and
               ●ide
               be
               against
               you
               .
               Are
               not
               others
               safely
               landed
               ,
               who
               were
               assaulted
               with
               the
               like
               opposition
               ,
               and
               therefore
               why
               should
               you
               despond
               ?
            
             
               3.
               
               Though
               I
               propose
               the
               exemplary
               life
               of
               this
               holy
               man
               ,
               as
               worthy
               your
               imitation
               ,
               yet
               I
               would
               have
               you
               look
               higher
               :
               Follow
               him
               no
               farther
               then
               you
               see
               him
               following
               Christ
               .
               It
               was
               a
               laudable
               height
               ,
               and
               pitch
               in
               Religion
               which
               he
               attained
               unto
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               generality
               of
               Professors
               come
               short
               of
               ;
               Yet
               I
               do
               not
               urge
               you
               to
               sail
               after
               him
               ,
               and
               steer
               the
               same
               course
               ,
               with
               the
               neglect
               of
               your
               Compass
               .
               Let
               your
               eye
               be
               upon
               the
               never-erring
               rule
               of
               the
               word
               .
               The
               most
               Seraphical
               ,
               and
               best
               of
               Saints
               on
               this
               side
               heaven
               ,
               have
               some
               dross
               mixed
               with
               their
               gold
               ,
               some
               water
               with
               their
               most
               sparkling
               and
               generous
               wine
               .
               I
               would
               not
               have
               you
               to
               be
               holy
               only
               ,
               as
               this
               or
               that
               man
               is
               holy
               ,
               whom
               you
               conceive
               to
               be
               more
               then
               ordinarily
               excellent
               ,
               and
               one
               of
               those
               who
               are
               in
               the
               highest
               form
               of
               the
               School
               of
               Christ
               .
               Let
               Christ
               alone
               be
               Pattern
               ,
               which
               you
               will
               exactly
               imitate
               ,
               and
               the
               Copy
               that
               you
               will
               write
               after
               .
               He
               was
               a
               Copy
               without
               blot
               ,
               and
               a
               Lamb
               without
               spot
               .
            
             
               The
               most
               shining
               and
               spiritual
               part
               of
               Mr.
               Murcots
               life
               ,
               is
               taken
               out
               of
               his
               Diary
               ,
               or
               daily
               account
               of
               himself
               in
               writing
               :
               The
               like
               Practise
               I
               would
               passionately
               perswade
               .
               It
               s
               numerous
               
               advantages
               will
               recompence
               the
               present
               toyl
               .
               Me
               thinks
               such
               Arguments
               as
               these
               should
               be
               cogent
               ,
               and
               constraining
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Self-acquaintance
               .
               A
               prime
               point
               of
               wisdom
               is
               the
               knowledge
               of
               a
               mans
               self
               .
               If
               he
               be
               accounted
               wise
               ,
               who
               is
               well
               verst
               in
               State-affairs
               ,
               and
               hath
               in
               his
               mind
               formed
               characters
               of
               the
               most
               noted
               men
               of
               his
               times
               :
               If
               he
               be
               reputed
               wise
               ,
               who
               is
               acquainted
               with
               the
               nature
               of
               Angels
               ,
               and
               elementary
               Bodies
               ;
               who
               knows
               the
               mysterious
               motions
               ,
               and
               influential
               operations
               of
               the
               stars
               ,
               and
               can
               give
               a
               description
               of
               the
               several
               birds
               that
               flie
               in
               the
               air
               ,
               of
               all
               sorts
               of
               beasts
               that
               move
               upon
               the
               face
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               unnumbered
               kinds
               of
               Fishes
               that
               swim
               in
               the
               great
               and
               wide
               Sea
               ;
               then
               much
               more
               wise
               must
               he
               needs
               be
               ,
               who
               by
               much
               searching
               hath
               acquired
               the
               knowledge
               of
               himself
               .
            
             
               The
               benefits
               of
               this
               self-acquaintance
               would
               be
               deservedly
               considered
               .
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   It
                   s
                   of
                   consequence
                   to
                   know
                   what
                   our
                   condition
                   is
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   life
                   and
                   death
                   ,
                   and
                   upon
                   what
                   terms
                   we
                   stand
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   salvation
                   .
                   Being
                   daily
                   weighed
                   in
                   the
                   Ballance
                   of
                   the
                   Sanctuary
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   find
                   whether
                   or
                   no
                   we
                   are
                   too
                   light
                   .
                   It
                   s
                   good
                   to
                   prevent
                   those
                   mistakes
                   ,
                   which
                   being
                   not
                   discovered
                   ,
                   may
                   prove
                   the
                   loss
                   of
                   our
                   souls
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   When
                   thou
                   findest
                   lust
                   prevailing
                   ,
                   with
                   apparent
                   decaies
                   and
                   declinings
                   in
                   grace
                   ,
                   here
                   's
                   an
                   occasion
                   adminstred
                   for
                   godly
                   sorrow
                   to
                   vent
                   it self
                   ,
                   by
                   pouring
                   forth
                   penitential
                   tears
                   before
                   the
                   Lord.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   If
                   thou
                   seest
                   the
                   pleasant
                   plant
                   of
                   grace
                   to
                   thrive
                   ,
                   and
                   flourish
                   ,
                   and
                   overtop
                   the
                   stinking
                   weeds
                   of
                   thy
                   corruptions
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   thou
                   feel
                   the
                   Sun-shine
                   of
                   Gods
                   favourable
                   face
                   in
                   Christ
                   ,
                   warming
                   and
                   chearing
                   thy
                   heart
                   ;
                   here
                   's
                   fewel
                   laid
                   in
                   for
                   the
                   fire
                   of
                   thy
                   joy
                   to
                   burn
                   and
                   blaze
                   .
                   These
                   rare
                   expressions
                   of
                   mercy
                   ,
                   provoke
                   thee
                   to
                   thanksulness
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   sing
                   aloud
                   of
                   Gods
                   goodness
                   .
                
              
            
             
               2.
               
               Prevention
               of
               evil
               .
               The
               consideration
               of
               this
               ,
               that
               the
               evil
               which
               falls
               from
               us
               must
               be
               recorded
               by
               us
               ,
               and
               that
               for
               this
               end
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               thence
               take
               occasion
               to
               loath
               and
               abhor
               our selves
               in
               dust
               and
               ashes
               ,
               will
               lay
               a
               restraint
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               be
               as
               a
               bridle
               in
               our
               mouthes
               ,
               to
               check
               the
               insolency
               of
               unruly
               lust
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Accounts
               less
               confused
               when
               we
               come
               to
               dye
               .
               He
               that
               makes
               even
               with
               God
               every
               day
               ,
               will
               find
               his
               death-bed
               work
               to
               
               be
               comfortably
               lightned
               and
               lessened
               .
               He
               that
               delaies
               and
               puts
               off
               the
               remembrance
               of
               his
               waies
               ;
               and
               calling
               himself
               to
               an
               account
               till
               he
               come
               to
               be
               tormented
               with
               pain
               upon
               his
               bed
               ,
               and
               the
               multitude
               of
               his
               bones
               with
               strong
               pain
               ,
               will
               find
               himself
               in
               an
               unmeet
               posture
               for
               a
               work
               of
               that
               nature
               .
               If
               our
               sickness
               be
               not
               such
               ,
               as
               to
               extort
               loud
               out-cries
               and
               hideous
               exclamations
               ,
               yet
               it
               will
               be
               sure
               to
               oppress
               ,
               and
               bow
               down
               with
               a
               dull
               and
               heavy
               unchearfulness
               .
            
             
               Self-examination
               is
               a
               solitary
               duty
               ,
               and
               requires
               a
               calm
               ,
               and
               undisturbed
               retirement
               .
               Now
               the
               curtains
               of
               a
               sick-bed
               are
               often
               opened
               ,
               and
               the
               languishing
               Patient
               seldom
               at
               rest
               .
               The
               weeping
               wife
               ,
               lamenting
               children
               ,
               sorrowful
               servants
               ,
               busie
               Physitian
               ,
               condoling
               visitants
               ,
               must
               all
               be
               heeded
               and
               hearkened
               to
               ,
               and
               answers
               returned
               to
               their
               enquiries
               ;
               so
               that
               our
               time
               is
               taken
               up
               in
               meditating
               on
               our
               pain
               ,
               and
               relating
               it
               to
               others
               .
               Doubtless
               ,
               health
               and
               a
               closet
               are
               most
               convenient
               for
               self-reflexions
               ,
               which
               if
               procrastinated
               till
               the
               last
               period
               of
               our
               lives
               ,
               are
               rarely
               attended
               with
               a
               real
               conversion
               ,
               and
               turning
               to
               God
               in
               truth
               and
               sincerity
               .
               How
               seldom
               are
               dying
               men
               new-born
               ?
               and
               they
               added
               to
               the
               Church
               ,
               that
               are
               going
               out
               of
               the
               world
               ?
               The
               sins
               of
               departing
               souls
               come
               crouding
               and
               thronging
               in
               so
               thick
               upon
               them
               ,
               so
               that
               a
               distinct
               consideration
               of
               them
               cannot
               be
               taken
               ;
               and
               now
               mens
               former
               golden
               dreams
               of
               heaven
               ,
               and
               high-flown
               hopes
               of
               after-happiness
               ,
               vanish
               like
               smoak
               ,
               and
               leave
               behind
               them
               in
               their
               stead
               ,
               despair
               ,
               destraction
               ,
               confusion
               ,
               consternation
               ,
               and
               a
               certain
               fearful
               expectation
               ,
               and
               looking
               for
               of
               fiery
               indignation
               to
               devour
               .
            
             
               O
               that
               men
               were
               wise
               ,
               that
               they
               would
               remember
               their
               latter
               ends
               ,
               and
               whilest
               the
               light
               shines
               ,
               provide
               for
               the
               daies
               of
               darkness
               ,
               for
               they
               are
               many
               .
            
             
               The
               Devil
               hath
               a
               jealous
               eye
               upon
               all
               Engines
               that
               might
               probably
               batter
               his
               Kingdom
               ,
               loosen
               his
               hold
               ,
               and
               weaken
               his
               interest
               :
               besides
               ,
               the
               flesh
               loves
               to
               be
               abundantly
               favoured
               ,
               and
               therefore
               I
               expect
               that
               objections
               against
               this
               course
               ,
               of
               calling
               our selves
               to
               account
               daily
               ,
               will
               be
               multiplied
               .
            
             
               Object
               .
               1.
               
               
                 The
                 work
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 attended
                 with
                 many
                 thorny
                 ,
                 and
                 inextricable
                 difficulties
                 ;
                 hence
                 mens
                 loathness
                 to
                 take
                 it
                 up
                 .
              
            
             
               Answ
               .
               1.
               
               He
               that
               withdraws
               his
               neck
               from
               the
               yoak
               of
               Christ
               because
               of
               its
               pinching
               weight
               ,
               is
               unworthy
               of
               Christ
               .
               In
               vain
               do
               men
               hope
               to
               be
               saved
               ,
               who
               provide
               for
               their
               own
               ease
               ,
               when
               
               Christ
               is
               calling
               upon
               them
               for
               service
               .
               Never
               expect
               to
               look
               him
               with
               comfort
               in
               the
               face
               ,
               unless
               you
               resolve
               to
               be
               indefatigable
               in
               his
               work
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Do
               not
               men
               upon
               a
               worldly
               score
               take
               abundance
               of
               pains
               in
               casting
               up
               their
               accounts
               ?
               Will
               not
               the
               practise
               of
               many
               merchants
               rise
               up
               in
               judgement
               against
               themselves
               ,
               and
               others
               at
               the
               last
               day
               ?
               They
               can
               rise
               early
               ,
               &
               sit
               up
               late
               ,
               and
               immure
               themselves
               in
               their
               closets
               and
               counting-houses
               ,
               and
               there
               at
               large
               set
               down
               their
               receipts
               ,
               and
               disbursments
               .
               Marriners
               ,
               when
               at
               Sea
               ,
               set
               down
               in
               their
               Diurnals
               ,
               every
               turn
               of
               the
               wind
               ,
               and
               when
               it
               began
               ,
               how
               many
               hours
               ,
               nay
               minutes
               the
               ship
               sailed
               such
               a
               point
               of
               the
               Compass
               ,
               and
               how
               many
               another
               ;
               yea
               ,
               though
               they
               sleep
               but
               half
               the
               night
               ,
               yet
               they
               must
               find
               time
               to
               do
               this
               ,
               because
               their
               lives
               lie
               at
               the
               stake
               ,
               and
               the
               safety
               of
               the
               whole
               is
               concerned
               .
               How
               come
               souls
               trow
               to
               be
               at
               such
               a
               low
               and
               cheap
               rate
               ,
               that
               the
               safety
               and
               welfare
               of
               the
               Body
               should
               be
               preferred
               before
               them
               ?
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               is
               better
               to
               take
               pains
               then
               to
               run
               the
               hazard
               of
               suffering
               eternal
               pains
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               greatest
               part
               of
               the
               difficulty
               lies
               in
               the
               Porch
               :
               when
               you
               are
               once
               entred
               into
               the
               House
               ,
               you
               will
               not
               repent
               of
               the
               pains
               you
               have
               taken
               ,
               but
               find
               encouragement
               to
               take
               more
               .
               A
               clear
               discovery
               of
               a
               mans
               condition
               hath
               in
               it
               much
               of
               satisfaction
               .
            
             
               Object
               .
               2.
               
               
                 Multiplicity
                 of
                 unavoidable
                 worldly
                 occasions
                 by
                 some
                 may
                 be
                 pretended
                 for
                 their
                 omission
                 of
                 this
                 duty
                 :
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 time
                 ;
                 and
                 leisure
                 enough
                 to
                 do
                 as
                 others
                 do
                 .
              
            
             
               Answ
               .
               1.
               
               One
               thing
               only
               is
               necessary
               ,
               other
               things
               are
               but
               convenient
               .
               It
               s
               necessary
               that
               you
               have
               grace
               ,
               and
               be
               saved
               ;
               not
               so
               that
               you
               be
               rich
               ,
               and
               advanced
               to
               an
               high
               degree
               in
               the
               world
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Lessen
               your
               business
               ,
               and
               contract
               your
               occasions
               within
               a
               narrower
               compass
               .
               Have
               less
               to
               do
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               that
               so
               you
               may
               have
               more
               time
               to
               spend
               in
               a
               devout
               retirement
               .
            
             
               Believe
               it
               Christians
               ,
               Time
               is
               a
               precious
               Talent
               that
               must
               be
               reckoned
               for
               :
               See
               therefore
               that
               you
               husband
               it
               to
               the
               best
               advantage
               .
               Be
               sure
               you
               reserve
               the
               morning
               ,
               and
               evening
               for
               converse
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               communing
               with
               your
               own
               hearts
               ,
               not
               neglecting
               a
               watchful
               jealousie
               over
               your selves
               all
               the
               day
               .
            
             
               Religion
               is
               not
               a
               little
               obstructed
               by
               unnecessary
               visits
               ,
               frothy
               
               discourses
               ,
               unsaint-like
               gaming
               's
               and
               Paganish
               pastimes
               .
               Take
               heed
               of
               being
               late
               abroad
               out
               of
               your
               own
               houses
               .
               It
               becomes
               not
               those
               who
               profess
               they
               look
               for
               ,
               and
               hast
               unto
               the
               coming
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               come
               stumbling
               home
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               groping
               for
               their
               doors
               at
               midnight
               ,
               when
               they
               should
               rather
               be
               in
               the
               secret
               chamber
               ,
               dressing
               and
               making
               themselves
               ready
               against
               the
               marriage-Supper
               of
               the
               Lamb.
               
            
             
               I
               am
               bold
               to
               affirm
               ,
               that
               reading
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               instructing
               our
               families
               ,
               praying
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               singing
               praises
               to
               his
               name
               ,
               &c.
               make
               sweeter
               musick
               in
               his
               ears
               ,
               then
               the
               ratling
               of
               Tables
               ,
               and
               the
               shuffling
               of
               Cards
               ,
               the
               bane
               of
               great
               mens
               houses
               ,
               and
               it
               were
               well
               if
               the
               infection
               had
               not
               diffused
               it self
               to
               multitudes
               of
               inferiour
               families
               .
            
             
               The
               plain
               truth
               of
               it
               is
               ,
               men
               and
               women
               for
               the
               generality
               of
               them
               ,
               chuse
               not
               God
               for
               their
               chiefest
               good
               ,
               they
               make
               not
               him
               the
               object
               of
               their
               delight
               ,
               their
               rejoycing
               is
               not
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ;
               Religion
               is
               a
               sapless
               ,
               yea
               a
               sour
               thing
               unto
               them
               ,
               and
               hence
               it
               is
               that
               they
               turn
               aside
               to
               vain
               sports
               ,
               and
               sensible
               delights
               .
            
             
               If
               you
               find
               your
               hearts
               averse
               to
               the
               practise
               of
               a
               Diary
               ,
               yet
               let
               me
               intreat
               and
               ingage
               you
               to
               make
               tryal
               of
               it
               for
               a
               few
               daies
               ;
               do
               not
               obstinately
               decline
               a
               course
               which
               you
               have
               no
               experience
               of
               .
            
             
               But
               if
               you
               are
               resolved
               through
               grace
               to
               take
               up
               ,
               and
               persevere
               in
               the
               practise
               of
               the
               duty
               proposed
               ,
               beware
               that
               it
               do
               not
               degenerate
               into
               a
               customary
               and
               empty
               formality
               .
               Rest
               not
               in
               the
               bare
               doing
               of
               the
               thing
               ,
               but
               prosecute
               the
               work
               in
               order
               to
               its
               ends
               ,
               which
               are
               spiritual
               and
               of
               unspeakable
               advantage
               .
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
           
             
             
             
               CIRCVMSPECT
               Walking
               ,
               A
               Christians
               Wisdom
               .
            
             
               
                 Ephes
                 .
                 5.
                 15
                 ,
                 16.
                 
              
               
                 See
                 then
                 that
                 you
                 walk
                 circumspectly
                 ,
                 not
                 as
                 fools
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 wise
                 ,
                 Redeeming
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 dayes
                 are
                 evil
                 .
              
            
             
               THE
               Apostle
               in
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               according
               to
               his
               manner
               ,
               doth
               build
               upon
               the
               faith
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               to
               justification
               ,
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               good
               works
               ,
               and
               a
               holy
               conversation
               ,
               and
               matters
               of
               morality
               .
               In
               this
               Chapter
               he
               devideth
               that
               his
               Doctrine
               ,
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               into
               Ethicks
               ,
               and
               Oeconomicks
               ,
               rules
               more
               generally
               concerning
               the
               framing
               ,
               the
               conversations
               of
               all
               ;
               and
               rules
               more
               speciall
               and
               particular
               to
               Family
               ralations
               :
               This
               he
               had
               begun
               in
               the
               former
               Chaprer
               ,
               ver
               .
               17.
               
               
                 This
                 I
                 say
                 therefore
                 ,
                 and
                 testifie
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 walk
                 not
                 as
                 other
              
               Gentiles
               
                 walk
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 vanity
                 of
                 their
                 mind
                 .
              
               The
               Apostle
               descends
               to
               many
               Particulars
               in
               that
               Chapter
               ,
               and
               carrieth
               on
               the
               Exhortation
               in
               this
               Chapter
               wherein
               our
               Text
               is
               :
               The
               general
               Proposition
               still
               being
               supposed
               ,
               That
               the
               Saints
               ought
               to
               be
               adorned
               with
               all
               manner
               of
               vertue
               ,
               and
               to
               keep
               themselves
               unspotted
               of
               the
               world
               ;
               he
               exhorts
               them
               to
               a
               freeness
               of
               pardoning
               
               one
               another
               ,
               wherein
               thy
               had
               the
               Example
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               it
               would
               declare
               them
               to
               be
               his
               dear
               children
               ,
               in
               the
               first
               verse
               of
               this
               Chapter
               :
               then
               to
               love
               ;
               and
               walking
               in
               love
               ,
               not
               in
               heart
               only
               ,
               but
               it
               must
               be
               expressed
               actually
               ,
               as
               Jesus
               Christ
               expressed
               his
               love
               to
               us
               in
               giving
               up
               himself
               for
               us
               ;
               then
               he
               dehorts
               them
               from
               several
               vices
               ,
               as
               fornication
               uncleanness
               ,
               covetousness
               ,
               filthiness
               ,
               foolish
               speaking
               and
               jesting
               ,
               which
               are
               not
               convenient
               ;
               yea
               ,
               these
               are
               things
               will
               exclude
               from
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               heaven
               .
               Let
               no
               man
               deceive
               you
               with
               vain
               words
               ,
               as
               if
               there
               were
               no
               such
               danger
               in
               such
               a
               loose
               walking
               ;
               those
               are
               vain
               words
               believe
               it
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 For
                 these
                 things
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 cometh
                 upon
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 disobedience
                 ,
              
               therefore
               it
               is
               no
               light
               matter
               I
               deal
               with
               you
               about
               ;
               therefore
               the
               Apostle
               concludeth
               ,
               
                 be
                 not
                 therefore
                 partakers
                 with
                 them
              
               ;
               partake
               not
               of
               the
               sins
               of
               the
               children
               of
               disobedience
               ,
               lest
               you
               taste
               of
               the
               wrath
               which
               cometh
               upon
               their
               heads
               for
               these
               their
               iniquities
               .
               The
               Apostle
               goeth
               on
               to
               back
               this
               his
               Admonition
               ,
               that
               they
               be
               not
               drawn
               away
               with
               the
               error
               of
               the
               wicked
               ,
               with
               many
               arguments
               .
               As
               because
               now
               their
               condition
               was
               changed
               ,
               they
               were
               men
               of
               other
               principles
               ;
               no
               marvel
               if
               heretofore
               ,
               while
               they
               were
               darkness
               ,
               they
               walked
               as
               children
               of
               darkness
               ,
               and
               did
               work
               and
               had
               fellowship
               with
               the
               unfruitful
               works
               of
               darkness
               ;
               but
               now
               they
               were
               children
               of
               the
               light
               ,
               and
               therefore
               must
               walk
               as
               they
               were
               ;
               and
               they
               were
               fruits
               of
               the
               Spirit
               now
               they
               must
               bring
               forth
               ;
               they
               were
               goodness
               righteousness
               and
               truth
               ;
               besides
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               part
               of
               godly
               men
               ,
               and
               good
               children
               to
               approve
               themselves
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               submit
               to
               him
               in
               all
               things
               ;
               besides
               ;
               the
               works
               of
               darkness
               are
               unfruitful
               ,
               and
               shameful
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               shame
               to
               speak
               of
               the
               things
               they
               do
               in
               secret
               :
               they
               were
               such
               in
               themselves
               ,
               and
               they
               will
               at
               last
               be
               revealed
               to
               the
               confusion
               of
               the
               authors
               of
               them
               ;
               to
               all
               which
               he
               addeth
               a
               testimony
               from
               Scripture
               ,
               that
               God
               doth
               generally
               every
               where
               call
               upon
               men
               to
               arise
               from
               their
               sleep
               and
               death
               in
               sin
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               ready
               to
               enlighten
               them
               ;
               he
               speaks
               no
               more
               but
               what
               the
               Scripture
               of
               old
               did
               speak
               ;
               some
               difficulty
               is
               in
               this
               Verse
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               beside
               our
               purpose
               .
            
             
               Now
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Text
               are
               ,
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               a
               Repetition
               ,
               and
               re-inforcing
               the
               general
               Proposition
               ,
               
                 That
                 the
                 Saints
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 their
                 conversation
                 adorned
                 with
                 every
                 vertue
                 ,
                 or
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 keep
                 themselves
                 pure
                 and
                 innocent
                 ,
                 and
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 corruption
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 :
              
               From
               all
               the
               former
               Arguments
               ,
               he
               laies
               down
               by
               way
               of
               Inference
               and
               Conclusion
               this
               charge
               in
               v.
               15.
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               therefore
               because
               so
               and
               so
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               heard
               ;
               See
               to
               it
               ,
               
                 That
                 you
                 walk
                 circumspectly
              
               ;
               the
               Argument
               inforcing
               ,
               it
               is
               in
               the
               following
               words
               ,
               
                 not
                 as
                 fools
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 wise
              
               ;
               It
               is
               a
               part
               of
               great
               wisdom
               to
               walk
               circumspectly
               ;
               And
               from
               the
               general
               in
               the
               16.
               verse
               ,
               the
               Apostle
               descends
               to
               a
               particular
               and
               special
               piece
               of
               this
               circumspect
               walking
               ,
               and
               a
               notable
               evidence
               of
               this
               wisdom
               ,
               
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 redeeming
                 the
                 time
                 ,
              
               and
               backeth
               this
               with
               a
               strong
               argument
               ,
               
                 because
                 the
                 days
                 are
                 evil
              
               .
            
             
               Without
               any
               further
               stay
               in
               the
               Porch
               ,
               let
               us
               now
               enter
               the
               House
               ,
               and
               view
               some
               of
               the
               rooms
               of
               it
               ;
               there
               are
               many
               things
               note-worthy
               in
               the
               words
               ;
               the
               first
               that
               I
               shall
               take
               up
               at
               this
               time
               is
               this
               ;
               
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 duty
                 Christians
                 are
                 strictly
                 charged
                 with
                 ,
                 to
                 walk
                 circumspectly
                 .
              
               
            
             
               Here
               it
               will
               be
               requisite
               to
               enquire
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               this
               
                 Circumspect
                 walking
              
               ;
               and
               then
               Secondly
               ,
               to
               make
               it
               good
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               duty
               so
               strictly
               charged
               upon
               the
               Saints
               ;
               and
               Thirdly
               ,
               why
               it
               is
               so
               ;
               and
               then
               Fourthly
               ,
               Apply
               it
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               first
               ,
               What
               it
               is
               to
               
                 walk
                 Cirrumspectly
              
               :
               Here
               we
               have
               the
               Ma●ter
               and
               the
               Manner
               of
               a
               Christians
               conversation
               ;
               the
               Matter
               that
               is
               expressed
               ,
               by
               a
               Walking
               ,
               which
               indeed
               doth
               comprehend
               all
               the
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian
               life
               ,
               in
               conformity
               to
               the
               Law
               and
               Will
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               Way
               ;
               nothing
               more
               ordinary
               then
               to
               express
               a
               Christian
               course
               by
               a
               walking
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               by
               a
               running
               in
               a
               race
               :
               but
               by
               a
               walking
               here
               it
               is
               expressed
               ,
               
               and
               indeed
               this
               doth
               include
               all
               a
               mans
               actions
               ;
               his
               spiritual
               actions
               towards
               the
               Lord
               ,
               they
               are
               a
               part
               of
               this
               walking
               ,
               their
               praying
               ,
               meditating
               ,
               hearing
               ,
               receiving
               ,
               conferring
               ,
               living
               by
               faith
               ,
               all
               these
               are
               his
               spiritual
               actions
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               A
               mans
               civil
               conversation
               also
               cometh
               under
               this
               walking
               ;
               for
               the
               Rule
               and
               Will
               of
               Christ
               hath
               an
               influence
               over
               that
               ,
               to
               bound
               it
               ,
               and
               limit
               it
               .
               There
               is
               no
               calling
               which
               is
               lawfull
               but
               a
               man
               may
               therein
               abide
               with
               God
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               never
               so
               mean
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               another
               part
               of
               the
               walking
               :
               while
               men
               are
               diligently
               imployed
               in
               their
               particular
               Callings
               ,
               out
               of
               obedience
               to
               his
               holy
               command
               ,
               they
               are
               in
               their
               way
               ,
               and
               walking
               to
               
               heaven
               as
               well
               as
               when
               they
               are
               in
               the
               spiritual
               part
               of
               the
               walk
               ,
               and
               so
               much
               the
               more
               ,
               while
               they
               have
               spiritual
               hearts
               in
               this
               walk
               ,
               ever
               and
               anon
               taking
               a
               turn
               in
               heaven
               ,
               and
               having
               
               their
               civil
               conversation
               in
               heaven
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               even
               mens
               natural
               actions
               are
               a
               part
               of
               this
               way
               also
               ;
               of
               the
               Matter
               of
               this
               walking
               as
               eating
               drinking
               sleeping
               ▪
               
               &c.
               when
               they
               are
               used
               with
               moderation
               ,
               and
               an
               end
               to
               befit
               us
               only
               for
               our
               spiritual
               and
               civil
               conversations
               ;
               when
               men
               eat
               and
               drink
               for
               strength
               ,
               and
               not
               for
               lust
               ,
               for
               drunkenness
               ,
               and
               eat
               in
               due
               season
               ,
               as
               to
               whet
               when
               the
               Sythe
               is
               dull
               ;
               so
               that
               even
               these
               actions
               are
               a
               part
               of
               the
               walk
               also
               ,
               and
               that
               it
               is
               to
               be
               taken
               in
               this
               latitude
               ,
               will
               appear
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               the
               particulars
               the
               Apostle
               presseth
               them
               too
               here
               ,
               as
               parts
               of
               that
               walking
               .
            
             
               Now
               to
               walk
               ,
               you
               know
               ,
               speaks
               a
               motion
               ;
               it
               is
               opposed
               to
               standing
               ,
               or
               lying
               ,
               or
               sitting
               still
               ;
               the
               whole
               world
               lieth
               in
               wickedness
               ,
               and
               moveth
               not
               hand
               nor
               foot
               ;
               they
               have
               their
               grave-cloaths
               upon
               them
               ,
               are
               bound
               hand
               and
               foot
               ,
               and
               are
               
               melting
               away
               in
               their
               lusts
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               walk
               not
               towards
               heaven
               ;
               there
               is
               a
               sitting
               in
               the
               seat
               of
               the
               scornful
               when
               men
               have
               taken
               up
               their
               rest
               in
               sin
               ,
               and
               are
               at
               the
               height
               ,
               that
               they
               scorn
               the
               Travellers
               Zion-wards
               ,
               with
               their
               faces
               thither
               ;
               indeed
               there
               is
               a
               contrary
               walking
               to
               this
               
                 walking
                 in
                 the
                 counsel
                 of
                 the
                 ungodly
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
              
               a
               walking
               with
               sinners
               hand
               in
               hand
               ,
               
                 having
                 fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 unfruitful
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
              
               ;
               but
               that
               motion
               is
               from
               other
               principles
               even
               the
               flesh
               ,
               and
               this
               from
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               and
               by
               other
               rules
               ,
               the
               custome
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               to
               which
               they
               are
               conformed
               ,
               the
               examples
               of
               
               sinners
               ,
               the
               commands
               of
               their
               tyranical
               lusts
               ,
               and
               for
               other
               ends
               ,
               both
               of
               the
               Walk
               ,
               and
               the
               Walker
               in
               it
               ;
               the
               Walk
               ,
               the
               end
               of
               those
               ways
               is
               death
               ;
               there
               is
               a
               way
               which
               seemeth
               right
               to
               a
               man
               ,
               but
               the
               end
               thereof
               are
               the
               ways
               of
               death
               ;
               and
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Walker
               is
               to
               chear
               his
               heart
               ,
               and
               to
               satisfie
               his
               lusts
               :
               but
               this
               walk
               we
               speak
               of
               is
               a
               contrary
               motion
               to
               that
               
               of
               the
               world
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               There
               is
               a
               
                 terminus
                 à
                 quo
              
               ,
               from
               whence
               they
               walk
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               from
               sin
               ,
               and
               self
               ,
               and
               Satan
               ,
               and
               sinners
               ,
               and
               the
               wrath
               which
               
               is
               to
               come
               ;
               but
               specially
               from
               sin
               they
               walk
               :
               this
               is
               the
               scope
               of
               all
               their
               ways
               ,
               to
               get
               above
               sin
               .
            
             
             
               3.
               
               There
               is
               a
               
                 terminus
                 ad
                 quem
              
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               to
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               
               as
               a
               holy
               God
               ,
               and
               a
               blessed
               God
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               enjoy
               him
               as
               such
               ,
               from
               hell
               to
               heaven
               ;
               and
               therefore
               conversion
               (
               when
               men
               are
               first
               turned
               ,
               their
               posture
               is
               turned
               )
               it
               is
               called
               a
               turning
               them
               from
               the
               power
               of
               Satan
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               This
               motion
               is
               a
               progressive
               motion
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               a
               man
               goeth
               forward
               in
               it
               ,
               not
               round
               about
               ,
               as
               a
               horse
               in
               a
               Mill
               ,
               and
               is
               at
               night
               ,
               where
               he
               was
               in
               the
               morning
               ,
               but
               as
               a
               horse
               or
               Traveller
               upon
               the
               Road
               ,
               which
               rids
               his
               ground
               ,
               he
               getteth
               
               ground
               every
               step
               ;
               and
               so
               should
               we
               go
               on
               toward
               perfection
               daily
               ,
               die
               to
               sin
               daily
               ,
               get
               somewhat
               further
               off
               it
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               get
               nearer
               to
               heaven
               daily
               ;
               we
               should
               see
               to
               it
               that
               we
               grow
               from
               strength
               to
               strength
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               It
               is
               a
               constant
               motion
               ,
               for
               a
               man
               that
               walks
               to
               such
               an
               end
               of
               a
               Journey
               ,
               he
               giveth
               it
               not
               over
               until
               he
               come
               to
               the
               end
               of
               it
               ;
               so
               should
               we
               constantly
               be
               moving
               until
               we
               come
               to
               the
               end
               of
               our
               faith
               ,
               the
               salvation
               of
               our
               souls
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               A
               pleasant
               motion
               to
               a
               man
               that
               is
               cured
               of
               his
               lameness
               ,
               and
               is
               no
               longer
               a
               Cripple
               ,
               as
               by
               Nature
               we
               are
               ;
               the
               way
               is
               pleasant
               ,
               
               Walks
               are
               for
               delight
               ,
               and
               sure
               the
               ways
               of
               Wisdom
               are
               pleasantness
               ,
               and
               her
               paths
               are
               peace
               ,
               
                 the
                 yoak
                 is
                 easie
                 ,
                 the
                 burthen
                 is
                 light
                 ,
              
               and
               so
               much
               ,
               that
               though
               the
               Saints
               by
               reason
               of
               the
               souls
               dependance
               upon
               the
               body
               in
               its
               actings
               and
               its
               being
               bound
               up
               ,
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               under
               sences
               which
               are
               weak
               ,
               and
               cannot
               hold
               out
               long
               .
               I
               say
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               this
               they
               are
               weary
               in
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               ,
               yet
               not
               weary
               of
               them
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               pleasant
               to
               them
               ,
               his
               commandments
               are
               not
               grievous
               to
               them
               ;
               but
               this
               is
               not
               the
               thing
               which
               I
               intend
               to
               speak
               to
               from
               the
               words
               ,
               but
               rather
               the
               exactness
               and
               circumspection
               in
               walking
               ;
               
                 See
                 then
                 that
                 ye
                 walk
                 cicrumspectly
                 ,
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               to
               this
               exact
               walking
               ,
               there
               must
               go
               a
               rule
               ,
               he
               that
               walks
               exactly
               walks
               by
               a
               rule
               ,
               
                 ad
                 amussi●
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Carpenter
               ,
               if
               he
               work
               accuratly
               ,
               doth
               all
               by
               rule
               and
               measure
               :
               when
               men
               walk
               ,
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               in
               a
               frame
               ,
               and
               cut
               by
               a
               thread
               ,
               not
               rove
               out
               their
               lives
               ,
               they
               have
               a
               clue
               in
               this
               dark
               world
               ,
               and
               by
               that
               they
               walk
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               to
               the
               
                 Galatians
                 ,
                 As
                 many
                 as
                 walk
                 by
                 this
                 rule
                 ,
                 peace
                 be
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 the
                 Israel
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ;
               Hence
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               the
               Law
               of
               God
               which
               is
               the
               rule
               of
               holy
               walking
               ,
               is
               called
               Canonical
               ,
               being
               a
               
               straite
               rule
               ,
               they
               are
               right
               words
               ,
               words
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               given
               by
               one
               Shepheard
               ,
               such
               as
               will
               not
               lead
               us
               crookedly
               ;
               so
               then
               this
               is
               the
               first
               ,
               that
               of
               a
               mans
               own
               conscience
               at
               the
               best
               ,
               is
               but
               
                 regula
                 regulata
              
               ,
               and
               at
               the
               worst
               is
               but
               a
               
                 blind
                 guide
              
               ,
               and
               a
               
                 leaden
                 rule
              
               ,
               that
               is
               easily
               bowed
               ,
               and
               set
               to
               countenance
               the
               crookedness
               of
               a
               mans
               own
               ways
               to
               the
               Law
               and
               to
               the
               Testimonies
               ,
               if
               he
               would
               walk
               exactly
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               There
               must
               be
               knowledge
               to
               understand
               and
               know
               this
               ▪
               Rule
               and
               Wisdom
               ,
               rightly
               to
               apply
               it
               to
               the
               direction
               of
               our
               ways
               ,
               else
               we
               cannot
               walk
               exactly
               ;
               to
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               is
               to
               walk
               wisely
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               it
               here
               ,
               
                 not
                 as
                 sools
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 wise
                 ,
              
               of
               which
               afterward
               ;
               but
               for
               the
               present
               we
               may
               note
               That
               a
               fool
               
               cannot
               walk
               cirumspectly
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               Apostle
               so
               often
               presseth
               it
               upon
               the
               Saints
               ,
               that
               they
               should
               walk
               wisely
               ,
               
                 Walk
                 in
                 wisdom
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 towards
                 them
                 which
                 are
                 without
                 :
                 be
                 wise
                 as
                 Serpents
                 ,
              
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               :
               I
               say
               there
               must
               be
               a
               knowledge
               of
               the
               way
               of
               the
               rule
               ,
               else
               how
               shall
               our
               steps
               be
               measured
               by
               it
               ?
               how
               shall
               a
               man
               tred
               and
               keep
               to
               the
               path
               he
               knoweth
               not
               ?
               and
               therefore
               sottish
               ignorance
               of
               the
               Will
               and
               Way
               of
               Christ
               ,
               is
               an
               ill
               preparative
               to
               this
               exact
               walking
               ;
               can
               a
               blind
               man
               walk
               exactly
               or
               circumspectly
               that
               cannot
               see
               which
               way
               he
               goeth
               ?
               it
               is
               an
               hundred
               to
               one
               but
               he
               turneth
               and
               goeth
               another
               course
               ;
               but
               this
               is
               not
               all
               ,
               there
               must
               be
               a
               right
               application
               of
               the
               rule
               to
               our
               actions
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               every
               one
               that
               hath
               his
               rule
               ,
               that
               knoweth
               how
               to
               use
               it
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               good
               part
               of
               the
               Architects
               skill
               to
               use
               his
               Rule
               well
               and
               his
               Plum
               ,
               and
               by
               them
               to
               discern
               exactly
               the
               frame
               of
               his
               building
               ,
               yea
               ,
               to
               direct
               it
               when
               he
               is
               building
               ;
               so
               here
               ,
               there
               must
               be
               wisdom
               :
               how
               sadly
               do
               men
               and
               women
               of
               lively
               affections
               for
               God
               miscarry
               for
               want
               of
               wisdom
               ?
               Zeal
               without
               Knowledge
               is
               no
               exact
               walking
               ,
               it
               hurrieth
               a
               man
               violently
               not
               giving
               time
               to
               consider
               whether
               right
               or
               wrong
               ;
               so
               Saul
               had
               a
               zeal
               for
               Israel
               and
               Judah
               ,
               and
               in
               that
               zeal
               slew
               the
               Gibeonites
               .
               which
               were
               of
               the
               Amorites
               ,
               but
               now
               in
               Covenant
               
               with
               Israel
               ;
               his
               zeal
               out-ran
               his
               wisdom
               :
               and
               so
               the
               Iews
               had
               a
               zeal
               of
               God
               ,
               but
               not
               according
               to
               knowledge
               ;
               and
               so
               had
               the
               Apostle
               himself
               concerning
               zeal
               ,
               persecuting
               the
               Church
               ;
               he
               thought
               verity
               he
               ought
               to
               do
               many
               things
               against
               that
               way
               ,
               Acts
               26
               ▪
               9.
               and
               the
               time
               shall
               come
               ,
               
                 men
                 shall
                 think
                 they
                 do
                 God
                 
                 good
                 service
                 if
                 they
                 kill
                 you
              
               ;
               so
               then
               there
               may
               be
               a
               being
               righteous
               over-much
               ,
               which
               is
               forb
               dden
               ;
               not
               as
               if
               the
               Lord
               did
               in
               his
               Word
               allow
               a
               loathsome
               lukewarmness
               ,
               a
               detestable
               indifferency
               and
               neutrality
               in
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               ,
               so
               as
               that
               men
               should
               abate
               something
               of
               their
               strictness
               ,
               and
               stoop
               and
               accommodate
               themselves
               to
               the
               exigence
               of
               the
               hard
               times
               they
               live
               in
               ;
               but
               the
               meaning
               is
               ,
               that
               a
               man
               should
               moderate
               his
               zeal
               ,
               and
               temper
               it
               with
               godly
               wisdom
               ,
               whereby
               knowing
               how
               to
               apply
               the
               rule
               to
               his
               condition
               ,
               and
               walking
               with
               caution
               ,
               he
               may
               avoid
               much
               danger
               ,
               which
               otherwise
               he
               would
               unnecessarily
               involve
               himself
               into
               ;
               as
               some
               of
               the
               Martyrs
               that
               would
               thrust
               themselves
               upon
               suffering
               ,
               when
               they
               need
               not
               ;
               they
               are
               as
               Sheep
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               Wolves
               ,
               therefore
               
                 be
                 wise
                 as
                 Serpents
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               
                 innocent
                 as
                 Doves
              
               ;
               a
               hard
               lesson
               I
               must
               needs
               acknowledge
               ,
               
               and
               great
               need
               of
               a
               more
               then
               ordinary
               help
               of
               Gods
               Spirit
               to
               discern
               their
               duty
               here
               in
               particular
               cases
               and
               actions
               :
               you
               see
               how
               Paul
               insinuates
               into
               Foelix
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               make
               him
               his
               enemy
               if
               he
               could
               avoid
               it
               ▪
               keeping
               a
               good
               conscience
               ;
               and
               so
               Iacob
               to
               his
               brother
               Esau
               ,
               how
               much
               Courtship
               he
               useth
               ,
               he
               stands
               not
               now
               upon
               the
               terms
               with
               him
               ,
               but
               how
               humbly
               he
               submits
               himself
               to
               him
               ;
               and
               was
               it
               not
               better
               ,
               then
               to
               have
               ruffled
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               provoked
               him
               to
               his
               hurt
               ?
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               To
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               circumspectly
               ,
               is
               to
               keep
               close
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               warp
               from
               the
               straight
               path
               ,
               because
               others
               do
               err
               .
            
             
               (
               1.
               )
               He
               will
               not
               do
               as
               the
               most
               do
               ,
               to
               follow
               the
               multitude
               is
               no
               rule
               to
               him
               ;
               though
               the
               greatest
               part
               of
               men
               run
               headlong
               to
               the
               pit
               of
               destruction
               ,
               and
               the
               way
               to
               hell
               be
               thronged
               as
               broad
               as
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               some
               sinners
               can
               scarce
               have
               room
               to
               go
               together
               in
               it
               ;
               this
               is
               no
               warrant
               to
               him
               ;
               he
               walks
               not
               exactly
               that
               resigneth
               himself
               up
               to
               follow
               the
               steps
               of
               the
               most
               in
               his
               journey
               ,
               whether
               his
               way
               and
               theirs
               lye
               together
               or
               no
               ;
               so
               far
               as
               their
               way
               lyes
               together
               he
               can
               walk
               together
               with
               them
               ,
               but
               when
               they
               part
               ,
               fare
               them
               well
               ,
               he
               is
               for
               them
               no
               longer
               ;
               so
               may
               we
               in
               things
               civil
               ,
               yea
               ,
               and
               many
               externals
               of
               holy
               worship
               which
               are
               common
               to
               Saints
               and
               sinners
               ,
               walk
               together
               ,
               have
               fellowship
               with
               them
               ,
               but
               when
               their
               ways
               depart
               ,
               we
               must
               shake
               hands
               with
               them
               ,
               if
               we
               would
               walk
               exactly
               :
               it
               is
               careless
               ,
               loose
               ,
               heedless
               walking
               ,
               when
               a
               man
               shall
               follow
               his
               company
               more
               then
               his
               way
               ;
               
                 Noah
                 was
                 upright
                 and
                 walked
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 though
                 all
                 flesh
              
               
               
               
                 had
                 corrupted
                 their
                 way
              
               ,
               that
               was
               no
               warrant
               for
               him
               to
               do
               it
               ;
               
               and
               though
               he
               was
               likely
               to
               be
               derided
               for
               his
               singularity
               ,
               it
               matters
               not
               ,
               he
               must
               mind
               his
               way
               ,
               though
               he
               be
               alone
               in
               it
               ,
               rather
               
               then
               wander
               for
               company
               sake
               ;
               and
               so
               Lot
               and
               Caleb
               ,
               a
               man
               would
               have
               thought
               those
               many
               waters
               rushing
               as
               they
               did
               (
               I
               mean
               the
               peoples
               violence
               drawing
               one
               way
               )
               had
               been
               enough
               ,
               specially
               considering
               with
               what
               rage
               it
               was
               ,
               threatning
               to
               stone
               him
               ,
               to
               have
               born
               one
               poor
               Caleb
               and
               Ioshua
               down
               the
               stream
               ;
               no
               ,
               they
               had
               another
               spirit
               ,
               they
               must
               bear
               up
               against
               it
               ,
               let
               the
               hazard
               be
               what
               it
               will
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ,
               they
               are
               called
               to
               it
               ,
               this
               is
               exact
               circumspect
               walking
               ;
               except
               men
               be
               circumspect
               indeed
               ,
               they
               are
               in
               danger
               many
               times
               to
               be
               drawn
               aside
               by
               following
               the
               company
               of
               others
               .
            
             
               (
               2.
               )
               Yea
               ,
               exact
               walking
               excludeth
               also
               the
               following
               the
               examples
               of
               the
               Saints
               any
               further
               then
               they
               follow
               Christ
               :
               and
               here
               is
               yet
               more
               need
               of
               circumspection
               ,
               for
               when
               we
               have
               some
               eminent
               Saints
               persons
               in
               admiration
               ,
               we
               are
               apt
               many
               times
               to
               be
               pinning
               our
               faith
               upon
               their
               sleeve
               ,
               and
               dancing
               after
               their
               pipe
               ,
               to
               take
               their
               examples
               in
               the
               gross
               ,
               and
               by
               it
               to
               be
               led
               into
               gross
               mistakes
               ;
               so
               the
               weak
               brethren
               looking
               upon
               the
               stronger
               ,
               the
               more
               knowing
               ,
               as
               fit
               to
               be
               their
               guides
               ,
               and
               seeing
               them
               eat
               things
               offered
               to
               Idols
               ,
               because
               they
               knew
               an
               Idol
               was
               nothing
               ,
               this
               incouraged
               them
               to
               do
               the
               same
               ,
               though
               they
               made
               a
               breach
               upon
               their
               consciences
               by
               it
               :
               here
               now
               through
               weakness
               they
               mistook
               their
               way
               and
               warped
               ;
               that
               might
               be
               lawful
               for
               the
               strong
               that
               might
               not
               for
               the
               weak
               ,
               which
               stumbled
               whether
               they
               might
               eat
               them
               or
               no
               ,
               yet
               they
               would
               venture
               upon
               it
               ,
               leaning
               upon
               the
               examples
               of
               the
               strong
               ,
               and
               so
               they
               went
               aside
               :
               &
               you
               know
               what
               force
               the
               example
               of
               Peter
               had
               to
               draw
               
               others
               in
               ,
               when
               he
               dissembled
               ,
               and
               did
               not
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               but
               halted
               ,
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               between
               two
               ,
               he
               vvould
               eat
               vvith
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               but
               when
               some
               came
               down
               from
               Iames
               ,
               then
               he
               withdrew
               ,
               &
               so
               many
               of
               the
               Iews
               ,
               and
               Barnabas
               also
               was
               drawn
               away
               by
               their
               dissimulation
               ;
               but
               Peter
               was
               to
               be
               blamed
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               hath
               it
               ;
               he
               compelled
               by
               his
               example
               ,
               the
               Gentiles
               to
               vvalk
               as
               the
               Iews
               did
               ,
               and
               yet
               himself
               being
               a
               Iew
               ,
               did
               vvalk
               vvith
               the
               Gentiles
               before
               ;
               and
               they
               were
               to
               be
               blamed
               for
               being
               drawn
               aside
               ,
               they
               did
               not
               vvalk
               uprightly
               ,
               as
               the
               vvord
               is
               before
               ;
               therefore
               Paul
               propounds
               his
               example
               ,
               not
               vvithout
               its
               limitation
               ,
               
                 Be
                 ye
                 followers
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 
                 also
                 am
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ;
               now
               this
               is
               exact
               walking
               indeed
               ,
               to
               follow
               the
               
               sootsteps
               of
               the
               flock
               ,
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               both
               before
               us
               ,
               and
               contemporary
               with
               us
               ;
               yet
               where
               they
               run
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               
               over
               the
               hedge
               set
               about
               us
               ,
               not
               to
               follow
               them
               ,
               which
               requireth
               much
               circumspection
               indeed
               .
               This
               is
               the
               third
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               Exact
               walking
               ,
               is
               when
               a
               man
               mindeth
               not
               only
               the
               external
               part
               of
               the
               rule
               ,
               but
               the
               very
               inside
               and
               spirit
               of
               the
               rule
               ;
               he
               mindeth
               ,
               and
               eyeth
               ,
               and
               endeavoureth
               to
               come
               up
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               word
               in
               its
               notion
               seemeth
               to
               import
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               from
               going
               from
               the
               bottome
               to
               the
               top
               of
               the
               rule
               :
               
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 spiritual
              
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               :
               It
               
               is
               spiritual
               brethren
               ,
               reaching
               the
               very
               inwards
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               the
               frame
               and
               disposition
               of
               our
               hearts
               ,
               all
               the
               very
               first
               motions
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               before
               any
               tickling
               by
               them
               ,
               or
               consent
               to
               them
               ;
               those
               come
               under
               this
               rule
               ;
               and
               therefore
               a
               man
               that
               walks
               exactly
               ,
               he
               labours
               to
               answer
               the
               Law
               in
               this
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               labouring
               
               with
               his
               heart
               to
               bring
               it
               to
               such
               a
               frame
               as
               this
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               setteth
               not
               up
               his
               rest
               ,
               as
               most
               do
               ,
               in
               an
               outward
               conformity
               to
               the
               Law
               of
               Christ
               ,
               except
               he
               can
               get
               his
               heart
               framed
               by
               it
               ,
               nor
               will
               an
               inperfection
               in
               the
               frame
               of
               his
               heart
               satisfie
               him
               ,
               and
               therefore
               nothing
               but
               the
               resurrection
               of
               the
               dead
               will
               be
               his
               rest
               ,
               this
               is
               to
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               accurately
               indeed
               ;
               and
               so
               in
               duties
               ,
               to
               mind
               not
               only
               the
               matter
               ,
               but
               the
               manner
               and
               circumstances
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               work
               righteousness
               ,
               except
               he
               rejoyce
               and
               work
               righteousness
               ;
               to
               give
               ,
               except
               he
               do
               it
               with
               singleness
               of
               heart
               ,
               simplicity
               and
               chearfulness
               :
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               pray
               ,
               except
               he
               do
               it
               in
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               with
               affection
               ,
               and
               faith
               ,
               and
               fervor
               of
               Spirit
               :
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               admonish
               ,
               reprove
               ,
               except
               he
               do
               it
               in
               season
               ,
               with
               bowels
               of
               compassion
               ,
               and
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               discretion
               ,
               so
               tempered
               as
               that
               it
               may
               not
               miscarry
               through
               such
               a
               defect
               in
               them
               .
               O
               this
               is
               to
               walk
               exactly
               indeed
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               To
               walk
               exactly
               then
               ,
               is
               to
               carry
               an
               even
               course
               toward
               heaven
               ,
               not
               to
               walk
               at
               peradventures
               ;
               and
               by
               fits
               and
               starts
               ,
               making
               many
               balks
               in
               our
               obedience
               ;
               it
               is
               to
               follow
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               follow
               him
               fully
               ;
               when
               we
               will
               not
               leap
               over
               an
               hedge
               to
               avoid
               a
               foul
               step
               ,
               but
               keep
               to
               the
               way
               that
               is
               set
               before
               us
               ,
               so
               in
               the
               
                 Proverbs
                 ,
                 Turn
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 nor
                 to
                 the
                 left
              
               ;
               the
               meaning
               is
               not
               ,
               that
               no
               man
               walks
               exactly
               if
               he
               live
               not
               without
               
               sin
               (
               for
               in
               many
               things
               we
               offend
               all
               )
               but
               by
               such
               a
               backwardness
               
               vve
               mean
               some
               eminent
               ;
               notable
               miscarriage
               ,
               to
               the
               wounding
               of
               their
               consciences
               ,
               or
               dishonour
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               offence
               of
               others
               ,
               this
               is
               to
               vvalk
               exactly
               :
               indeed
               God
               doth
               not
               stand
               too
               strictly
               with
               his
               people
               ,
               the
               tenure
               of
               vvhose
               course
               is
               vvithout
               such
               balks
               and
               notable
               turnings
               aside
               ,
               though
               sometimes
               they
               may
               fall
               in
               such
               a
               manner
               and
               degree
               ,
               yet
               he
               acconnts
               them
               exact
               vvalkers
               ,
               as
               David
               ,
               and
               Peter
               ,
               and
               Moses
               ,
               and
               Hezekiah
               ,
               and
               the
               rest
               :
               the
               meaning
               therefore
               is
               ,
               that
               the
               tenure
               of
               a
               mans
               life
               is
               to
               be
               vvithout
               such
               eminent
               fallings
               ,
               or
               he
               cannot
               pass
               for
               an
               exact
               vvalker
               vvith
               God
               ;
               and
               vvhen
               ever
               a
               man
               so
               fals
               in
               that
               particular
               ,
               he
               doth
               not
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               as
               David
               vvas
               upright
               ,
               except
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               Vriah
               ;
               so
               then
               this
               is
               the
               Fifth
               ,
               an
               exact
               vvalking
               is
               an
               even
               vvalking
               ;
               he
               that
               ploweth
               exactly
               doth
               not
               every
               foot
               make
               a
               balk
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               He
               that
               vvalks
               exactly
               ,
               doth
               make
               it
               his
               work
               so
               to
               vvalk
               ;
               if
               a
               man
               be
               taken
               up
               vvith
               other
               things
               in
               his
               mind
               ,
               and
               it
               be
               intent
               upon
               them
               ,
               how
               unevenly
               doth
               he
               vvalk
               ?
               he
               is
               sometimes
               upon
               this
               side
               ,
               and
               then
               upon
               that
               side
               of
               the
               vvay
               ,
               up
               and
               down
               ,
               and
               many
               times
               loseth
               his
               way
               ,
               and
               heedeth
               it
               not
               ;
               but
               now
               if
               a
               man
               make
               his
               Journey
               his
               business
               ,
               he
               is
               intent
               upon
               it
               ,
               and
               looks
               about
               him
               at
               every
               turn
               ,
               and
               every
               turning
               ,
               lest
               he
               should
               go
               vvrong
               :
               so
               to
               vvalk
               exactly
               then
               ,
               doth
               imply
               a
               vvatchfull
               eye
               ,
               a
               trembling
               heart
               fearing
               at
               every
               turning
               ,
               lest
               he
               should
               miss
               h●s
               vvay
               ;
               so
               
                 David
                 ,
                 I
                 said
                 I
                 would
                 take
                 heed
                 to
                 my
                 ways
                 ,
                 lest
                 I
                 should
                 go
                 wrong
              
               so
               then
               to
               vvalk
               exactly
               ,
               is
               to
               lay
               our
               
               strength
               ,
               our
               might
               ,
               our
               vvisdom
               ,
               and
               all
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               keep
               our
               vvay
               ,
               so
               the
               word
               is
               used
               of
               Apollos
               ,
               he
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               being
               fervent
               
               in
               spirit
               ,
               diligently
               he
               taught
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Lord
               ;
               there
               it
               noteh
               not
               so
               much
               the
               exactness
               ,
               &
               accurateness
               of
               his
               skill
               ,
               but
               of
               his
               diligence
               and
               industry
               ,
               for
               he
               knew
               only
               the
               Baptism
               of
               Iohn
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               Iohn
               and
               his
               Administration
               ;
               and
               so
               Herod
               is
               said
               to
               inquire
               ,
               
                 Go
                 and
                 search
                 diligently
                 for
                 the
                 young
                 child
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               search
               exactly
               ,
               diligently
               ,
               pry
               into
               every
               corner
               ,
               turn
               every
               stone
               ,
               use
               all
               means
               ,
               search
               from
               
               bottom
               to
               top
               to
               find
               him
               :
               so
               then
               to
               vvalk
               exactly
               ,
               is
               to
               make
               it
               a
               mans
               vvork
               ,
               business
               ,
               to
               lay
               out
               his
               industry
               in
               this
               vvork
               ;
               if
               he
               can
               but
               keep
               in
               the
               vvay
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               the
               vvay
               to
               heaven
               ,
               it
               is
               enough
               .
            
             
               Now
               for
               the
               second
               thing
               to
               make
               it
               good
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               a
               duty
               so
               
               strictly
               charged
               upon
               the
               Saints
               ;
               me
               thinketh
               this
               Scripture
               it self
               is
               a
               full
               testimony
               ,
               there
               needeth
               no
               further
               proof
               but
               yet
               a
               word
               or
               two
               more
               :
               you
               find
               in
               that
               of
               the
               Hebrews
               the
               Apostles
               exhortation
               ,
               make
               straite
               paths
               to
               your
               feet
               ,
               straite
               steps
               ,
               or
               make
               
               straite
               ,
               paths
               with
               your
               feet
               ,
               which
               may
               appear
               to
               others
               that
               are
               to
               follow
               you
               ,
               as
               you
               follow
               Christ
               ;
               tread
               with
               a
               straite
               foot
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               straite
               rule
               ;
               and
               in
               that
               of
               the
               
                 Proverbs
                 ,
                 Ponder
                 the
                 path
                 of
                 thy
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 all
                 thy
                 ways
                 be
                 established
              
               ;
               weigh
               
               your
               steps
               before
               you
               take
               them
               ,
               weigh
               them
               every
               grain
               and
               scruple
               in
               the
               ballance
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               :
               walk
               you
               
                 Suspenso
                 pede
                 ,
                 Look
                 before
                 you
                 leap
                 ,
              
               look
               ,
               and
               look
               again
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               way
               to
               have
               your
               goings
               established
               ;
               and
               here
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               see
               how
               it
               is
               charged
               upon
               them
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               see
               to
               it
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               word
               of
               strict
               charge
               ,
               as
               we
               use
               to
               say
               to
               men
               ,
               Well
               ,
               see
               you
               do
               such
               a
               thing
               ,
               see
               you
               fail
               not
               then
               :
               so
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               see
               to
               it
               ,
               
                 that
                 you
                 walk
              
               
               circumspectly
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               an
               indifferent
               thing
               nor
               of
               small
               moment
               ,
               but
               of
               great
               concernment
               ;
               see
               to
               it
               ,
               look
               to
               your selves
               ▪
               and
               then
               that
               particle
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               increaseth
               the
               charge
               also
               ,
               
                 See
                 how
                 ye
                 walk
                 exactly
              
               ,
               or
               
                 how
                 exactly
                 you
                 walk
              
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               the
               reflect
               act
               that
               is
               here
               commanded
               ,
               that
               they
               should
               view
               their
               ways
               ,
               and
               see
               how
               exactly
               they
               did
               walk
               ,
               this
               is
               not
               directly
               here
               commanded
               ,
               and
               immediatly
               ;
               though
               more
               remotely
               ,
               as
               it
               conduceth
               to
               this
               exact
               walking
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               here
               commanded
               ,
               but
               that
               particle
               doth
               intend
               the
               charge
               and
               heighten
               it
               ;
               but
               so
               much
               for
               the
               proof
               .
            
             
               The
               third
               thing
               is
               ,
               why
               this
               duty
               is
               thus
               charged
               upon
               the
               Saints
               ,
               to
               walk
               so
               exactly
               ,
               circumspectly
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               children
               of
               the
               light
               ,
               and
               therefore
               should
               walk
               as
               children
               of
               the
               light
               ;
               they
               should
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               without
               rowling
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               without
               stumbling
               in
               the
               way
               ,
               because
               they
               have
               light
               ;
               they
               that
               are
               in
               the
               darkness
               ,
               and
               know
               not
               whither
               they
               go
               ,
               no
               marvell
               ,
               if
               at
               any
               time
               they
               stumble
               into
               the
               way
               of
               God
               ,
               yet
               they
               as
               easily
               stumble
               out
               again
               ;
               it
               is
               but
               suitable
               to
               them
               not
               to
               keep
               their
               way
               ;
               but
               now
               ye
               are
               in
               the
               light
               ,
               and
               therefore
               see
               that
               you
               walk
               accurately
               ;
               you
               have
               a
               light
               to
               your
               paths
               ,
               and
               a
               lanthorn
               to
               your
               steps
               ,
               therefore
               order
               your
               steps
               aright
               ,
               make
               them
               straite
               ;
               therefore
               saith
               Erasmus
               ,
               he
               well
               saith
               videte
               ,
               because
               nothing
               is
               seen
               in
               the
               dark
               but
               ;
               Beza
               thinketh
               this
               is
               more
               subtilly
               then
               need
               .
            
             
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Because
               their
               steps
               are
               more
               eyed
               and
               taken
               notice
               of
               then
               other
               mens
               ,
               both
               by
               God
               himself
               and
               by
               other
               men
               ;
               first
               ,
               the
               Lord
               himself
               ;
               his
               eye
               runs
               to
               and
               fro
               ,
               beholding
               the
               evil
               and
               the
               good
               ,
               but
               specially
               in
               his
               own
               people
               ,
               he
               takes
               notice
               of
               them
               how
               they
               carry
               it
               ,
               and
               he
               takes
               notice
               of
               the
               most
               inward
               spirituall
               part
               of
               their
               hearts
               ;
               of
               the
               frame
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               and
               therefore
               let
               them
               look
               to
               it
               ,
               walk
               circumspectly
               in
               regard
               of
               him
               .
               Secondly
               ,
               In
               regard
               of
               men
               ,
               (
               1.
               )
               There
               are
               many
               out
               of
               the
               malignancy
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               do
               seek
               some
               advantage
               against
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               they
               watch
               for
               your
               halting
               ,
               as
               the
               Prophet
               
               speaks
               ,
               they
               would
               have
               somewhat
               to
               accuse
               the
               brethren
               with
               ,
               to
               bespatter
               Religion
               with
               ,
               and
               therefore
               like
               their
               father
               the
               Devil
               ,
               if
               they
               cannot
               be
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               accusers
               ,
               they
               will
               be
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               false
               accusers
               :
               But
               oh
               !
               how
               glad
               is
               Satan
               ,
               and
               what
               sport
               is
               it
               to
               sinners
               to
               trap
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ?
               to
               take
               them
               halting
               and
               walking
               with
               an
               uneven
               foot
               ,
               though
               it
               is
               sport
               to
               none
               but
               devils
               ,
               and
               devilish
               sinners
               ,
               take
               that
               by
               the
               way
               ;
               they
               were
               enemies
               of
               the
               Lord
               that
               did
               blaspheme
               ,
               though
               :
               David
               had
               given
               
               them
               cause
               ;
               report
               say
               they
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               report
               it
               concerning
               Ieremy
               ,
               some
               evil
               or
               other
               against
               him
               ;
               how
               much
               more
               if
               any
               thing
               fall
               from
               them
               which
               is
               justly
               blame
               worthy
               ;
               O
               ,
               a
               Candle
               upon
               an
               hill
               cannot
               be
               hid
               ,
               a
               spot
               upon
               white
               is
               easily
               see●
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               men
               ,
               who
               are
               scandalized
               by
               their
               uneven
               walking
               ,
               and
               those
               either
               good
               or
               bad
               men
               .
               (
               1.
               )
               Some
               of
               the
               Saints
               they
               are
               scandalized
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               stumbling
               block
               laid
               in
               their
               way
               whereat
               they
               stumble
               ,
               either
               thereby
               they
               are
               incouraged
               and
               imboldened
               to
               follow
               their
               steps
               ,
               though
               they
               sin
               against
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               so
               they
               fall
               :
               and
               this
               is
               
               sad
               ,
               (
               though
               a
               child
               of
               God
               cannot
               sure
               be
               so
               wicked
               as
               to
               intend
               the
               falling
               of
               others
               ,
               or
               drawing
               others
               into
               sin
               )
               but
               his
               example
               (
               as
               Balam
               did
               )
               who
               put
               a
               stumbling
               block
               wittingly
               and
               wickedly
               ▪
               before
               Israel
               ,
               taught
               the
               King
               of
               
                 Moab
                 ▪
              
               to
               intice
               Israel
               
               by
               their
               women
               ,
               and
               they
               would
               draw
               them
               to
               Idolatry
               ,
               whereupon
               great
               wrath
               came
               forth
               against
               them
               ;
               this
               is
               hardly
               to
               be
               found
               but
               in
               a●●
               Balaam
               ,
               and
               better
               a
               ▪
               Millstone
               were
               hanged
               about
               his
               neck
               that
               shall
               do
               any
               such
               thing
               ,
               and
               he
               sunk
               into
               the
               sea
               ,
               never
               to
               rise
               again
               ;
               or
               else
               the
               thing
               in
               its
               own
               nature
               is
               matter
               of
               offence
               ,
               and
               occasions
               them
               to
               sin
               ,
               as
               the
               strong
               brohers
               
               eating
               things
               offered
               to
               Idols
               in
               the
               presence
               of
               the
               weak
               hat
               made
               scruple
               of
               it
               ,
               yet
               thereby
               were
               imboldned
               to
               sin
               ;
               but
               
               if
               it
               draweth
               not
               to
               sin
               ,
               yet
               it
               may
               be
               a
               grief
               to
               the
               hearts
               of
               them
               that
               God
               would
               not
               have
               sadned
               :
               God
               is
               exceeding
               tender
               of
               his
               peoples
               comfort
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               hath
               written
               somuch
               ;
               the
               
               scope
               of
               all
               which
               is
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               have
               consolation
               ,
               and
               their
               joy
               might
               be
               full
               ,
               and
               therefore
               if
               we
               by
               uneven
               walking
               grieve
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               surely
               we
               are
               like
               to
               smart
               for
               it
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               vexation
               to
               the
               righteous
               soul
               of
               Lot
               to
               behold
               the
               unclean
               conversation
               of
               the
               wicked
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               a
               grief
               and
               bitterness
               ,
               doubtless
               much
               more
               to
               the
               people
               of
               God
               to
               see
               the
               miscarriage
               of
               a
               David
               ,
               a
               Peter
               ,
               and
               to
               hear
               the
               reproach
               wherewith
               
               they
               reproach
               the
               way
               of
               Christ
               ,
               which
               fall
               upon
               them
               continually
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Not
               only
               good
               men
               ,
               but
               evil
               men
               are
               indangered
               to
               be
               scandalized
               by
               it
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               prejudiced
               against
               the
               ways
               of
               strictness
               and
               exact
               walking
               with
               God
               ,
               because
               they
               that
               profess
               
               it
               ,
               do
               so
               miserably
               miss
               it
               :
               we
               should
               walk
               wisely
               towards
               them
               that
               are
               without
               ,
               left
               we
               fright
               them
               away
               from
               Christianity
               ,
               as
               the
               Papists
               by
               their
               Idolatry
               are
               an
               offence
               to
               the
               Iews
               to
               keep
               them
               off
               from
               coming
               in
               to
               Christ
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               exceeding
               tenacious
               now
               of
               the
               second
               Commandment
               (
               God
               having
               purged
               that
               iniquity
               from
               them
               by
               a
               seventy
               years
               captivity
               ,
               and
               much
               longer
               since
               )
               and
               so
               by
               their
               cruelty
               to
               the
               Gentiles
               where
               they
               go
               to
               convert
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               an
               offence
               to
               them
               ;
               and
               little
               doth
               a
               child
               of
               God
               know
               ,
               if
               he
               fall
               ,
               as
               David
               did
               ,
               how
               many
               may
               stumble
               upon
               him
               ,
               and
               fall
               head-long
               into
               hell
               ,
               never
               come
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               upon
               this
               account
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Because
               we
               have
               all
               of
               us
               erring
               hearts
               ,
               and
               naturally
               we
               love
               to
               wander
               ;
               and
               if
               the
               Lord
               have
               healed
               that
               affection
               ,
               that
               now
               it
               is
               wrought
               out
               of
               us
               ,
               yet
               we
               are
               apt
               to
               wander
               ,
               therefore
               so
               often
               compared
               to
               sheep
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 gone
                 astray
                 like
                 a
                 lost
                 sheep
                 ;
                 O
                 seek
                 thy
                 servant
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 We
                 all
                 like
                 sheep
                 have
                 gone
                 astray
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               the
               more
               needful
               to
               be
               charged
               upon
               us
               home
               and
               deeply
               ,
               because
               we
               are
               so
               prone
               to
               turn
               a
               side
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               people
               that
               have
               alway
               erred
               in
               their
               hearts
               ;
               though
               they
               were
               his
               people
               in
               Covenant
               external
               ,
               yet
               they
               erred
               in
               heart
               ;
               who
               can
               say
               he
               
               doth
               not
               find
               many
               inclinations
               in
               the
               heart
               bent
               to
               backslide
               &
               go
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               needful
               to
               be
               prest
               upon
               us
               so
               much
               ,
               to
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               and
               see
               to
               it
               .
            
             
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               because
               there
               are
               so
               many
               by-paths
               whereinto
               they
               may
               step
               awry
               ;
               truth
               is
               one
               ,
               but
               falshood
               is
               manifold
               ,
               there
               is
               error
               on
               the
               right
               hand
               ,
               and
               error
               on
               the
               left
               ,
               and
               but
               one
               straite
               path
               before
               them
               ,
               therefore
               it
               is
               two
               to
               one
               but
               they
               miss
               it
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               had
               need
               to
               use
               double
               diligence
               ,
               and
               be
               pressed
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               walk
               circumspectly
               ,
               to
               see
               they
               be
               exact
               in
               their
               ways
               .
            
             
               Now
               for
               the
               Use
               then
               ;
               First
               ,
               it
               is
               to
               shew
               us
               ,
               that
               among
               the
               
               much
               profession
               of
               Chirst
               that
               is
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               there
               is
               very
               little
               power
               ,
               very
               little
               exact
               and
               circumspect
               walking
               ;
               men
               profess
               to
               walk
               with
               God
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               at
               a
               great
               distance
               ,
               they
               are
               strangers
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               no
               marvel
               .
            
             
               The
               second
               Use
               ,
               and
               that
               I
               will
               a
               little
               insist
               upon
               ,
               shall
               be
               a
               word
               of
               Reproof
               ,
               and
               that
               of
               divers
               sorts
               ;
               and
               as
               the
               Lord
               beginneth
               his
               rebukes
               for
               sin
               at
               his
               own
               House
               ,
               
                 Judgement
                 beginneth
                 at
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               so
               will
               I
               first
               give
               the
               alarm
               to
               them
               ,
               a
               word
               of
               Reproof
               to
               them
               :
               Alas
               !
               how
               far
               short
               do
               the
               people
               of
               God
               come
               of
               this
               duty
               ?
               it
               is
               intollerable
               pride
               in
               the
               Papists
               ,
               that
               stand
               upon
               their
               tiptoes
               ,
               and
               talk
               of
               their
               works
               of
               Supererrogation
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               had
               done
               more
               then
               God
               had
               commanded
               ;
               and
               it
               is
               wretchless
               carelesness
               in
               us
               ,
               that
               we
               keep
               not
               nearer
               to
               what
               he
               hath
               commanded
               ;
               I
               speak
               not
               now
               of
               the
               many
               errors
               the
               most
               vigilant
               and
               close
               walking
               Christian
               will
               ,
               alas
               ,
               to
               his
               grief
               ,
               find
               himself
               guilty
               of
               ,
               when
               he
               maketh
               a
               diligent
               measuring
               of
               his
               actions
               by
               that
               rule
               ,
               but
               I
               speak
               of
               the
               carelesness
               of
               Christi
               ans
               walking
               ,
               wherein
               doubtless
               they
               might
               come
               up
               nearer
               to
               God
               ,
               if
               they
               did
               but
               stir
               up
               themselves
               ever
               and
               anon
               ,
               but
               we
               are
               idle
               ,
               we
               are
               idle
               ,
               and
               make
               many
               an
               idle
               complaint
               to
               God
               that
               w●
               are
               unable
               to
               do
               any
               thing
               ;
               which
               is
               true
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               our selves
               apart
               from
               Christ
               ,
               
                 Without
                 me
                 ye
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 ,
              
               but
               
               through
               him
               we
               may
               be
               able
               to
               do
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               if
               we
               be
               renewed
               in
               our
               inward
               man
               ,
               what
               is
               this
               but
               a
               powerful
               propensity
               of
               the
               Mind
               and
               Will
               towards
               God
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               is
               according
               to
               God
               ?
               It
               is
               not
               to
               be
               doubted
               ,
               but
               if
               Saints
               would
               but
               take
               more
               pains
               with
               their
               hearts
               ,
               they
               might
               have
               many
               a
               better
               frame
               to
               serve
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               they
               should
               not
               offer
               so
               many
               tattered
               sacrifices
               to
               him
               ;
               and
               if
               men
               would
               be
               but
               perswaded
               to
               the
               painful
               part
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               they
               may
               get
               their
               passions
               of
               lust
               more
               subdued
               ,
               which
               break
               out
               ,
               to
               the
               dishonour
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               shame
               
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               and
               therefore
               justly
               are
               we
               to
               be
               reproved
               ;
               if
               men
               would
               a
               little
               better
               cast
               their
               occasions
               ;
               and
               husband
               their
               time
               ,
               they
               need
               not
               be
               in
               such
               straits
               ,
               so
               often
               to
               neglect
               ,
               or
               slubber
               over
               their
               prayers
               .
               And
               for
               civil
               things
               ,
               do
               you
               walk
               circumspectly
               as
               you
               might
               ,
               if
               you
               made
               it
               your
               work
               and
               study
               in
               things
               lawfull
               :
               might
               not
               Christians
               have
               more
               regard
               then
               they
               have
               to
               the
               conveniency
               or
               inconveniency
               ?
               I
               am
               sure
               the
               
               Apostle
               had
               ,
               and
               therein
               he
               followed
               Christ
               ,
               and
               therein
               he
               is
               to
               be
               our
               pattern
               ,
               and
               so
               what
               is
               of
               good
               report
               and
               praise
               worthy
               ;
               me
               thinketh
               it
               is
               sad
               when
               there
               is
               no
               care
               unto
               our
               hearts
               of
               these
               things
               :
               might
               not
               Christians
               walk
               at
               a
               closer
               scantling
               in
               point
               of
               offence
               ?
               the
               Apostle
               would
               deny
               his
               liberty
               
               in
               things
               lawful
               (
               and
               haply
               we
               would
               think
               necessary
               too
               )
               as
               the
               eating
               of
               flesh
               ,
               rather
               then
               offend
               his
               weak
               brother
               ;
               and
               we
               many
               times
               care
               not
               ,
               so
               we
               may
               have
               our
               wills
               ,
               how
               many
               we
               offend
               :
               and
               so
               in
               natural
               things
               ,
               eating
               ,
               drinking
               ,
               sleeping
               .
               Christians
               ,
               I
               doubt
               we
               generally
               too
               much
               indulge
               the
               flesh
               ,
               even
               to
               the
               loading
               of
               our
               minds
               ,
               and
               dulling
               our
               spirits
               for
               higher
               things
               ;
               how
               cometh
               it
               to
               pass
               Sabbaths
               are
               spent
               so
               sleepily
               ,
               but
               because
               some
               wil
               not
               allow
               themselves
               nor
               theirs
               competent
               rest
               ;
               the
               world
               incroacheth
               upon
               God
               ,
               or
               else
               they
               load
               themselves
               with
               the
               creatures
               ,
               so
               that
               they
               cannot
               hold
               up
               their
               heads
               ,
               either
               they
               are
               over-worked
               ,
               or
               over-charged
               with
               surfetting
               and
               drunkenness
               ,
               doubtless
               ,
               this
               is
               reducible
               to
               those
               great
               evils
               ;
               well
               ,
               the
               Lord
               reprove
               us
               for
               it
               ,
               for
               we
               are
               very
               guilty
               ,
               we
               walk
               very
               loosely
               in
               comparison
               of
               the
               examples
               of
               some
               of
               the
               Saints
               ;
               yea
               ,
               I
               do
               verily
               think
               there
               is
               many
               a
               poor
               blind
               Papist
               will
               rise
               up
               in
               judgement
               against
               many
               of
               us
               that
               are
               Professors
               ,
               that
               have
               more
               light
               then
               they
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               is
               a
               word
               of
               Reproof
               of
               another
               sort
               ,
               that
               instead
               of
               walking
               exactly
               with
               God
               ,
               following
               him
               fully
               ,
               their
               hearts
               are
               devided
               ;
               some
               there
               are
               that
               have
               the
               name
               of
               Christians
               ,
               and
               yet
               altogether
               neglect
               the
               honest
               and
               harmless
               conversation
               among
               men
               ,
               and
               are
               altogether
               taken
               up
               with
               some
               small
               duties
               of
               Worship
               and
               shews
               of
               Religion
               ;
               as
               the
               Proverb
               hath
               it
               ,
               Angels
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               Devils
               in
               the
               House
               ,
               Devils
               in
               their
               Callings
               ,
               such
               were
               the
               Idolatrous
               Iews
               ;
               the
               Prophets
               with
               one
               voyce
               do
               testifie
               against
               them
               ,
               for
               this
               thy
               cried
               ,
               
                 The
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 are
                 these
                 ,
              
               &c.
               but
               considered
               
               not
               that
               they
               made
               this
               Temple
               of
               the
               Lord
               a
               Den
               of
               Thieves
               ,
               a
               Sanctuary
               to
               defend
               them
               ,
               a
               cover
               and
               cloak
               for
               their
               wickedness
               ;
               and
               so
               the
               Prophet
               again
               ,
               
                 This
                 people
                 draw
                 near
                 me
                 with
              
               
               
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 honour
                 me
                 with
                 their
                 lips
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 far
                 from
                 me
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               conversation
               also
               which
               answers
               more
               to
               their
               hearts
               then
               to
               their
               lips
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               very
               counterpane
               of
               their
               hearts
               usually
               .
               〈◊〉
               this
               an
               exact
               circumspect
               walking
               ?
               do
               you
               think
               thus
               to
               impose
               upon
               the
               holy
               one
               of
               Israel
               ?
               doth
               not
               he
               regard
               ,
               think
               you
               ,
               what
               your
               dealings
               are
               between
               man
               &
               man
               ?
               and
               how
               you
               carry
               it
               in
               your
               Families
               ,
               in
               your
               Shops
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               in
               the
               publike
               altogether
               ?
               this
               is
               very
               reproof
               worthy
               ;
               our
               Saviour
               thought
               it
               so
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               Prophets
               thought
               it
               so
               ;
               and
               O
               that
               he
               would
               speak
               this
               to
               every
               carnal
               Gospellers
               heart
               this
               day
               .
            
             
               Again
               secondly
               ,
               There
               are
               others
               that
               are
               all
               for
               morality
               and
               honesty
               of
               conversation
               ,
               they
               give
               every
               one
               their
               own
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               injurious
               ,
               they
               are
               no
               extortioners
               with
               the
               Pharisee
               ,
               they
               are
               no
               drunkards
               ;
               but
               for
               the
               worship
               of
               God
               ,
               they
               know
               nothing
               what
               it
               meaneth
               ,
               to
               worship
               in
               Spirit
               and
               truth
               ;
               this
               is
               not
               an
               exact
               walking
               with
               God
               ,
               these
               things
               you
               should
               
               do
               ,
               and
               not
               leave
               the
               other
               undone
               ,
               else
               you
               follow
               not
               God
               fully
               ;
               indeed
               there
               is
               many
               a
               Moralist
               ,
               that
               is
               rather
               an
               Atheist
               then
               a
               Christian
               ;
               but
               I
               will
               not
               stand
               upon
               this
               :
               
                 Pour
                 out
                 thy
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               
            
             
               Again
               thirdly
               ,
               There
               are
               a
               sort
               that
               neither
               fear
               God
               ,
               not
               
               reverence
               man
               ,
               and
               yet
               will
               not
               indure
               but
               to
               be
               called
               Christians
               ;
               for
               the
               worship
               of
               God
               ,
               if
               they
               come
               at
               it
               in
               the
               publike
               ,
               there
               are
               their
               bodies
               ,
               but
               their
               hearts
               are
               gone
               ;
               they
               come
               to
               see
               ,
               and
               be
               seen
               ,
               to
               mind
               faces
               and
               fashions
               ,
               and
               so
               sin
               and
               trifle
               away
               the
               Ordinances
               of
               God
               ;
               in
               their
               houses
               nothing
               but
               hellishness
               ,
               all
               their
               words
               full
               of
               deceit
               and
               poyson
               ,
               their
               accents
               are
               oaths
               ,
               it
               is
               all
               the
               emphasis
               and
               grace
               they
               think
               of
               ;
               their
               speech
               ,
               their
               lives
               ,
               what
               are
               they
               but
               rottenness
               ,
               and
               fraud
               ,
               and
               pride
               ,
               and
               over-reaching
               ?
               they
               have
               no
               regard
               to
               right
               or
               wrong
               ,
               good
               report
               ;
               or
               evil
               report
               ,
               all
               actions
               are
               alike
               to
               them
               ,
               being
               past
               feeling
               ,
               and
               under
               a
               reprobate
               sence
               ;
               they
               cannot
               judge
               of
               good
               or
               evil
               ,
               but
               call
               evil
               good
               ,
               and
               good
               evil
               .
               Is
               
               this
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               to
               walk
               uprightly
               ,
               exactly
               ?
               Ah
               surely
               brethren
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               exactness
               ,
               it
               is
               of
               the
               devils
               coyning
               ;
               when
               men
               teach
               their
               tongues
               to
               speak
               falsly
               ,
               as
               in
               Shops
               many
               do
               ,
               and
               make
               nothing
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               teach
               their
               hands
               to
               work
               deceit
               and
               wickedness
               ,
               this
               
               is
               to
               walk
               exactly
               with
               the
               devil
               ,
               to
               walk
               as
               other
               Gentiles
               do
               ,
               whose
               hearts
               the
               God
               of
               this
               world
               doth
               mightily
               work
               to
               their
               
               own
               destruction
               :
               the
               Lord
               rebuke
               this
               power
               of
               sin
               where
               ever
               it
               is
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               It
               may
               serve
               to
               reprove
               another
               sort
               ,
               and
               those
               are
               they
               who
               are
               so
               far
               from
               walking
               circumspectly
               or
               exactly
               ,
               
               that
               there
               is
               nothing
               more
               the
               object
               of
               their
               scorn
               and
               contempt
               then
               this
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               drunkards
               song
               ,
               as
               David
               was
               ;
               and
               so
               preciseness
               and
               strictness
               of
               walking
               is
               ordinary
               ;
               the
               world
               cannot
               bear
               the
               burning
               and
               shining
               conversations
               of
               some
               of
               the
               Saints
               ;
               they
               are
               so
               cuttingly
               reproved
               by
               them
               ,
               that
               with
               those
               Heathens
               ,
               they
               curse
               the
               Sun
               ,
               that
               by
               its
               shining
               doth
               scorch
               them
               .
               It
               is
               no
               new
               thing
               ,
               the
               seed
               of
               the
               Serpent
               did
               alway
               persecute
               the
               seed
               of
               the
               Woman
               ;
               and
               he
               that
               was
               born
               after
               the
               flesh
               ,
               persecuteth
               him
               that
               was
               born
               after
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               even
               so
               it
               is
               now
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               :
               and
               so
               it
               is
               now
               may
               we
               say
               :
               
                 Ismael
                 mocked
                 Isaac
              
               ,
               and
               is
               it
               not
               so
               still
               ?
               or
               if
               it
               be
               not
               so
               bold
               a
               sin
               as
               formerly
               ,
               it
               is
               because
               the
               times
               ,
               not
               sinners
               hearts
               are
               changed
               ;
               they
               malign
               them
               still
               ,
               watch
               for
               their
               halting
               ;
               report
               ,
               say
               they
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               report
               it
               :
               well
               ,
               remember
               this
               .
               you
               that
               are
               scorners
               at
               strictness
               ,
               and
               circumspect
               and
               exact
               walking
               with
               God
               ,
               you
               are
               set
               down
               in
               in
               the
               scorners
               chair
               ,
               the
               Lord
               
               be
               mercifull
               to
               you
               ;
               for
               few
               that
               arrive
               to
               that
               pitch
               ,
               and
               take
               up
               their
               rest
               in
               sin
               ,
               that
               are
               therein
               setled
               ,
               are
               brought
               on
               to
               Christ
               :
               you
               are
               the
               Ring
               leaders
               in
               the
               way
               which
               leads
               to
               destruction
               ;
               this
               is
               another
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               Use
               then
               shall
               be
               a
               word
               of
               Exhortation
               to
               us
               all
               ;
               If
               it
               be
               a
               duty
               so
               much
               lying
               upon
               us
               ,
               then
               to
               buckle
               our selves
               
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               walk
               exactly
               :
               O
               see
               to
               it
               ,
               I
               charge
               you
               all
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               lay
               the
               charge
               upon
               mine
               own
               soul
               :
               as
               you
               will
               ever
               lift
               up
               your
               faces
               without
               spot
               ,
               and
               with
               comfort
               at
               the
               day
               of
               your
               summons
               ,
               and
               appearing
               before
               the
               Judgement
               seat
               ,
               so
               walk
               circumspectly
               ;
               I
               know
               none
               of
               our
               hearts
               but
               they
               do
               ,
               or
               may
               ,
               accuse
               us
               of
               much
               unevenness
               in
               our
               walking
               :
               do
               you
               know
               it
               brethren
               ,
               and
               will
               you
               dare
               to
               continue
               in
               it
               ?
               I
               may
               not
               descend
               to
               particulars
               :
               but
               do
               not
               your
               hearts
               smite
               you
               for
               looseness
               of
               spirit
               towards
               God
               ?
               hanging
               back
               often
               ,
               neglecting
               ,
               shuffling
               and
               cutting
               with
               God
               ,
               putting
               him
               off
               with
               any
               thing
               ?
               and
               is
               not
               this
               a
               cursed
               thing
               ,
               to
               do
               Gods
               work
               negligently
               ?
               to
               bring
               a
               
               female
               when
               he
               have
               a
               male
               ,
               doth
               not
               your
               hearts
               smite
               you
               for
               this
               ?
               you
               do
               not
               take
               heed
               to
               your
               ways
               ,
               lest
               you
               sin
               with
               
               your
               tongues
               ;
               there
               is
               much
               falshood
               therein
               ,
               lightness
               and
               foolishness
               ,
               (
               if
               not
               poyson
               and
               destruction
               there
               ,
               )
               nor
               to
               your
               feet
               ,
               they
               make
               haste
               to
               vanity
               ,
               you
               shun
               not
               occasions
               of
               sin
               ,
               as
               you
               would
               an
               infected
               person
               or
               family
               :
               O
               surely
               if
               it
               were
               not
               so
               an
               importunate
               duty
               ,
               the
               Apostle
               would
               not
               so
               charge
               it
               upon
               Christians
               ,
               that
               make
               Christianity
               their
               business
               ,
               to
               walk
               so
               exactly
               :
               but
               a
               little
               to
               move
               us
               to
               it
               ,
               I
               will
               add
               some
               few
               Considerations
               ,
               and
               then
               some
               words
               ●f
               Direction
               ,
               which
               you
               may
               look
               upon
               as
               an
               Appendix
               of
               this
               Use
               ,
               or
               else
               as
               a
               distinct
               Application
               of
               this
               Point
               .
            
             
               First
               Motive
               ,
               Consider
               that
               the
               way
               wherein
               you
               walk
               is
               all
               overspred
               with
               snares
               and
               nets
               to
               trap
               you
               ,
               and
               that
               your
               ways
               .
               (
               1.
               )
               To
               trap
               you
               in
               sin
               .
               (
               2.
               )
               To
               trap
               you
               for
               sin
               .
               First
               .
               To
               trap
               you
               in
               sin
               ;
               had
               not
               the
               Bird
               need
               to
               he
               wary
               and
               heedfull
               ,
               and
               make
               good
               use
               of
               her
               sences
               to
               discover
               where
               she
               may
               light
               without
               danger
               ,
               when
               every
               place
               is
               full
               of
               Limetwigs
               ?
               is
               there
               an
               hook
               under
               every
               fair
               baite
               ,
               and
               had
               not
               the
               fish
               need
               to
               take
               heed
               how
               she
               biteth
               or
               nibleth
               ,
               lest
               she
               be
               taken
               ?
               this
               is
               the
               case
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               truth
               ,
               and
               a
               great
               one
               in
               it
               ;
               there
               is
               nothing
               we
               have
               to
               do
               with
               ,
               either
               towards
               God
               ,
               or
               towards
               men
               ,
               or
               towards
               our selves
               ,
               but
               there
               are
               many
               temptations
               accompanying
               it
               ,
               and
               particular
               conditions
               have
               their
               particular
               temptations
               ;
               and
               if
               we
               be
               not
               very
               circumspect
               and
               exact
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               thousand
               to
               one
               but
               we
               miscarry
               ,
               we
               are
               snared
               and
               taken
               ,
               and
               carried
               away
               captive
               to
               some
               vain
               imagination
               ,
               to
               some
               high
               thought
               ,
               to
               some
               base
               lust
               ,
               and
               there
               kept
               in
               strong
               holds
               ,
               and
               it
               may
               cost
               us
               somewhat
               before
               we
               be
               released
               again
               ;
               the
               world
               was
               never
               more
               full
               of
               snares
               then
               now
               brethren
               ;
               for
               beside
               the
               ordinary
               snares
               in
               our
               trading
               ,
               profession
               ,
               or
               way
               of
               gaining
               ;
               Lord
               ,
               how
               many
               snares
               are
               there
               ?
               it
               would
               be
               an
               infinite
               work
               to
               trace
               them
               through
               in
               all
               our
               relations
               .
               Snares
               ,
               they
               are
               apt
               to
               steal
               away
               our
               hearts
               ,
               if
               lovely
               and
               desirable
               ,
               or
               else
               to
               occasion
               much
               sin
               another
               way
               ,
               if
               otherwise
               ;
               in
               Reliligion
               never
               so
               many
               ,
               never
               more
               seandall
               by
               the
               falls
               of
               eminent
               Professors
               ,
               never
               were
               there
               more
               various
               pretences
               to
               the
               Truth
               ,
               more
               false
               ways
               ,
               and
               every
               one
               pretending
               to
               the
               Truth
               ,
               so
               that
               it
               is
               somewhat
               difficult
               to
               find
               a
               solution
               for
               that
               
               Question
               ,
               what
               is
               Truth
               ?
               never
               was
               the
               world
               more
               full
               of
               witcheries
               then
               now
               ,
               more
               powerful
               in
               its
               enticements
               then
               now
               ;
               it
               is
               hard
               to
               bear
               the
               frowns
               of
               it
               upon
               the
               truth
               ,
               but
               more
               hard
               to
               avoid
               the
               imbraces
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               smiles
               upon
               error
               and
               falshood
               ;
               if
               they
               think
               it
               be
               the
               way
               to
               thrive
               ,
               to
               be
               of
               this
               or
               
               that
               opinion
               ,
               men
               to
               whom
               gain
               is
               godliness
               ,
               they
               will
               rather
               burn
               incense
               to
               the
               Queen
               of
               heaven
               ,
               and
               tell
               the
               Lord
               to
               his
               face
               ,
               that
               his
               Prophet
               is
               a
               lying
               Prophet
               to
               speak
               against
               their
               way
               of
               worship
               ,
               which
               brought
               them
               in
               so
               much
               ;
               they
               had
               their
               corn
               ,
               and
               wine
               ,
               and
               oyl
               then
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               would
               not
               be
               beaten
               off
               by
               a
               
                 Thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
              
               to
               the
               contrary
               ;
               will
               the
               Silver
               Smiths
               let
               Diana
               go
               upon
               easie
               terms
               ?
               and
               will
               
               not
               men
               stickle
               for
               a
               way
               of
               falshood
               ,
               if
               thereby
               come
               in
               their
               gain
               and
               preferments
               ?
               and
               will
               not
               all
               the
               world
               follow
               that
               way
               almost
               ?
               had
               we
               not
               need
               to
               walk
               exactly
               then
               ,
               to
               take
               heed
               where
               we
               tread
               ?
               besides
               ,
               if
               there
               were
               nothing
               but
               our
               own
               hearts
               ,
               they
               are
               as
               snares
               and
               nets
               to
               us
               ;
               how
               easie
               is
               it
               for
               us
               to
               be
               intangled
               in
               the
               cords
               of
               our
               own
               sins
               ,
               our
               own
               pride
               ,
               and
               self-confidence
               ,
               and
               self-love
               ,
               doting
               upon
               our selves
               ,
               and
               a
               world
               of
               iniquities
               ,
               each
               of
               them
               being
               a
               snare
               ?
               Oh
               brethren
               ,
               if
               you
               did
               walk
               among
               pits
               ,
               and
               pits
               covered
               from
               your
               eys
               ,
               if
               men
               did
               walk
               upon
               a
               bog
               ready
               to
               sink
               every
               step
               ,
               how
               would
               they
               walk
               
                 Suspenso
                 gradu
              
               ?
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               The
               necessity
               of
               it
               to
               the
               end
               ;
               if
               we
               would
               reach
               the
               end
               of
               our
               faith
               ,
               the
               salvation
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               it
               must
               be
               by
               an
               exact
               walking
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               a
               little
               form
               of
               godliness
               without
               the
               power
               ,
               spreading
               it self
               through
               your
               lives
               will
               do
               it
               ,
               else
               those
               in
               the
               7.
               of
               Matthew
               had
               had
               a
               sufficient
               plea
               for
               themselves
               ;
               else
               the
               Pharisees
               had
               not
               been
               much
               out
               ,
               when
               they
               under
               a
               
               pretence
               of
               long
               Prayers
               devoured
               widdows
               houses
               ,
               but
               they
               were
               miserably
               mistaken
               .
               Dear
               friends
               ,
               be
               not
               deceived
               ;
               let
               no
               man
               deceive
               you
               with
               vain
               words
               ,
               and
               tell
               you
               the
               way
               to
               heaven
               is
               broder
               then
               it
               is
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               narrow
               way
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               up
               the
               hill
               ,
               and
               if
               you
               will
               come
               to
               heaven
               ,
               you
               must
               not
               think
               that
               any
               by-path
               will
               bring
               you
               to
               it
               ;
               that
               there
               is
               any
               nearer
               cut
               then
               the
               Lord
               hath
               made
               ,
               
                 Many
                 shall
                 seek
                 to
                 enter
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 ,
              
               
               and
               what
               if
               that
               prove
               any
               of
               our
               cases
               ,
               who
               never
               were
               sensible
               of
               such
               a
               duty
               ,
               in
               strict
               ,
               close
               ,
               exact
               ,
               circumspect
               walking
               ,
               how
               w●ful
               will
               our
               conditions
               be
               ?
               men
               seek
               to
               enter
               ,
               but
               they
               will
               
               not
               strive
               ,
               they
               will
               walk
               hand
               in
               hand
               with
               the
               people
               of
               God
               '
               but
               they
               will
               not
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               they
               will
               take
               a
               liberty
               to
               their
               spirits
               ,
               though
               their
               souls
               perish
               by
               it
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               The
               difficulty
               of
               the
               way
               should
               put
               us
               upon
               exactness
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               narrow
               way
               :
               there
               is
               a
               necessity
               ,
               you
               heard
               before
               ,
               if
               you
               
               miss
               it
               ,
               you
               sink
               and
               perish
               ;
               but
               men
               think
               it
               is
               easie
               to
               find
               and
               keep
               ,
               but
               this
               is
               ignorance
               ;
               our
               Savio●ur
               saith
               it
               is
               a
               straite
               way
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               an
               afflicted
               way
               ,
               or
               a
               way
               crushed
               close
               together
               :
               a
               man
               cannot
               tell
               almost
               how
               to
               miss
               the
               way
               to
               hell
               ,
               he
               may
               wink
               ,
               and
               walk
               thither
               ,
               he
               needeth
               no
               light
               to
               his
               feet
               ;
               the
               way
               of
               the
               wicked
               is
               as
               darkness
               ,
               and
               while
               they
               are
               in
               that
               darkness
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               sure
               they
               are
               in
               the
               way
               to
               destruction
               ;
               and
               he
               that
               is
               but
               a
               fool
               &
               bungler
               at
               the
               service
               of
               sin
               ,
               is
               not
               ingenuous
               ,
               may
               make
               a
               shift
               to
               come
               thither
               ;
               how
               easily
               to
               tumble
               down
               the
               hill
               ?
               but
               to
               recover
               a
               mans
               self
               ,
               to
               get
               up
               the
               hill
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               labour
               indeed
               .
               It
               is
               narrow
               ,
               and
               then
               it
               is
               not
               such
               a
               beaten
               path
               ,
               and
               therefore
               not
               so
               easie
               found
               :
               some
               track
               there
               is
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               
               not
               so
               beaten
               and
               beautified
               with
               the
               feet
               of
               the
               shining
               Saints
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               easily
               discerned
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               rather
               a
               way
               in
               the
               ayr
               ,
               and
               indeed
               none
               can
               see
               it
               untill
               he
               be
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               therefore
               there
               is
               a
               necessity
               of
               exactness
               ,
               circumspection
               in
               walking
               ;
               if
               a
               man
               have
               a
               hard
               way
               to
               find
               ,
               be
               upon
               a
               great
               plain
               ,
               or
               a
               waste
               howling
               Wilderness
               ,
               where
               there
               is
               no
               way
               beaten
               ,
               and
               among
               enemies
               ,
               in
               danger
               to
               be
               destroyed
               ,
               this
               man
               had
               need
               look
               well
               about
               him
               ,
               to
               walk
               exactly
               indeed
               .
            
             
               A
               third
               Motive
               may
               be
               because
               
                 Iniquity
                 abounds
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
              
               
               
                 many
                 waxeth
                 cold
              
               :
               and
               therefore
               from
               hence
               it
               is
               that
               there
               are
               so
               many
               offences
               ,
               so
               carelesly
               given
               and
               so
               easily
               taken
               ;
               if
               Peter
               and
               the
               men
               of
               Knowledge
               have
               no
               more
               love
               then
               to
               walk
               so
               
               offensively
               ,
               have
               no
               more
               tenderness
               of
               others
               ,
               what
               need
               had
               the
               weak
               then
               to
               walk
               wisely
               ,
               circumspectly
               ,
               lest
               you
               be
               drawn
               away
               with
               the
               dissimulation
               of
               a
               Peter
               ,
               as
               Barnabas
               was
               ,
               he
               looked
               not
               so
               well
               to
               his
               steps
               as
               he
               should
               :
               as
               on
               the
               other
               hand
               ,
               if
               you
               slip
               and
               fall
               ,
               and
               walk
               not
               wisely
               ,
               if
               thy
               foot
               slip
               and
               thou
               stumble
               ,
               there
               are
               few
               that
               are
               so
               spiritual
               and
               full
               of
               love
               ,
               as
               with
               the
               spirit
               of
               meekness
               to
               restore
               thee
               again
               ;
               it
               is
               too
               too
               apparent
               even
               in
               the
               eminentest
               Saints
               ;
               they
               are
               rather
               
               ready
               to
               a
               withdrawing
               ,
               a
               casting
               off
               communion
               ,
               and
               fellowship
               ,
               and
               therefore
               thou
               hadst
               need
               ,
               who
               ever
               thou
               art
               ,
               to
               walk
               
               wisely
               and
               circumspectly
               ,
               else
               thou
               wilt
               be
               in
               danger
               of
               giving
               offence
               to
               some
               of
               the
               little
               ones
               ,
               and
               woe
               be
               to
               him
               by
               whom
               offences
               come
               ;
               or
               else
               thou
               maist
               be
               insnared
               and
               stumble
               upon
               others
               miscarriages
               and
               so
               thy
               soul
               be
               destroyed
               ,
               or
               in
               danger
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ;
               will
               not
               that
               man
               walk
               warily
               that
               
               hath
               stumbling
               block
               upon
               stumbling
               block
               ,
               is
               in
               a
               rough
               way
               ?
               and
               if
               he
               tread
               aside
               ,
               is
               in
               danger
               to
               put
               out
               a
               joynt
               ,
               or
               break
               his
               bones
               ▪
               so
               it
               is
               here
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               How
               much
               honour
               hath
               God
               by
               a
               circumspect
               conversation
               ?
               hereby
               is
               my
               Father
               glorified
               ,
               if
               ye
               bring
               forth
               much
               fruit
               ,
               
                 Let
                 your
                 light
                 so
                 shine
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 see
                 your
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 glorifie
                 your
                 father
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 heaven
              
               ;
               hath
               he
               
               put
               so
               much
               honour
               upon
               all
               the
               Saints
               ,
               as
               to
               make
               them
               one
               with
               himself
               through
               his
               Son
               ,
               make
               them
               sons
               and
               daughters
               ,
               Kings
               and
               Princes
               in
               all
               lands
               ,
               heirs
               apparent
               to
               the
               Crown
               of
               glory
               ,
               and
               shall
               not
               we
               honour
               him
               ?
               Oh
               how
               sweet
               and
               comfortable
               a
               condition
               is
               it
               ,
               when
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               are
               well
               spoken
               of
               by
               reason
               of
               any
               of
               us
               ?
               and
               how
               uncomfortable
               when
               they
               are
               evil
               spoken
               of
               by
               reason
               of
               any
               of
               our
               uneven
               walking
               ?
               O
               be
               tender
               of
               the
               Name
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               be
               at
               some
               pains
               the
               more
               to
               look
               to
               your
               ways
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               be
               lifted
               up
               ,
               and
               exalted
               by
               you
               :
               O
               therefore
               cut
               off
               hereby
               all
               occasions
               from
               them
               that
               seek
               occasion
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               of
               himself
               ,
               therefore
               he
               would
               abridge
               himself
               of
               his
               liberty
               somewhat
               ;
               and
               the
               Gospel
               is
               glorified
               much
               by
               such
               a
               circumspect
               walking
               ;
               an
               Art
               or
               Science
               is
               then
               honoured
               ,
               vvhen
               a
               man
               is
               perfect
               and
               exact
               in
               it
               ;
               so
               is
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               which
               teacheth
               this
               holy
               walking
               ;
               vvhen
               vve
               come
               up
               to
               
               it
               ,
               we
               honour
               the
               Rule
               vvhereby
               vve
               vvalk
               ,
               that
               shining
               speaks
               the
               beauty
               of
               the
               Rule
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               a
               dorn
               the
               Gospel
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               You
               may
               by
               thismeans
               draw
               others
               to
               a
               liking
               of
               the
               vvays
               of
               God
               ;
               the
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               ,
               the
               more
               visible
               it
               is
               ,
               the
               more
               attractive
               ;
               vvhat
               maketh
               sinners
               think
               so
               vvell
               of
               their
               own
               condition
               ,
               and
               so
               meanly
               of
               Religion
               ,
               vvhen
               prest
               upon
               them
               ?
               they
               see
               nothing
               more
               in
               the
               Saints
               then
               in
               others
               they
               are
               as
               careless
               of
               thir
               steps
               ,
               make
               as
               many
               balks
               as
               others
               ,
               keep
               no
               stricter
               a
               vvatch
               over
               the
               door
               of
               their
               lips
               ,
               have
               no
               more
               command
               of
               their
               tongues
               then
               others
               ,
               there
               appears
               no
               more
               candor
               ,
               ingenu●ty
               ,
               self-denial
               then
               in
               others
               ,
               but
               visibly
               as
               griping
               ,
               covetous
               ,
               peevish
               ,
               revengeful
               as
               others
               ;
               this
               is
               not
               the
               way
               to
               
               vvin
               any
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               vvay
               to
               drive
               away
               the
               Roes
               and
               Harts
               that
               are
               looking
               towards
               a
               vvay
               of
               God
               ,
               but
               quickly
               frighted
               away
               .
               What
               knowest
               thou
               ,
               O
               vvoman
               ,
               but
               thou
               maist
               by
               thy
               heavenly
               conversation
               ,
               strict
               circumspect
               vvalking
               gain
               thy
               husband
               ?
               and
               thou
               husband
               thy
               vvife
               ,
               and
               parents
               your
               children
               ,
               and
               children
               your
               parents
               ,
               and
               masters
               your
               servants
               ,
               and
               servants
               your
               masters
               ,
               and
               one
               neighbour
               may
               gain
               another
               ;
               and
               vvill
               not
               this
               add
               to
               the
               vveight
               of
               your
               crown
               ?
               O
               therefore
               
               I
               beseech
               you
               ,
               vvill
               you
               resolve
               upon
               it
               .
            
             
               Now
               in
               the
               next
               place
               ,
               a
               vvord
               of
               Direction
               ,
               vvhat
               course
               to
               take
               ;
               alas
               ,
               vve
               are
               like
               children
               ,
               must
               be
               taught
               to
               go
               ,
               vve
               know
               not
               vvhat
               foot
               to
               set
               forward
               in
               this
               great
               vvork
               .
               I
               shall
               therefore
               in
               the
               first
               place
               give
               you
               a
               vvord
               of
               direction
               .
               First
               ,
               beg
               of
               God
               to
               mix
               this
               vvord
               vvith
               faith
               in
               your
               souls
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               believe
               it
               to
               be
               so
               great
               ,
               vveighty
               ,
               important
               a
               duty
               ;
               labour
               to
               get
               a
               heart
               sensible
               of
               your
               vvandrings
               ,
               uneven
               vvalkings
               ,
               how
               far
               you
               have
               been
               vvide
               of
               this
               narrow
               vvay
               ,
               both
               before
               and
               since
               you
               have
               vvalked
               Zion-ward
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               be
               humbled
               under
               them
               ;
               for
               you
               must
               here
               plough
               up
               before
               you
               plant
               ;
               your
               course
               will
               hardly
               hold
               if
               you
               set
               forward
               with
               a
               purpose
               to
               walk
               more
               exactly
               ,
               except
               you
               be
               sensible
               how
               great
               the
               evil
               of
               turning
               aside
               ,
               or
               loose
               walking
               hath
               been
               :
               well
               then
               ,
               begin
               at
               the
               right
               end
               ,
               and
               see
               how
               you
               have
               (
               it
               may
               be
               )
               for
               a
               long
               time
               ,
               
               not
               only
               wandered
               from
               the
               way
               ,
               but
               loved
               to
               wander
               ;
               you
               have
               not
               only
               erred
               ,
               but
               you
               have
               erred
               in
               heart
               ;
               you
               have
               had
               the
               Law
               of
               error
               in
               your
               heart
               ,
               as
               the
               Saints
               have
               the
               Law
               of
               Christ
               in
               theirs
               ;
               and
               this
               indeed
               is
               the
               height
               of
               Rebellion
               and
               froward
               walking
               ;
               it
               is
               frowardness
               indeed
               this
               provoked
               the
               Lord
               to
               shut
               them
               out
               of
               Canaan
               ,
               yea
               ,
               he
               ,
               swear
               they
               should
               never
               enter
               ;
               and
               if
               it
               hath
               not
               been
               so
               with
               thee
               ,
               for
               this
               very
               cause
               ,
               O
               how
               should
               this
               abounding
               grace
               which
               hath
               made
               the
               difference
               ,
               melt
               thy
               heart
               to
               pieces
               before
               the
               Lord
               !
               and
               that
               would
               be
               a
               good
               preparative
               to
               a
               circumspect
               walking
               for
               the
               future
               ;
               the
               Wormwood
               and
               the
               Gall
               remembred
               how
               evil
               a
               thing
               and
               bitter
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               you
               have
               so
               departed
               from
               the
               Lord
               ;
               and
               the
               straite
               path
               will
               be
               a
               notable
               help
               to
               keep
               you
               closer
               to
               him
               for
               the
               time
               to
               come
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Set
               your selves
               always
               as
               in
               his
               presence
               ,
               so
               the
               
               Psalmist
               did
               walk
               as
               in
               his
               sight
               ;
               if
               ever
               the
               Scholler
               will
               write
               
               exactly
               ,
               it
               is
               while
               his
               Master
               is
               looking
               on
               ;
               or
               the
               servant
               work
               exactly
               ,
               it
               is
               when
               the
               Masters
               eye
               is
               upon
               him
               .
               O
               if
               we
               could
               but
               have
               our
               eye
               ever
               up
               to
               the
               Lord
               upon
               all
               occasions
               ,
               as
               the
               Psalmist
               speaks
               ,
               how
               circumspect
               would
               it
               make
               us
               ?
               the
               eye
               of
               a
               
               holy
               severe
               man
               ,
               how
               would
               it
               awe
               us
               ?
               we
               would
               not
               entertain
               such
               thoughts
               ,
               such
               ends
               as
               we
               do
               ,
               if
               men
               were
               but
               privy
               to
               them
               ;
               why
               ,
               now
               vve
               forget
               the
               Lord
               ;
               O
               therefore
               brethren
               ,
               be
               you
               vvith
               God
               ,
               abide
               with
               him
               in
               your
               hearts
               and
               conversations
               
               what
               ever
               they
               be
               ;
               and
               if
               we
               be
               vvith
               him
               ,
               he
               vvill
               be
               vvith
               us
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               the
               vvay
               to
               vvalk
               uprightly
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               as
               in
               Noah
               his
               case
               ;
               and
               vvhen
               did
               David
               carry
               himself
               vvisely
               ,
               but
               vvhen
               the
               Lord
               was
               vvith
               him
               ?
               and
               this
               vvas
               the
               reason
               of
               it
               ,
               he
               set
               God
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               vvalked
               vvith
               God
               ,
               and
               God
               vvalked
               vvith
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               pre●ence
               vvill
               be
               sure
               to
               keep
               us
               in
               the
               vvay
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Let
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               dwell
               richly
               in
               you
               ,
               in
               all
               vvisdom
               and
               understanding
               ;
               It
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               have
               the
               
               Scripture
               in
               your
               houses
               ,
               except
               you
               have
               the
               Word
               hid
               in
               your
               hearts
               ,
               that
               you
               might
               not
               sin
               against
               God
               ;
               vvithout
               light
               a
               man
               cannot
               discover
               the
               stumbling
               blocks
               ,
               or
               the
               turnings
               and
               vvindings
               of
               his
               way
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               a
               thousand
               to
               one
               but
               he
               misseth
               it
               :
               a
               man
               cannot
               be
               an
               exact
               dealer
               ,
               if
               he
               have
               not
               the
               rules
               of
               his
               art
               ,
               or
               trade
               exactly
               ;
               men
               would
               be
               ignorant
               of
               nothing
               therein
               ,
               lest
               they
               should
               be
               over-reached
               and
               deceived
               ;
               and
               yet
               how
               contented
               are
               we
               to
               be
               ignorant
               here
               of
               much
               of
               Gods
               mind
               ,
               without
               which
               we
               cannot
               keep
               his
               way
               ,
               nor
               walk
               circumspectly
               .
               I
               hope
               you
               do
               ,
               many
               of
               you
               ,
               study
               as
               well
               as
               read
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               and
               hide
               it
               in
               your
               hearts
               ,
               for
               this
               end
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               be
               filled
               with
               a
               full
               assurance
               of
               understanding
               :
               this
               is
               another
               :
               how
               often
               do
               we
               step
               out
               of
               the
               way
               and
               know
               it
               not
               ?
               and
               how
               
               often
               do
               we
               stand
               pausing
               ,
               and
               lose
               much
               time
               ?
               when
               we
               should
               walk
               and
               work
               ,
               we
               are
               then
               to
               enquire
               ,
               and
               to
               learn
               ,
               and
               know
               not
               which
               way
               to
               turn
               ,
               to
               the
               right
               hand
               or
               the
               left
               ,
               and
               all
               because
               we
               have
               not
               our
               sences
               exercised
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               use
               ,
               to
               
               discern
               between
               good
               and
               evil
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               If
               you
               would
               vvalk
               exactly
               or
               circumspectly
               ,
               you
               must
               often
               apply
               the
               Rule
               to
               your
               vvays
               ,
               to
               see
               what
               suitableness
               there
               is
               between
               them
               ,
               how
               they
               correspond
               ?
               it
               is
               not
               a
               measuring
               at
               the
               first
               setting
               out
               vvill
               serve
               your
               turn
               ,
               you
               must
               be
               often
               measuring
               ,
               as
               an
               Architect
               ,
               he
               vvill
               often
               use
               his
               Plum-Line
               
               or
               rule
               ,
               if
               you
               would
               make
               straite
               and
               exact
               work
               of
               it
               ;
               
               ponder
               the
               path
               of
               thy
               feet
               ,
               and
               let
               all
               thy
               ways
               be
               established
               ;
               do
               you
               think
               once
               for
               all
               vvill
               serve
               the
               turn
               ?
               no
               ,
               David
               did
               think
               upon
               his
               vvays
               ,
               and
               turned
               his
               feet
               unto
               his
               testimonies
               ;
               the
               word
               there
               for
               thinking
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               noteth
               some
               accurateness
               in
               surveying
               a
               mans
               life
               ;
               the
               word
               signifieth
               ,
               curiously
               to
               devise
               ,
               as
               cunning
               Artificers
               ,
               because
               such
               devises
               are
               the
               work
               of
               the
               thoughts
               :
               so
               then
               he
               did
               with
               great
               exactness
               think
               upon
               his
               ways
               ,
               studied
               to
               find
               out
               every
               error
               to
               an
               hairs
               breath
               ,
               and
               so
               
               to
               frame
               his
               course
               :
               and
               why
               should
               not
               the
               godly
               make
               as
               curious
               vvork
               of
               it
               in
               holiness
               ,
               as
               sinners
               do
               in
               sin
               ?
               and
               this
               is
               the
               very
               reason
               vvhy
               men
               do
               often
               miss
               their
               vvay
               ,
               they
               do
               not
               often
               inquire
               vvhat
               the
               rule
               is
               vvhereby
               they
               vvork
               ,
               and
               for
               vvhat
               end
               they
               do
               this
               or
               that
               :
               this
               is
               to
               look
               round
               about
               us
               :
               as
               a
               man
               ,
               if
               he
               go
               on
               ,
               and
               there
               be
               many
               turnings
               ,
               and
               never
               look
               backward
               nor
               upward
               to
               see
               vvhither
               his
               course
               be
               straite
               ,
               it
               is
               five
               to
               one
               but
               he
               goeth
               out
               of
               his
               vvay
               ,
               ye
               should
               have
               said
               ,
               vvhy
               do
               vve
               persecute
               him
               ?
               so
               they
               should
               have
               said
               ,
               but
               so
               they
               did
               not
               say
               ;
               they
               should
               have
               inquired
               for
               vvhat
               end
               they
               did
               it
               ,
               by
               vvhat
               rule
               ;
               so
               the
               Jews
               in
               their
               blind
               rage
               against
               Christ
               ,
               
               alas
               ,
               they
               knew
               not
               vvhat
               they
               did
               :
               look
               to
               thy
               foot
               then
               in
               thy
               spiritual
               and
               thy
               civill
               conversation
               :
               in
               thy
               spiritual
               ,
               and
               offer
               not
               up
               the
               sacrifice
               of
               fools
               ,
               for
               they
               know
               not
               that
               they
               do
               evil
               ,
               make
               rash
               vows
               ,
               and
               then
               break
               them
               ,
               and
               think
               to
               put
               it
               off
               ,
               by
               saying
               ,
               before
               the
               Angel
               it
               was
               an
               error
               :
               this
               is
               the
               sacrifice
               of
               fools
               ,
               they
               inquire
               not
               before
               hand
               what
               they
               do
               ;
               and
               so
               in
               your
               civil
               conversation
               ,
               inquire
               what
               ,
               and
               why
               you
               do
               this
               ,
               or
               
               the
               other
               action
               ,
               that
               the
               end
               be
               holy
               ,
               and
               the
               rule
               holy
               ,
               even
               the
               Word
               of
               the
               ever
               living
               God
               ,
               and
               then
               there
               is
               hope
               you
               will
               go
               straite
               :
               A
               fools
               bolt
               is
               soon
               shot
               ,
               they
               neither
               mind
               the
               art
               of
               shooting
               nor
               the
               mark
               ,
               and
               therefore
               never
               hit
               the
               mark
               :
               how
               came
               it
               to
               pass
               the
               Jew
               swere
               so
               bruitish
               in
               their
               adultery
               and
               Idolatry
               ,
               to
               worship
               Stocks
               and
               Stones
               ?
               why
               ,
               saith
               the
               Text
               ,
               
                 None
                 considereth
              
               in
               his
               heart
               ,
               
                 neither
                 is
                 there
                 knowledge
                 and
                 understanding
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 burnt
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
              
               yea
               ,
               also
               ,
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 baked
                 bread
                 upon
                 the
                 coals
                 thereof
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 roasted
                 flesh
                 and
                 eaten
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 I
                 make
                 the
                 residue
                 an
                 abomination
                 ?
                 and
                 shall
                 I
                 fall
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 Stock
                 of
                 a
                 tree
                 ?
                 he
                 feeds
                 on
                 ashes
                 ,
              
               a
               deceived
               heart
               
                 hath
                 turned
                 him
                 aside
                 that
                 he
                 cannot
                 deliver
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
              
               nor
               
               say
               ,
               is
               there
               not
               
                 a
                 lye
                 in
                 my
                 right
                 hand
                 ?
              
               so
               a
               deceived
               ,
               a
               bewitched
               heart
               ,
               with
               some
               pleasant
               lust
               ,
               or
               somewhat
               that
               men
               are
               bent
               and
               set
               upon
               ,
               turns
               them
               aside
               ,
               they
               cannot
               deliver
               their
               souls
               ,
               they
               cannot
               say
               ,
               is
               there
               not
               a
               
                 lye
                 in
                 my
                 right
                 hand
              
               ?
               and
               if
               they
               could
               but
               say
               thus
               ,
               and
               examine
               their
               ways
               ,
               lay
               their
               steps
               to
               the
               rule
               ,
               they
               would
               walk
               more
               orderly
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               In
               every
               serious
               undertaking
               ,
               enquire
               of
               God
               ,
               seek
               his
               face
               ,
               in
               all
               thy
               ways
               acknowledge
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               shall
               direct
               thy
               paths
               ;
               but
               indeed
               here
               is
               the
               misery
               of
               it
               ,
               we
               will
               first
               resolve
               what
               we
               will
               do
               ,
               and
               then
               go
               and
               enquire
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               
               is
               to
               mock
               him
               to
               his
               face
               .
               David
               went
               among
               the
               Philistians
               of
               his
               own
               head
               ,
               without
               inquiring
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               what
               came
               of
               it
               we
               see
               ;
               he
               was
               gotten
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               many
               a
               sna●e
               was
               he
               taken
               in
               ,
               and
               many
               a
               stumbling
               block
               did
               he
               fall
               upon
               ,
               before
               he
               returned
               into
               the
               way
               again
               ;
               how
               hard
               was
               he
               put
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               
               tell
               lyes
               to
               Achish
               ,
               to
               dissemble
               ,
               and
               put
               hmself
               on
               to
               fight
               with
               them
               against
               Israel
               ;
               but
               that
               the
               Lord
               did
               wonderfully
               deliver
               him
               :
               never
               poor
               man
               was
               in
               a
               greater
               straite
               ;
               at
               other
               times
               he
               did
               beg
               of
               God
               to
               direct
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               did
               lead
               him
               ,
               and
               upheld
               his
               goings
               ,
               
                 O
                 that
                 my
                 ways
                 were
                 directed
                 ,
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 to
                 keep
                 thy
                 Statutes
              
               .
               Without
               his
               Spirit
               (
               though
               we
               have
               the
               rule
               of
               the
               Word
               
               yet
               )
               we
               cannot
               rightly
               apply
               it
               to
               our
               particular
               cases
               and
               actions
               ,
               and
               therefore
               we
               had
               need
               to
               go
               to
               him
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               Be
               sure
               we
               look
               to
               our
               humility
               ,
               to
               keep
               our
               hearts
               low
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               for
               those
               are
               they
               he
               will
               teach
               his
               way
               ;
               
               the
               more
               humble
               a
               man
               is
               ,
               and
               the
               lower
               thoughts
               he
               hath
               of
               himself
               ,
               the
               more
               circumspect
               will
               he
               be
               ;
               this
               humility
               is
               opposed
               to
               that
               confident
               rage
               of
               some
               men
               ;
               
                 A
                 prudent
                 man
                 looks
                 well
                 to
                 his
                 goings
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 fool
                 rageth
                 and
                 is
                 confident
                 :
                 This
                 I
                 say
                 ,
              
               saith
               
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 that
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 you
                 think
                 of
                 himself
                 not
                 more
                 highly
                 then
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 think
                 soberly
                 ,
                 according
                 as
                 God
                 hath
              
               
               
                 dealt
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 grace
                 :
              
               When
               a
               man
               is
               so
               confident
               ,
               he
               knoweth
               his
               way
               as
               well
               as
               any
               can
               tell
               him
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               will
               enquire
               of
               no
               man
               ;
               this
               man
               of
               all
               other
               is
               most
               likely
               to
               go
               astray
               ,
               therefore
               look
               to
               this
               .
            
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               Take
               heed
               of
               Squint
               eyed
               ends
               ,
               for
               they
               will
               draw
               aside
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               affections
               ,
               the
               feet
               of
               the
               soul
               ;
               if
               we
               look
               not
               straite
               before
               us
               ,
               but
               alway
               looking
               on
               one
               side
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               likely
               we
               shall
               make
               straite
               steps
               to
               our
               feet
               ;
               therefore
               saith
               the
               Wise
               
               man
               ,
               
                 Let
                 thine
                 eys
                 look
                 strait
                 on
                 ;
                 and
                 thine
                 eye-lids
                 look
                 strait
                 before
                 thee
              
               ;
               to
               the
               mark
               of
               the
               price
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               aimed
               at
               that
               ;
               look
               
               strait
               before
               you
               ,
               to
               the
               strait
               rule
               ,
               it
               is
               to
               walk
               before
               you
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               the
               way
               to
               keep
               your selves
               right
               in
               the
               way
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               way
               ,
               not
               to
               turn
               to
               the
               right
               hand
               nor
               to
               the
               left
               ;
               they
               were
               Jehu
               his
               ends
               which
               drew
               himself
               ▪
               aside
               :
               afterward
               ,
               to
               countenance
               and
               set
               up
               the
               same
               Idolatry
               which
               he
               himself
               had
               destroyed
               ,
               or
               else
               to
               continue
               some
               Idolatry
               ,
               though
               he
               destroyed
               some
               .
            
             
               Eighthly
               ,
               Take
               heed
               of
               halting
               between
               two
               ,
               of
               going
               to
               a
               kind
               of
               neutrality
               ,
               as
               the
               Jews
               were
               guilty
               much
               in
               this
               kind
               ;
               
                 If
                 God
                 be
                 God
                 ,
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 Baal
                 be
                 God
                 ,
                 follow
                 him
              
               ;
               little
               better
               
               were
               they
               that
               vvould
               reconcile
               us
               and
               the
               Papists
               together
               by
               a
               commission
               ,
               for
               this
               haltingwill
               draw
               us
               out
               of
               the
               vvay
               by
               degrees
               ;
               make
               strait
               steps
               to
               your
               feet
               ,
               lest
               that
               which
               is
               lame
               be
               driven
               out
               of
               the
               way
               and
               not
               healed
               ;
               away
               then
               with
               complying
               with
               the
               times
               and
               parties
               ,
               vvhose
               vvays
               vve
               judge
               to
               be
               false
               ,
               any
               further
               then
               the
               Law
               of
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Law
               of
               Love
               requireth
               us
               to
               own
               them
               ,
               vvalk
               vvith
               them
               .
            
             
               Ninthly
               ,
               Forecast
               vvhat
               temptations
               and
               snares
               you
               may
               meet
               vvith
               in
               the
               vvay
               of
               God
               ,
               lest
               if
               you
               meet
               vvith
               more
               then
               you
               
               expected
               ,
               you
               be
               overtaken
               by
               them
               ;
               therefore
               our
               Saviour
               tells
               the
               man
               vvhat
               he
               vvas
               like
               to
               trust
               to
               ,
               
                 The
                 Son
                 of
                 man
                 had
                 not
                 where
                 to
                 lay
                 his
                 head
              
               ;
               you
               must
               forecast
               to
               meet
               with
               many
               tribulations
               in
               the
               way
               to
               heaven
               :
               if
               you
               dream
               of
               a
               vvay
               strewed
               vvith
               Violets
               and
               Roses
               ,
               and
               find
               Briers
               and
               Thorns
               ,
               what
               a
               sore
               discouragement
               vvill
               this
               be
               ,
               and
               a
               temptation
               to
               forsake
               the
               vvay
               ,
               to
               turn
               aside
               from
               following
               the
               Lord
               ?
               expect
               then
               that
               you
               may
               be
               assailed
               by
               the
               frowns
               ,
               yea
               ,
               and
               smiles
               of
               the
               vvorld
               ,
               vvhich
               is
               more
               dangerous
               of
               the
               two
               ;
               that
               you
               may
               lose
               friends
               ,
               relations
               ,
               the
               love
               of
               all
               ,
               and
               be
               hated
               of
               all
               men
               ,
               for
               the
               name
               sake
               of
               Christ
               ,
               the
               more
               exactly
               you
               walk
               ;
               for
               the
               vvorld
               cannot
               bear
               too
               great
               a
               lustre
               and
               glory
               of
               holiness
               in
               any
               ;
               expect
               this
               ,
               it
               vvould
               be
               no
               strange
               thing
               to
               you
               then
               ,
               no
               more
               then
               you
               look
               for
               ,
               and
               then
               it
               vvill
               not
               be
               so
               dangerous
               to
               thrust
               you
               aside
               from
               following
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               Tenthly
               ,
               Labour
               to
               arm
               your selves
               vvith
               a
               strong
               perswasion
               of
               the
               Al-sufficiency
               of
               God
               ,
               to
               keep
               you
               in
               ,
               and
               deliver
               you
               
               from
               the
               threatning
               evils
               you
               may
               meet
               vvith
               in
               your
               vvays
               ,
               and
               
               of
               the
               Al-sufficiency
               of
               his
               goodness
               ,
               to
               be
               your
               exceeding
               great
               reward
               ,
               though
               you
               have
               but
               little
               with
               righteousness
               here
               in
               this
               world
               ;
               and
               then
               brethren
               ,
               you
               will
               hardly
               be
               drawn
               to
               the
               right
               hand
               ,
               or
               to
               the
               left
               ;
               what
               is
               the
               reason
               that
               fear
               turns
               many
               men
               aside
               ?
               and
               it
               is
               very
               ingenuous
               to
               find
               out
               diverticula
               ,
               as
               Calvin
               saith
               ;
               and
               as
               you
               see
               in
               the
               case
               of
               Peter
               and
               Abraham
               ,
               when
               he
               lyed
               to
               save
               his
               wife
               ;
               and
               so
               David
               when
               he
               spake
               untruly
               to
               Abimelech
               the
               Priest
               first
               ;
               and
               then
               afterward
               to
               Achish
               King
               of
               Gath
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               it
               in
               the
               Story
               ,
               in
               the
               first
               Book
               of
               Samuel
               ,
               his
               fear
               overwhelmed
               him
               ,
               he
               had
               forgotten
               his
               rock
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jehovah
               :
               and
               so
               for
               God
               ,
               would
               men
               be
               so
               full
               of
               self-seeking
               as
               they
               are
               ,
               if
               they
               did
               believe
               that
               God
               were
               able
               to
               make
               an
               abundant
               recompence
               to
               them
               ,
               though
               they
               had
               little
               in
               the
               world
               for
               their
               service
               of
               him
               ?
               it
               is
               a
               very
               plain
               case
               ,
               Abraham
               
               would
               not
               take
               from
               a
               thread
               to
               a
               shoo
               latchet
               of
               the
               King
               of
               Sodoms
               goods
               ,
               they
               should
               not
               say
               they
               had
               made
               Abraham
               rich
               ,
               he
               had
               God
               was
               an
               al-sufficient
               portion
               to
               him
               :
               O●if
               men
               were
               of
               this
               spirit
               of
               faith
               in
               Gods
               al-sufficiency
               ,
               the
               smiling
               world
               would
               very
               little
               prevail
               to
               draw
               any
               aside
               to
               the
               thriving
               side
               ,
               or
               opinion
               ,
               as
               I
               doubt
               it
               is
               ;
               well
               then
               ,
               labour
               for
               this
               perswasion
               ,
               and
               you
               shall
               find
               it
               a
               wonderfnl
               support
               to
               keep
               us
               upright
               in
               our
               goings
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               great
               part
               of
               this
               circumspect
               walking
               .
            
             
               Alas
               ,
               But
               you
               vvill
               say
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               difficult
               duty
               indeed
               to
               walk
               thus
               exactly
               ,
               and
               as
               I
               may
               say
               in
               a
               frame
               ;
               and
               if
               this
               be
               so
               ,
               who
               then
               can
               walk
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               ,
               if
               there
               must
               be
               this
               strictness
               ?
               To
               this
               I
               answer
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Plead
               not
               the
               difficulty
               against
               a
               duty
               ,
               for
               difficult
               duties
               must
               be
               done
               ▪
               by
               how
               much
               the
               more
               difficult
               ,
               by
               so
               much
               the
               more
               excellent
               ;
               and
               vvhat
               else
               were
               the
               difference
               between
               the
               form
               and
               the
               power
               ;
               between
               a
               Saint
               and
               an
               Hypocrite
               ,
               if
               the
               Saint
               did
               not
               take
               up
               the
               most
               strict
               inward
               spiritual
               difficult
               services
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               the
               more
               slight
               and
               outside
               ,
               and
               overly
               ?
               lay
               the
               necessity
               then
               in
               the
               other
               ▪
               ballance
               against
               the
               difficulty
               ,
               and
               see
               which
               will
               weigh
               down
               the
               other
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Suppose
               thou
               be
               weak
               and
               find
               thy self
               far
               short
               of
               this
               duty
               ,
               yet
               there
               is
               no
               reason
               thou
               shouldest
               be
               discouraged
               ,
               
               but
               lift
               up
               the
               hands
               that
               hang
               down
               ,
               and
               stir
               up
               your
               souls
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               buckle
               to
               the
               work
               ,
               there
               is
               nothing
               so
               hard
               ,
               but
               diligence
               
               will
               overcome
               ,
               specially
               if
               you
               consider
               the
               condition
               thou
               art
               in
               ,
               if
               thou
               be
               in
               Christ
               ,
               for
               then
               thou
               hast
               a
               fulness
               of
               strength
               in
               Christ
               ,
               
                 through
                 him
              
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 all
              
               
               things
               ;
               and
               why
               not
               thou
               as
               well
               as
               the
               Apostle
               ?
               is
               there
               not
               as
               much
               fulness
               now
               ,
               and
               is
               not
               Christ
               as
               free
               to
               communicate
               it
               now
               ,
               as
               then
               only
               ?
               thou
               sittest
               down
               discouraged
               ,
               and
               wilt
               not
               go
               to
               the
               Fountain
               for
               relief
               .
               Again
               (
               2.
               )
               In
               Christ
               thou
               hast
               all
               the
               Promises
               ,
               
                 Yea
                 and
                 Amen
              
               ;
               now
               how
               many
               such
               promises
               are
               
               there
               ?
               He
               will
               give
               the
               Spirit
               to
               them
               that
               ask
               ,
               and
               he
               keepeth
               the
               feet
               of
               his
               Saints
               ,
               and
               such
               as
               have
               no
               might
               he
               will
               renew
               their
               strength
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               run
               and
               not
               be
               weary
               ,
               and
               walk
               
               and
               not
               faint
               ,
               and
               the
               way-faring
               man
               (
               though
               a
               fool
               )
               shall
               not
               err
               therein
               in
               this
               way
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               cast
               up
               ;
               you
               let
               these
               precious
               Promises
               lye
               dead
               ;
               why
               do
               you
               not
               improve
               them
               ,
               plead
               them
               with
               the
               Lord
               ?
               Say
               then
               with
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               
                 O
                 that
                 my
                 ways
                 were
                 directed
                 to
                 keep
                 thy
                 Statutes
                 :
              
               say
               to
               him
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               thou
               requirest
               a
               circumspect
               ,
               an
               exact
               walking
               before
               thee
               ;
               
               there
               are
               so
               many
               stumbling
               blocks
               and
               snares
               within
               and
               without
               ;
               and
               I
               am
               so
               foolish
               and
               weak
               ,
               I
               am
               ignorant
               of
               Satans
               devises
               ,
               I
               cannot
               order
               one
               of
               my
               steps
               to
               avoid
               them
               thy
               promise
               is
               ,
               the
               foolish
               shall
               not
               wander
               ;
               thy
               Promise
               is
               to
               give
               strength
               to
               them
               that
               have
               no
               might
               ;
               I
               am
               the
               poor
               creature
               that
               hath
               no
               might
               ,
               to
               will
               is
               present
               ,
               I
               would
               fain
               walk
               thus
               circumspect
               ,
               but
               how
               to
               perform
               it
               I
               find
               not
               .
               O
               see
               if
               the
               Lord
               do
               not
               condescend
               to
               take
               you
               by
               the
               arm
               ,
               and
               to
               teach
               you
               to
               go
               ,
               and
               to
               keep
               you
               close
               to
               himself
               in
               his
               ways
               ,
               and
               in
               every
               respect
               be
               as
               good
               as
               his
               word
               to
               you
               ,
               and
               at
               the
               end
               ,
               himself
               be
               your
               exceeding
               great
               reward
               for
               your
               so
               walking
               before
               him
               .
            
             
               We
               have
               done
               with
               the
               Apostles
               Exhortation
               to
               walk
               wisely
               ,
               now
               we
               come
               to
               the
               Argument
               he
               enforceth
               it
               with
               ;
               
                 Not
                 as
                 fools
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 wise
                 ;
                 Sapientia
                 prim●
                 ,
                 stultitia
                 caruisse
              
               ;
               the
               Apostle
               setting
               the
               contraries
               one
               against
               another
               ,
               would
               make
               it
               the
               more
               clear
               and
               emphaticall
               ,
               and
               therefore
               this
               maner
               of
               speaking
               is
               often
               used
               in
               Scripture
               :
               If
               we
               spake
               to
               one
               part
               ,
               the
               other
               will
               follow
               by
               the
               rule
               of
               contraries
               ,
               and
               we
               shall
               in
               the
               enlargement
               meet
               with
               it
               by
               way
               of
               Doctrine
               .
            
             
               The
               Doctrine
               therefore
               is
               this
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 an
                 Effect
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 Argument
                 ,
              
               
               
                 a
                 Proof
                 of
                 Christian
                 Wisdom
                 indeed
                 to
                 walk
                 circumspectly
                 ,
                 exactly
                 :
              
               If
               you
               would
               approve
               your selves
               to
               be
               wise
               memas
               you
               
               profess
               your selves
               to
               be
               ,
               then
               walk
               circumspectly
               ,
               exactly
               ,
               this
               is
               one
               of
               the
               highest
               demonstrations
               of
               it
               you
               can
               give
               ,
            
             
               I
               shall
               endeavour
               to
               prove
               this
               by
               some
               Scripture
               ,
               and
               then
               shew
               in
               some
               particulars
               how
               it
               is
               apparently
               wisdom
               thus
               to
               walk
               ,
               and
               then
               make
               some
               Application
               of
               it
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               proof
               of
               it
               ,
               there
               are
               many
               Scriptures
               which
               make
               it
               appear
               :
               walk
               wisely
               toward
               them
               which
               are
               without
               ,
               redeeming
               
               the
               time
               :
               where
               exact
               and
               circumspect
               walking
               towards
               them
               which
               are
               without
               ,
               lest
               we
               offend
               them
               ,
               drive
               them
               away
               from
               Christ
               ,
               prejudice
               them
               against
               the
               ways
               of
               Truth
               ,
               is
               called
               a
               walking
               wisely
               ;
               there
               is
               great
               need
               of
               wisdom
               then
               to
               all
               other
               parts
               of
               this
               circumspect
               walking
               ;
               it
               is
               of
               the
               like
               force
               with
               that
               of
               the
               Spouse
               ,
               
                 I
                 charge
                 you
                 by
                 the
                 Roes
                 and
                 Harts
                 of
                 the
                 field
                 that
                 you
                 stir
                 not
                 my
                 beloved
                 before
                 he
                 please
              
               ;
               stir
               him
               not
               by
               any
               unseasonable
               
               importunity
               ,
               nor
               by
               any
               provocation
               drive
               him
               away
               ,
               for
               if
               you
               do
               ,
               this
               will
               be
               offensive
               to
               the
               Roes
               ,
               creatures
               easily
               frighted
               away
               ▪
               that
               are
               wild
               ,
               and
               but
               beginning
               to
               be
               tamed
               ;
               now
               this
               is
               wise
               walking
               ;
               and
               that
               of
               the
               
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 The
              
               
               
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 wisdom
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 good
                 understanding
                 have
                 they
                 that
                 keep
                 his
                 commandments
                 ,
                 his
                 praise
                 endureth
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 wisdom
              
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               head
               ,
               the
               top
               of
               wisdom
               ,
               the
               principal
               part
               ,
               for
               this
               comprehends
               the
               first
               part
               of
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               or
               rule
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               that
               which
               guides
               us
               to
               a
               right
               worshipping
               of
               God
               in
               Spirit
               and
               in
               Truth
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               first
               thing
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               the
               godliness
               the
               Scripture
               so
               often
               maketh
               mention
               of
               ;
               to
               be
               exact
               in
               this
               ,
               is
               the
               beginning
               ,
               the
               first
               born
               of
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               the
               end
               of
               wisdom
               is
               to
               keep
               his
               Commandments
               ,
               all
               his
               Commandments
               ,
               respecting
               man
               and
               God
               ;
               or
               else
               fear
               of
               God
               is
               put
               for
               the
               inward
               principle
               of
               obedience
               and
               keeping
               the
               Commandments
               ,
               for
               the
               real
               demonstration
               of
               it
               in
               a
               holy
               and
               righteous
               conversation
               :
               which
               way
               ever
               you
               take
               it
               ,
               a
               good
               understanding
               they
               have
               that
               keep
               them
               ;
               so
               that
               it
               is
               an
               effect
               and
               argument
               of
               wisdom
               ;
               
                 Be
                 wise
                 now
                 therefore
                 ,
                 O
                 ye
                 Kings
                 ,
                 be
                 instructed
                 ye
                 Judges
                 of
                 the
                 earth
              
               ;
               
               they
               are
               usually
               ,
               or
               would
               be
               wise
               men
               already
               ;
               I
               but
               there
               is
               one
               piece
               of
               wisdom
               that
               the
               Laws
               of
               men
               teach
               not
               ,
               but
               the
               School
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               ,
               
                 Kiss
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 lest
                 be
                 he
                 angry
                 ,
                 &
                 ye
                 perish
                 from
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 the
                 way
              
               ;
               and
               so
               another
               Scripture
               saith
               ,
               
                 This
                 shall
                 be
                 your
                 wisdom
                 in
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Nations
                 ,
                 if
                 ye
                 
                 keep
                 the
                 Commandments
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 surely
                 this
                 Nation
                 is
                 a
                 wise
                 and
                 understanding
                 people
                 ;
                 I
                 will
                 beleave
                 my self
                 wisely
                 in
                 a
                 perfect
                 way
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               Psalmist
               ;
               if
               ye
               walked
               in
               a
               perfect
               
               way
               and
               exactly
               ,
               it
               would
               be
               wise
               walking
               indeed
               ;
               and
               therefore
               you
               shall
               find
               ,
               that
               all
               grace
               and
               ability
               ,
               and
               strength
               ,
               whereby
               we
               
               are
               enabled
               to
               walk
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               aright
               ,
               it
               is
               called
               Wisdom
               ;
               
               get
               Wisdom
               ,
               get
               Understanding
               ;
               Wisdom
               is
               the
               principal
               thing
               ,
               and
               what
               is
               this
               ,
               but
               an
               ability
               to
               walk
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               exactly
               ?
               no
               more
               for
               proof
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               further
               confirmation
               of
               this
               Doctrine
               ,
               take
               these
               Considerations
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               It
               is
               wisdom
               to
               propound
               a
               right
               end
               ,
               to
               chuse
               the
               chief
               good
               for
               his
               chief
               end
               ,
               is
               a
               principal
               part
               of
               wisdom
               :
               the
               Heathens
               professing
               themselves
               wise
               ,
               they
               became
               fools
               ;
               they
               
               thought
               they
               were
               able
               by
               the
               creatures
               to
               run
               up
               to
               the
               first
               being
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               first
               and
               chief
               good
               ;
               but
               wofully
               they
               were
               mistaken
               .
               A
               fool
               he
               is
               that
               works
               for
               no
               end
               ,
               as
               many
               men
               do
               ,
               they
               bowl
               away
               the
               greatest
               part
               of
               their
               lives
               ,
               without
               any
               mark
               that
               they
               aim
               at
               that
               is
               good
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               folly
               which
               is
               
               bound
               in
               all
               mens
               hearts
               ;
               it
               is
               wisdom
               then
               to
               have
               a
               mark
               whereat
               men
               aim
               in
               all
               their
               actions
               ,
               and
               to
               have
               this
               mark
               the
               chief
               good
               ,
               the
               right
               end
               whereto
               all
               should
               he
               directed
               ,
               to
               make
               him
               who
               is
               the
               Alpha
               the
               Omega
               ;
               it
               is
               no
               small
               peice
               of
               wisdom
               ;
               The
               eys
               of
               a
               fool
               are
               in
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               but
               
               wisdom
               is
               before
               him
               that
               hath
               understanding
               ;
               here
               ,
               and
               there
               ,
               and
               every
               where
               ,
               vvhen
               they
               should
               be
               fixed
               upon
               some
               mark
               or
               stop
               to
               which
               all
               should
               be
               directed
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostles
               vvere
               ,
               he
               had
               his
               mark
               in
               his
               eye
               still
               ,
               and
               they
               should
               let
               their
               eys
               look
               right
               on
               ;
               this
               is
               wisdom
               indeed
               .
               Now
               this
               is
               one
               ,
               peice
               of
               exact
               walking
               and
               a
               main
               one
               too
               ,
               thus
               to
               eye
               the
               first
               and
               chief
               good
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               God
               himself
               for
               our
               last
               end
               ,
               to
               propound
               him
               to
               
               our selves
               ,
               as
               the
               center
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               wherein
               alone
               we
               can
               rest
               with
               satisfaction
               ;
               
                 Whom
                 have
                 I
                 in
                 heaven
                 but
                 thee
                 ?
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 upon
                 earth
                 I
                 desire
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 thee
              
               ;
               this
               was
               a
               wise
               man
               
               indeed
               :
               this
               is
               the
               first
               :
               Wisdom
               consists
               in
               the
               provision
               of
               the
               end
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               To
               provide
               and
               make
               use
               of
               the
               right
               means
               to
               this
               end
               in
               general
               ,
               is
               another
               piece
               of
               this
               Wisdom
               ;
               the
               wise
               mans
               eys
               are
               in
               his
               head
               ;
               if
               a
               man
               have
               never
               so
               good
               an
               end
               ,
               and
               yet
               
               know
               not
               which
               way
               to
               compass
               it
               ,
               nor
               how
               to
               go
               about
               to
               gain
               
               it
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               fool
               ▪
               when
               a
               man
               hath
               the
               mark
               in
               his
               eye
               ,
               to
               set
               the
               byas
               the
               wrong
               way
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               go
               clear
               off
               this
               end
               ,
               argues
               
               not
               skill
               but
               weakness
               ,
               his
               heart
               is
               at
               his
               left
               hand
               ;
               and
               indeed
               herein
               is
               most
               evident
               the
               power
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               to
               discover
               the
               right
               means
               for
               such
               an
               end
               as
               will
               make
               a
               man
               happy
               ,
               and
               to
               know
               how
               to
               make
               use
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               accordingly
               to
               improve
               them
               for
               that
               end
               :
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               prudent
               ,
               is
               to
               understand
               
               his
               way
               ;
               now
               who
               is
               it
               that
               doth
               this
               ,
               but
               the
               circumspect
               exact
               walker
               ?
               others
               ,
               they
               turn
               the
               byas
               another
               way
               ,
               some
               to
               prophanness
               ,
               others
               to
               heresie
               ,
               &c.
               they
               tread
               not
               the
               track
               at
               all
               ,
               as
               if
               a
               man
               intending
               to
               go
               South-ward
               ,
               takes
               his
               course
               quite
               Northward
               ,
               clean
               contrary
               .
               So
               men
               intend
               heaven
               ,
               but
               their
               course
               bends
               hell-ward
               :
               sure
               this
               is
               folly
               :
               no
               ,
               no
               ,
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               the
               Way
               ,
               the
               Truth
               ,
               and
               the
               Life
               ,
               and
               he
               alone
               ,
               and
               therefore
               this
               is
               
               Wisdom
               brethren
               ,
               to
               know
               who
               is
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               to
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               close
               with
               him
               ,
               walk
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               received
               him
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               It
               is
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               great
               Wisdom
               for
               men
               then
               to
               take
               the
               nearest
               way
               ,
               and
               easiest
               way
               to
               a
               thing
               ;
               Labour
               in
               vain
               is
               not
               the
               character
               of
               a
               wise
               man
               ;
               that
               doth
               
                 movere
                 ,
                 &
                 non
                 promovere●
              
               ;
               now
               it
               is
               labour
               in
               vain
               to
               go
               a
               further
               way
               about
               ,
               or
               a
               worse
               way
               to
               an
               end
               ,
               when
               there
               is
               a
               nearer
               and
               better
               ;
               
                 frustra
                 fit
                 per
                 plura
                 ,
                 quod
                 fieri
                 potest
                 per
                 pauciora
              
               ;
               how
               many
               miles
               doth
               a
               Spaniel
               run
               in
               his
               excursions
               to
               no
               purpose
               ,
               whereas
               if
               he
               kept
               close
               after
               his
               Master
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               ,
               nor
               need
               to
               tyre
               himself
               so
               much
               nothing
               near
               ;
               and
               so
               it
               is
               with
               many
               a
               soul
               that
               doth
               follow
               Jesus
               Christ
               indeed
               ,
               but
               they
               follow
               him
               not
               closely
               ,
               do
               rove
               and
               ramble
               many
               times
               ,
               and
               then
               are
               fain
               to
               come
               in
               again
               to
               the
               way
               by
               the
               weeping
               cross
               ,
               the
               by-paths
               being
               rough
               and
               harsh
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               pricking
               bryers
               and
               wounding
               thorns
               ;
               no
               surely
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               the
               rule
               of
               holy
               walking
               is
               the
               straitest
               path
               that
               leadeth
               most
               directly
               to
               heaven
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               nearer
               way
               then
               God
               hath
               there
               chalkt
               out
               for
               us
               ;
               and
               therefore
               the
               exact
               walker
               that
               keepeth
               closest
               to
               this
               rule
               ,
               to
               walk
               according
               to
               this
               rule
               ,
               he
               goeth
               the
               nearest
               way
               ;
               men
               dream
               they
               have
               a
               nearer
               and
               an
               easier
               way
               then
               this
               strict
               and
               strait
               path
               ,
               but
               alas
               ,
               it
               is
               but
               a
               dream
               ,
               when
               they
               awake
               they
               find
               they
               are
               far
               wide
               from
               the
               vvay
               ,
               and
               therefore
               are
               drawn
               vvith
               much
               pains
               ,
               much
               
               heart-breaking
               to
               return
               again
               ,
               before
               they
               can
               go
               on
               in
               the
               vvay
               
               to
               God
               to
               heaven
               ;
               foolish
               children
               they
               are
               that
               stay
               long
               in
               the
               
               place
               of
               breaking
               forth
               of
               children
               ;
               we
               do
               obstruct
               our
               own
               mercies
               ,
               and
               make
               a
               great
               deal
               of
               vvork
               for
               repentance
               and
               tears
               ,
               vvhich
               might
               have
               been
               avoided
               if
               vve
               had
               vvalkt
               circumspectly
               vvith
               God
               ;
               and
               then
               in
               that
               time
               vvhich
               vve
               have
               spent
               ,
               and
               that
               strength
               laid
               out
               upon
               our
               returning
               again
               ,
               vvhat
               a
               considerable
               progress
               might
               vve
               have
               made
               further
               in
               the
               vvay
               of
               God
               ?
               as
               in
               the
               case
               of
               David
               :
               vvas
               it
               his
               vvisdom
               ,
               think
               you
               ,
               or
               his
               folly
               vvhen
               he
               turned
               aside
               out
               of
               the
               vvay
               ,
               fetched
               a
               vagarie
               ,
               a
               compass
               ,
               I
               
                 have
                 done
                 very
                 foolishly
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               in
               that
               place
               ,
               I
               have
               gone
               out
               of
               the
               plain
               and
               pleasant
               paths
               of
               vvisdom
               into
               this
               
               rough
               and
               thorny
               vvay
               ,
               and
               now
               I
               have
               gotten
               a
               thorn
               in
               my
               foot
               ,
               a
               vvound
               to
               my
               soul
               ;
               and
               so
               he
               did
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               Vriah
               :
               
               fools
               ,
               because
               of
               their
               transgression
               are
               afflicted
               ;
               now
               the
               circumspect
               exact
               vvalker
               ,
               that
               keepeth
               close
               to
               God
               ,
               he
               avoideth
               all
               these
               excursions
               ,
               much
               of
               this
               trouble
               and
               sorrow
               ;
               and
               is
               not
               this
               a
               notable
               peice
               of
               wisdom
               ?
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               It
               is
               vvisdom
               for
               a
               man
               to
               suit
               and
               shape
               his
               course
               according
               to
               the
               exigence
               of
               his
               condition
               :
               Ye
               are
               ,
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               sent
               as
               Sheep
               among
               Wolves
               ,
               therefore
               be
               wise
               as
               Serpents
               ;
               that
               is
               a
               vvise
               Sheep
               ,
               that
               being
               among
               many
               Wolves
               ,
               
               so
               carrieth
               it
               as
               to
               escape
               their
               mouths
               and
               cruelty
               ;
               the
               people
               of
               God
               do
               vvalk
               among
               Lyons
               ,
               their
               vvay
               is
               full
               of
               Lyons
               ,
               roaring
               Lyons
               ,
               seeking
               vvhom
               they
               may
               devour
               .
               Now
               for
               a
               man
               so
               to
               vvalk
               as
               to
               avoid
               these
               ,
               and
               yet
               to
               keep
               his
               vvay
               ,
               this
               is
               vvisdom
               indeed
               :
               you
               have
               heard
               before
               ,
               how
               full
               of
               snares
               and
               stumbling
               blocks
               and
               offences
               there
               are
               in
               the
               vvay
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               exigence
               of
               every
               believers
               condition
               ,
               some
               more
               some
               less
               ;
               now
               is
               not
               this
               wisdom
               ,
               so
               to
               carry
               it
               ,
               as
               in
               such
               danger
               ,
               neither
               to
               give
               offence
               ,
               nor
               take
               offence
               ?
               to
               keep
               his
               foot
               out
               of
               the
               snare
               vvhen
               he
               walks
               among
               them
               ?
               O
               surely
               ,
               this
               is
               vvisdom
               indeed
               ;
               had
               not
               a
               man
               need
               of
               much
               wisdom
               that
               hath
               the
               eys
               of
               so
               many
               enemies
               upon
               him
               ,
               watching
               for
               his
               halting
               ,
               ready
               to
               blaz●n
               his
               infirmities
               ,
               catching
               at
               somewhat
               they
               may
               make
               a
               reproach
               ,
               accuse
               him
               to
               the
               Powers
               ,
               overthrow
               him
               ?
               this
               is
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               as
               to
               the
               outward
               man
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               the
               continual
               working
               of
               Satan
               by
               sin
               ,
               and
               all
               his
               instruments
               ,
               as
               to
               the
               inward
               man
               ;
               now
               he
               that
               carrieth
               his
               Cup
               so
               even
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ,
               as
               to
               keep
               the
               favour
               of
               the
               King
               ,
               and
               avoid
               ruin
               ,
               is
               he
               
               not
               a
               wise
               man
               ?
               and
               so
               here
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               favour
               of
               the
               King
               of
               Kings
               ;
               and
               who
               is
               this
               that
               doth
               it
               ,
               but
               the
               exact
               walker
               with
               God
               ?
               Noah
               had
               as
               perverse
               a
               Generation
               to
               walk
               among
               ,
               as
               any
               ,
               and
               doutless
               as
               many
               snares
               ,
               a
               world
               full
               of
               temptation
               ,
               and
               yet
               he
               walked
               with
               God
               ,
               kept
               his
               favour
               ,
               was
               saved
               in
               the
               Ark
               ,
               and
               brought
               to
               the
               enjoyment
               of
               himself
               ;
               this
               was
               wisdom
               indeed
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               It
               is
               Wisdom
               for
               a
               man
               to
               do
               that
               in
               its
               season
               or
               time
               ,
               which
               if
               neglected
               ,
               he
               will
               afterwards
               wish
               had
               been
               done
               ;
               and
               to
               omit
               that
               ,
               which
               aftterward
               ,
               he
               will
               wish
               had
               not
               been
               done
               .
               It
               is
               a
               great
               part
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               to
               know
               the
               season
               for
               an
               action
               ,
               
                 For
                 every
                 thing
                 is
                 beautiful
                 in
                 his
                 season
                 :
              
               there
               is
               not
               a
               man
               that
               now
               liveth
               and
               heareth
               
               this
               word
               ,
               but
               would
               when
               he
               cometh
               to
               die
               ,
               wish
               he
               had
               remembred
               his
               Creator
               in
               the
               days
               of
               his
               youth
               :
               much
               sin
               had
               been
               prevented
               then
               ,
               some
               provision
               had
               been
               made
               for
               his
               eternal
               state
               ;
               do
               you
               think
               the
               young
               men
               that
               chear
               themselves
               in
               their
               own
               vanities
               ,
               when
               they
               come
               to
               judgement
               ,
               and
               to
               stand
               before
               the
               consuming
               fire
               ,
               ready
               to
               burn
               them
               up
               as
               stubble
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               wish
               ,
               O
               that
               they
               had
               fled
               youthful
               lusts
               ,
               O
               that
               they
               had
               lived
               more
               by
               rule
               then
               by
               lust
               !
               but
               alas
               ,
               then
               it
               is
               too
               late
               :
               now
               is
               it
               not
               great
               Wisdom
               ,
               while
               men
               have
               the
               day
               ,
               to
               work
               and
               walk
               ?
               because
               the
               night
               cometh
               ,
               
               wherein
               no
               man
               can
               work
               :
               
                 Stultorum
                 est
                 dicere
                 non
                 putaram
              
               :
               I
               had
               never
               thought
               that
               my
               day
               was
               so
               near
               to
               an
               end
               ,
               as
               now
               I
               find
               it
               ;
               now
               the
               circumspect
               walker
               he
               hath
               the
               light
               ;
               and
               maketh
               use
               of
               it
               while
               he
               hath
               it
               ,
               because
               he
               knoweth
               he
               shall
               not
               alway
               have
               the
               light
               to
               work
               by
               ,
               nor
               walk
               by
               ;
               
                 He
                 that
                 gathereth
                 in
                 harvest
                 is
                 a
                 wise
                 son
              
               ;
               that
               is
               the
               season
               for
               gathering
               ;
               for
               a
               man
               to
               neglect
               that
               time
               ,
               and
               let
               winter
               
               come
               on
               ,
               which
               will
               spoil
               all
               his
               harvest
               ,
               and
               to
               say
               ,
               I
               had
               not
               thought
               this
               year
               had
               been
               so
               far
               spent
               ,
               is
               very
               gross
               folly
               :
               well
               ,
               this
               is
               another
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               It
               is
               wisdom
               to
               go
               through
               stitch
               with
               a
               work
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               a
               thing
               worth
               the
               while
               :
               what
               thine
               hand
               findeth
               to
               do
               ,
               do
               it
               with
               all
               thy
               might
               ,
               (
               that
               is
               to
               say
               )
               not
               by
               halves
               ,
               carelesly
               :
               what
               folly
               is
               it
               for
               a
               man
               to
               take
               some
               pains
               for
               an
               end
               ,
               
               and
               for
               want
               of
               a
               little
               more
               to
               lose
               all
               ?
               a
               man
               draweth
               the
               
               bow
               ,
               seemeth
               to
               take
               aim
               ,
               but
               for
               want
               of
               a
               little
               more
               care
               and
               exactness
               ,
               misseth
               the
               mark
               and
               loseth
               all
               :
               this
               is
               the
               case
               of
               hypocrites
               ,
               they
               take
               much
               pains
               for
               heaven
               ,
               they
               seem
               to
               run
               as
               fast
               as
               any
               ,
               and
               keep
               as
               much
               ado
               in
               the
               way
               of
               God
               as
               any
               ,
               they
               pray
               often
               and
               much
               ,
               and
               hear
               ,
               and
               receive
               ,
               and
               for
               want
               of
               a
               little
               more
               ,
               they
               fall
               short
               and
               perish
               ,
               because
               they
               look
               not
               to
               the
               frame
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               their
               uprightness
               before
               God
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               disallow
               not
               themselves
               in
               their
               halting
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               lose
               all
               ,
               and
               their
               souls
               ,
               and
               all
               ,
               is
               not
               this
               folly
               ?
               who
               did
               more
               then
               the
               Pharisees
               for
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               those
               in
               the
               seventh
               of
               Matthew
               ?
               But
               they
               wanted
               one
               thing
               more
               ,
               they
               busied
               themselves
               about
               many
               things
               ,
               but
               the
               one
               thing
               more
               they
               neglected
               ,
               and
               therefore
               miscarried
               ;
               for
               a
               man
               to
               run
               ,
               and
               wrestle
               ,
               and
               strive
               ,
               and
               yet
               to
               miss
               the
               prize
               for
               want
               of
               a
               litle
               care
               ,
               to
               strive
               lawfully
               ,
               a
               little
               exactness
               and
               acurateness
               in
               the
               manner
               as
               well
               as
               the
               matter
               of
               their
               working
               ,
               this
               is
               folly
               :
               alas
               ,
               how
               many
               are
               there
               that
               seek
               to
               enter
               ,
               as
               the
               foolish
               Virgins
               ,
               but
               because
               they
               add
               not
               a
               little
               more
               ,
               and
               strive
               to
               an
               agony
               ,
               therefore
               they
               are
               not
               able
               thus
               to
               seek
               ;
               this
               is
               to
               lose
               all
               their
               labour
               .
            
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               Another
               Argument
               is
               this
               :
               It
               is
               Wisdom
               that
               takes
               a
               course
               for
               the
               fullest
               enjoyment
               of
               the
               last
               end
               ,
               the
               chiefest
               good
               ;
               there
               are
               ,
               it
               is
               believed
               degrees
               of
               Glory
               in
               Heaven
               ;
               all
               the
               Saints
               shall
               shine
               ,
               but
               some
               like
               Stars
               ,
               some
               like
               the
               Sun
               ,
               one
               Star
               differs
               from
               another
               in
               Glory
               ;
               every
               one
               shall
               have
               a
               mansion
               ,
               and
               unspeakably
               
               Glorious
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               not
               every
               one
               that
               shall
               sit
               on
               the
               right
               hand
               ,
               and
               on
               the
               left
               hand
               of
               Christ
               in
               his
               Kingdom
               .
               It
               is
               a
               great
               Reward
               indeed
               that
               diligent
               Ministers
               of
               Christ
               have
               ,
               that
               are
               so
               indeed
               :
               Christ
               is
               said
               to
               have
               a
               thousand
               ,
               and
               they
               two
               hundred
               Sheckels
               ,
               the
               Keepers
               of
               the
               Vineyard
               ,
               (
               that
               is
               to
               say
               )
               a
               fifth
               part
               of
               what
               he
               hath
               ▪
               
               Indeed
               in
               other
               goods
               ,
               we
               have
               less
               good
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               a
               mixture
               of
               snares
               ,
               specially
               in
               our
               time
               of
               flesh
               and
               weakness
               to
               weild
               them
               aright
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               so
               desirable
               in
               the
               highest
               degree
               .
               David
               was
               loth
               to
               be
               the
               Kings
               Son
               in-Law
               ;
               
                 Seemeth
                 it
                 to
                 you
                 a
                 light
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 〈◊〉
              
               
               
                 Son
                 in-Law
                 to
                 a
                 King
              
               ?
               it
               is
               a
               greater
               burthen
               then
               yo
               〈…〉
               
               are
               aware
               of
               ,
               to
               carry
               it
               answerably
               to
               such
               a
               condition
               ;
               Favourites
               places
               are
               slippery
               and
               dangerous
               ,
               many
               envious
               eyes
               are
               upon
               them
               ,
               to
               watch
               their
               halting
               ,
               much
               ado
               to
               keep
               the
               heart
               humble
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ;
               but
               now
               this
               good
               ,
               the
               chief
               good
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               snare
               in
               the
               fulness
               of
               enjoyment
               of
               him
               ,
               but
               the
               more
               fully
               ,
               the
               more
               happy
               ;
               the
               more
               Grace
               ,
               the
               more
               Glory
               ;
               and
               therefore
               for
               a
               man
               to
               take
               up
               with
               less
               here
               ,
               is
               not
               Wisdom
               ,
               but
               folly
               and
               great
               weakness
               ;
               therefore
               the
               Apostle
               puts
               them
               on
               ,
               
                 That
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 lose
                 any
                 thing
                 of
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 wrought
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 a
                 full
                 reward
              
               ;
               and
               so
               
               neglect
               not
               ,
               slubber
               not
               over
               your
               services
               ,
               be
               exact
               in
               them
               ,
               lose
               not
               so
               many
               Prayers
               ,
               so
               many
               Sermons
               ,
               so
               many
               Sacraments
               as
               you
               do
               ,
               when
               you
               do
               them
               so
               carelesly
               ,
               for
               want
               of
               a
               litle
               acurateness
               you
               lose
               them
               ,
               and
               lose
               of
               your
               reward
               ;
               for
               there
               is
               fruit
               redounding
               to
               your
               account
               in
               the
               day
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Eighthly
               ,
               It
               is
               a
               piece
               of
               Wisdom
               also
               for
               a
               man
               to
               make
               sure
               his
               title
               to
               an
               inheritance
               ,
               if
               worth
               the
               having
               ;
               who
               would
               be
               so
               fooled
               as
               to
               neglect
               this
               among
               men
               ,
               where
               the
               good
               is
               scarce
               worth
               the
               looking
               after
               ?
               now
               here
               is
               an
               inheritance
               incorruptible
               that
               fadeth
               not
               away
               ,
               an
               inheritance
               
               of
               the
               Saints
               in
               light
               and
               glory
               :
               and
               is
               it
               not
               wisdom
               to
               make
               it
               sure
               ,
               not
               to
               be
               at
               uncertainties
               ?
               sure
               you
               will
               all
               conclude
               it
               is
               :
               now
               this
               is
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               no
               other
               ,
               circumspect
               ,
               exact
               and
               diligent
               walking
               ;
               do
               all
               diligence
               ,
               it
               is
               
               not
               an
               idle
               ,
               loose
               profession
               Brethren
               ,
               that
               is
               accompanied
               with
               assurance
               ,
               no
               ,
               but
               a
               diligence
               there
               must
               be
               ,
               a
               working
               ,
               and
               working
               out
               ,
               and
               with
               fear
               and
               trembling
               ;
               there
               must
               be
               an
               adding
               to
               Faith
               ,
               Vertue
               ,
               &c.
               for
               if
               you
               do
               
               these
               things
               ye
               shall
               not
               fall
               ,
               and
               an
               entrance
               abundantly
               shall
               be
               ministred
               into
               the
               everlasting
               Kingdom
               .
               Now
               what
               wise
               Master
               of
               a
               Ship
               would
               come
               into
               his
               harbour
               tattered
               ,
               and
               torn
               ,
               full
               of
               leaks
               ,
               and
               ready
               to
               sink
               ,
               if
               he
               might
               come
               in
               with
               the
               sails
               filled
               ,
               in
               a
               gallant
               manner
               ,
               which
               he
               may
               do
               by
               an
               acurateness
               of
               stearing
               a
               right
               course
               to
               avoid
               the
               rocks
               and
               sands
               ?
               who
               would
               chuse
               to
               go
               through
               a
               narrow
               wicket
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               hard
               and
               sharp
               ,
               when
               he
               might
               have
               
               a
               wide
               door
               opened
               to
               him
               ?
               O
               brethren
               ,
               it
               is
               wisdom
               to
               make
               your
               calling
               sure
               ,
               every
               man
               in
               distrust
               will
               tell
               you
               so
               ,
               and
               when
               you
               come
               to
               die
               and
               look
               death
               in
               the
               face
               ,
               your
               souls
               will
               say
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               wisdom
               indeed
               then
               to
               have
               assurance
               :
               well
               ,
               an
               exact
               walking
               with
               God
               is
               that
               way
               to
               procure
               it
               :
               let
               men
               say
               what
               they
               will
               of
               peace
               and
               assurance
               ,
               while
               they
               walk
               loosly
               they
               must
               give
               me
               leave
               to
               suspect
               all
               that
               I
               know
               ,
               that
               sin
               will
               undo
               our
               peace
               ,
               if
               we
               carelesly
               fall
               into
               it
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               Application
               of
               this
               then
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               first
               place
               it
               may
               serve
               to
               wipe
               off
               that
               slandero●s
               imputation
               of
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               the
               false
               accuser
               of
               the
               Brethren
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               wayes
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               of
               God
               to
               us
               ,
               that
               he
               casts
               upon
               Religion
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               were
               a
               thing
               that
               were
               besotting
               ,
               it
               made
               men
               fools
               ;
               this
               is
               a
               slander
               the
               Devil
               hath
               gotten
               much
               by
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               useth
               it
               much
               ;
               men
               are
               loth
               to
               be
               accounted
               fools
               ,
               and
               think
               that
               to
               take
               upon
               them
               the
               strict
               course
               of
               Religion
               ,
               is
               the
               next
               way
               to
               it
               ;
               they
               could
               never
               have
               the
               liberty
               ,
               nor
               the
               free
               use
               of
               their
               wits
               ,
               and
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               policy
               ,
               nor
               the
               free
               use
               of
               the
               Creature
               ,
               nor
               the
               good
               that
               is
               in
               them
               any
               more
               ;
               Brethren
               ,
               this
               is
               false
               ;
               it
               is
               the
               greatest
               wisdom
               in
               the
               world
               ●ure
               you
               will
               say
               ,
               to
               be
               wise
               to
               Salvation
               ;
               to
               be
               wise
               to
               a
               little
               Popularity
               and
               Fame
               by
               ostentation
               of
               Science
               ,
               falsly
               so
               called
               ,
               to
               be
               wise
               to
               get
               a
               good
               Estate
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               to
               grow
               rich
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               poor
               thing
               ;
               Brethren
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               wise
               to
               Salvation
               is
               that
               will
               stand
               a
               man
               in
               most
               stead
               ,
               when
               for
               all
               his
               other
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               the
               effects
               of
               it
               ,
               he
               shall
               be
               at
               his
               wits
               end
               ;
               Beside
               ,
               indeed
               this
               is
               the
               way
               to
               be
               wise
               for
               a
               mans
               name
               ,
               for
               a
               mans
               Estate
               ;
               for
               his
               Posterity
               also
               ;
               for
               who
               is
               it
               that
               giveth
               power
               to
               get
               wealth
               ?
               is
               it
               not
               the
               
               Lord
               ?
               and
               is
               not
               circumspect
               walking
               before
               him
               to
               all
               wel-pleasing
               ,
               the
               way
               to
               be
               blessed
               ?
               blessed
               in
               basket
               ,
               blessed
               in
               store
               ?
               and
               if
               he
               blow
               upon
               it
               ,
               and
               curse
               it
               ,
               you
               may
               sow
               much
               ,
               and
               it
               will
               come
               to
               nothing
               ,
               you
               may
               put
               it
               
               into
               a
               bag
               ,
               but
               there
               are
               many
               holes
               ,
               out
               of
               which
               it
               will
               
               run
               ;
               so
               many
               lusts
               unhealed
               ,
               so
               many
               holes
               ;
               and
               for
               his
               name
               ,
               you
               are
               mistaken
               ,
               it
               is
               to
               be
               righteous
               ,
               their
               name
               shall
               be
               had
               in
               everlasting
               remembrance
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               embalmed
               ;
               the
               name
               of
               the
               wicked
               rotteth
               ,
               and
               stinketh
               ,
               the
               remembrance
               of
               them
               is
               loathsom
               ;
               Wisdom
               it
               
               self
               is
               folly
               to
               a
               fool
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               God
               to
               Salvation
               ,
               foolishness
               to
               the
               wise
               men
               of
               the
               World
               ;
               but
               this
               their
               way
               and
               judgement
               is
               their
               folly
               ;
               and
               no
               greater
               evidence
               of
               folly
               ,
               then
               to
               judge
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               foolishness
               .
               Well
               ,
               the
               foolishness
               of
               God
               (
               as
               you
               count
               it
               )
               is
               wiser
               then
               men
               ;
               you
               think
               it
               is
               foolishness
               to
               spend
               so
               much
               time
               in
               the
               service
               of
               God
               ,
               less
               ado
               would
               serve
               the
               turn
               ,
               as
               the
               Heathen
               Seneca
               
               derided
               the
               Christians
               ,
               that
               they
               lost
               the
               seventh
               part
               of
               their
               time
               ,
               (
               that
               is
               to
               say
               )
               the
               Sabbath
               ,
               because
               they
               spent
               it
               not
               in
               the
               service
               of
               the
               world
               and
               vanity
               ,
               as
               they
               did
               ;
               and
               so
               do
               you
               ,
               when
               a
               man
               is
               diligent
               and
               exact
               in
               his
               times
               and
               hours
               ,
               spends
               so
               much
               time
               in
               waiting
               upon
               God
               ,
               you
               think
               he
               is
               a
               fool
               ,
               he
               will
               be
               a
               beggar
               ,
               but
               when
               you
               and
               he
               come
               to
               lye
               upon
               a
               death-bed
               together
               ,
               then
               tell
               me
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               fool
               :
               as
               very
               a
               fool
               as
               he
               was
               ,
               thou
               wilt
               then
               wish
               thou
               hadst
               been
               such
               a
               fool
               ;
               and
               oh
               that
               thou
               mightest
               die
               his
               death
               !
               So
               if
               some
               be
               tender
               ,
               and
               scruple
               at
               the
               taking
               an
               unjust
               gain
               in
               his
               trading
               ,
               that
               which
               others
               can
               easily
               swallow
               ,
               they
               think
               this
               man
               is
               a
               fool
               ,
               he
               will
               never
               do
               any
               good
               with
               his
               Trade
               ,
               he
               will
               be
               a
               beggar
               .
               Alas
               ,
               they
               know
               not
               that
               a
               little
               with
               Righteousness
               ,
               with
               a
               good
               Conscience
               ,
               is
               better
               then
               great
               Revenues
               without
               Right
               ;
               a
               little
               with
               Gods
               Blessing
               ,
               which
               maketh
               rich
               ,
               giving
               contentation
               ,
               and
               giving
               the
               sweet
               of
               Mercy
               ,
               making
               them
               give
               down
               their
               sweet
               to
               them
               ,
               is
               better
               then
               much
               without
               it
               ;
               and
               when
               thou
               hast
               heaped
               up
               Gold
               as
               the
               dust
               ,
               and
               Rayment
               as
               the
               clay
               ,
               and
               withall
               ,
               hast
               gotten
               a
               wound
               in
               thy
               Soul
               ,
               a
               worm
               in
               thy
               Conscience
               ,
               the
               rot
               and
               canker
               eats
               into
               thy
               soul
               ,
               
               what
               hast
               thou
               gotten
               ?
               who
               will
               be
               the
               wiser
               man
               ?
               when
               the
               sins
               whereby
               thou
               hast
               gotten
               this
               ,
               beginneth
               ,
               
               to
               stare
               like
               so
               many
               devils
               in
               thy
               face
               ?
               though
               thou
               hast
               builded
               thee
               an
               house
               ,
               a
               fair
               house
               and
               chambers
               
               by
               wrong
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               dwels
               in
               a
               tent
               ,
               is
               contented
               with
               a
               meaner
               condition
               ,
               with
               a
               good
               Conscience
               ,
               when
               the
               stone
               beginneth
               to
               cry
               out
               against
               thee
               ,
               out
               of
               the
               wall
               ,
               and
               the
               timber
               out
               of
               thy
               chambers
               ,
               and
               thy
               ears
               are
               full
               ,
               and
               thy
               heart
               full
               of
               the
               cry
               of
               thy
               sins
               and
               guilt
               whereby
               this
               hath
               been
               gotten
               ,
               who
               will
               prove
               the
               wise
               man
               then
               ?
               O
               surely
               Religion
               maketh
               not
               men
               fools
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               It
               may
               be
               a
               word
               of
               retortion
               ,
               and
               serve
               to
               fasten
               the
               folly
               then
               upon
               the
               wisdom
               of
               the
               World
               ;
               Wordlings
               think
               the
               people
               of
               God
               fools
               for
               their
               preciseness
               ,
               but
               the
               Saints
               know
               them
               to
               be
               fools
               ;
               will
               ye
               believe
               when
               the
               Lord
               speaks
               ?
               do
               not
               harden
               your
               hearts
               now
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               thou
               speakest
               falsly
               in
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Lord.
               Read
               that
               passage
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               and
               tell
               me
               what
               you
               think
               then
               ;
               
                 The
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 is
                 foolishness
                 with
                 God
              
               ;
               is
               not
               God
               the
               only
               wise
               God
               ,
               and
               do
               
               you
               think
               the
               Lord
               can
               be
               mistaken
               ?
               though
               we
               that
               are
               poor
               weak
               creatures
               ,
               like
               your selves
               (
               may
               be
               )
               mis-judge
               ,
               yet
               sure
               the
               Lord
               cannot
               ;
               he
               is
               wisdom
               it self
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               foolishness
               with
               God
               ,
               he
               judgeth
               it
               so
               ;
               and
               believe
               it
               ,
               they
               are
               wise
               ,
               whom
               he
               maketh
               wise
               ;
               and
               they
               are
               fools
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               folly
               whom
               he
               accounteth
               so
               ;
               by
               the
               rule
               of
               contraries
               it
               followeth
               ;
               if
               to
               walk
               circumspectly
               ,
               be
               to
               walk
               as
               wise
               men
               ,
               then
               to
               walk
               loosly
               and
               at
               large
               ,
               is
               to
               walk
               as
               fools
               ,
               according
               to
               our
               Text
               ;
               I
               will
               give
               you
               but
               two
               or
               three
               Demonstrations
               of
               their
               folly
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               the
               Lord
               will
               convince
               some
               poor
               creature
               of
               the
               folly
               of
               his
               ways
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               It
               is
               folly
               for
               men
               to
               pitch
               upon
               a
               wrong
               end
               ,
               to
               place
               their
               happiness
               in
               any
               thing
               but
               the
               chief
               good
               indeed
               ;
               now
               this
               is
               evident
               enough
               ,
               too
               plain
               ,
               that
               men
               of
               the
               world
               they
               do
               place
               their
               happiness
               in
               worldly
               things
               ,
               they
               have
               their
               god
               to
               worship
               as
               well
               as
               the
               Saints
               ;
               The
               lusts
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               the
               lust
               of
               the
               eye
               ,
               and
               pride
               of
               life
               ,
               
               to
               which
               the
               Apostle
               reduceth
               all
               that
               is
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               their
               pleasures
               ,
               their
               riches
               ,
               their
               honours
               ,
               these
               are
               
               their
               ends
               ,
               to
               which
               they
               drive
               on
               all
               their
               designs
               ,
               and
               here
               they
               rest
               and
               sit
               down
               ,
               and
               look
               no
               farther
               many
               of
               them
               ;
               now
               is
               not
               this
               a
               gross
               mistake
               and
               grievous
               folly
               ,
               to
               end
               so
               low
               as
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               what
               the
               would
               can
               afford
               ?
               which
               will
               appear
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               
               none
               ,
               nor
               all
               these
               things
               will
               run
               parallel
               with
               the
               souls
               to
               eternity
               ;
               therefore
               if
               they
               could
               make
               a
               man
               happy
               as
               long
               as
               he
               enjoyed
               them
               ,
               yet
               afterward
               they
               would
               then
               encrease
               his
               misery
               ,
               when
               they
               leave
               him
               ,
               
                 fuisse
                 faelicem
                 miserum
              
               ;
               It
               is
               perishing
               bread
               ,
               uncertain
               
               riches
               ,
               many
               times
               they
               make
               wings
               ,
               and
               are
               gone
               ,
               even
               he
               himself
               outlives
               them
               ;
               a
               miserable
               happiness
               that
               a
               
               poor
               mortal
               creature
               can
               out-live
               ;
               if
               not
               ,
               yet
               the
               soul
               out-lives
               them
               ;
               he
               can
               carry
               nothing
               away
               with
               him
               ,
               saith
               the
               Text
               ;
               the
               poor
               soul
               must
               appear
               in
               its
               nakedness
               before
               ●he
               Lord
               Judge
               at
               that
               day
               of
               appearing
               ,
               after
               death
               ,
               and
               soul
               and
               body
               to
               eternity
               after
               the
               Resurrection
               shall
               never
               be
               the
               better
               for
               them
               ;
               alas
               ,
               the
               remembrance
               then
               of
               your
               pleasures
               ,
               and
               honours
               ,
               and
               riches
               will
               be
               but
               a
               sting
               to
               your
               souls
               to
               eternity
               ,
               that
               such
               enjoyments
               you
               had
               ,
               and
               used
               them
               no
               better
               .
               2.
               
               As
               they
               continue
               not
               ,
               so
               while
               a
               man
               can
               keep
               them
               ,
               they
               cannot
               ,
               they
               do
               not
               satisfie
               the
               soul
               ;
               if
               any
               man
               could
               ,
               Solomon
               might
               have
               pickt
               out
               an
               happiness
               out
               of
               them
               ,
               when
               he
               had
               so
               much
               wealth
               to
               procure
               them
               ,
               so
               much
               wisdom
               to
               improve
               them
               ,
               so
               gave
               himself
               to
               find
               out
               ;
               but
               the
               sum
               is
               ,
               vanity
               of
               vanities
               ;
               not
               only
               vain
               ,
               but
               vanity
               ;
               and
               vanity
               of
               vanities
               ,
               and
               all
               is
               vanity
               ;
               the
               greatest
               vanity
               ,
               they
               are
               empty
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               substance
               in
               them
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               satisfie
               the
               soul
               ;
               there
               is
               no
               sutableness
               between
               such
               earthy
               things
               and
               a
               spiritual
               being
               ,
               nor
               equality
               between
               their
               greatest
               vastness
               and
               the
               largeness
               of
               a
               soul
               ;
               they
               can
               never
               fill
               it
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               can
               never
               rest
               ,
               but
               the
               more
               a
               man
               hath
               ,
               the
               more
               he
               
               would
               have
               still
               ;
               drinking
               doth
               but
               increase
               their
               thirst
               ;
               and
               therefore
               well
               might
               the
               Psalmist
               bebeast
               and
               befool
               himself
               for
               setting
               such
               an
               esteem
               upon
               them
               .
               So
               foolish
               was
               I
               and
               ignorant
               ,
               and
               even
               as
               a
               beast
               before
               thee
               ,
               
               when
               he
               thought
               them
               to
               have
               more
               in
               them
               ,
               then
               they
               had
               ,
               and
               therefore
               that
               they
               were
               the
               happy
               men
               that
               flourished
               ,
               and
               it
               was
               in
               vain
               for
               him
               to
               cleanse
               his
               heart
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               If
               they
               should
               ,
               or
               do
               propound
               a
               right
               end
               ,
               yet
               they
               miserably
               miscarry
               in
               the
               means
               towards
               this
               end
               ;
               For
               ,
               First
               ,
               There
               are
               some
               that
               are
               wise
               to
               do
               evil
               :
               but
               to
               do
               good
               ,
               they
               have
               no
               knowledge
               at
               all
               ;
               and
               if
               men
               make
               God
               and
               Heaven
               their
               end
               ,
               is
               this
               
               the
               way
               to
               it
               ?
               will
               the
               way
               to
               the
               devil
               ,
               and
               the
               way
               to
               hell
               bring
               a
               man
               to
               Heaven
               ?
               and
               yet
               this
               is
               the
               course
               that
               most
               men
               run
               ,
               as
               if
               men
               would
               be
               saved
               by
               contraries
               ,
               and
               were
               Christians
               by
               antiphrases
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               most
               unchristian
               ;
               surely
               Brethren
               ,
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               and
               the
               Scriptures
               every
               where
               hath
               determined
               sin
               to
               be
               folly
               ,
               and
               calleth
               sinners
               fools
               ,
               therefore
               we
               read
               of
               working
               folly
               in
               Israel
               so
               much
               now
               ;
               if
               one
               part
               of
               Wisdom
               be
               to
               aim
               at
               the
               right
               end
               ,
               surely
               Wisdom
               agreeth
               notwith
               it self
               ,
               if
               this
               be
               another
               part
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               the
               Wisdom
               to
               do
               evil
               ,
               which
               indeed
               is
               improperly
               called
               wisdom
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               a
               cursed
               skill
               and
               ingenuity
               which
               men
               have
               ,
               whereby
               they
               are
               more
               industriously
               wicked
               ;
               this
               is
               so
               far
               from
               Wisdom
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               the
               very
               height
               of
               folly
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               Secondly
               ,
               It
               is
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               World
               to
               get
               a
               name
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               and
               therewith
               satisfie
               themselves
               ;
               take
               the
               power
               who
               will
               ,
               so
               they
               have
               the
               name
               ,
               and
               pass
               for
               Saints
               ;
               gain
               is
               their
               godliness
               ,
               and
               when
               they
               have
               gotten
               the
               gain
               by
               it
               ,
               the
               Godliness
               they
               care
               not
               to
               walk
               in
               ,
               but
               in
               their
               pleasures
               of
               sin
               ;
               the
               
               shew
               of
               Religion
               is
               profitable
               ,
               but
               not
               the
               reality
               ,
               it
               is
               burthensom
               ;
               is
               not
               this
               folly
               with
               a
               witness
               ?
               can
               the
               Shadow
               be
               profitable
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               Substance
               ?
               the
               Shell
               and
               Husk
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               Kernel
               ?
               can
               that
               be
               profitable
               ,
               whose
               Praise
               is
               of
               men
               ,
               and
               not
               that
               whose
               praise
               is
               of
               God
               ?
            
             
               Again
               ,
               As
               the
               top
               ,
               and
               crown
               ,
               and
               quintescence
               of
               their
               folly
               ;
               they
               are
               wiser
               in
               their
               own
               conceit
               ,
               then
               several
               
               men
               that
               can
               render
               a
               reason
               ,
               as
               he
               spaaks
               of
               the
               sluggard
               ;
               and
               such
               are
               all
               those
               that
               will
               not
               be
               at
               pains
               for
               
               God
               and
               for
               Heaven
               :
               if
               men
               might
               devote
               all
               the
               flower
               of
               their
               youth
               ,
               the
               ripeness
               of
               their
               age
               and
               strength
               to
               sin
               ,
               and
               when
               they
               come
               to
               die
               ,
               have
               Heaven
               drop
               in
               their
               mouthes
               ,
               many
               would
               be
               saved
               ;
               but
               if
               they
               must
               be
               at
               such
               pains
               for
               it
               ,
               walk
               so
               circumspectly
               ,
               strictly
               ,
               in
               a
               frame
               ,
               by
               rule
               thus
               ,
               and
               be
               exercised
               in
               mortification
               ,
               renewing
               their
               repentance
               ,
               so
               much
               ado
               with
               searching
               and
               trying
               their
               ways
               ,
               they
               think
               the
               wisest
               course
               is
               to
               sit
               still
               ;
               it
               is
               better
               sleeping
               in
               a
               whole
               skin
               ,
               and
               seven
               men
               that
               can
               give
               a
               reason
               ,
               are
               not
               so
               wise
               
               as
               they
               ;
               let
               Ministers
               say
               what
               they
               will
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               believe
               but
               they
               are
               the
               wiser
               men
               of
               the
               two
               ;
               O
               he
               that
               is
               thus
               wise
               in
               his
               own
               conceit
               ,
               there
               is
               more
               hope
               of
               a
               fool
               ,
               then
               of
               him
               ;
               well
               then
               ,
               if
               the
               world
               pass
               for
               fools
               ,
               they
               are
               the
               fools
               indeed
               in
               grain
               ;
               and
               when
               Saints
               and
               sinners
               ,
               the
               strict
               walker
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               formal
               Hypocrite
               shall
               appear
               before
               the
               Lord
               at
               the
               last
               day
               ;
               then
               (
               if
               before
               you
               will
               not
               believe
               )
               you
               shall
               know
               who
               were
               the
               wise
               men
               ,
               and
               who
               were
               the
               fools
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 Then
                 let
                 Wisdm
                 be
                 justified
                 of
                 her
                 children
              
               ;
               
               you
               that
               are
               the
               true
               sons
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               not
               bastards
               ,
               and
               pretenders
               ,
               justifie
               Wisdom
               then
               ,
               though
               all
               the
               world
               run
               a
               contrary
               course
               ,
               and
               count
               it
               folly
               to
               walk
               thus
               circumspectly
               ;
               do
               you
               count
               it
               your
               Wisdom
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               counteth
               it
               ,
               to
               be
               strict
               and
               exact
               in
               your
               walkking
               ;
               no
               matter
               though
               the
               world
               stigmatize
               you
               for
               fools
               ,
               that
               you
               neglect
               your
               concernments
               other
               wayes
               sometimes
               ,
               to
               gain
               a
               nearer
               approach
               to
               Christ
               ,
               if
               the
               Lord
               judge
               you
               wise
               men
               ;
               the
               argument
               is
               very
               strong
               :
               for
               what
               man
               can
               bear
               the
               imputation
               of
               folly
               ;
               indeed
               every
               man
               would
               be
               wise
               ,
               
                 Vain
                 man
                 would
                 be
              
               
               
                 wise
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 born
                 like
                 a
                 wild
                 Asses
                 Colt
              
               ;
               but
               the
               Saints
               methinks
               ,
               that
               know
               in
               some
               measure
               what
               the
               Wisdom
               which
               is
               from
               above
               doth
               mean
               ,
               should
               labour
               to
               approve
               themselves
               wise
               men
               indeed
               ,
               by
               a
               circumspect
               walking
               with
               God.
               And
               you
               that
               profess
               the
               Name
               of
               
               Christ
               ,
               though
               it
               may
               be
               not
               all
               of
               you
               ,
               in
               truth
               you
               would
               be
               wise
               ,
               though
               you
               walk
               not
               circumspectly
               ;
               shall
               I
               bespeak
               you
               in
               the
               Prophets
               words
               ,
               how
               say
               you
               ,
               we
               are
               wise
               ,
               and
               we
               have
               the
               Law
               ,
               &c.
               when
               you
               
               walk
               not
               by
               this
               rule
               ;
               Ah
               take
               heed
               you
               prove
               not
               foolish
               Virgins
               when
               all
               is
               done
               :
               it
               is
               not
               Wisdom
               to
               dally
               with
               Religion
               and
               with
               God
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               be
               mocked
               .
               Then
               you
               that
               are
               wise
               indeed
               ,
               and
               do
               in
               a
               good
               part
               walk
               exactly
               ,
               shall
               I
               beg
               of
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               would
               yet
               more
               and
               more
               labour
               to
               approve
               your selves
               wise
               men
               and
               women
               ,
               in
               a
               great
               exactness
               of
               your
               walking
               ,
               avoiding
               all
               appearance
               of
               evil
               ;
               as
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               ,
               in
               following
               
               after
               whaever
               is
               comely
               ,
               of
               good
               report
               ;
               you
               know
               what
               the
               Wise
               man
               saith
               ,
               A
               man
               that
               is
               in
               reputation
               for
               Wisdom
               ,
               that
               passeth
               for
               a
               wise
               man
               and
               a
               close-walking
               
               Saint
               ;
               a
               little
               folly
               is
               like
               a
               dead
               Fly
               in
               the
               Box
               of
               Oyntment
               that
               maketh
               it
               stink
               ;
               by
               how
               much
               the
               more
               the
               Lord
               hath
               done
               for
               you
               this
               way
               ,
               be
               so
               much
               the
               more
               careful
               :
               O
               it
               is
               this
               Wisdom
               that
               will
               make
               your
               faces
               shine
               ,
               Brethren
               :
               so
               it
               did
               the
               face
               of
               Moses
               and
               
               David
               ,
               but
               a
               little
               folly
               in
               a
               David
               ,
               what
               a
               blemish
               it
               casts
               upon
               it
               ,
               and
               what
               a
               reproach
               and
               blemish
               upon
               the
               beautiful
               way
               of
               holiness
               ?
            
             
               O
               then
               ,
               I
               beseech
               you
               Brethren
               ,
               Labour
               to
               cease
               from
               your
               own
               Wisdom
               :
               for
               indeed
               this
               is
               folly
               ,
               and
               contrary
               to
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               God
               ;
               
                 He
                 that
                 hearkneth
                 to
                 counsel
                 ,
                 is
                 wise
                 :
              
               It
               is
               a
               sad
               thing
               when
               the
               People
               of
               God
               are
               not
               
               advisable
               ,
               are
               so
               full
               of
               self-will
               and
               self-wisdom
               that
               they
               cannot
               cease
               from
               it
               ;
               so
               David
               in
               numbering
               the
               people
               ,
               he
               had
               good
               counsel
               given
               him
               ,
               though
               by
               a
               man
               far
               enough
               inferiour
               to
               himself
               in
               spirituals
               ,
               but
               was
               not
               advisable
               ,
               and
               what
               a
               blot
               did
               he
               bring
               upon
               himself
               ?
               
               we
               profess
               to
               give
               up
               our
               wils
               and
               wisdoms
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               yet
               when
               it
               cometh
               to
               the
               pinch
               many
               times
               ,
               we
               must
               have
               our
               wils
               ,
               and
               we
               must
               have
               our
               own
               contrivances
               go
               forward
               ,
               or
               else
               we
               cannot
               aquiesce
               ;
               I
               said
               in
               quietness
               and
               confidence
               should
               be
               your
               rest
               ,
               
               but
               you
               would
               not
               .
            
             
             
               Again
               ,
               Then
               beg
               this
               Spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               more
               earnestly
               ,
               greater
               measure
               of
               it
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               he
               that
               giveth
               Wisdom
               to
               walk
               exactly
               ;
               this
               Wisdom
               from
               above
               ,
               which
               is
               pure
               ,
               and
               peaceable
               ,
               and
               gentle
               ,
               and
               easie
               to
               he
               intreated
               ,
               so
               that
               a
               child
               may
               lead
               such
               a
               man
               or
               woman
               ,
               if
               
               he
               present
               any
               thing
               of
               light
               and
               God
               to
               them
               :
               And
               then
               Brethren
               ,
               when
               you
               have
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               walk
               in
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               in
               the
               Power
               of
               this
               Spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               let
               it
               prevail
               over
               your
               own
               wils
               ,
               and
               your
               own
               opinions
               of
               your
               own
               ways
               ,
               subject
               all
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               you
               shall
               find
               that
               he
               will
               guide
               you
               by
               his
               counsel
               ,
               and
               afterwards
               receive
               you
               to
               Glory
               .
               Thus
               much
               for
               this
               Observation
               .
            
             
               These
               were
               his
               last
               Lecture-Sermons
               ,
               the
               last
               words
               ;
               viz.
               
                 Redeeming
                 the
                 Time
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 dayes
                 are
                 evil
                 ,
              
               He
               stayed
               not
               to
               finish
               .
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
           
             
             
             
               The
               Parable
               of
               the
               ten
               Virgins
               .
            
             
               
                 Mat.
                 25.
                 
                   from
                   the
                
                 1.
                 v.
                 
                   to
                   the
                
                 14.
                 v.
                 
              
               
                 
                   Then
                   shall
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Heaven
                   be
                   likened
                   unto
                   ten
                   Virgins
                   ,
                   which
                   took
                   their
                   lamps
                   ,
                   and
                   went
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   five
                   of
                   them
                   were
                   wise
                   ,
                   and
                   five
                   were
                   foolish
                   .
                
                 
                   They
                   that
                   were
                   foolish
                   took
                   their
                   lamps
                   ,
                   and
                   took
                   no
                   oyl
                   with
                   them
                   :
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   wise
                   took
                   oyl
                   in
                   their
                   vessels
                   with
                   their
                   lamps
                   .
                
                 
                   While
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   tarried
                   ,
                   they
                   all
                   slumbred
                   and
                   slept
                
                 
                   And
                   at
                   midnight
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   cry
                   made
                   ,
                   behold
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   cometh
                   ,
                   go
                   ye
                   out
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                
                 
                   Then
                   all
                   those
                   Virgins
                   arose
                   ,
                   and
                   trimmed
                   their
                   lamps
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   the
                   foolish
                   said
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   ,
                   give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                   ,
                   for
                   our
                   lamps
                   are
                   gone
                   out
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   wise
                   answered
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   Not
                   so
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   you
                   ,
                   but
                   go
                   ye
                   rather
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   sell
                   ,
                   and
                   buy
                   for
                   your selves
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   while
                   they
                   went
                   to
                   huy
                   ,
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   came
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                   ,
                   went
                   in
                   with
                   him
                   to
                   the
                   marriage
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   door
                   was
                   shut
                   .
                
                 
                   Afterward
                   came
                   also
                   the
                   other
                   virgins
                   saying
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   unto
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   he
                   answered
                   ,
                   and
                   said
                   ,
                   verily
                   I
                   say
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   .
                
                 
                   Watch
                   therefore
                   ,
                   for
                   ye
                   know
                   not
                   the
                   day
                   ,
                   neither
                   the
                   hour
                   ,
                   wherein
                   the
                   S●n●fman
                   cometh
                   .
                
              
            
             
               A
               Parable
               is
               a
               representation
               of
               some
               truth
               to
               the
               understanding
               ,
               under
               such
               things
               as
               are
               obvious
               to
               to
               the
               senses
               ,
               and
               familiar
               to
               us
               in
               our
               ordinary
               use
               ,
               and
               experience
               in
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               yea
               the
               Scriptures
               Old
               and
               New
               ,
               are
               full
               of
               them
               .
               I
               lift
               not
               to
               trouble
               you
               ,
               to
               speak
               much
               to
               their
               Nature
               ,
               but
               
                 I
                 understand
              
               ,
               they
               be
               a
               
                 kinde
                 of
                 a
                 similitude
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
              
               Chap.
               24.
               32
               ,
               33.
               
               
                 Learn
                 a
                 Parable
              
               of
               the
               ●ig-tree
               ,
               when
               it
               putteth
               forth
               leaves
               and
               the
               branches
               
               are
               yet
               tender
               ,
               the
               Summer
               is
               nigh
               ye
               know
               ,
               it
               was
               a
               thing
               familiar
               to
               them
               in
               experience
               ;
               
                 so
                 likewise
                 ye
              
               ,
               when
               ye
               see
               these
               things
               come
               to
               pass
               ,
               know
               it
               is
               near
               ,
               even
               at
               hand
               .
               A
               metaphor
               is
               
                 a
                 simile
              
               contracted
               into
               one
               word
               ,
               an
               allegory
               ,
               a
               continued
               metaphor
               ,
               and
               a
               Parable
               much
               what
               of
               the
               same
               nature
               .
               Sometimes
               they
               hold
               out
               a
               truth
               more
               clearly
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               more
               darkly
               ;
               if
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               only
               be
               given
               ,
               or
               
                 laid
                 down
              
               ,
               the
               truth
               is
               concluded
               more
               obscurely
               ,
               and
               lies
               hid
               under
               the
               broad
               leaves
               of
               the
               similitude
               .
               As
               ,
               of
               the
               Sower
               ,
               that
               
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 Sow
              
               ,
               (
               which
               you
               know
               the
               
                 Disciples
                 understood
                 not
              
               ,
               untill
               our
               Saviour
               had
               
               
                 opened
                 it
                 to
                 them
                 ,
              
               )
               saith
               he
               ,
               to
               you
               
                 it
                 is
                 given
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 mysteries
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
              
               but
               to
               them
               it
               is
               not
               given
               ,
               therefore
               he
               speaks
               
               to
               them
               in
               Parables
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               manner
               delivering
               them
               ,
               as
               that
               thereby
               the
               truth
               is
               more
               shadowed
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               clear
               when
               it
               is
               explained
               ,
               
                 that
                 seeing
                 they
                 might
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 perceive
                 .
              
               It
               is
               a
               Judgement
               to
               a
               people
               ,
               to
               have
               teaching
               in
               such
               a
               manner
               as
               
               darkens
               the
               truth
               ,
               so
               as
               
                 they
                 cannot
                 understand
              
               .
               Now
               he
               
                 explaineth
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 Disciples
              
               ,
               and
               sheweth
               them
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               the
               several
               
                 sorts
                 of
                 ground
                 which
              
               received
               the
               Seed
               ,
               the
               same
               Seed
               ;
               but
               none
               brought
               forth
               (
               except
               one
               )
               to
               perfection
               .
               Now
               (
               say
               his
               
               Disciples
               )
               speakest
               
                 thou
                 plainly
                 ,
                 and
                 speakest
                 no
                 Parables
                 ?
              
               so
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               I
               
                 have
                 spoken
                 to
                 you
                 in
                 Parables
                 ,
              
               or
               Proverbs
               ,
               but
               now
               I
               
                 will
                 shew
              
               
               
                 you
                 plainly
                 of
                 the
                 father
              
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               
                 being
                 delivered
              
               to
               his
               Disciples
               privately
               ,
               (
               as
               you
               have
               it
               ,
               Chap.
               24.
               for
               they
               came
               privately
               to
               him
               to
               ask
               
                 him
                 the
              
               
               
                 sign
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 the
                 destruction
                 of
              
               Jerusalem
               
                 should
                 be
              
               ,
               which
               he
               had
               immediately
               before
               prophecyed
               of
               :
               )
               he
               continueth
               his
               speech
               to
               them
               throughout
               that
               Chapter
               ,
               and
               continueth
               it
               in
               this
               ,
               thererefore
               he
               speaks
               somewhat
               more
               plainly
               ,
               and
               clearly
               ,
               not
               only
               
                 laying
                 down
                 the
                 proposition
              
               ,
               but
               the
               reddition
               .
               He
               not
               not
               only
               
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 ten
                 Virgins
              
               ,
               but
               tells
               them
               ,
               what
               it
               is
               that
               is
               compared
               to
               them
               ,
               even
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               .
            
             
               
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 field
                 more
                 large
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               
                 that
                 we
                 lose
                 not
                 our
                 affections
              
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               be
               not
               out
               of
               breath
               before
               we
               get
               over
               it
               ,
               I
               shall
               endeavour
               to
               speak
               with
               more
               brevity
               ,
               to
               the
               things
               therein
               couched
               ,
               which
               are
               doctrinal
               and
               practical
               ;
               though
               me
               thinks
               the
               great
               variety
               that
               is
               in
               it
               ,
               should
               
                 prevent
                 a
                 nauscating
                 of
                 it
              
               .
            
             
               
                 For
                 the
                 cohaerence
                 of
                 the
              
               words
               ,
               you
               see
               they
               are
               a
               
                 continnation
                 of
                 
                 our
                 Saviours
              
               Sermon
               to
               his
               Disciples
               occasioned
               by
               their
               request
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               tell
               them
               ,
               when
               those
               
                 things
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 Jerusalem
              
               should
               be
               so
               ruined
               ,
               as
               not
               
                 a
                 stone
                 should
                 be
                 left
                 upon
                 a
                 stone
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 sign
                 of
                 his
                 comming
                 ,
              
               and
               of
               
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 world
              
               !
               Haply
               they
               might
               think
               they
               would
               not
               be
               much
               separated
               in
               time
               ,
               and
               thererore
               they
               wra●t
               them
               up
               in
               one
               question
               ,
               to
               our
               Saviour
               .
               He
               answers
               them
               in
               this
               Chapter
               ,
               somewhat
               to
               the
               one
               ,
               
                 and
                 somewhat
                 to
                 the
                 other
              
               ,
               I
               cannot
               
                 stand
                 at
                 large
              
               upon
               this
               ,
               I
               should
               detain
               you
               too
               long
               from
               the
               Text.
               But
               he
               tels
               them
               
                 whatever
                 sign
                 were
                 given
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 day
                 and
                 hour
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 no
                 man
                 did
                 know
                 .
              
               And
               therefore
               
                 it
                 lay
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 watch
                 ,
              
               lest
               
               it
               should
               find
               him
               in
               a
               
                 secure
                 condition
              
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               
                 daies
                 of
              
               Noah
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               therefore
               exhorts
               them
               
                 all
                 to
                 watch
              
               .
               We
               know
               not
               
               
                 when
                 the
                 thief
                 will
                 come
              
               ,
               be
               ready
               for
               him
               alwaies
               ,
               watch
               ,
               for
               he
               will
               come
               in
               an
               hour
               ,
               ye
               think
               not
               .
               And
               then
               sheweth
               them
               
               the
               happy
               estate
               ,
               
                 of
                 a
                 servant
                 ,
                 a
                 faithful
                 and
                 wise
                 servant
                 ,
              
               whom
               his
               
                 Master
                 hath
                 set
                 as
                 a
              
               Ruler
               
                 over
                 his
                 houshold
              
               ,
               to
               give
               them
               
                 meat
                 in
                 due
                 season
              
               .
               Which
               seemeth
               specially
               to
               concern
               the
               condition
               of
               the
               Disciples
               
                 which
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 over
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               which
               is
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               break
               the
               bread
               of
               life
               to
               his
               people
               ,
               
                 happy
                 is
                 that
                 Servant
              
               ,
               whom
               his
               master
               when
               he
               cometh
               ,
               
                 shall
                 find
                 so
                 doing
              
               ,
               in
               the
               simplicity
               of
               his
               soul
               .
               
                 When
                 my
                 Saviour
                 cometh
              
               ,
               would
               ye
               have
               him
               find
               me
               idle
               (
               saith
               
                 Calvin
                 )
                 oportet
                 episcopum
                 concionantem
                 mori
                 .
              
               Oh
               to
               be
               spent
               for
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               〈◊〉
               
                 Master
                 spare
                 thy self
              
               ,
               was
               the
               
                 envious
                 mans
                 counsel
              
               ,
               when
               he
               
                 whispers
                 that
                 into
                 Ministers
                 ears
              
               ,
               and
               can
               lull
               us
               asleep
               with
               such
               a
               requiem
               :
               he
               knoweth
               what
               he
               hath
               to
               do
               ,
               
                 while
                 they
                 slept
                 he
                 sowed
                 tares
                 .
              
               Surely
               
                 brethren
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 very
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 else
                 there
              
               
               
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 many
                 tares
              
               sown
               .
               And
               he
               showeth
               
                 them
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               if
               they
               presume
               upon
               the
               delay
               of
               his
               coming
               ,
               and
               eat
               and
               drink
               with
               the
               drunken
               ,
               and
               
                 beat
                 their
                 fellow
                 servants
              
               ,
               bite
               and
               devour
               one
               another
               .
               Ah
               
                 dear
                 friends
              
               ,
               if
               Jesus
               
                 Christ
                 should
                 now
                 come
              
               ,
               would
               he
               not
               find
               many
               of
               us
               thus
               doing
               ?
               But
               now
               ,
               as
               
                 he
                 had
                 quickened
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 watch
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
              
               to
               be
               doing
               their
               work
               ,
               so
               now
               he
               inculcates
               the
               same
               not
               only
               
               upon
               them
               ,
               but
               upon
               all
               in
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Text
               ,
               as
               
                 appears
                 (
                 v.
                 13.
                 )
                 by
                 the
                 application
                 of
                 it
                 ,
              
               watch
               therefore
               
                 for
                 ye
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 day
              
               nor
               
                 the
                 hour
              
               wherein
               the
               
                 son
                 of
                 man
                 cometh
              
               .
            
             
               For
               ,
               
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 it
              
               which
               
                 I
                 think
                 meet
                 first
                 to
              
               hint
               to
               you
               ,
               I
               
               conceive
               it
               to
               be
               this
               ;
               To
               stir
               up
               all
               that
               profess
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               and
               that
               
                 have
                 their
                 hope
              
               not
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               world
               to
               come
               ;
               to
               look
               to
               
                 their
                 state
                 and
                 condition
              
               that
               they
               be
               sure
               to
               be
               ready
               and
               prepared
               for
               him
               ,
               that
               they
               make
               sure
               of
               such
               a
               viaticum
               ,
               as
               will
               carry
               them
               through
               
                 life
                 and
                 death
              
               ,
               and
               
                 to
                 persevere
              
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               crowned
               ,
               and
               when
               they
               
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 state
              
               ,
               to
               
                 continue
                 watching
              
               and
               waiting
               for
               his
               appearing
               ;
               but
               the
               main
               is
               perseverance
               ;
               that
               they
               be
               sure
               to
               have
               such
               a
               work
               of
               grace
               wrought
               upon
               them
               ,
               not
               to
               rest
               without
               such
               (
               I
               say
               )
               as
               will
               hold
               ,
               least
               they
               fall
               short
               of
               the
               glory
               of
               God.
               This
               is
               the
               general
               scope
               ,
               which
               being
               understood
               ,
               we
               must
               know
               that
               
                 every
                 particular
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 squeezed
                 too
                 sore
                 ,
              
               least
               it
               give
               blood
               in
               stead
               of
               milk
               .
               And
               
                 yet
                 some
                 interpretation
                 of
                 the
                 main
                 things
              
               we
               may
               
                 with
                 sobrietie
              
               (
               as
               the
               Lord
               shall
               enable
               )
               expound
               .
               Our
               Saviour
               is
               
                 a
                 President
              
               ,
               expounding
               the
               Parable
               
                 of
                 the
                 sower
              
               ,
               shewing
               us
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               
                 the
                 seed
              
               falling
               by
               the
               high-way
               side
               ;
               the
               stony
               ground
               ,
               the
               thorny
               ,
               and
               the
               good
               ground
               .
               And
               so
               in
               that
               of
               the
               tares
               ,
               telling
               us
               ;
               
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 sower
              
               ,
               and
               what
               is
               the
               seed
               ;
               the
               good
               seed
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 Tares
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Reapers
                 ,
              
               the
               
                 Angels
                 ,
                 the
                 harvest
              
               ,
               the
               end
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               
                 and
                 the
                 field
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               therefore
               by
               that
               little
               measure
               we
               have
               received
               of
               the
               same
               spirit
               ,
               we
               may
               humbly
               adventure
               to
               speak
               somewhat
               to
               the
               main
               things
               in
               this
               parable
               .
            
             
               Herein
               
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 to
                 us
              
               the
               relation
               and
               
                 mutual
                 deportment
              
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               his
               Church
               to
               him
               ,
               both
               
                 in
                 this
                 life
              
               which
               is
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               at
               death
               and
               Judgement
               which
               is
               the
               end
               ;
               and
               therefore
               that
               which
               concerneth
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               concerneth
               the
               Church
               towards
               him
               ;
               being
               even
               as
               the
               warp
               and
               wafe
               of
               the
               parable
               ,
               we
               will
               consider
               them
               a
               little
               apart
               ,
               and
               run
               each
               of
               them
               apart
               to
               their
               end
               ,
               as
               far
               as
               the
               Lord
               enables
               us
               ,
               and
               not
               confound
               the
               considerations
               of
               them
               .
            
             
               Only
               
                 before
                 I
                 proceed
              
               to
               that
               ,
               we
               must
               know
               ,
               that
               the
               parable
               or
               
                 similitude
                 is
                 taken
                 from
              
               the
               manner
               of
               solemnizing
               Nuptial
               rites
               ,
               which
               it
               seemeth
               by
               some
               very
               learned
               to
               have
               been
               thus
               carried
               on
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               When
               two
               persons
               were
               espoused
               ,
               and
               〈…〉
               de
               sure
               each
               to
               other
               ,
               and
               the
               time
               of
               the
               solemnizing
               the
               marriage
               come
               ,
               the
               
                 man
                 came
                 to
                 the
                 house
              
               of
               the
               Spouses
               Parents
               
               to
               take
               her
               ;
               
                 the
                 time
                 usually
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 aged
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 grave
                 accompanied
                 the
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 Matrons
                 the
                 woman
                 ,
              
               and
               with
               
                 solemnities
                 of
                 prayers
              
               ,
               &c.
               they
               did
               it
               wherein
               the
               Christians
               are
               said
               to
               
               imitate
               
                 the
                 Jews
              
               ,
               and
               if
               all
               things
               be
               
                 sanctified
                 by
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 by
              
               
               prayer
               ;
               me
               thinks
               that
               should
               be
               but
               an
               unholy
               marriage
               that
               
                 is
                 kept
                 without
                 them
              
               ;
               that
               by
               the
               by
               .
               Now
               
                 when
                 he
                 returned
              
               and
               
               took
               the
               Bride
               with
               him
               ,
               then
               it
               
                 should
                 seem
                 the
                 younger
                 men
                 and
                 Virgins
              
               did
               meet
               them
               in
               the
               
                 night
                 with
                 Torches
              
               ,
               among
               
                 the
                 Romans
              
               and
               others
               ;
               
                 with
                 Lamps
                 among
              
               the
               Jews
               ,
               who
               had
               not
               the
               use
               of
               such
               Candles
               or
               Torches
               .
               And
               
                 there
                 is
                 somewhat
                 seemeth
              
               to
               favour
               this
               of
               their
               meeting
               of
               him
               in
               his
               return
               ,
               in
               that
               place
               of
               
                 Luke
                 ,
                 Let
                 your
                 loins
                 be
                 girded
                 about
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 lights
                 burning
                 ,
              
               and
               
               ye
               your selves
               
                 like
                 unto
                 men
                 that
                 wait
                 for
                 their
                 Lord
                 when
                 he
                 will
                 return
                 from
                 the
                 wedding
              
               ;
               that
               when
               he
               comes
               and
               knocketh
               ,
               
                 they
                 may
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 immediately
              
               ;
               there
               is
               a
               Simile
               of
               men
               waiting
               at
               night
               with
               loins
               girded
               and
               lamps
               burning
               ,
               that
               
                 when
                 their
                 Lord
                 cometh
                 from
              
               the
               wedding
               ,
               to
               return
               home
               ,
               
                 to
                 bring
                 his
                 Bride
              
               with
               him
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               ready
               to
               open
               when
               he
               knocks
               ;
               a
               little
               difference
               there
               is
               from
               this
               here
               ,
               The
               Syr.
               and
               the
               vulgar
               Lat.
               
                 here
                 do
                 add
                 the
                 Spouse
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Bride-groom
              
               ;
               that
               they
               met
               her
               as
               well
               as
               him
               ,
               and
               some
               
                 others
                 have
                 so
                 read
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               of
               great
               name
               also
               ;
               and
               if
               so
               ,
               that
               would
               more
               make
               for
               this
               understanding
               of
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               marriages
               among
               those
               people
               ,
               whereto
               there
               is
               a
               respect
               in
               this
               Similitude
               .
               
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 spend
                 time
                 about
                 that
                 ,
              
               though
               others
               do
               conceive
               that
               otherwise
               ,
               they
               
                 went
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 accompanying
                 the
                 Bride
                 ,
              
               as
               Psal
               .
               45.
               
               The
               
                 Virgins
                 her
                 companions
              
               ,
               shall
               be
               
               
                 brought
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 in
                 raiment
                 of
                 needle-work
              
               ;
               and
               so
               they
               meeting
               him
               ,
               brought
               him
               into
               the
               Bride-Chamber
               ,
               and
               
                 young
                 men
                 I
                 find
              
               (
               not
               old
               in
               Scripture
               )
               to
               have
               been
               companions
               of
               the
               Bride-groom
               ;
               as
               in
               
                 Sampson
                 his
                 wedding
              
               ,
               they
               
                 brought
                 him
                 thirty
                 young
              
               
               men
               to
               be
               his
               companions
               ;
               
                 these
                 were
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-Chamber
                 ,
              
               which
               
                 rejoyced
                 with
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ;
               however
               it
               was
               ,
               they
               
                 met
                 him
                 it
                 seemeth
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 ,
              
               and
               with
               Lamps
               ,
               to
               light
               themselves
               
               and
               others
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               the
               ground
               of
               the
               Simile
               ,
               
                 the
                 protasis
              
               .
               Now
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               is
               compared
               to
               this
               .
            
             
               But
               that
               
                 I
                 may
                 the
                 more
                 methodically
              
               open
               it
               ,
               (
               leaving
               
                 the
                 Application
              
               of
               it
               to
               be
               taken
               in
               ,
               in
               the
               uses
               of
               some
               of
               the
               Doctrines
               ,
               from
               the
               words
               )
               I
               
                 will
                 begin
                 with
                 that
              
               which
               is
               spoken
               of
               Christ
               himself
               :
               And
               then
               that
               which
               is
               spoken
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               as
               briefly
               as
               I
               can
               ,
               paraphrase
               it
               as
               I
               go
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               reach
               some
               point
               to
               be
               handled
               at
               this
               time
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               the
               
                 Bridegroom
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               is
               set
               forth
               by
               that
               relation
               
               
               of
               
                 one
                 ready
                 to
                 consummate
              
               the
               marriage
               ,
               with
               such
               as
               he
               hath
               
                 espoused
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 .
              
               T
               〈…〉
               e
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               (
               brethren
               )
               
                 by
                 the
                 Gospel
              
               goeth
               a
               wooing
               to
               all
               the
               world
               without
               any
               respect
               of
               persons
               ,
               be
               we
               high
               or
               low
               ,
               rich
               or
               poor
               ,
               more
               or
               less
               sinful
               ,
               leprous
               ,
               poor
               ,
               defiled
               ,
               naked
               ,
               indebted
               ,
               imprisoned
               ,
               loathsom
               ,
               nasty
               ,
               never
               so
               ;
               his
               ambition
               is
               to
               win
               our
               hearts
               ,
               to
               gain
               our
               consent
               ,
               to
               espouse
               us
               to
               himself
               :
               Well
               ,
               
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 this
              
               ,
               and
               hath
               obtained
               ,
               then
               he
               cometh
               to
               make
               up
               the
               marriage
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 Concerning
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 that
                 he
                 tarried
              
               ;
               came
               not
               so
               soon
               happily
               as
               ordinary
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 likely
                 that
                 their
              
               marriages
               were
               before
               midnight
               ,
               usually
               the
               beginning
               of
               the
               night
               ;
               and
               to
               that
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               a
               respect
               in
               this
               expression
               ,
               he
               
                 stayed
                 somewhat
                 longer
              
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               said
               ,
               
                 the
                 cry
                 was
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 v.
              
               6.
               
               So
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 may
              
               
               
                 stay
                 somewhat
                 longer
              
               haply
               
                 then
                 is
                 expected
              
               .
               It
               is
               said
               by
               them
               in
               the
               Revelations
               ,
               the
               souls
               
                 under
                 the
                 Altar
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 Lord
                 ,
                 holy
                 and
                 true
                 .
              
               It
               may
               
                 be
                 the
                 expectations
                 of
                 some
              
               of
               the
               Saints
               are
               for
               
               his
               appearing
               sooner
               to
               take
               them
               to
               himself
               ,
               they
               have
               a
               desire
               to
               be
               
                 dissolved
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 him
                 ,
              
               and
               to
               them
               it
               is
               a
               tarrying
               long
               .
               And
               to
               
                 sinners
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 tarrying
              
               ,
               they
               think
               Jesus
               Christ
               lingers
               his
               
                 hour
                 of
                 a
                 Judgement
              
               ,
               and
               a
               resurrection
               ,
               but
               these
               are
               things
               afar
               
               off
               .
               And
               therefore
               they
               affected
               not
               them
               much
               ,
               except
               a
               man
               could
               
                 preach
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 Christ
              
               in
               
                 flaming
                 fire
              
               to
               render
               vengeance
               ,
               were
               at
               their
               backs
               ,
               
                 it
                 affecteth
                 them
                 not
              
               at
               all
               :
               All
               
                 things
                 continue
                 with
                 you
                 sinners
              
               as
               they
               were
               ,
               and
               where
               is
               the
               
                 promise
                 of
                 his
                 coming
              
               ?
               A
               
                 promise
                 to
                 the
                 people
              
               of
               God
               ,
               a
               
                 threatning
                 to
                 sinners
              
               and
               hypocrites
               
               it
               is
               ,
               as
               Janus
               is
               said
               to
               have
               two
               faces
               ,
               and
               as
               that
               in
               Gen.
               3.
               the
               
                 seed
                 of
                 the
                 woman
              
               shall
               break
               
                 the
                 Serpents
                 head
              
               ,
               a
               promise
               and
               a
               threatning
               both
               in
               one
               .
               Now
               sinners
               they
               are
               bold
               ,
               
                 to
                 eat
              
               and
               drink
               with
               the
               drunken
               ,
               
                 until
                 he
              
               come
               and
               sweep
               the
               second
               world
               away
               with
               fire
               ,
               as
               the
               first
               was
               drowned
               with
               water
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               second
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 the
                 cry
                 that
                 goeth
                 before
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
              
               which
               Calv.
               saith
               
                 is
                 metaphorically
              
               put
               for
               the
               suddenness
               and
               unexpectedness
               of
               his
               coming
               ,
               because
               when
               any
               great
               thing
               cometh
               upon
               a
               people
               
                 at
                 unawares
              
               ,
               they
               use
               to
               make
               
                 a
                 cry
                 for
                 tumult
              
               ,
               and
               it
               may
               be
               so
               haply
               that
               then
               being
               
                 unready
                 they
                 cry
                 out
              
               ,
               as
               when
               people
               
                 are
                 surprized
              
               by
               an
               enemy
               ,
               they
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 O
                 arm
                 ;
                 arm
                 ,
                 make
                 ready
                 ,
              
               prepare
               to
               meet
               them
               ;
               
                 but
                 thinks
              
               it
               rather
               is
               a
               
                 Voice
                 that
                 goeth
              
               before
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               which
               
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 quickning
              
               to
               them
               that
               are
               his
               
               indeed
               ,
               that
               were
               not
               ready
               altogether
               ,
               and
               it
               cryeth
               ,
               make
               ready
               ,
               prepare
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               coming
               ;
               and
               
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 interpreted
                 divers
                 waies
                 .
              
               Whether
               there
               
                 were
                 any
                 such
                 thing
              
               in
               the
               rites
               of
               their
               marriages
               ,
               I
               know
               not
               ,
               but
               for
               that
               it
               is
               not
               much
               material
               ;
               the
               comparison
               holds
               in
               the
               main
               .
            
             
               (
               First
               )
               Then
               
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 cry
                 by
                 the
                 Messengers
              
               of
               Christ
               :
               
                 they
                 cry
                 ,
                 prepare
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ;
               prepare
               your
               hearts
               to
               
                 meet
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               We
               are
               exhorted
               ,
               commanded
               
                 to
                 cry
                 ,
                 and
                 cry
                 aloud
                 ,
              
               that
               
               we
               
                 may
                 awaken
                 sinners
              
               ,
               for
               that
               is
               the
               case
               here
               ,
               as
               afterward
               you
               will
               find
               .
               Cry
               with
               
                 a
                 Stentors
              
               voice
               ,
               
                 ut
                 Stentora
                 vincas
              
               ,
               saith
               Trap
               upon
               it
               .
               Alas
               all
               will
               not
               raise
               lazy
               sinners
               ,
               we
               
                 may
                 cry
                 our
                 hearts
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 who
                 believeth
                 our
                 report
                 ?
              
               we
               tell
               you
               ,
               
                 the
                 Judge
                 stands
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 Christ
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               not
               long
               before
               you
               must
               appear
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               if
               you
               be
               not
               ready
               ,
               you
               are
               like
               to
               be
               shut
               out
               ;
               you
               believe
               it
               not
               .
            
             
               (
               Secondly
               )
               A
               Cry
               of
               Affliction
               ,
               especially
               that
               visitation
               which
               is
               the
               fore-runner
               or
               harbinger
               of
               death
               :
               that
               cry
               from
               the
               
                 Rod
                 hath
                 a
                 voice
              
               ,
               and
               that
               voice
               
                 is
                 Gods
                 voice
                 ,
                 he
                 speaks
                 in
                 it
                 ,
              
               and
               it
               is
               
                 not
                 an
                 ordinary
                 voice
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 crying
                 voice
              
               ;
               the
               word
               ,
               
                 it
                 whispers
              
               ,
               the
               loud
               
                 crying
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 whispering
                 ,
              
               in
               comparison
               
                 of
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 God
                 in
              
               the
               Rod
               :
               it
               cryeth
               ,
               hear
               the
               Rod
               and
               who
               hath
               
               appointed
               it
               :
               Mind
               it
               ,
               
                 if
                 a
                 Judgement
                 be
                 upon
                 a
                 City
                 ,
              
               (
               is
               there
               any
               evil
               in
               a
               City
               ,
               and
               he
               hath
               not
               wrought
               it
               ?
               )
               it
               cryeth
               to
               the
               whole
               City
               louder
               then
               Jonah
               did
               ,
               repent
               ,
               repent
               ,
               for
               you
               may
               perish
               and
               come
               to
               the
               tribunal
               within
               less
               then
               40.
               daies
               ,
               or
               hours
               :
               
                 So
                 every
                 disease
              
               in
               a
               family
               cryeth
               to
               the
               family
               ,
               cryeth
               to
               the
               person
               ,
               prepare
               ,
               make
               ready
               ,
               that
               we
               need
               not
               such
               a
               message
               as
               the
               Prophet
               Isaiah
               brought
               to
               
                 Hezek
                 .
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 God
              
               in
               the
               Rod
               cryeth
               ,
               
                 prepare
                 ,
                 make
                 ready
              
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               coming
               ;
               here
               is
               a
               blow
               that
               the
               Tabernacle
               of
               Clay
               is
               ready
               to
               tumble
               ,
               and
               
                 then
                 soul
              
               ,
               where
               wilt
               thou
               appear
               ,
               if
               thou
               be
               not
               ready
               ?
               Or
               else
               ,
            
             
               (
               Thirdly
               ,
               )
               
                 by
                 cry
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 meant
                 ,
              
               as
               
                 Chrysost
                 .
                 Theophyl
                 .
                 Jer.
                 Hilary
                 ,
                 Aret.
              
               and
               others
               understand
               it
               ,
               
                 of
                 the
                 last
                 trump
                 of
                 the
              
               
               arch-Angel
               ,
               Arise
               ye
               dead
               ,
               and
               come
               to
               Judgement
               :
               this
               will
               be
               such
               a
               cry
               Brethren
               ,
               as
               will
               make
               all
               the
               world
               ring
               of
               it
               indeed
               ;
               that
               will
               pierce
               to
               
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 the
                 deep
              
               ,
               to
               make
               it
               give
               up
               its
               dead
               ,
               
                 to
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
              
               to
               make
               it
               give
               up
               its
               dead
               .
               Then
               
                 shall
                 all
                 arise
              
               ,
               the
               
                 dead
                 in
                 Christ
                 shall
                 rise
                 first
                 .
              
               Well
               this
               cry
               goeth
               
               before
               ,
               or
               accompanyeth
               this
               coming
               of
               the
               Bride-groom
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 Then
                 he
                 cometh
              
               .
               For
               the
               heavens
               now
               must
               contain
               him
               
                 until
                 the
                 Consummation
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 to
              
               
               
                 judge
                 quick
                 and
                 dead
              
               ;
               he
               that
               shall
               come
               ,
               
                 will
                 come
                 ;
                 though
              
               he
               seem
               long
               to
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               he
               that
               shall
               come
               will
               come
               :
               then
               mockers
               shall
               know
               where
               the
               promise
               of
               his
               coming
               is
               ,
               
                 they
                 shall
                 know
              
               their
               Judgement
               lingers
               not
               ,
               nor
               damnation
               slumbereth
               not
               .
               
                 He
                 will
                 come
              
               soon
               enough
               for
               all
               ,
               too
               soon
               for
               many
               poor
               creatures
               :
               the
               Lord
               grant
               none
               of
               us
               be
               found
               in
               our
               sinful
               condition
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               
                 The
                 time
                 is
                 at
                 midnight
              
               :
               The
               Jews
               have
               
                 a
                 tradition
              
               ,
               that
               the
               coming
               of
               
                 Christ
                 to
                 Judgement
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 midnight
              
               ;
               and
               
               hereupon
               the
               Primitive
               Christians
               ,
               it
               should
               seem
               ,
               did
               use
               to
               watch
               all
               night
               the
               
                 Eve
                 of
                 the
                 Pass-over
              
               ,
               expecting
               his
               coming
               ,
               as
               Jerom
               reports
               ,
               saith
               Beza
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               wise
               above
               what
               is
               reason
               ,
               you
               see
               whether
               it
               leads
               men
               in
               the
               dark
               ,
               for
               what
               is
               more
               directly
               against
               our
               
                 Saviour
                 his
                 own
              
               words
               ;
               Of
               
                 that
                 day
                 and
                 hour
                 knoweth
              
               
               
                 no
                 man
                 ;
                 no
                 not
                 the
                 Angels
              
               in
               heaven
               ,
               but
               my
               father
               only
               .
               At
               midnight
               ,
               with
               respect
               to
               the
               solemnity
               of
               the
               marriage
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               later
               then
               usually
               ,
               and
               therefore
               unexpected
               ,
               when
               all
               was
               silent
               ,
               
                 nocte
                 intempestâ
              
               ;
               when
               deep
               sleep
               useth
               to
               seize
               upon
               men
               .
               
                 The
                 man
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 ,
                 at
                 midnight
                 his
                 eyes
                 are
                 sealed
              
               up
               with
               sleep
               ,
               and
               
                 when
                 he
                 least
                 dreameth
                 of
                 the
                 thief
                 ,
              
               then
               he
               cometh
               ,
               and
               surprizeth
               him
               .
               
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               like
               a
               thief
               in
               the
               night
               ,
               when
               
               men
               usually
               are
               least
               aware
               ,
               most
               uncomposed
               ,
               and
               unfit
               for
               his
               coming
               for
               the
               most
               part
               .
            
             
               The
               rest
               of
               his
               actions
               in
               this
               Parable
               ,
               will
               come
               in
               under
               the
               other
               part
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               Church
               ,
               for
               you
               have
               in
               the
               general
               ;
            
             
               (
               First
               )
               the
               subject
               of
               this
               comparison
               ,
               the
               
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
              
               ,
               and
               what
               that
               is
               I
               shall
               not
               need
               here
               to
               speak
               much
               of
               ,
               it
               hath
               various
               expressions
               in
               Scripture
               ;
               It
               is
               not
               I
               conceive
               here
               taken
               
                 for
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 glory
              
               ,
               for
               there
               are
               no
               foolish
               Virgins
               members
               of
               that
               Kingdom
               :
               No
               ,
               
                 nor
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 which
                 is
                 within
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
              
               for
               the
               same
               reason
               .
               Nor
               yet
               for
               the
               
                 Administrations
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
              
               ,
               as
               sometimes
               it
               is
               taken
               ;
               But
               it
               is
               taken
               here
               ,
               
                 for
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
              
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               wherein
               some
               are
               wise
               ,
               some
               are
               foolish
               .
               Some
               hold
               out
               ,
               some
               fall
               
                 short
                 of
                 heaven
              
               ,
               and
               the
               glory
               
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               some
               are
               crowned
               ,
               enduring
               to
               the
               end
               ;
               and
               thus
               much
               for
               the
               opening
               of
               that
               expression
               .
            
             
               (
               Second
               )
               
                 thing
                 in
                 general
              
               to
               be
               noted
               ,
               is
               ,
               
                 the
                 time
              
               :
               Then
               shall
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               heaven
               be
               likened
               ,
               compared
               or
               shall
               be
               like
               ;
               then
               ,
               when
               ?
               even
               
                 when
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 man
              
               shall
               come
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               to
               
                 solemnize
                 the
                 marriage
              
               with
               such
               as
               he
               hath
               here
               espoused
               to
               himself
               ;
               then
               ,
               when
               
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 appear
              
               before
               him
               all
               together
               ,
               it
               shall
               most
               evidently
               appear
               to
               be
               so
               .
               But
               in
               a
               sort
               ,
               it
               is
               so
               in
               every
               mans
               particular
               Judgement
               
                 at
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 dissolution
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               a
               Specimen
               given
               to
               the
               
                 truth
                 of
                 this
                 parable
              
               ;
               and
               this
               appears
               from
               the
               connexion
               of
               this
               Chapter
               with
               the
               former
               ;
               the
               last
               ver
               .
               of
               the
               former
               Chapter
               he
               
                 speaks
                 of
                 cutting
                 in
                 sunder
              
               that
               
                 evil
                 servant
              
               ,
               that
               presuming
               upon
               
                 the
                 Masters
                 delay
              
               ,
               should
               beat
               his
               fellow-servants
               ,
               and
               eat
               and
               drink
               with
               the
               drunken
               ;
               he
               shall
               cut
               him
               in
               sunder
               ,
               
               and
               give
               
                 him
                 his
                 portion
                 with
                 hypocrites
              
               ;
               where
               is
               
                 weeping
                 and
                 gnashing
                 of
                 teeth
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 Then
                 shall
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 be
                 likened
                 to
                 ten
                 Virgins
                 .
              
               And
               though
               then
               the
               spirits
               of
               many
               
                 just
                 men
                 be
                 already
                 made
                 perfect
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 hypocrites
                 already
                 in
                 the
                 everlasting
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
              
               ;
               yet
               because
               they
               have
               been
               
                 members
                 of
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
              
               in
               a
               sort
               ,
               all
               such
               may
               come
               under
               such
               a
               consideration
               ,
               at
               the
               great
               and
               terrible
               day
               
                 of
                 his
                 appearing
              
               ,
               when
               the
               
                 sheep
                 shall
                 be
                 set
                 upon
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 goates
                 on
                 his
                 left
                 hand
                 ,
              
               as
               you
               have
               it
               in
               the
               latter
               end
               of
               this
               25.
               
               Chapter
               .
            
             
               Now
               for
               
                 the
                 Church
                 visible
              
               ,
               compared
               to
               ten
               Virgins
               :
               There
               are
               two
               sorts
               brethren
               in
               a
               visible
               Church
               ,
               such
               as
               are
               Saints
               indeed
               ,
               and
               do
               
                 enjoy
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               and
               have
               that
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               ,
               even
               righteousness
               ,
               peace
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy-Ghost
               within
               them
               ;
               and
               such
               as
               are
               only
               so
               ,
               
                 nomine
                 tenus
              
               ,
               they
               go
               for
               such
               with
               men
               ,
               who
               cannot
               search
               the
               heart
               ,
               ought
               not
               to
               judge
               the
               heart
               immediately
               ,
               but
               tenderly
               ,
               and
               alway
               with
               the
               greatest
               favour
               ,
               to
               judge
               of
               men
               :
               Now
               
                 such
                 is
                 this
                 Kingdom
              
               of
               heaven
               here
               mentioned
               :
               And
               therefore
               we
               will
               consider
               what
               is
               said
               of
               them
               two
               waies
               ;
               cast
               it
               two
               waies
               ,
               haply
               
                 it
                 may
                 appear
                 the
                 more
              
               clearly
               and
               distinctly
               to
               our
               understanding
               .
            
             
               (
               First
               ,
               )
               
                 We
                 will
                 consider
              
               what
               in
               the
               parable
               is
               
                 common
                 to
                 them
                 both
              
               ,
               to
               Hypocrites
               ,
               and
               Formal
               Professors
               ,
               with
               real
               Saints
               ,
               who
               possess
               and
               enjoy
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             
               (
               Secondly
               )
               We
               will
               consider
               
                 what
                 is
                 peculiar
                 to
                 either
              
               of
               them
               ,
               and
               set
               
                 contraria
                 juxta
                 se
              
               ,
               they
               wil
               give
               light
               each
               to
               other
               ,
               and
               this
               briefly
               .
            
             
             
               
                 First
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 things
                 wherein
                 they
                 agree
                 ,
              
               or
               which
               are
               common
               to
               Saints
               indeed
               ,
               with
               Saints
               in
               appearance
               only
               ,
               or
               seeming
               and
               real
               Saints
               .
               They
               are
               
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 called
                 Virgins
              
               ,
               not
               in
               commendation
               of
               virginity
               ,
               as
               Jerom
               did
               childishly
               conceive
               ,
               as
               Calvin
               noteth
               .
               
                 But
                 to
                 Virgins
              
               they
               are
               compared
               ,
               either
               only
               because
               in
               the
               
                 marriage
                 solemnity
              
               the
               Virgins
               used
               to
               go
               forth
               to
               meet
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               and
               bring
               him
               to
               his
               Chamber
               ;
               So
               here
               they
               must
               go
               forth
               to
               meet
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               .
               
                 Or
                 else
                 there
                 is
                 more
                 in
                 it
                 ,
              
               and
               I
               know
               not
               but
               we
               may
               consider
               Virgins
               according
               to
               their
               state
               and
               condition
               here
               .
               Now
               the
               Church
               is
               so
               called
               ,
               or
               compared
               to
               Virgins
               ,
               not
               in
               respect
               of
               their
               glorious
               
                 unconquered
                 outward
              
               condition
               ,
               as
               
                 sometimes
                 in
                 Scripture
              
               ,
               even
               strange
               Nations
               ,
               yea
               Idolaters
               are
               called
               Virgins
               ,
               as
               Zidon
               ,
               thou
               
                 shalt
                 no
                 more
                 rejoyce
              
               O
               thou
               
               oppressed
               Virgin
               daughter
               of
               Zidon
               ,
               arise
               pass
               over
               to
               Chittim
               ,
               there
               also
               shalt
               thou
               have
               no
               rest
               .
               So
               
                 Babel
                 ,
                 Come
                 down
                 and
                 sit
                 in
              
               
               
                 the
                 dust
              
               O
               Virgin
               daughter
               of
               Babylon
               ;
               thou
               that
               as
               a
               Virgin
               hast
               hitherto
               abode
               in
               thy
               fathers
               house
               in
               a
               glorious
               beautiful
               condition
               ,
               thy
               pomp
               and
               glory
               now
               come
               down
               .
               And
               so
               Egypt
               ,
               go
               up
               to
               Gilead
               and
               
                 take
                 balm
              
               O
               Virgin
               daughter
               of
               Egypt
               ,
               in
               vain
               shalt
               
               thou
               use
               many
               medicines
               ,
               
                 thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 be
                 healed
              
               ;
               (
               though
               the
               Papists
               make
               this
               a
               note
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               the
               glory
               and
               outward
               splendor
               of
               it
               ;
               that
               is
               quite
               cross
               to
               that
               of
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               in
               the
               world
               ye
               shall
               have
               tribulation
               ,
               and
               how
               often
               have
               they
               been
               scatterd
               by
               Persecution
               .
               )
            
             
               Nor
               
                 yet
                 are
                 they
                 called
                 Virgins
              
               because
               of
               
                 their
                 priding
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 setting
              
               forth
               themselves
               ,
               as
               Virgins
               
                 with
                 their
                 Ornaments
              
               .
            
             
               Nor
               
                 yet
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 Constitution
              
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               when
               they
               were
               all
               ,
               
                 or
                 most
                 of
                 them
                 Virgins
              
               .
               There
               were
               12.
               and
               but
               one
               of
               them
               a
               Devil
               :
               But
               I
               conceive
               ,
               
                 It
                 respects
                 the
                 condition
              
               of
               the
               visible
               Church
               ,
               as
               then
               it
               shall
               be
               specially
               .
               And
               what
               is
               that
               ?
               how
               are
               they
               compared
               to
               Virgins
               ?
               
                 Specially
                 in
                 these
                 two
                 things
              
               .
            
             
               (
               First
               )
               Because
               all
               
                 that
                 profess
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               and
               become
               visible
               S
               t
               s
               ,
               they
               profess
               
                 to
                 renounce
                 their
                 Idols
              
               ;
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 turned
                 them
                 from
                 Idols
                 to
                 the
                 living
                 God.
              
               Now
               Idolatry
               in
               Scripture
               
               is
               counted
               you
               
                 know
                 ,
                 whoredom
              
               ,
               if
               they
               have
               
                 been
                 married
                 to
              
               the
               Lord
               ,
               owning
               his
               Covenant
               ;
               or
               else
               fornication
               ,
               nothing
               more
               ordinary
               ;
               it
               is
               enough
               to
               hint
               it
               to
               you
               ,
               and
               therefore
               when
               there
               
               is
               a
               renouncing
               of
               Idolatry
               ,
               there
               the
               Scripture
               looks
               upon
               them
               as
               Virgins
               ;
               So
               when
               Judah
               and
               Israel
               had
               played
               the
               Harlot
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               had
               worshipped
               and
               served
               Idols
               ,
               God
               chargeth
               their
               spiritual
               whoredom
               upon
               them
               .
               But
               when
               they
               
                 reformed
                 ,
                 as
                 Judah
                 did
              
               ;
               you
               know
               in
               many
               Kings
               daies
               
                 Jehoshaphat
                 ,
                 Hezekiah
              
               ,
               
               &c.
               
               And
               
                 in
                 the
                 daies
                 when
                 Sennacher
              
               .
               came
               up
               against
               them
               and
               blasphemed
               them
               ;
               the
               
                 answer
                 the
                 Lord
                 gave
                 to
                 Hezek
                 .
              
               by
               the
               Prophet
               was
               this
               ,
               the
               
                 Virgin
                 daughter
                 of
                 Zion
                 hath
                 despised
                 thee
              
               ;
               now
               having
               renounced
               her
               Idols
               ,
               he
               so
               
                 calls
                 her
              
               ,
               and
               having
               betaken
               her self
               to
               the
               shaddow
               of
               his
               wings
               alone
               ,
               from
               thence
               ,
               from
               the
               hole
               in
               the
               rock
               ,
               
                 she
                 despised
                 the
                 Assyr
              
               .
            
             
               And
               (
               secondly
               )
               
                 Because
                 also
                 ,
                 now
                 taking
                 upon
                 them
              
               the
               profession
               
               of
               Christ
               ,
               they
               escape
               
                 and
                 forego
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
              
               the
               world
               ,
               then
               gross
               scandalous
               sins
               
                 they
                 forsake
                 ,
                 even
                 Hypocrites
              
               as
               well
               as
               others
               ,
               in
               which
               respects
               they
               may
               be
               called
               Virgins
               ,
               though
               their
               hearts
               be
               not
               right
               with
               God.
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 they
                 had
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 Lamps
              
               ;
               they
               took
               their
               Lamps
               ,
               saith
               the
               text
               ;
               they
               have
               all
               of
               them
               a
               Profession
               of
               Christ
               ,
               they
               make
               a
               shew
               before
               men
               .
               The
               Lamps
               I
               cannot
               take
               for
               any
               thing
               inward
               ,
               but
               meerly
               somewhat
               outward
               ,
               appearing
               unto
               men
               ,
               they
               
               are
               Christians
               outwardly
               all
               of
               them
               :
               Even
               those
               really
               ,
               believers
               with
               the
               heart
               they
               do
               
                 confess
                 Christ
              
               with
               the
               mouth
               to
               salvation
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               ashamed
               to
               own
               him
               before
               men
               ,
               and
               
                 their
                 light
              
               
               
                 of
                 good
                 works
                 and
                 knowledge
                 shines
                 before
                 men
                 ,
              
               that
               
                 the
                 world
                 may
                 see
                 it
              
               ,
               there
               is
               the
               light
               of
               the
               Lamp.
               And
               truly
               herein
               hypocrites
               may
               go
               far
               ;
               they
               have
               
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
              
               ,
               and
               as
               glorious
               a
               form
               as
               any
               others
               ,
               and
               they
               do
               as
               
                 many
                 good
                 works
              
               ,
               materially
               good
               
                 as
                 others
              
               do
               ;
               and
               so
               they
               have
               
                 a
                 light
                 shining
                 before
                 men
              
               as
               well
               as
               others
               .
               So
               the
               Pharisees
               ,
               you
               know
               they
               made
               as
               many
               prayers
               ,
               did
               as
               much
               
                 Alms
                 ,
                 fasted
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 others
                 ,
              
               made
               a
               glorious
               shew
               ,
               here
               are
               Lamps
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 their
                 lamps
                 it
                 seemeth
                 were
                 burning
              
               all
               of
               them
               .
               Concerning
               the
               wise
               Virgins
               there
               need
               be
               no
               Question
               of
               it
               .
               But
               for
               the
               foolish
               ,
               I
               think
               it
               will
               be
               gathered
               from
               that
               where
               they
               complain
               ,
               that
               their
               
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 extinguished
              
               ;
               though
               it
               is
               
               true
               ,
               they
               were
               not
               fed
               with
               
                 a
                 right
                 principle
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               went
               out
               ,
               yet
               they
               did
               burn
               ,
               they
               made
               a
               shew
               of
               heat
               and
               light
               also
               before
               men
               ,
               as
               Jehu
               you
               know
               did
               ,
               he
               seemeth
               to
               make
               a
               greater
               blaze
               in
               his
               zeal
               for
               God
               ,
               then
               Elijah
               himself
               did
               ;
               And
               
               so
               for
               light
               also
               ,
               knowledge
               
                 aboundeth
                 many
                 times
              
               brethren
               in
               an
               hypocrites
               head
               ,
               
                 a
                 clear
                 head
              
               ,
               and
               a
               muddie
               heart
               ,
               
                 a
                 sound
                 head
              
               ,
               as
               the
               notion
               ,
               and
               a
               rotten
               heart
               may
               be
               together
               ;
               well
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               third
               ,
               I
               hasten
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 They
                 all
                 took
                 them
                 and
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
              
               the
               Bride-groom
               ;
               they
               all
               have
               
                 their
                 faces
                 Zion-ward
              
               ,
               heaven-ward
               ,
               to
               meet
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               only
               the
               hypocrites
               they
               have
               faces
               one
               way
               ,
               and
               row
               another
               way
               ,
               as
               the
               Mariners
               do
               ;
               this
               I
               take
               to
               be
               their
               seeming
               
                 to
                 make
                 for
                 heaven
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               one
               to
               be
               as
               fair
               for
               it
               as
               the
               other
               ,
               for
               they
               go
               as
               it
               were
               hand
               in
               hand
               to
               
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               yea
               a
               hypocrite
               may
               go
               far
               indeed
               in
               externals
               ,
               as
               far
               as
               a
               child
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               afterward
               
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 occasion
              
               to
               say
               ;
               you
               may
               have
               your
               faces
               Zion-wards
               ,
               and
               seem
               to
               go
               forth
               to
               meet
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               and
               yet
               miscarry
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               
                 When
                 he
                 delayed
                 his
                 coming
                 until
                 midnight
                 ,
              
               they
               all
               
               
                 slumbered
                 and
                 slept
              
               .
            
             
               We
               must
               not
               understand
               this
               of
               giving
               up
               themselves
               to
               security
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 wallowing
                 in
                 the
                 sinful
                 pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
              
               the
               pleasures
               of
               sin
               for
               a
               season
               .
               For
               this
               cannot
               sute
               with
               the
               truth
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               therefore
               
                 cannot
                 agree
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 born
              
               
               
                 of
                 God
                 sinneth
                 not
              
               ,
               cannot
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               not
               work
               sin
               ,
               
                 but
                 his
                 work
                 is
                 righteousness
              
               ,
               though
               he
               may
               have
               many
               by-blows
               in
               his
               work
               ,
               many
               
                 mis-carriages
                 ,
                 yet
                 his
                 work
              
               is
               righteousness
               .
            
             
               Nor
               can
               it
               for
               a
               great
               part
               stand
               with
               the
               very
               
                 profession
                 of
                 a
                 hypocrite
              
               ,
               to
               
                 return
                 again
                 to
                 the
                 pollutions
              
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               which
               
                 once
                 he
                 had
                 escaped
              
               ,
               secretly
               ;
               haply
               he
               may
               rowl
               a
               
                 sweet
                 morsel
              
               
               under
               his
               tongue
               ,
               and
               be
               loth
               to
               part
               with
               it
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
              
               ,
               which
               are
               open
               ,
               like
               wallowing
               in
               the
               myre
               ,
               will
               not
               stand
               with
               their
               profession
               ,
               therefore
               this
               is
               not
               meant
               by
               slumbering
               and
               sleeping
               ,
               but
               either
               ,
            
             
               (
               Secondly
               )
               Is
               meant
               by
               it
               
                 the
                 sleep
                 of
                 death
              
               in
               part
               ,
               for
               death
               is
               no
               
                 more
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 killing
                 sleep
                 to
                 hypocrites
                 :
              
               our
               friend
               Lazarus
               sleepeth
               ;
               or
               else
               ,
            
             
               (
               Thirdly
               ,
               )
               
                 Also
                 partly
              
               a
               security
               and
               heaviness
               which
               groweth
               upon
               the
               Saints
               ,
               on
               this
               side
               death
               ,
               and
               me
               thinks
               the
               words
               seem
               to
               carry
               much
               for
               this
               ,
               there
               are
               two
               words
               ,
               they
               slumbered
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               and
               they
               slept
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               and
               the
               latter
               seemeth
               to
               be
               more
               then
               meerly
               Expository
               of
               the
               former
               .
               The
               
                 former
                 signifieth
              
               
               only
               a
               little
               drowsiness
               when
               a
               man
               doth
               nap
               or
               nod
               a
               little
               ,
               as
               a
               man
               sit●ing
               ,
               or
               standing
               may
               sometimes
               ,
               but
               presently
               awake
               ,
               
                 aliquando
                 bonus
                 dormitat
                 Homerus
                 .
                 But
                 then
              
               the
               sleep
               is
               a
               deeper
               security
               ,
               when
               the
               eyes
               are
               altogether
               closed
               ,
               and
               a
               man
               is
               fast
               ,
               though
               some
               sleep
               faster
               then
               others
               do
               ;
               some
               
                 set
                 themselves
                 to
                 sleep
              
               ,
               they
               give
               themselves
               to
               it
               ,
               others
               are
               overtaken
               with
               it
               ,
               
                 it
                 seizeth
              
               upon
               them
               like
               an
               armed
               man
               sometimes
               ,
               
                 and
                 herein
                 they
                 agree
              
               ,
               the
               Saints
               and
               hypocrites
               ,
               formal
               and
               powerful
               professors
               of
               Christ
               ,
               they
               all
               slumbered
               and
               slept
               ,
               they
               
                 were
                 all
                 it
                 seemeth
                 overcharged
                 with
                 the
                 cares
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ,
              
               or
               somewhat
               or
               other
               ,
               
               that
               their
               watch
               was
               down
               ,
               and
               they
               were
               surprized
               And
               
                 alas
                 Brethren
              
               ,
               if
               the
               day
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               should
               come
               upon
               us
               almost
               any
               day
               ,
               would
               it
               not
               
                 find
                 us
                 sleeping
              
               ,
               or
               
                 if
                 not
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 yet
                 slumbering
              
               at
               least
               ;
               but
               of
               this
               more
               afterwards
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               
                 They
                 all
                 arose
                 saith
                 the
                 text
                 when
                 the
                 cry
                 came
              
               at
               midnight
               .
               It
               was
               high
               
                 time
                 then
                 to
                 awake
              
               ,
               as
               souldiers
               that
               watch
               for
               
               an
               enemy
               ;
               they
               fall
               asleep
               ,
               set
               some
               to
               watch
               ,
               suddenly
               there
               is
               an
               out-cry
               ,
               
                 an
                 alarum
              
               ,
               O
               how
               quickly
               are
               they
               raised
               !
               If
               the
               last
               
                 trumpet
                 be
                 the
                 cry
              
               ,
               it
               shall
               raise
               all
               
                 both
                 hypocrites
              
               as
               
                 well
                 as
                 Saints
              
               ,
               only
               the
               dead
               in
               Christ
               shall
               rise
               first
               ,
               be
               awakened
               out
               of
               the
               sleep
               of
               death
               .
               
                 If
                 the
                 cry
              
               be
               the
               Ministry
               of
               the
               word
               by
               some
               smart
               visitation
               ,
               it
               will
               
                 rouze
                 them
                 all
              
               ,
               let
               hypocrites
               be
               as
               secure
               of
               their
               condition
               as
               they
               will
               ,
               they
               shall
               have
               a
               
                 time
                 of
                 awakening
              
               ,
            
             
               Seventhly
               and
               lastly
               ,
               
                 They
                 trimmed
                 their
                 Lamps
              
               .
               Some
               say
               only
               the
               wise
               Virgins
               trimmed
               their
               Lamps
               ,
               for
               the
               foolish
               had
               only
               dead
               
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 gave
                 no
                 light
                 ,
              
               shining
               before
               men
               ,
               but
               why
               then
               
                 are
                 they
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 extinguished
              
               or
               to
               be
               gone
               out
               ?
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Text
               carry
               it
               for
               all
               ,
               they
               all
               arose
               and
               trimmed
               their
               Lamps
               ,
               the
               copulative
               joines
               both
               sentences
               together
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               universal
               reacheth
               the
               latter
               part
               as
               well
               as
               the
               former
               ,
               except
               there
               were
               some
               limitation
               .
               It
               should
               seem
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               that
               
                 hypocrites
                 may
                 make
                 as
                 fair
                 a
                 shew
              
               and
               deceive
               themselves
               ,
               or
               being
               
                 deceived
                 by
                 their
                 own
                 hearts
              
               ,
               even
               very
               long
               ,
               
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 last
              
               ,
               they
               
                 thought
                 now
                 to
                 arise
                 with
                 Sampson
                 ,
              
               and
               shake
               themselves
               ,
               when
               they
               have
               been
               sleeping
               upon
               the
               lap
               of
               their
               Dalilah
               ,
               but
               alas
               their
               
                 Lamps
                 were
                 out
              
               ,
               they
               trimmed
               them
               ,
               and
               stirr'd
               them
               up
               to
               see
               if
               
                 they
                 would
                 burn
                 any
                 longer
              
               ,
               but
               
                 they
                 were
                 gone
                 out
              
               ,
               or
               going
               out
               as
               some
               render
               it
               .
               
                 A
                 sad
                 thing
                 ,
                 Brethren
              
               ,
               for
               us
               to
               
                 deceive
                 
                 your selves
              
               even
               to
               the
               very
               last
               cast
               until
               there
               be
               no
               remedy
               .
               O
               what
               treacherous
               hearts
               have
               we
               !
            
             
               Eighthly
               ,
               
                 They
                 agree
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 number
                 ,
              
               here
               in
               
                 the
                 Parable
              
               ,
               five
               were
               wise
               ,
               and
               five
               were
               foolish
               ,
               for
               this
               we
               must
               remember
               what
               was
               premised
               ,
               that
               every
               particular
               is
               not
               to
               be
               squeezed
               and
               prest
               too
               sore
               ;
               nor
               can
               we
               conclude
               from
               hence
               an
               equal
               number
               
                 of
                 real
                 Saints
              
               ,
               or
               painted
               hypocrites
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               no
               more
               then
               where
               there
               are
               Chap.
               13.
               three
               
                 evil
                 sorts
                 of
                 ground
              
               ,
               and
               but
               one
               
               good
               ;
               we
               can
               cònclude
               
                 that
                 there
                 are
                 three
                 to
                 one
              
               unsound
               professors
               
                 who
                 receive
                 the
                 word
              
               ,
               to
               one
               honest
               
                 and
                 good
                 heart
              
               ,
               which
               bringeth
               forth
               fruit
               to
               perfection
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               more
               ,
               there
               may
               be
               less
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 tells
                 us
              
               ,
               many
               are
               called
               ,
               but
               few
               
               
                 are
                 chosen
              
               ;
               he
               might
               therefore
               here
               haply
               have
               some
               respect
               to
               the
               number
               of
               Virgins
               which
               
                 might
                 accompany
                 the
                 Bride
                 ;
                 which
                 some
                 say
                 were
                 five
                 ,
              
               because
               the
               number
               consists
               of
               the
               first
               equal
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 first
                 unequal
                 number
              
               ,
               even
               two
               and
               three
               ,
               because
               in
               a
               marriage
               ,
               a
               
                 superiour
                 and
                 inferiour
              
               ,
               male
               and
               female
               are
               joyned
               together
               ,
               but
               that
               is
               a
               nicity
               ;
               
                 however
                 this
                 we
                 may
              
               take
               up
               from
               it
               
                 in
                 the
                 general
              
               ,
               that
               there
               are
               some
               
                 which
                 are
                 not
                 what
                 they
              
               profess
               ,
               some
               are
               foolish
               ,
               and
               some
               are
               wise
               in
               the
               Church
               .
            
             
               Now
               
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 somewhat
              
               to
               that
               which
               is
               distinguishing
               in
               the
               Parable
               ,
               between
               formal
               and
               real
               professors
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               in
               this
               Kingdom
               .
            
             
               First
               
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 are
                 foolish
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 are
                 wise
              
               ;
               
               all
               are
               not
               wise
               that
               are
               within
               the
               Church
               ,
               there
               are
               some
               fools
               .
               Why
               ,
               but
               is
               it
               folly
               then
               for
               any
               man
               
                 to
                 prosess
                 Christ
              
               ?
               No
               ,
               it
               is
               
                 not
                 folly
                 simply
              
               considered
               in
               it self
               ,
               
                 but
                 a
                 duty
              
               to
               confess
               him
               ,
               and
               hold
               him
               out
               before
               men
               ;
               but
               to
               
                 stick
                 here
                 is
                 folly
              
               ,
               as
               we
               shall
               see
               
                 more
                 hereafter
              
               ,
               blessed
               be
               the
               Lord
               that
               there
               are
               some
               wise
               ,
               though
               there
               be
               many
               foolish
               ,
               some
               that
               will
               not
               
                 be
                 put
                 off
                 with
                 forms
              
               nor
               shadows
               ,
               but
               must
               have
               the
               
                 substance
                 ,
                 the
                 bread
                 of
                 life
              
               ;
               and
               not
               husks
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               satisfie
               them
               .
               O
               that
               we
               were
               every
               one
               of
               us
               such
               ,
               Brethren
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 The
                 foolish
                 ,
                 they
                 took
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
              
               though
               their
               Lamps
               burned
               ,
               &
               afterward
               were
               extinguished
               ,
               when
               they
               should
               
               stand
               them
               in
               stead
               to
               enter
               with
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               they
               had
               no
               oyl
               :
               
                 What
                 is
                 meant
                 here
                 by
                 oyl
                 ,
              
               and
               what
               by
               vessels
               ?
               for
               the
               first
               some
               say
               one
               thing
               ,
               some
               another
               ,
               some
               as
               the
               Papists
               ,
               say
               good
               works
               is
               the
               oyl
               which
               is
               
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 faith
              
               ,
               without
               which
               it
               is
               
               dead
               ,
               which
               is
               as
               if
               a
               man
               should
               call
               the
               flame
               of
               a
               Lamp
               ,
               the
               oyl
               that
               feeds
               it
               ;
               therefore
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               Scripture
               expression
               ,
               elsewhere
               ,
               by
               oyl
               
                 I
                 understand
                 the
                 saving
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ;
               true
               justifying
               faith
               ,
               repentance
               ,
               
                 never
                 to
                 be
                 repented
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 pure
                 heart
              
               ;
               unfeigned
               faith
               ,
               unfeigned
               
               repentance
               ,
               unfeigned
               love
               ,
               and
               indeed
               all
               the
               graces
               of
               the
               spirit
               .
               These
               are
               they
               that
               
                 feed
                 the
                 flame
              
               in
               the
               Lamps
               of
               the
               Saints
               ;
               whatever
               
                 hypocrites
                 have
              
               which
               maketh
               a
               flame
               ,
               and
               their
               Lamps
               do
               burn
               by
               it
               ,
               of
               which
               more
               afterward
               ,
               because
               I
               would
               not
               stay
               you
               too
               long
               in
               the
               opening
               of
               it
               ,
               this
               they
               wanted
               ,
               they
               cared
               not
               to
               make
               sure
               of
               this
               ,
               to
               have
               this
               true
               saving
               grace
               ;
               so
               they
               
                 had
                 but
                 as
                 much
                 as
              
               would
               make
               a
               blaze
               among
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               be
               seen
               to
               have
               Lamps
               burning
               and
               shining
               as
               well
               as
               others
               ,
               the
               rest
               they
               cared
               not
               for
               .
            
             
               (
               Secondly
               ,
               )
               
                 For
                 the
                 vessels
              
               ;
               some
               say
               the
               Lamps
               they
               had
               no
               oyl
               in
               them
               ;
               but
               me
               thinks
               the
               Text
               
                 distinguisheth
                 between
                 the
                 Lamps
              
               and
               the
               vessels
               ,
               they
               took
               no
               oyl
               with
               their
               Lamps
               ,
               he
               doth
               not
               say
               in
               them
               ,
               but
               with
               them
               ;
               and
               the
               next
               verse
               ,
               the
               wise
               took
               oyl
               in
               their
               vessels
               with
               their
               Lamps
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               it
               is
               of
               a
               large
               extent
               ,
               but
               it
               signifieth
               ,
               somewhat
               believed
               ,
               the
               Lamp
               :
               It
               is
               likely
               they
               had
               some
               vessels
               they
               carried
               about
               
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
              
               that
               when
               the
               Lamp
               needed
               ,
               they
               supplyed
               it
               still
               ,
               else
               it
               would
               go
               out
               ,
               so
               here
               ,
               the
               vessel
               may
               be
               
                 meant
                 the
                 heart
              
               ,
               brethren
               ;
               a
               truly
               
                 contrite
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 vessel
              
               into
               which
               the
               Lord
               
                 pours
                 the
                 oyl
              
               of
               his
               grace
               and
               spirit
               ,
               and
               hence
               there
               is
               a
               continual
               supply
               ,
               
                 like
                 the
                 oyl
              
               in
               the
               Cruse
               it
               fails
               not
               .
               
                 Now
                 this
              
               the
               foolish
               they
               cared
               not
               for
               ,
               
                 but
                 they
                 had
                 somewhat
              
               at
               present
               that
               would
               make
               their
               Lamps
               burn
               ;
               for
               holding
               out
               ,
               they
               forecast
               not
               for
               that
               ,
               therefore
               provided
               no
               oyl
               in
               their
               vessels
               ,
               no
               true
               sound
               ,
               saving
               ,
               durable
               grace
               ,
               in
               their
               hearts
               ;
               the
               Lord
               grant
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               
                 this
                 be
                 not
                 the
                 case
              
               and
               condition
               ,
               of
               many
               a
               glorious
               professor
               among
               us
               ,
               our
               age
               hath
               given
               ,
               as
               large
               a
               testimony
               to
               this
               truth
               ,
               as
               ever
               time
               did
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 When
                 the
                 cry
                 came
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 went
              
               to
               trim
               their
               Lamps
               all
               of
               them
               ,
               
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 verse
              
               8.
               
               The
               wise
               ,
               their
               
                 Lamps
                 had
                 need
              
               of
               triming
               ,
               as
               the
               Lamps
               of
               the
               Sanctuary
               were
               to
               be
               trimed
               every
               day
               ,
               
                 every
                 morning
              
               they
               gather
               some
               dross
               and
               filth
               which
               would
               dim
               the
               light
               ,
               but
               now
               the
               
                 others
                 they
                 were
                 quite
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
              
               when
               they
               had
               most
               need
               of
               them
               ,
               
               they
               failed
               them
               :
               And
               indeed
               ,
               
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 is
                 an
                 empty
                 profession
                 ,
              
               it
               will
               not
               carry
               a
               man
               through
               all
               conditions
               ,
               as
               we
               shall
               have
               occasion
               to
               speak
               afterward
               .
            
             
               O
               how
               sad
               a
               condition
               will
               every
               hypocrite
               be
               in
               ,
               when
               he
               falls
               under
               such
               a
               disappointment
               of
               his
               hope
               ,
               then
               which
               to
               a
               reasonable
               creature
               ,
               there
               cannot
               be
               a
               greater
               vexation
               ,
               he
               thought
               he
               was
               as
               fair
               for
               heaven
               as
               another
               ,
               and
               yet
               when
               all
               cometh
               to
               all
               ,
               
                 in
                 the
                 hour
                 of
                 need
                 ,
                 the
                 Lamps
                 quite
                 extinguished
                 ,
              
               put
               out
               in
               obscure
               darkness
               ,
               the
               beginning
               
                 of
                 that
                 utter
              
               darkness
               where
               their
               portion
               is
               like
               to
               be
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 The
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 then
                 are
              
               on
               the
               
                 begging
                 hand
              
               ,
               and
               the
               wise
               on
               the
               
                 denying
                 hand
              
               ,
               and
               they
               send
               them
               to
               buy
               of
               them
               that
               sell
               :
               Here
               I
               know
               not
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               to
               press
               every
               particular
               ;
               as
               
                 if
                 the
                 foolish
              
               were
               so
               foolish
               as
               to
               beg
               grace
               of
               the
               wise
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               part
               of
               others
               ,
               
                 except
                 the
                 Papists
              
               ,
               who
               will
               have
               no
               other
               Church
               of
               Christ
               but
               themselves
               by
               no
               wise
               ,
               and
               
                 then
                 that
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 to
              
               their
               Merit-mongers
               and
               Indulgencers
               ,
               and
               the
               Church-treasure
               for
               righteousness
               ,
               rather
               then
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
               
                 Nor
                 is
                 it
                 any
                 harshness
              
               ,
               if
               the
               Saints
               deny
               them
               ,
               for
               alas
               brethren
               ,
               it
               
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 them
                 to
              
               give
               ,
               lest
               
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 enough
              
               for
               themselves
               and
               them
               also
               ;
               there
               is
               no
               super-erogating
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Some
               say
               ,
               the
               speech
               is
               defective
               ,
               an
               ellipsis
               of
               the
               refusal
               ,
               and
               the
               reason
               
                 only
                 is
                 here
                 given
              
               ;
               others
               read
               it
               thus
               ,
               least
               
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 enough
                 for
                 you
                 and
                 us
                 ,
              
               go
               to
               
                 them
                 that
                 buy
              
               ;
               and
               so
               there
               is
               no
               such
               defect
               ,
               the
               sense
               is
               the
               same
               ,
               
                 Who
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 selleth
                 but
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 indeed
                 ,
              
               and
               that
               
                 without
                 money
                 and
                 without
              
               
               price
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               it
               in
               that
               place
               of
               Isaiah
               ?
               But
               we
               
                 may
                 look
                 upon
                 this
                 answer
              
               ,
               not
               as
               
                 a
                 monition
              
               ,
               or
               serious
               advice
               what
               to
               do
               ,
               but
               ataunt
               rather
               ,
               a
               derifion
               of
               them
               ,
               
                 go
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 buy
              
               :
               and
               so
               it
               suites
               wonderful
               well
               with
               the
               
                 Papists
                 :
                 now
                 go
                 to
                 your
                 Merit-mongers
              
               
               to
               buy
               .
               So
               
                 Eliah
                 ,
                 cry
                 aloud
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 God
                 ,
              
               either
               in
               
                 a
                 journey
              
               ,
               &c.
               
               So
               the
               Prophet
               to
               Babylon
               ,
               threatning
               ruine
               upon
               her
               ,
               thou
               art
               wearied
               in
               the
               multitude
               of
               thy
               counsels
               ,
               
                 let
                 now
                 thy
                 Astrologers
                 ,
                 Star-gazers
                 ,
                 monethly
                 prognosticators
                 ,
                 stand
                 up
              
               and
               
               
                 save
                 thee
              
               from
               these
               
                 things
                 that
                 shall
                 come
                 upon
                 thee
                 .
              
               That
               which
               is
               plainly
               and
               undenyably
               
                 held
                 forth
                 to
                 us
              
               therein
               is
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 foolish
              
               Virgins
               are
               to
               seek
               their
               grace
               ,
               when
               they
               should
               use
               it
               ;
               then
               they
               see
               
                 they
                 have
                 none
              
               ,
               whatever
               they
               deceived
               themselves
               with
               before
               ,
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 this
              
               prove
               not
               our
               condition
               to
               any
               of
               us
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               that
               
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 thus
                 unready
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               and
               go
               to
               buy
               ,
               the
               rest
               
                 that
                 had
                 oyl
              
               ,
               that
               are
               ready
               ,
               enter
               into
               
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 their
                 Lord
              
               ;
               when
               once
               the
               time
               cometh
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               longer
               delay
               ,
               but
               as
               many
               as
               are
               ready
               he
               takes
               in
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               then
               
                 the
                 door
              
               is
               shut
               ;
               it
               is
               shut
               against
               all
               those
               ,
               that
               are
               unready
               ,
               have
               
                 their
                 work
              
               to
               do
               ;
               when
               their
               time
               is
               gone
               ,
               when
               they
               expect
               〈◊〉
               glory
               ,
               they
               want
               their
               grace
               ,
               when
               they
               
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 Crown
                 ▪
              
               they
               〈…〉
               begin
               their
               race
               .
               Ah
               Brethren
               !
               if
               this
               prove
               the
               condition
               of
               our selves
               ,
               sad
               will
               it
               be
               with
               us
               ,
               that
               
                 others
                 shall
              
               enter
               in
               ,
               that
               we
               thought
               in
               no
               better
               a
               condition
               
                 then
                 our selves
              
               ,
               and
               our selves
               shut
               out
               because
               we
               are
               not
               ready
               ;
               he
               will
               not
               then
               stay
               any
               longer
               ,
               he
               hath
               waited
               upon
               us
               long
               enough
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               
                 Yet
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
              
               ,
               though
               they
               have
               no
               oyl
               ,
               and
               their
               
                 Lamps
                 be
                 out
              
               ,
               they
               
                 come
                 and
                 they
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
              
               ;
               they
               cry
               
               with
               earnestness
               to
               have
               
                 the
                 door
                 opened
              
               .
               Ah
               Brethren
               !
               you
               that
               
                 now
                 content
                 your selves
              
               with
               a
               meer
               formality
               ,
               and
               nothing
               will
               stir
               you
               up
               
                 to
                 be
                 zealous
              
               and
               to
               amend
               ,
               then
               
                 you
                 will
                 cry
                 either
                 at
                 your
                 death-bed
                 ,
              
               at
               that
               summons
               ,
               or
               
                 at
                 the
                 judgement
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               
               
                 open
                 to
                 us
              
               ,
               the
               
                 strange
                 presumption
                 and
                 confidence
              
               in
               poor
               sinners
               hearts
               ,
               though
               they
               
                 know
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 oyl
              
               ,
               yet
               will
               expect
               to
               enter
               into
               heaven
               ,
               though
               they
               know
               they
               have
               loytered
               and
               
                 trifled
                 away
                 their
                 time
                 of
              
               getting
               grace
               ,
               yet
               they
               
                 would
                 have
                 admittance
              
               ,
               they
               would
               
                 have
                 heaven
                 in
              
               the
               end
               ,
               though
               they
               care
               not
               for
               
                 working
                 out
              
               their
               salvation
               with
               fear
               and
               trembling
               ,
               they
               leave
               
                 that
                 to
                 others
              
               to
               do
               ,
               
                 yet
                 expect
                 the
                 salvation
              
               in
               the
               end
               as
               well
               as
               they
               .
               And
               see
               how
               far
               hypocrites
               may
               go
               ,
               they
               come
               to
               
                 the
                 very
                 gate
              
               ,
               and
               there
               they
               
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
              
               ,
               open
               to
               us
               ,
               but
               ,
               all
               in
               vain
               .
            
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               
                 The
                 answer
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 giveth
                 them
                 :
                 Verily
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
              
               ;
               there
               is
               need
               of
               an
               asseveration
               to
               press
               it
               upon
               them
               ,
               their
               confidence
               was
               so
               high
               that
               they
               
                 should
                 enter
              
               in
               with
               the
               Bridegroom
               :
               What
               ?
               
                 take
                 all
                 that
                 pains
                 to
                 provide
              
               Lamps
               ,
               to
               take
               them
               to
               
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 him
              
               ,
               to
               raise
               themselves
               
                 up
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 ,
                 yea
                 afterward
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 to
                 get
                 oyl
                 ,
              
               and
               yet
               shut
               one
               ;
               this
               will
               hardly
               down
               with
               them
               ?
               Verily
               ,
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               
                 whatever
                 you
                 may
                 presume
                 upon
              
               ,
               and
               vainly
               hold
               up
               your
               hearts
               with
               ,
               be
               assured
               ,
               I
               know
               you
               not
               .
               
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 word
                 will
                 kill
                 the
                 st●u●est
              
               hearted
               sinner
               ,
               when
               it
               
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 pitch
              
               !
               and
               the
               most
               swel
               〈…〉
               g
               confident
               hypocrite
               
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 his
                 heart
                 sink
                 within
                 
                 him
              
               like
               a
               stone
               ;
               
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               there
               is
               no
               reason
               I
               should
               
                 let
                 you
                 in
                 ,
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 you
                 ;
                 though
                 they
                 had
                 neglected
                 to
              
               
               
                 acquaint
                 themselves
                 inwardly
              
               with
               Christ
               ,
               to
               
                 procure
                 his
                 favour
              
               ,
               for
               that
               is
               the
               knowledge
               ;
               
                 Words
                 of
                 understanding
              
               with
               the
               hebrews
               ,
               are
               pregnant
               and
               carry
               ,
               or
               are
               big
               with
               affection
               also
               
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
              
               ,
               so
               as
               
                 to
                 approve
              
               you
               :
               to
               favour
               you
               so
               〈…〉
               y
               ,
               as
               to
               admit
               you
               .
               Yea
               ,
               
                 I
                 never
                 thus
                 knew
                 you
              
               :
               〈◊〉
               
                 have
                 I
                 known
              
               ,
               saith
               the
               Prophet
               
               concerning
               Israel
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               so
               known
               as
               acknowledge
               ,
               owned
               ,
               favoured
               .
               Now
               I
               say
               ,
               
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 will
                 scrape
                 acquaintance
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               O
               they
               are
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               they
               have
               served
               him
               ,
               
                 and
                 worshipped
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 kept
                 Sabboths
              
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               Preached
               
                 in
                 his
                 name
              
               ,
               and
               heard
               
                 him
                 preach
              
               ,
               and
               now
               not
               know
               them
               !
               This
               
                 how
                 strange
              
               will
               it
               prove
               to
               many
               a
               poor
               creature
               ?
               
                 A●blessed
                 souls
                 that
                 know
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 are
                 known
                 of
                 him
                 !
              
               
               And
               sad
               is
               the
               condition
               of
               such
               as
               shall
               thus
               be
               
                 shaken
                 off
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 shaken
                 into
                 hell
                 indeed
                 .
              
            
             
               You
               
                 have
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 though
                 many
                 more
                 things
              
               might
               have
               been
               
                 observed
                 to
                 you
              
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               curious
               eye
               ,
               more
               distinctly
               to
               you
               .
               Yet
               
                 pro
                 modulo
              
               I
               have
               endeavoured
               to
               make
               it
               plain
               to
               you
               .
               And
               I
               hope
               so
               plain
               ,
               as
               that
               now
               every
               understanding
               is
               able
               to
               take
               up
               many
               
                 Doctrinal
                 Observations
              
               ,
               from
               them
               
                 thus
                 explained
              
               .
               For
               
                 the
                 Application
              
               ,
               or
               inference
               ,
               from
               all
               ,
               
                 Watch
                 therefore
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 .
              
               That
               we
               
                 shall
                 make
                 use
                 of
              
               likely
               in
               some
               of
               the
               Applications
               ,
               of
               some
               of
               the
               observations
               from
               the
               words
               .
            
             
               
                 There
                 is
                 much
                 variety
                 in
                 them
                 ,
              
               and
               I
               had
               hoped
               to
               have
               reached
               one
               ,
               
                 at
                 least
                 from
              
               the
               connexion
               of
               this
               parable
               ,
               
                 with
                 that
                 which
                 goeth
                 before
              
               ,
               he
               inculcates
               the
               same
               thing
               upon
               them
               ,
               by
               another
               parable
               ,
               which
               he
               had
               taught
               them
               immediately
               before
               .
            
             
               The
               first
               Doctrine
               
                 shall
                 be
                 from
                 the
                 consideration
                 of
                 the
                 words
                 ,
              
               with
               
                 what
                 went
                 before
              
               ;
               much
               of
               the
               former
               Chapter
               was
               spent
               
               before
               ,
               in
               stirring
               
                 them
                 up
              
               to
               watch
               for
               the
               appearing
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               
                 by
                 a
                 double
                 Argument
              
               .
               Taken
               from
               the
               end
               of
               such
               as
               watch
               ,
               
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 such
                 men
              
               is
               blessedness
               and
               peace
               ,
               blessed
               is
               the
               man
               ,
               whom
               the
               Lord
               shall
               find
               so
               doing
               .
               And
               the
               end
               of
               such
               as
               watch
               not
               ,
               but
               presume
               
                 upon
                 his
                 delay
              
               ,
               to
               give
               liberty
               ,
               and
               the
               reins
               to
               their
               lusts
               ,
               they
               that
               have
               time
               enough
               to
               repent
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 in
                 a
                 day
                 he
                 thinketh
                 not
                 off
                 ,
              
               and
               will
               
                 cut
                 such
                 a
                 servant
              
               asunder
               .
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               former
               Arguments
               ,
               the
               uncertainty
               of
               his
               coming
               ,
               
               &c.
               one
               would
               have
               thought
               ,
               now
               ,
               here
               had
               
                 been
                 enough
              
               said
               upon
               this
               
                 argument
                 ,
                 for
                 what
              
               could
               be
               
                 more
                 plainly
              
               spoken
               ,
               and
               what
               more
               cuttingly
               ,
               and
               pressingly
               ,
               then
               this
               ?
               
                 Are
                 there
                 any
                 weightier
                 Arguments
              
               ,
               then
               lif
               and
               death
               :
               the
               best
               of
               lives
               ,
               even
               
                 a
                 life
                 of
                 blessedness
              
               ,
               and
               the
               worst
               of
               deaths
               ,
               a
               
                 portion
                 with
                 hypocrites
              
               ,
               who
               have
               the
               Free-hold
               ,
               
                 and
                 sink
                 deepest
              
               into
               the
               lowermost
               pit
               :
               and
               there
               is
               no
               question
               ,
               there
               was
               no
               affection
               wanting
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               when
               he
               spake
               to
               his
               Disciples
               ,
               and
               
                 therefore
                 it
                 may
                 seem
              
               considerable
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               so
               surely
               ;
               that
               sometimes
               he
               is
               pleased
               to
               prosecute
               the
               same
               Argument
               again
               all
               along
               through
               this
               whole
               Parable
               ,
               and
               the
               next
               is
               not
               much
               unlike
               it
               neither
               .
            
             
               
                 It
                 is
                 requisite
              
               to
               inculcate
               and
               beat
               upon
               hearers
               the
               same
               
               truth
               ,
               the
               same
               things
               again
               and
               again
               .
               Surely
               ,
               if
               it
               had
               not
               been
               so
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               would
               
                 have
                 spared
                 this
                 pains
              
               ,
               he
               did
               all
               things
               
               well
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               was
               no
               niggard
               ,
               so
               he
               was
               no
               prodigal
               of
               his
               pains
               ;
               if
               he
               would
               not
               have
               the
               
                 Fragments
                 of
                 the
                 bread
              
               to
               be
               lost
               ,
               he
               would
               never
               crumble
               away
               the
               bread
               of
               life
               in
               vain
               ,
               to
               no
               purpose
               ;
               but
               that
               there
               was
               a
               necessity
               for
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 sure
                 we
                 may
                 follow
                 his
                 example
              
               safely
               herein
               ,
               for
               there
               is
               nothing
               extraordinary
               in
               it
               ,
               but
               rather
               a
               great
               condescention
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               stooping
               to
               the
               weakness
               ,
               and
               necessity
               of
               his
               hearers
               ,
               his
               Disciples
               ;
               
                 he
                 spake
                 as
                 never
                 man
                 spake
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               if
               it
               had
               been
               sufficient
               at
               any
               
               time
               ,
               or
               for
               any
               person
               to
               tye
               themselves
               up
               to
               such
               a
               strictness
               of
               speaking
               ,
               as
               never
               to
               repeat
               the
               same
               things
               again
               ,
               surely
               it
               had
               been
               sufficient
               for
               him
               ,
               who
               
                 spake
                 as
                 never
                 man
                 spake
                 ,
                 with
                 that
                 Authority
                 ,
                 and
                 Majestie
                 ,
                 and
                 commanding
                 efficacy
                 ,
              
               many
               times
               ;
               
               but
               yet
               you
               see
               he
               is
               pleased
               to
               go
               over
               and
               over
               ,
               things
               again
               and
               again
               ,
               and
               to
               
                 inculcate
                 ,
                 and
                 beat
                 things
                 upon
                 his
                 Disciples
                 .
              
               We
               
                 need
                 not
                 go
              
               further
               then
               our
               Saviour
               his
               example
               for
               it
               ,
               for
               as
               he
               said
               of
               
                 Goliahs
                 sword
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 .
              
               So
               there
               is
               no
               pattern
               to
               this
               of
               Christ
               ,
               the
               great
               
                 feeder
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 with
                 knowledge
                 and
                 understanding
                 ,
              
               who
               stands
               
                 and
                 feeds
                 them
              
               ,
               in
               the
               strength
               of
               the
               
               Lord.
               And
               I
               doubt
               not
               ,
               but
               many
               of
               you
               can
               make
               it
               out
               ,
               from
               many
               other
               instances
               ,
               in
               his
               example
               ,
               how
               he
               did
               often
               
                 beat
                 the
                 same
                 things
                 upon
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ;
                 how
                 often
                 doth
                 he
                 press
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 of
                 humility
                 ;
                 Learn
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 meek
                 and
                 lowly
                 ?
                 And
                 except
              
               
               
                 you
                 be
                 converted
                 and
                 become
                 as
                 little
                 children
                 ,
                 ye
                 cannot
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 his
                 washing
                 his
                 Disciples
                 feet
                 .
                 How
                 much
                 ado
                 
                 hath
                 he
                 with
                 them
                 ,
              
               to
               beat
               upon
               them
               ,
               that
               his
               Kingdom
               was
               not
               
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               but
               spiritual
               ;
               they
               
                 would
                 be
                 fitting
                 some
                 on
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 some
                 on
                 his
                 left
                 hand
                 ,
              
               and
               he
               told
               them
               often
               ,
               his
               Kingdom
               was
               not
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               that
               he
               
                 came
                 to
                 suffer
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 raign
                 among
                 men
                 ,
              
               and
               so
               how
               often
               doth
               he
               press
               it
               upon
               them
               ,
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               love
               one
               to
               another
               ,
               or
               takes
               not
               up
               with
               once
               ,
               one
               
               
                 exhortation
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 that
                 would
                 answer
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
              
               to
               
                 reveal
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
              
               the
               whole
               counsel
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               he
               had
               heard
               of
               his
               father
               :
               no
               but
               again
               and
               again
               ,
               he
               presseth
               it
               upon
               them
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 given
                 as
                 a
                 command
                 to
                 Parents
                 ,
                 I
                 wish
                 ,
                 we
                 that
                 are
                 parents
                 ,
              
               and
               
               
                 have
                 children
              
               ,
               who
               
                 have
                 souls
                 either
                 to
                 be
              
               saved
               or
               perish
               ,
               would
               remember
               it
               ,
               thou
               
                 shalt
                 whet
                 these
                 things
                 upon
                 them
              
               saith
               the
               Text
               ,
               these
               
                 things
                 which
                 I
                 command
                 thee
                 this
                 day
                 shall
                 be
                 in
                 their
                 heart
                 .
              
               
               I
               ,
               if
               we
               were
               of
               
                 Maries
                 spirit
              
               ,
               to
               lay
               up
               the
               words
               there
               :
               or
               
                 Davids
                 ,
                 to
                 hide
                 the
                 Commandements
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 :
              
               or
               took
               
                 Pauls
                 advice
              
               ,
               let
               the
               word
               dwell
               richly
               in
               us
               ,
               if
               we
               
                 had
                 a
                 treasurie
              
               there
               ,
               we
               should
               have
               ,
               
                 to
                 draw
                 forth
                 continually
              
               ,
               as
               occasion
               serveth
               :
               And
               
                 thou
                 shalt
                 teach
                 them
                 diligently
                 unto
                 thy
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 talk
                 of
                 them
                 when
                 thou
                 sittest
                 in
                 thy
                 house
                 ,
              
               and
               when
               thou
               walkest
               
                 by
                 the
                 way
              
               ,
               when
               thou
               
                 lyest
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 thou
                 risest
                 up
                 ,
              
               &c.
               diligently
               teach
               them
               ,
               the
               word
               is
               ,
               whet
               them
               upon
               them
               ;
               It
               is
               not
               the
               
                 drawing
                 the
                 knife
                 over
                 the
              
               whet-stone
               once
               ,
               that
               will
               set
               an
               edge
               upon
               it
               ,
               but
               often
               ,
               again
               and
               again
               .
               The
               best
               of
               us
               are
               
                 too
                 like
                 children
                 in
                 understanding
              
               ,
               and
               had
               need
               of
               it
               ,
               or
               at
               least
               many
               of
               us
               .
            
             
               
                 I
                 shall
                 give
                 a
                 few
                 Arguments
              
               to
               consirm
               it
               ,
               and
               then
               Apply
               it
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 The
                 understanding
                 is
                 very
                 dull
                 in
                 many
                 :
              
               though
               there
               be
               som
               it
               may
               be
               more
               acute
               ,
               to
               whom
               it
               may
               be
               
                 a
                 dulling
              
               to
               beat
               their
               earsoften
               with
               the
               same
               things
               ;
               yet
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               we
               are
               dull
               of
               understanding
               ,
               childrens
               capacities
               we
               have
               ;
               you
               know
               the
               Disciples
               were
               so
               ,
               our
               Saviour
               upbraideth
               them
               with
               it
               ,
               and
               yet
               
                 they
                 were
                 good
                 men
              
               ,
               do
               you
               
                 not
                 yet
                 understand
              
               ;
               are
               ye
               
                 also
                 yet
              
               
               
                 without
                 understanding
              
               ?
               And
               when
               he
               was
               risen
               from
               the
               dead
               ,
               he
               expounded
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               the
               Prophets
               concerning
               his
               death
               and
               resurrection
               ;
               
                 alas
                 until
                 he
                 opened
                 their
                 understanding
                 ,
              
               though
               he
               had
               
                 often
                 told
                 them
                 this
              
               ,
               had
               preached
               it
               to
               them
               
                 again
                 and
                 again
              
               ,
               and
               even
               before
               his
               death
               immediately
               ,
               and
               alas
               ,
               
                 yet
                 they
                 understood
                 not
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 opened
                 their
                 minds
                 .
                 But
                 you
              
               will
               say
               ,
               this
               
                 was
                 before
                 
                 the
                 pouring
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
              
               there
               was
               more
               need
               then
               ,
               but
               that
               
               unction
               ,
               that
               teacheth
               us
               all
               things
               ,
               was
               given
               in
               so
               large
               a
               measure
               ,
               &c.
               
               I
               answer
               ,
               It
               is
               true
               the
               
                 spirit
                 is
                 given
                 now
                 in
                 a
                 larger
                 measure
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               the
               greater
               shame
               is
               the
               dulness
               of
               our
               capacities
               many
               of
               us
               ,
               I
               speak
               not
               of
               all
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               
                 neither
                 of
                 them
                 that
              
               are
               strong
               men
               and
               women
               in
               Christ
               ,
               nor
               yet
               of
               such
               as
               haply
               natural
               incapacity
               is
               a
               great
               hindrance
               to
               .
               But
               were
               we
               not
               many
               of
               us
               ,
               
                 much
                 wanting
              
               to
               our selves
               in
               reading
               ,
               meditating
               on
               the
               word
               of
               truth
               ,
               we
               might
               be
               much
               more
               apprehensive
               then
               we
               are
               ;
               
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 strait
              
               indeed
               ,
               for
               some
               are
               so
               acute
               ,
               that
               we
               can
               scarce
               touch
               lightly
               enough
               upon
               things
               ,
               least
               they
               nauseate
               ,
               others
               are
               so
               dull
               ,
               we
               
                 cannot
                 dwell
                 long
                 enough
                 upon
                 them
              
               almost
               ,
               
               to
               make
               them
               understand
               something
               .
               Well
               this
               is
               the
               first
               Argument
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 Because
                 men
                 are
                 exceeding
                 slow
                 to
                 believe
                 things
                 .
                 O
                 fools
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 slow
                 of
                 heart
                 to
                 believe
              
               the
               things
               which
               
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               &c.
               
               Concerning
               
                 the
                 Messiah
              
               ,
               how
               he
               
                 must
                 be
                 rejected
              
               ,
               and
               cut
               off
               ,
               and
               rise
               again
               the
               third
               day
               .
               Might
               he
               not
               upbraid
               our
               Congregations
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               in
               the
               like
               manner
               ;
               how
               often
               have
               we
               heard
               the
               same
               things
               ,
               and
               it
               may
               be
               ,
               given
               assent
               to
               the
               truth
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               but
               yet
               are
               slow
               ,
               to
               believe
               !
               And
               this
               Argument
               will
               stand
               good
               against
               the
               acutest
               hearers
               ,
               though
               they
               
                 may
                 out-run
              
               the
               speaker
               haply
               in
               apprehension
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               slow-paced
               enough
               in
               believing
               .
               Now
               it
               is
               true
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               all
               our
               inculcating
               and
               
                 pressing
                 the
                 same
                 truths
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
              
               that
               can
               work
               their
               hearts
               to
               believe
               ,
               until
               the
               arm
               of
               the
               
                 Lord
                 be
                 revealed
              
               to
               them
               ;
               
               yet
               we
               know
               not
               when
               ,
               and
               how
               far
               he
               may
               reveal
               his
               arm
               :
               It
               may
               be
               a
               little
               at
               one
               time
               ,
               and
               a
               little
               at
               another
               ;
               Agrippa
               hearing
               
               
                 Paul
                 once
                 discourse
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               was
               almost
               perswaded
               ,
               
                 haply
                 if
                 he
                 had
              
               had
               another
               opportunity
               to
               hear
               the
               like
               things
               again
               ,
               it
               
               might
               have
               proved
               a
               through
               work
               :
               
                 Felix
                 trembled
              
               at
               the
               
                 first
                 Sermon
                 upon
                 Judgement
              
               to
               come
               ,
               if
               he
               had
               heard
               it
               the
               second
               time
               ,
               who
               can
               tell
               how
               far
               it
               might
               have
               wrought
               ?
               This
               the
               second
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Alas
               Brethren
               ,
               
                 our
                 memories
                 are
                 such
                 leaking
                 vessels
                 ,
              
               we
               are
               full
               of
               
                 chinks
                 ,
                 hac
                 illac
                 difluxerimus
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               
                 as
                 from
                 thence
              
               the
               Apostle
               infers
               ,
               we
               should
               
                 give
                 the
                 more
                 diligent
              
               heed
               to
               the
               things
               which
               are
               spoken
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               least
               we
               run
               out
               
               So
               should
               we
               also
               inculcate
               the
               same
               truths
               again
               :
               
                 who
                 is
                 there
                 
                 that
                 hath
                 not
                 woful
                 experience
              
               of
               this
               ,
               
                 other
                 things
              
               evil
               and
               vile
               ,
               they
               have
               such
               impression
               
                 upon
                 our
                 memories
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 ado
                 is
                 it
              
               to
               raze
               them
               out
               ,
               injuries
               are
               
                 graven
                 upon
                 us
              
               ,
               even
               as
               with
               the
               pen
               of
               a
               
                 Diamond
                 ,
                 vain
                 words
              
               ,
               wicked
               speeches
               ,
               we
               have
               
                 heard
                 long
                 since
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 forget
                 :
              
               but
               a
               thing
               that
               is
               good
               ,
               O
               how
               much
               ado
               there
               is
               to
               remember
               it
               ?
               had
               not
               a
               riddle
               need
               often
               to
               be
               put
               into
               the
               water
               ,
               it
               will
               hold
               nothing
               else
               ?
               
                 be
                 not
                 forgetful
                 hearers
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
              
               but
               doers
               of
               the
               same
               ;
               
                 how
                 many
                 of
              
               
               
                 us
                 are
                 even
                 high-way
                 seed
                 hearers
                 !
              
               The
               word
               is
               gone
               from
               us
               ,
               before
               we
               are
               out
               of
               these
               doors
               ,
               or
               
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 of
                 it
              
               .
               So
               the
               fowls
               of
               the
               Aire
               ,
               the
               evil
               spirits
               ,
               they
               steal
               away
               the
               word
               from
               us
               ;
               so
               that
               we
               had
               as
               much
               need
               to
               hear
               it
               again
               ,
               as
               when
               we
               came
               .
               O
               saith
               Peter
               as
               long
               as
               I
               live
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 put
                 you
                 in
                 remembrance
                 .
                 To
              
               
               
                 do
                 good
                 and
                 to
                 communicate
                 forget
                 not
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ;
               no
               Question
               they
               had
               been
               taught
               that
               lesson
               again
               and
               again
               ,
               and
               yet
               they
               were
               apt
               to
               forget
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               Apostle
               goeth
               over
               it
               again
               to
               them
               ,
               to
               put
               them
               in
               remembrance
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 requisite
                 because
                 our
              
               affections
               are
               so
               dull
               ;
               they
               
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 often
                 quickned
                 ,
              
               therefore
               
                 whet
                 the
                 word
                 upon
                 your
                 ,
                 children
                 :
              
               It
               is
               not
               one
               whet
               ,
               that
               will
               edge
               a
               dull
               knife
               ,
               but
               over
               and
               over
               with
               it
               
                 again
                 and
                 again
              
               ,
               as
               many
               times
               in
               Scripture
               a
               
                 repetition
                 of
                 a
                 thing
              
               (
               in
               prayer
               ,
               in
               preaching
               )
               speaks
               the
               affections
               of
               him
               that
               delivereth
               it
               ,
               so
               it
               stirs
               the
               affections
               of
               the
               hearers
               ,
               Phil.
               4.
               4.
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               rejoyce
               in
               the
               
                 Lord
                 alway
                 ,
                 and
              
               
               again
               I
               say
               rejoyce
               ,
               is
               that
               a
               tautology
               ,
               or
               a
               vain
               repetition
               ?
               no
               ,
               sure
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 was
                 not
                 guilty
              
               in
               that
               kind
               ,
               but
               
                 it
                 was
                 needful
              
               ,
               to
               stir
               the
               affection
               to
               the
               duty
               ;
               our
               hearts
               indeed
               are
               
                 like
                 so
                 many
                 dead
                 Seas
              
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               not
               a
               little
               breath
               once
               upon
               us
               ,
               that
               will
               move
               ,
               but
               when
               the
               wind
               
                 passeth
                 often
                 ,
                 and
                 strongly
              
               over
               us
               ,
               then
               it
               may
               affect
               us
               haply
               ;
               the
               word
               is
               therefore
               
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 like
                 goads
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 fools
                 ,
              
               who
               are
               no
               orators
               ,
               sensless
               ,
               and
               know
               not
               what
               belongs
               to
               the
               Art
               of
               speaking
               rightly
               ,
               
                 but
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 are
                 like
                 goads
                 ,
              
               sharp
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               to
               be
               often
               used
               ,
               
                 we
                 are
                 like
                 oxen
                 in
                 duty
                 ,
              
               creatures
               that
               will
               often
               need
               
                 to
                 be
                 pricked
                 up
              
               ,
               therefore
               the
               metaphor
               is
               used
               ;
               therefore
               
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 I
                 put
                 you
                 in
                 remembrance
              
               of
               the
               
                 things
                 you
                 knew
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 established
                 in
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 stir
                 you
                 up
              
               ;
               there
               is
               
               need
               of
               quickening
               the
               affections
               ;
               a
               man
               may
               deliver
               the
               same
               truth
               haply
               more
               stirringly
               ,
               one
               time
               then
               another
               ,
               and
               the
               spirit
               
               may
               breath
               in
               it
               ,
               one
               time
               more
               then
               in
               another
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               affections
               are
               stirrd
               indeed
               to
               purpose
               ;
               that
               is
               a
               fourth
               :
               
                 Gutta
                 cavat
                 lapidem
                 non
                 vi
                 sed
                 saepe
                 cadendo
                 .
              
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 unconstancy
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
              
               if
               we
               be
               a
               little
               affected
               with
               a
               truth
               at
               one
               time
               ,
               
                 how
                 long
                 doth
                 such
                 a
                 frame
              
               continue
               upon
               us
               ?
               
                 David
                 was
                 sensible
                 how
                 fleeting
              
               the
               frame
               of
               our
               hearts
               are
               :
               And
               therefore
               though
               himself
               ,
               and
               his
               people
               ,
               were
               in
               
                 as
                 sweet
                 a
                 frame
              
               as
               any
               we
               read
               of
               almost
               ,
               when
               they
               
                 offered
                 with
                 a
                 perfect
                 heart
              
               ,
               willingly
               ,
               and
               so
               willingly
               ,
               as
               that
               
                 David
                 rejoyced
                 in
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               blessed
               the
               Lord
               
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 hearts
                 so
                 to
                 do
              
               ;
               
               this
               was
               a
               precious
               frame
               indeed
               ,
               yea
               David
               rejoyced
               at
               the
               willingness
               of
               others
               ,
               
                 not
                 envied
                 at
                 it
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 keep
                 this
                 frame
              
               for
               ever
               ,
               Keep
               this
               upon
               the
               
                 imagination
                 ,
                 or
                 figments
              
               of
               their
               hearts
               
                 for
                 ever
              
               .
               Alas
               if
               he
               keep
               it
               not
               ,
               it
               is
               gone
               presently
               ;
               
                 now
                 upon
                 Eagles
                 wings
              
               soring
               ,
               by
               and
               by
               ,
               with
               our
               bellies
               
                 cleaving
                 to
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
              
               119.
               24.
               thy
               testimonies
               are
               my
               delight
               ,
               and
               25.
               v.
               my
               belly
               cleaveth
               ▪
               to
               the
               dust
               .
               And
               therefore
               ,
               
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 as
                 goads
              
               and
               nails
               ,
               nails
               to
               take
               hold
               ,
               
                 and
                 fasten
                 things
                 together
              
               ,
               that
               
                 they
                 may
                 abide
              
               ,
               and
               if
               they
               
                 be
                 driven
                 to
                 the
                 head
              
               ,
               yet
               how
               quickly
               may
               it
               be
               
                 loosened
                 again
              
               ,
               is
               there
               not
               need
               of
               the
               same
               hammer
               to
               fasten
               it
               again
               ,
               therefore
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 be
                 established
                 in
                 the
                 present
                 truth
                 already
                 ,
              
               yet
               
                 I
                 Judge
              
               it
               meet
               to
               
                 stir
                 you
                 up
              
               ,
               by
               
                 putting
                 you
                 in
                 remembrance
              
               .
               
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 slow
                 to
                 do
                 what
              
               we
               know
               ,
               which
               indeed
               is
               the
               main
               thing
               ,
               we
               do
               
                 but
                 build
                 Castles
                 in
                 the
                 Aire
                 ,
              
               Bretheren
               ,
               if
               we
               hear
               and
               do
               not
               ,
               and
               yet
               who
               is
               clear
               in
               this
               point
               ?
               yea
               how
               often
               
                 may
                 we
              
               hear
               a
               practical
               truth
               ,
               prest
               upon
               us
               ,
               before
               we
               practise
               it
               ?
               yea
               when
               
                 we
                 are
                 convinced
              
               to
               do
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 resolved
                 we
                 will
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               with
               the
               
                 Son
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
              
               ,
               I
               go
               Sir
               ,
               but
               he
               went
               not
               ;
               now
               this
               
                 is
                 the
                 Learning
                 indeed
              
               ,
               a
               man
               hath
               never
               learned
               a
               lesson
               
               
                 in
                 Musick
              
               ,
               or
               learned
               a
               Copie
               ,
               until
               he
               hath
               practised
               it
               ,
               and
               can
               do
               it
               .
               Ah
               dear
               friend
               ,
               do
               not
               
                 our
                 hearts
                 blush
                 sometimes
              
               ,
               when
               we
               consider
               how
               often
               we
               have
               
                 had
                 this
                 watchfulness
              
               pressed
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               yet
               how
               little
               have
               we
               done
               to
               bring
               our
               hearts
               to
               it
               ?
               And
               so
               
                 for
                 weanedness
              
               from
               the
               world
               ,
               for
               self-denyal
               ,
               for
               any
               other
               duty
               almost
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               requisite
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               that
               the
               same
               things
               ,
               should
               be
               
                 repeated
                 and
                 inculcated
              
               ;
               but
               so
               much
               for
               the
               Arguments
               .
            
             
             
               For
               the
               
                 Application
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
              
               :
               It
               
                 is
                 a
                 plea
              
               then
               
                 for
                 a
              
               
               
                 standing
                 Ministry
              
               in
               
                 the
                 Church
              
               of
               Christ
               according
               to
               that
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 he
                 hath
                 set
                 some
                 Pastors
                 ,
                 some
                 Teachers
                 ,
              
               for
               the
               perfecting
               
               
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
              
               ;
               and
               also
               ,
               while
               there
               are
               so
               
                 many
                 necessities
              
               upon
               them
               as
               you
               have
               heard
               ,
               how
               are
               they
               perfect
               ?
               So
               saith
               Peter
               ,
               I
               
               will
               not
               
                 be
                 negligent
              
               to
               put
               you
               alway
               in
               
                 remembrance
                 of
                 these
                 things
              
               ,
               though
               
                 you
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 established
              
               in
               the
               present
               truth
               ,
               
                 yet
                 I
                 think
                 it
                 meet
                 as
                 long
              
               as
               I
               live
               in
               this
               Tabernacle
               ,
               to
               stir
               you
               up
               by
               putting
               you
               in
               remembrance
               .
               Alas
               Brethren
               ,
               suppose
               you
               are
               many
               of
               you
               so
               well
               acquainted
               with
               
                 the
                 mysteries
                 of
                 faith
              
               as
               
                 that
                 you
                 need
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 further
                 instructed
              
               in
               these
               things
               ;
               yet
               it
               is
               a
               Peters
               duty
               you
               see
               ,
               
                 I
                 think
                 it
                 meet
                 or
                 just
              
               to
               put
               you
               in
               remembrance
               ,
               yea
               and
               as
               long
               as
               I
               live
               to
               do
               it
               ,
               though
               I
               have
               nothing
               now
               to
               present
               you
               with
               ,
               and
               
                 though
                 you
                 be
                 established
              
               in
               the
               present
               truth
               ,
               yet
               I
               must
               put
               you
               in
               remembrance
               .
               They
               that
               despise
               prophesyings
               under
               
                 that
                 pretence
              
               that
               they
               
                 have
                 an
                 unction
              
               
               themselves
               within
               them
               ,
               which
               teacheth
               them
               all
               things
               ,
               I
               doubt
               they
               will
               find
               by
               woful
               experience
               ,
               
                 they
                 quench
                 the
                 spirit
              
               of
               God
               in
               themselves
               (
               and
               what
               in
               them
               lies
               )
               also
               in
               others
               by
               weakning
               their
               hands
               ,
               but
               who
               is
               like
               to
               pay
               for
               that
               ?
            
             
               (
               First
               ,
               )
               Remember
               but
               that
               of
               the
               Apostle
               John
               in
               that
               same
               place
               ,
               
                 you
                 have
                 an
                 unction
                 whereby
                 you
                 are
                 taught
                 all
                 things
              
               ;
               what
               need
               John
               then
               to
               have
               written
               this
               Epistle
               to
               them
               ?
               you
               will
               say
               ,
               or
               some
               may
               say
               ,
               
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 spared
                 the
                 pains
                 ,
              
               that
               unction
               of
               
               theirs
               is
               a
               supersedeas
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               all
               other
               Ministers
               whatsoever
               ,
               they
               have
               no
               need
               of
               them
               ;
               what
               saith
               he
               ,
               I
               
                 write
                 not
                 these
              
               things
               to
               you
               ,
               
                 because
                 you
                 know
                 them
                 not
              
               ,
               but
               because
               you
               know
               them
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 confirmation
                 ,
                 for
                 quickning
              
               ;
               there
               is
               need
               enough
               of
               it
               ,
               else
               sure
               the
               spirit
               of
               God
               in
               him
               would
               
                 not
                 have
                 wasted
                 such
                 precious
                 pains
              
               upon
               them
               .
               The
               Thessalonians
               have
               no
               need
               that
               he
               write
               to
               
                 them
                 touching
                 Brotherly
                 love
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 nearer
                 perfection
                 ,
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 see
              
               the
               Churches
               of
               Christ
               now
               are
               ,
               
                 love
                 is
                 the
                 fulfilling
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               had
               less
               need
               of
               the
               
                 Apostles
                 pains
              
               
               in
               writing
               to
               them
               ;
               
                 but
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 he
              
               bestoweth
               it
               ,
               and
               surely
               not
               in
               
                 vain
                 ;
                 he
                 exhorts
                 them
                 to
                 abound
                 more
              
               and
               more
               ,
               to
               continue
               
                 in
                 well-doing
              
               to
               
                 encourage
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 strengthen
                 their
              
               hands
               ;
               this
               is
               none
               of
               the
               
                 least
                 works
              
               of
               a
               Messenger
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             
               (
               Secondly
               ,
               )
               Here
               is
               a
               
                 pattern
                 for
                 the
                 Teachers
              
               of
               Gods
               people
               :
               Let
               
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 grievous
                 to
                 you
                 ,
              
               brethren
               ,
               sometimes
               to
               beat
               the
               
               same
               things
               upon
               the
               people
               ,
               if
               that
               mans
               wisdom
               might
               be
               heard
               to
               speak
               ,
               
                 and
                 carnal
                 reason
              
               ,
               it
               would
               say
               it
               becometh
               not
               an
               exquisite
               
               Orator
               for
               men
               to
               insist
               too
               much
               ,
               nor
               too
               often
               upon
               the
               same
               things
               ,
               
                 That
                 is
                 implyed
              
               in
               that
               of
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 to
                 me
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 grievous
                 ,
                 to
                 others
              
               haply
               it
               might
               ;
               It
               is
               not
               more
               tedious
               to
               a
               curious
               ear
               ,
               then
               it
               is
               to
               a
               quaint
               tongue
               ,
               to
               speak
               the
               same
               things
               again
               and
               again
               ,
               but
               let
               us
               not
               
                 consult
                 with
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
              
               in
               these
               things
               ,
               but
               tread
               in
               the
               steps
               of
               our
               Saviour
               ;
               
                 Surely
                 there
                 was
                 never
                 such
                 a
                 treasurie
                 of
                 wisdom
                 and
                 knowledge
                 as
                 was
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 in
              
               
               
                 him
                 were
                 hid
                 all
                 the
                 treasures
                 of
                 wisdom
              
               and
               knowledge
               ,
               and
               it
               had
               
                 been
                 easie
                 for
                 him
                 still
                 to
                 have
                 brought
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 treasurie
                 things
                 new
                 and
                 not
                 any
                 old
                 .
              
               But
               you
               see
               what
               manner
               of
               Preaching
               is
               his
               to
               his
               own
               Disciples
               .
               We
               are
               called
               upon
               in
               Timothy
               to
               exhort
               
               
                 with
                 all
                 long
                 suffering
                 and
                 Doctrine
                 ,
              
               and
               be
               instant
               in
               season
               ,
               out
               of
               season
               .
               Aug.
               would
               rather
               speak
               broken
               La●
               then
               the
               people
               should
               not
               understand
               ,
               and
               
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 Preachers
                 press
              
               a
               point
               
                 upon
                 their
                 hearers
              
               ,
               until
               they
               might
               even
               read
               the
               print
               of
               it
               in
               their
               faces
               ;
               think
               not
               a
               light
               touch
               will
               do
               it
               .
            
             
               And
               
                 yet
                 let
                 me
                 not
                 be
              
               mistaken
               here
               neither
               ,
               
                 for
                 I
                 mean
                 not
                 hereby
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 Cloak
              
               for
               any
               Ministers
               idleness
               or
               sloathfulness
               ,
               who
               
                 therefore
                 may
                 dwell
                 longer
                 then
                 is
                 meet
              
               upon
               a
               thing
               ,
               
                 or
                 often
                 go
              
               over
               with
               a
               thing
               ,
               because
               they
               will
               not
               be
               at
               more
               pains
               to
               bring
               forth
               
                 new
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 old
              
               ,
               no
               ,
               far
               be
               it
               from
               me
               ,
               the
               Apostle
               giveth
               us
               
                 another
                 rule
                 ,
                 give
                 attendance
                 to
                 reading
                 ,
                 to
                 exhortation
                 ,
                 to
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               be
               thou
               in
               
                 them
                 that
                 thy
                 profiting
                 may
                 appear
                 to
                 all
                 .
              
               A
               
               Scribe
               
                 instructed
                 to
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 brings
                 forth
                 both
                 new
                 and
                 old
                 :
                 but
                 if
                 there
                 be
              
               need
               to
               press
               things
               harder
               or
               more
               then
               ordinary
               upon
               people
               ,
               let
               
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 grievous
                 to
                 us
              
               ;
               it
               must
               not
               then
               be
               a
               carnal
               self-love
               ,
               love
               
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 ends
              
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 love
                 of
                 our
                 poor
                 souls
              
               ,
               and
               their
               
                 profiting
                 that
                 must
                 lead
              
               us
               to
               it
               ,
               else
               it
               is
               nothing
               ;
               
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 safe
                 that
                 I
                 write
                 the
                 same
                 things
              
               ;
               
               and
               
                 what
                 was
                 that
              
               ?
               even
               the
               
                 warning
                 them
                 of
                 false
                 Teachers
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 safe
              
               for
               them
               to
               hear
               it
               again
               ,
               and
               it
               was
               no
               such
               pleasing
               string
               for
               the
               Apostle
               to
               harp
               upon
               ,
               but
               yet
               because
               it
               was
               safe
               for
               them
               ,
               he
               denyed
               himself
               in
               that
               :
               
                 If
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Christ
              
               do
               sometimes
               more
               then
               ordinary
               strike
               upon
               that
               vain
               ,
               
                 instruct
                 tenderly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 necessary
              
               surely
               ,
               or
               they
               think
               it
               so
               ,
               else
               it
               is
               no
               such
               pleasing
               thing
               .
            
             
               (
               Again
               )
               
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 wisdom
                 to
                 be
                 used
              
               also
               by
               us
               ,
               in
               pressing
               
               the
               same
               things
               ,
               
                 making
                 a
                 difference
                 between
              
               persons
               and
               persons
               upon
               whom
               ,
               least
               
                 we
                 grieve
                 or
                 dull
                 some
              
               ,
               instead
               of
               quickening
               them
               ,
               therefore
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 he
                 doth
                 with
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 modesty
                 ,
              
               use
               this
               freedom
               with
               them
               ,
               he
               
                 acknowledgeth
                 indeed
              
               ,
               that
               
                 they
                 did
                 know
                 the
                 things
              
               he
               writ
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               have
               them
               think
               ,
               he
               took
               
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 ignorant
              
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               so
               
                 fickle
                 and
                 wavering
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 established
              
               in
               the
               present
               truth
               ,
               and
               yet
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 I
                 hold
                 it
                 my
                 duty
              
               sometimes
               to
               put
               you
               in
               remembrance
               ,
               and
               to
               stir
               you
               up
               .
               So
               
               
                 John
                 ,
                 not
                 because
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 ,
              
               but
               because
               you
               know
               these
               things
               ,
               therefore
               I
               write
               to
               you
               ,
               1
               John
               2.
               
               And
               so
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 you
                 need
                 not
                 that
                 I
                 write
                 to
                 you
                 concerning
                 brotherly
                 love
                 ,
              
               you
               do
               love
               one
               another
               ,
               
                 but
                 continue
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 abound
                 in
                 it
              
               more
               and
               more
               .
               See
               how
               sweetly
               doth
               he
               
                 insinuate
                 into
              
               them
               ;
               if
               he
               had
               to
               deal
               with
               other
               people
               ,
               he
               knoweth
               how
               to
               speak
               after
               another
               manner
               ,
               to
               
                 come
                 with
                 a
                 rod
              
               ,
               if
               there
               were
               need
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               there
               is
               
                 much
                 wisdom
                 to
                 be
                 used
                 in
                 the
                 dressing
                 the
                 same
                 truth
                 again
              
               and
               again
               ,
               for
               
                 the
                 truths
              
               which
               you
               are
               necessarily
               to
               know
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               for
               number
               infinite
               ,
               and
               you
               will
               easily
               find
               ,
               if
               you
               consider
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               how
               the
               same
               truths
               
                 are
                 proposed
                 to
              
               us
               in
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               
                 an
                 100.
                 waies
              
               ,
               several
               waies
               ,
               
                 because
                 the
                 Lord
                 knew
                 our
                 frame
                 ,
              
               that
               naturally
               ,
               we
               would
               have
               somewhat
               new
               ,
               and
               were
               affected
               with
               variety
               ,
               therefore
               he
               giveth
               us
               the
               same
               truths
               ,
               
                 under
                 divers
                 dresses
              
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               saith
               the
               
               Apostle
               ,
               the
               
                 Preacher
                 chose
                 not
                 acceptable
                 words
              
               ,
               though
               It
               
                 would
                 not
                 feed
              
               that
               itching
               humor
               that
               is
               in
               
                 some
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 would
                 allow
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 love
                 and
                 prudence
              
               examined
               together
               would
               advise
               ,
               
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 weakness
                 and
                 frame
                 of
                 men
              
               ;
               and
               if
               one
               therefore
               diversly
               dress
               the
               same
               truths
               :
               
                 omne
                 tulit
                 punctum
              
               :
               will
               the
               Lord
               
               seal
               this
               instruction
               to
               such
               of
               us
               as
               it
               concerneth
               .
               And
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               pray
               for
               us
               
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 wise-hearted
              
               ,
               and
               know
               how
               to
               fit
               our selves
               ,
               and
               bait
               the
               hook
               ,
               
                 so
                 as
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 most
                 drawing
                 .
              
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               It
               
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 humble
                 us
                 for
                 our
                 dulness
              
               then
               ,
               and
               those
               many
               
                 other
                 defections
              
               which
               are
               the
               rise
               of
               this
               necessity
               to
               beat
               the
               same
               things
               upon
               us
               again
               and
               again
               .
               
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 we
                 swallow
                 much
              
               every
               Sabboth
               ,
               every
               opportunity
               ,
               how
               little
               
                 doth
                 incorporate
              
               with
               us
               ,
               how
               
                 little
                 abideth
              
               with
               us
               ,
               what
               
                 pains
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 fain
              
               to
               take
               with
               us
               ,
               
                 line
                 upon
                 line
                 ,
                 and
                 precept
                 upon
                 precept
                 ,
              
               
               
                 here
                 a
                 little
                 and
                 there
                 a
                 little
                 ,
              
               in
               season
               ,
               out
               of
               season
               ,
               and
               yet
               ,
               Brethren
               ,
               how
               little
               the
               better
               are
               we
               for
               it
               .
               May
               we
               
                 not
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 
                 lay
                 our
                 hands
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
              
               ;
               is
               it
               not
               
                 matter
                 of
                 humbling
              
               ,
               we
               should
               
                 put
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 Messengers
              
               to
               so
               much
               pains
               with
               us
               ,
               and
               be
               yet
               little
               the
               better
               for
               all
               ?
               
                 O
                 let
                 us
                 magnifie
                 the
                 long-suffering
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               bless
               him
               for
               the
               long-suffering
               of
               his
               
                 servants
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 pleased
                 to
                 follow
                 us
                 up
                 and
                 down
              
               with
               this
               and
               that
               necessary
               truth
               !
               
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 heard
                 some
              
               things
               which
               now
               thy
               soul
               hath
               the
               experience
               of
               ,
               thou
               wouldst
               not
               loose
               for
               a
               world
               ,
               and
               many
               a
               time
               thou
               
                 hast
                 heard
                 them
              
               ,
               but
               it
               hath
               been
               like
               water
               spilt
               upon
               the
               ground
               ;
               and
               at
               last
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 hath
                 fastened
                 the
                 nayl
              
               to
               the
               head
               ,
               if
               it
               had
               had
               but
               one
               blow
               ,
               it
               would
               not
               have
               stuck
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 It
                 may
                 caution
              
               us
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               against
               nauseating
               Divine
               
               truths
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               so
               often
               beaten
               upon
               us
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               the
               same
               things
               ;
               It
               is
               safe
               for
               you
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               it
               is
               good
               for
               you
               ,
               if
               you
               know
               
                 the
                 things
                 belong
                 to
                 your
                 peace
                 ,
              
               say
               not
               then
               ,
               
                 occidet
                 mis●ros
                 crambe
                 repetita
                 Magistros
              
               :
               What
               
                 shall
                 the
                 Disciples
              
               say
               to
               Christ
               because
               he
               so
               presseth
               them
               to
               watch
               
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
              
               ,
               here
               is
               nothing
               but
               harping
               upon
               one
               string
               ,
               nothing
               but
               watching
               and
               watching
               prest
               upon
               us
               ,
               we
               would
               have
               somewhat
               else
               ,
               we
               are
               weary
               of
               this
               ?
               No
               ,
               but
               rather
               continue
               ,
               O
               sure
               it
               is
               needful
               ,
               
                 our
                 dulness
                 calls
                 for
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               much
               tenderness
               that
               he
               will
               not
               give
               us
               over
               until
               he
               hath
               wrought
               it
               upon
               our
               spirits
               .
               Should
               the
               Philippians
               cast
               it
               in
               
                 Pauls
                 teeth
              
               ,
               he
               
                 had
                 told
                 them
                 often
                 of
                 those
              
               
               unruly
               masters
               ,
               that
               they
               had
               heard
               enough
               of
               that
               ?
               O
               no
               ,
               now
               
                 he
                 tels
                 them
                 with
                 tears
                 ,
                 with
                 more
                 melting
                 then
                 before
                 ,
              
               the
               same
               thing
               in
               a
               more
               affected
               manner
               ,
               they
               had
               no
               reason
               to
               lothe
               .
               
                 It
                 was
                 the
                 great
                 sin
                 of
                 the
                 Israelites
              
               you
               know
               ,
               
                 they
                 had
                 manna
                 every
                 morning
              
               .
               
               this
               was
               their
               daily
               bread
               ;
               at
               last
               
                 they
                 grew
                 weary
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 nothing
                 but
                 this
                 manna
                 :
                 our
                 souls
                 loatheth
                 this
                 light
                 bread
                 ;
                 for
                 a
                 while
              
               it
               was
               excellent
               and
               delightful
               ,
               but
               after
               a
               while
               
                 they
                 loathed
                 it
              
               ;
               It
               seemeth
               it
               had
               not
               a
               taste
               to
               suite
               every
               mans
               
                 palate
                 ,
                 what
              
               was
               most
               
                 delightful
                 to
                 every
                 one
              
               ,
               as
               some
               thought
               ,
               then
               they
               would
               not
               have
               loathed
               it
               ;
               
                 but
                 they
                 might
                 dress
                 it
                 divers
                 waies
                 ,
              
               and
               yet
               they
               loathed
               it
               ;
               this
               
                 was
                 a
                 lust
              
               which
               put
               
                 their
                 mouthes
                 out
                 of
                 taste
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 far
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 they
                 prefered
                 Garlick
                 and
                 Onions
                 before
                 it
                 .
              
               It
               is
               nothing
               to
               be
               taken
               with
               the
               word
               ,
               
                 when
                 a
                 Teacher
                 is
              
               as
               one
               that
               
                 plaies
                 skilfully
              
               upon
               an
               instrument
               ,
               toucheth
               every
               string
               ,
               and
               in
               
                 such
                 a
                 manner
                 as
              
               the
               variety
               maketh
               sweet
               melody
               ,
               but
               this
               harping
               upon
               
                 one
                 string
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 pleasant
                 :
              
               here
               is
               a
               
                 tryal
                 of
                 your
              
               love
               to
               
               the
               word
               as
               it
               is
               the
               word
               ,
               whether
               in
               its
               nakedness
               and
               simplicity
               you
               can
               love
               it
               ,
               and
               though
               you
               have
               
                 nothing
                 but
                 the
                 word
              
               ,
               and
               the
               word
               
                 the
                 sincere
                 milk
              
               .
            
             
               Another
               Caution
               
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 that
                 humour
                 which
                 reigns
                 in
                 abundance
              
               among
               us
               all
               ,
               
                 affecting
                 novelties
                 .
                 O
                 such
                 itching
                 ears
                 would
              
               not
               have
               suited
               with
               our
               Saviour
               his
               manner
               of
               Preaching
               !
               they
               have
               the
               
                 same
                 again
                 and
                 again
              
               from
               him
               :
               
                 A
                 new
                 light
              
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               but
               a
               Comet
               ,
               draweth
               more
               eyes
               
                 after
                 it
                 then
                 the
                 Sun
              
               ,
               because
               he
               daily
               runneth
               his
               course
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               great
               vanity
               in
               mens
               minds
               ,
               and
               truly
               it
               is
               so
               in
               spiritual
               things
               ;
               
                 A
                 new
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 Oh
                 how
                 it
                 bewitcheth
                 men
                 !
              
               as
               that
               did
               the
               Galathians
               ;
               it
               is
               more
               
               then
               ordinarily
               taking
               with
               us
               ,
               else
               the
               power
               of
               darkness
               and
               errour
               had
               not
               been
               so
               great
               in
               our
               daies
               as
               it
               hath
               been
               ,
               and
               
                 truly
                 when
                 we
                 begin
                 to
                 be
                 weary
                 of
                 the
                 eternal
                 Gospel
                 ,
              
               which
               
                 never
                 waxeth
                 old
              
               ,
               and
               cannot
               away
               with
               the
               
                 same
                 things
              
               after
               we
               have
               once
               heard
               them
               ,
               which
               argues
               we
               receive
               not
               the
               love
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               
                 imbrace
                 it
                 not
              
               because
               of
               it self
               ,
               but
               
                 its
                 dress
                 or
                 its
                 novelties
              
               ,
               or
               some
               such
               accident
               :
               we
               are
               in
               the
               very
               
                 high-way
                 to
                 delusion
              
               ;
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               .
               I
               am
               sure
               ,
               Antiquity
               was
               the
               commendation
               of
               the
               
               
                 Apostles
                 Doctrine
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 Romans
              
               themselves
               ,
               he
               
                 brought
                 no
                 new
                 Gospel
              
               but
               what
               was
               from
               the
               beginning
               .
               Is
               it
               not
               
                 the
                 same
                 spirit
                 surely
              
               that
               works
               so
               
                 mightily
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 whereby
                 men
                 would
                 commend
                 any
                 thing
                 for
                 its
                 novelty
                 ?
              
               It
               is
               horrible
               
                 pride
                 both
                 in
                 Preachers
                 and
                 Teachers
                 ;
                 Lucifer-pride
                 ,
              
               and
               a
               strong
               savour
               of
               the
               old
               Adam
               ,
               that
               rather
               then
               we
               
                 will
                 be
                 confined
              
               to
               a
               course
               ,
               and
               dwell
               upon
               such
               things
               as
               have
               been
               received
               as
               truths
               in
               Jesus
               ,
               we
               
                 will
                 have
                 somewhat
                 new
              
               ,
               or
               else
               we
               will
               to
               our
               own
               inventions
               for
               it
               :
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 deliver
                 us
                 from
                 such
                 a
                 spirit
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               lastly
               ,
               
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 necessary
                 that
                 the
                 same
                 things
              
               be
               thus
               inculcated
               upon
               us
               ,
               then
               surely
               we
               may
               hence
               learn
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               
                 somewhat
                 more
                 for
                 us
              
               to
               learn
               still
               in
               every
               truth
               
                 we
                 hear
                 ,
                 it
                 may
              
               be
               often
               we
               have
               heard
               
                 such
                 a
                 duty
              
               pressed
               ,
               such
               a
               sin
               descried
               ,
               there
               
                 is
                 somewhat
                 in
                 it
              
               ,
               that
               God
               meeteth
               thee
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               everywhere
               with
               the
               same
               message
               ,
               they
               
                 spoke
                 with
                 one
                 mouth
              
               the
               same
               thing
               to
               thee
               ;
               Is
               there
               not
               cause
               to
               fear
               ?
               Surely
               that
               is
               one
               consideration
               ;
               and
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 mercy
              
               to
               thee
               will
               not
               let
               thee
               alone
               ,
               but
               one
               Bell
               in
               
                 Aarons
                 ring
              
               sounds
               
                 louder
                 ,
                 then
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 in
                 thine
                 ears
                 .
              
               Surely
               ,
               surely
               ,
               there
               is
               somewhat
               unhealed
               that
               every
               one
               
                 thou
                 comes
                 near
                 doth
                 grate
                 upon
                 .
              
               It
               may
               be
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               
                 to
                 come
                 a
                 little
                 nearer
              
               ,
               thou
               
               hast
               long
               heard
               of
               coming
               to
               
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               that
               thou
               mightest
               have
               life
               ,
               and
               thou
               hast
               been
               as
               
                 much
                 woed
                 and
                 intreated
              
               as
               many
               others
               ,
               and
               thou
               art
               even
               weary
               of
               this
               lesson
               .
               What
               ado
               is
               here
               about
               coming
               to
               Christ
               ,
               what
               do
               we
               not
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               do
               we
               not
               follow
               him
               ?
               
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
              
               !
               It
               is
               
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 your
                 whole
                 lives
                 ,
              
               and
               why
               may
               it
               not
               be
               the
               
                 work
                 of
                 our
                 whole
                 lives
              
               ?
               yea
               it
               is
               to
               be
               feared
               ,
               thou
               with
               
                 whom
                 so
                 sweet
                 a
                 word
                 relisheth
                 no
                 better
                 ,
              
               that
               thou
               hast
               never
               known
               the
               worth
               of
               it
               experimentally
               .
               
                 Be
                 not
                 deceived
              
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               you
               may
               be
               mistaken
               ,
               and
               far
               enough
               off
               from
               him
               ,
               when
               you
               think
               you
               come
               to
               him
               ▪
               
                 but
                 suppose
                 you
              
               are
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               may
               you
               
                 not
                 draw
                 nearer
              
               then
               you
               are
               come
               ;
               
                 have
                 you
                 not
                 many
                 back-slidings
              
               ?
               Do
               you
               not
               miss
               a
               stroke
               sometimes
               ,
               and
               are
               
                 carryed
                 down
                 the
                 stream
              
               ,
               the
               Lord
               knoweth
               how
               far
               :
               and
               had
               you
               〈◊〉
               
                 need
                 of
                 hearing
              
               then
               of
               coming
               to
               Christ
               ,
               renewing
               your
               acquaintance
               with
               him
               ?
               
                 Alas
                 Brethren
              
               ,
               if
               many
               of
               us
               
                 had
                 not
                 had
              
               this
               truth
               beaten
               upon
               us
               often
               ,
               we
               had
               never
               come
               
                 to
                 him
              
               ,
               canst
               thou
               tell
               how
               often
               
                 thou
                 hadst
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
              
               a
               crucified
               Christ
               held
               out
               to
               thee
               ;
               before
               thou
               
                 hadst
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 look
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 mourn
                 over
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 over
                 thy self
                 ,
              
               whose
               hands
               have
               been
               imbrued
               in
               his
               blood
               ,
               here
               thou
               
                 hast
                 seen
                 him
                 here
                 crucified
              
               ,
               and
               there
               crucified
               ,
               in
               this
               Sermon
               and
               that
               Sermon
               ,
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               and
               that
               Sacrament
               ;
               and
               
                 yet
                 al●s
              
               !
               thy
               
                 sullen
                 heart
              
               would
               not
               bleed
               ;
               now
               if
               thou
               hadst
               never
               heard
               of
               him
               more
               ,
               it
               
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 prest
              
               upon
               thee
               any
               more
               ,
               
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 thee
              
               ,
               if
               notwithstanding
               all
               this
               
                 thou
                 hadst
                 been
              
               sealed
               up
               in
               hardness
               and
               unbelief
               for
               ever
               .
               
                 What
                 narrow-mouth'd
              
               bottles
               are
               we
               receiving
               ,
               
                 now
                 a
                 drop
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 drop
                 ,
              
               though
               much
               be
               poured
               out
               ,
               many
               times
               
                 little
                 staies
              
               ,
               or
               if
               our
               heads
               
                 fill
                 ,
                 our
                 capacities
                 being
                 large
                 ,
              
               apprehensions
               quick
               ,
               and
               
                 memories
                 strong
              
               ,
               how
               little
               is
               
                 it
                 that
                 sinketh
                 any
                 further
              
               ,
               there
               
                 is
                 need
                 of
                 pressing
                 and
                 boring
                 ,
                 and
                 unspeakable
                 mercy
                 it
                 is
                 ,
              
               if
               at
               last
               the
               passage
               
                 between
                 head
                 and
                 heart
                 be
                 opened
                 ,
              
               that
               so
               what
               
                 we
                 have
                 known
              
               long
               it
               may
               be
               ;
               
                 yet
                 now
              
               we
               may
               come
               
                 to
                 know
              
               after
               
                 another
                 manner
              
               ,
               even
               as
               
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 know
                 it
              
               ,
               not
               to
               
                 be
                 puffed
                 ,
                 but
                 humbled
              
               ,
               to
               be
               warmed
               ,
               melted
               ,
               changed
               by
               it
               .
            
             
               How
               
                 often
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 have
                 we
                 had
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 love
              
               pressed
               upon
               us
               ,
               even
               as
               John
               had
               
                 nothing
                 else
              
               in
               his
               mouth
               almost
               ,
               my
               
                 little
                 children
                 love
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 my
                 little
                 children
                 love
                 one
                 another
              
               ;
               when
               he
               
                 could
                 not
                 go
              
               ,
               as
               the
               story
               saith
               of
               him
               :
               and
               can
               we
               hear
               it
               so
               often
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               somewhat
               yet
               
                 to
                 learn
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 
                 learned
                 ,
              
               may
               we
               not
               
                 grow
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 abound
                 in
                 it
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
              
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               to
               them
               ,
               even
               the
               Thessalonians
               ?
               Ah
               where
               is
               a
               heart
               
               
                 wherein
                 it
                 abounds
              
               ,
               love
               to
               Christ
               ,
               love
               to
               his
               people
               ,
               
                 a
                 little
                 unlikeness
                 to
                 our selves
              
               in
               a
               thing
               of
               no
               great
               moment
               ,
               
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 quench
                 our
                 love
                 ,
              
               so
               far
               it
               is
               from
               being
               as
               strong
               as
               death
               ;
               a
               little
               earthly
               enjoyments
               ,
               
                 a
                 house
                 ,
                 a
                 wife
              
               ,
               a
               company
               of
               sweet
               children
               ,
               pretty
               taking
               vanities
               ,
               they
               have
               such
               a
               hold
               upon
               our
               hearts
               ,
               
                 that
                 they
                 stifle
                 our
                 desires
              
               ,
               to
               be
               dissolved
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               with
               Christ
               ,
               O
               we
               see
               not
               ,
               nor
               have
               learned
               how
               far
               better
               it
               is
               to
               be
               with
               him
               !
               is
               
                 there
                 not
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 learned
              
               by
               us
               all
               ,
               in
               this
               point
               ?
               
                 And
                 if
                 we
                 can
                 or
                 do
              
               love
               the
               Saints
               in
               
                 whom
                 the
                 Image
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               is
               ,
               
                 alas
                 may
              
               we
               not
               do
               it
               more
               
                 fervently
                 then
                 we
                 do
              
               ?
               if
               there
               be
               some
               fervor
               appearing
               ,
               
               
                 may
                 we
                 not
                 do
                 it
              
               with
               a
               purer
               heart
               ,
               meerly
               because
               Christ
               hath
               loved
               them
               ,
               who
               
                 is
                 the
                 beloved
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ?
              
               what
               meaneth
               else
               
                 our
                 having
                 the
                 faith
                 of
                 Christ
              
               with
               
                 respect
                 of
                 persons
              
               ,
               what
               meanth
               else
               our
               loving
               men
               more
               for
               their
               gifts
               ,
               then
               
                 for
                 their
                 graces
              
               ,
               for
               the
               common
               then
               the
               special
               inspiration
               of
               the
               spirit
               upon
               them
               ?
               
                 Do
                 we
                 not
                 know
                 men
                 after
                 the
                 flesh
                 ?
              
               and
               yet
               ,
               haply
               are
               ready
               
               to
               be
               wearie
               of
               the
               
                 Doctrine
                 of
              
               love
               ;
               What
               needeth
               so
               much
               ado
               to
               press
               it
               upon
               men
               ,
               the
               Lord
               shew
               us
               our
               shortness
               and
               humble
               us
               under
               it
               ?
            
             
               But
               
                 I
                 will
                 come
                 a
                 little
                 nearer
                 to
                 the
                 purpose
                 ,
              
               in
               the
               
                 Text
                 and
                 the
                 thing
              
               in
               hand
               ,
               which
               lies
               before
               us
               ,
               the
               Ordinance
               to
               which
               some
               of
               us
               are
               now
               called
               ,
               
                 for
                 this
                 of
                 watching
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               I
               might
               have
               raised
               indeed
               a
               closer
               observation
               ,
               and
               more
               particular
               when
               I
               had
               finished
               this
               ,
               but
               I
               would
               
                 not
                 hold
                 you
                 too
                 long
              
               upon
               this
               ,
               which
               is
               but
               the
               coherence
               of
               the
               words
               we
               shall
               likely
               meet
               with
               it
               ,
               before
               we
               have
               done
               with
               the
               Parable
               .
               And
               that
               is
               the
               
                 necessity
                 of
                 pressing
                 this
              
               great
               duty
               of
               watching
               for
               the
               
                 appearing
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ,
               much
               upon
               people
               ,
               for
               this
               is
               the
               thing
               here
               our
               Saviour
               
                 so
                 muchin
                 sists
                 upon
              
               ,
               and
               often
               in
               many
               other
               places
               ,
               
                 What
                 I
                 say
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 watch
              
               ;
               And
               so
               Luk.
               12.
               35.
               
               Surely
               
                 there
                 is
              
               somewhat
               more
               in
               it
               ,
               then
               ordinary
               ;
               The
               duty
               
                 is
                 more
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 our
                 carnal
                 hearts
              
               are
               as
               hardly
               drawn
               to
               it
               ,
               as
               a
               Bear
               to
               the
               stake
               :
               It
               hath
               many
               a
               time
               ,
               I
               know
               been
               prest
               upon
               us
               all
               ,
               to
               get
               ready
               ,
               and
               stand
               ready
               ,
               
                 to
                 wait
                 and
                 watch
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
              
               ;
               Have
               we
               done
               it
               ?
               How
               many
               of
               us
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               if
               Christ
               should
               come
               this
               day
               would
               be
               found
               sleeping
               ,
               some
               
                 dead
                 asleep
                 upon
                 the
                 lap
                 of
                 the
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 and
                 honours
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 riches
              
               of
               this
               world
               and
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               to
               be
               disturbed
               ,
               we
               never
               dream
               of
               his
               coming
               ;
               Would
               men
               ,
               think
               you
               ,
               if
               they
               had
               learned
               this
               lesson
               ,
               
                 dare
                 to
                 multiply
                 incumbrances
              
               in
               the
               world
               upon
               them
               ?
               and
               with
               so
               much
               diligence
               ,
               be
               casting
               out
               their
               roots
               
                 in
                 the
                 world
              
               ;
               as
               if
               they
               would
               never
               be
               pluckt
               up
               ,
               as
               if
               their
               portion
               were
               here
               
               below
               ?
               
                 how
                 often
                 have
                 we
                 been
                 warned
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 whos
                 's
                 the
                 warning
                 is
                 ,
              
               take
               heed
               your
               hearts
               be
               
                 not
                 over-charged
                 with
                 surfeting
                 ,
                 and
                 drunkenness
                 ,
                 and
                 cares
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 day
                 take
                 you
                 at
                 unawares
                 ?
              
               hath
               this
               sunk
               with
               us
               ?
               have
               we
               made
               conscience
               any
               of
               us
               ,
               to
               ease
               our selves
               of
               any
               
                 unnecessary
                 incumbrances
              
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               wait
               upon
               him
               without
               distraction
               ?
               
                 What
                 day
                 almost
              
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               goeth
               over
               any
               of
               
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 hour
                 of
                 the
              
               day
               wherein
               we
               
                 shall
                 be
                 ready
              
               to
               open
               ,
               if
               he
               
                 should
                 knock
              
               for
               us
               ?
               
                 Alas
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 care
                 not
              
               how
               long
               he
               defers
               his
               coming
               ,
               if
               he
               would
               never
               come
               ,
               we
               
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 better
                 pleased
              
               ,
               for
               
                 our
                 hearts
                 tell
                 us
              
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               a
               woful
               day
               to
               us
               ,
               we
               
                 have
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 our
                 vessels
                 ,
              
               we
               have
               no
               grace
               in
               our
               hearts
               ,
               nor
               any
               
                 do
                 we
                 look
                 after
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 in
                 him
                 ,
              
               nor
               are
               we
               solicitous
               to
               be
               found
               in
               him
               ,
               we
               are
               for
               our
               
                 building
                 ,
                 and
                 planting
              
               ,
               and
               rejoycing
               in
               our
               youthful
               vanities
               ,
               and
               leave
               these
               
                 serious
                 things
              
               to
               melancholly
               Spirits
               .
               Ah
               dear
               friends
               ,
               had
               not
               
                 this
                 truth
                 need
              
               to
               be
               prest
               upon
               you
               ?
               
                 your
                 danger
                 is
                 great
              
               ;
               if
               you
               
                 could
                 as
                 easily
              
               put
               by
               the
               coming
               of
               Christ
               ,
               as
               you
               can
               make
               a
               shift
               to
               smother
               
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 your
                 hearts
                 indeed
              
               might
               chear
               you
               ,
               and
               your
               condition
               were
               something
               like
               :
               
                 But
                 he
                 will
                 come
              
               ;
               and
               though
               you
               be
               asleep
               in
               the
               
                 Arms
                 of
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 know
                 that
                 your
                 judgement
                 sleepeth
                 not
                 ,
              
               and
               your
               condemnation
               
               
                 slumbereth
                 not
              
               .
               And
               make
               what
               
                 haste
                 you
                 can
              
               to
               be
               rich
               ,
               or
               to
               be
               honourable
               (
               and
               such
               persons
               
                 are
                 not
                 innocent
              
               )
               make
               what
               hast
               you
               can
               in
               your
               career
               of
               sinning
               ,
               it
               
                 travels
                 as
                 fast
                 you
              
               ,
               and
               will
               be
               sure
               to
               meet
               you
               at
               the
               
                 gates
                 of
                 death
              
               and
               hell
               ,
               if
               not
               sooner
               .
               But
               it
               
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 think
              
               we
               have
               
                 done
                 this
                 great
                 work
              
               ,
               we
               are
               through
               grace
               acquainted
               
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               and
               his
               spirit
               ,
               which
               hath
               effectually
               wrought
               
                 in
                 us
                 to
                 believe
              
               in
               his
               name
               ,
               to
               love
               him
               ,
               the
               main
               is
               done
               with
               us
               ,
               and
               therefore
               sure
               we
               may
               have
               more
               liberty
               then
               others
               now
               :
               
                 Is
                 it
                 so
              
               ?
               but
               is
               this
               all
               that
               must
               go
               to
               watch
               for
               his
               appearing
               ,
               do
               we
               not
               find
               our
               hearts
               thrusting
               away
               from
               us
               that
               day
               ;
               and
               our
               hands
               fail
               ,
               and
               security
               
                 setzeth
                 upon
                 us
              
               ?
               the
               Disciples
               were
               in
               danger
               to
               be
               surprized
               as
               well
               as
               others
               :
               Is
               
                 there
                 any
                 of
                 us
              
               so
               liveth
               as
               that
               we
               could
               readily
               and
               
                 cheerfully
                 meet
                 the
              
               Lord
               
               Jesus
               
                 at
                 an
                 hours
              
               warning
               ,
               a
               daies
               〈…〉
               and
               who
               knoweth
               he
               shall
               have
               so
               
                 much
                 to
                 set
                 his
                 house
                 in
                 order
                 ?
              
               O
               there
               is
               need
               to
               press
               this
               duty
               upon
               us
               all
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               be
               our
               condition
               what
               it
               will
               we
               have
               yet
               
                 somewhat
                 to
                 learn
              
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               shall
               have
               ,
               let
               us
               hear
               it
               as
               often
               as
               we
               can
               ;
               But
               I
               will
               leave
               what
               further
               may
               be
               said
               unto
               its
               proper
               place
               ,
               in
               the
               handling
               the
               Parable
               .
            
             
               
                 A
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 to
                 the
                 present
                 occasion
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 many
                 of
                 us
              
               now
               called
               
                 to
                 this
                 sealing
                 Ordinance
              
               :
               And
               though
               we
               have
               been
               often
               stirrd
               up
               and
               taught
               our
               duty
               concerning
               it
               ,
               
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 need
                 to
                 chafe
              
               the
               oyl
               in
               upon
               our
               hearts
               ,
               our
               affections
               still
               ?
               Alas
               how
               often
               have
               we
               heard
               ,
               that
               what
               
                 it
                 findeth
                 it
                 sealeeth
              
               ;
               And
               yet
               do
               we
               not
               dare
               to
               come
               some
               
                 of
                 us
                 with
                 hard
                 hearts
              
               ,
               with
               covetous
               hearts
               ,
               uncircumcised
               hearts
               ,
               
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 speak
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 grieve
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 any
                 ,
              
               the
               Lord
               would
               not
               have
               grieved
               ,
               as
               they
               that
               have
               least
               cause
               will
               be
               most
               sadly
               
                 assayling
                 themselves
                 with
                 condemning
                 thoughts
              
               ;
               but
               the
               Lord
               grant
               there
               be
               none
               found
               among
               us
               guilty
               kind
               .
               As
               often
               as
               
                 ever
                 we
                 come
                 we
                 hear
              
               how
               dangerous
               a
               thing
               it
               is
               
                 to
                 come
                 unworthily
                 prepared
                 to
                 it
                 ,
              
               and
               yet
               the
               Lord
               knoweth
               how
               often
               we
               have
               
                 thrust
                 in
                 here
              
               some
               of
               us
               ,
               
                 without
                 a
                 wedding
              
               
               garment
               ;
               And
               that
               you
               have
               not
               been
               
                 bound
                 hand
                 and
                 fooe
              
               ;
               bound
               up
               in
               our
               grave-cloaths
               ,
               and
               cast
               out
               of
               his
               sight
               for
               ever
               ,
               it
               is
               unspeakable
               mercy
               ;
               
                 O
                 that
                 this
                 might
                 melt
                 us
              
               and
               humble
               us
               !
               and
               though
               blessed
               be
               
                 his
                 holy
                 name
              
               ,
               I
               believe
               there
               are
               many
               
                 poor
                 trembling
                 souls
              
               ,
               who
               go
               about
               these
               things
               with
               
                 trembling
                 hearts
              
               ,
               least
               they
               should
               miscarry
               ,
               and
               grieve
               him
               ,
               and
               bring
               his
               blood
               upon
               their
               heads
               ,
               I
               doubt
               there
               may
               be
               
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 found
              
               whose
               hearts
               are
               far
               from
               such
               a
               frame
               ;
               had
               we
               not
               need
               then
               
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 in
                 mind
              
               and
               remembrance
               again
               and
               again
               of
               these
               things
               ?
               It
               may
               be
               we
               have
               
                 faith
                 and
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               it
               may
               be
               we
               have
               humility
               and
               self-loathing
               ,
               it
               
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 mourning
                 spirit
              
               over
               our
               sins
               that
               have
               
                 grieved
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               put
               him
               to
               all
               that
               grief
               for
               us
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               we
               have
               a
               thankful
               heart
               ;
               but
               are
               
                 these
                 graces
                 now
                 in
                 action
              
               ,
               are
               they
               
                 upon
                 the
                 wing
              
               ?
               how
               often
               have
               we
               been
               minded
               thereof
               ,
               that
               
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 actually
                 prepared
              
               ?
               Alas
               !
               alas
               haply
               some
               of
               us
               have
               not
               taken
               the
               pains
               with
               our
               hearts
               which
               we
               might
               ,
               and
               which
               others
               would
               have
               
                 done
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 had
                 the
                 hearts
              
               which
               we
               have
               ,
               
                 haply
                 some
              
               of
               us
               have
               been
               striving
               ,
               but
               in
               our
               own
               strength
               .
               and
               have
               done
               little
               ,
               
                 haply
                 others
              
               may
               have
               been
               
                 helped
                 in
                 the
                 preparing
              
               our
               hearts
               
                 to
                 seek
                 him
                 herein
              
               ,
               but
               by
               our
               pride
               or
               
                 carnal
                 
                 confidence
                 ,
                 have
                 lost
                 our
                 frame
                 again
                 .
              
               It
               may
               
                 be
                 some
                 of
                 us
              
               brethren
               have
               not
               been
               very
               negligent
               ,
               but
               yet
               not
               so
               diligent
               as
               we
               ought
               ,
               
                 O
                 brethren
              
               !
               how
               needful
               are
               
                 these
                 things
                 !
                 bear
                 with
              
               me
               if
               I
               
                 do
                 press
              
               you
               to
               them
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               tedious
               to
               me
               ,
               because
               I
               hope
               it
               is
               safe
               for
               you
               ,
               
                 O!
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 do
                 it
                 ,
              
               with
               such
               a
               spirit
               ,
               and
               
                 such
                 bowels
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               did
               !
               the
               Lord
               
                 set
                 it
                 upon
                 all
              
               our
               hearts
               ,
               we
               are
               exceeding
               dull
               to
               believe
               ,
               and
               more
               
                 dull
                 to
                 practise
              
               ,
               and
               do
               his
               will
               
                 revealed
                 to
                 us
              
               ;
               Though
               
                 the
                 good
                 be
                 our
                 own
              
               ,
               the
               glory
               onely
               his
               .
               But
               I
               
                 will
                 not
                 insist
              
               any
               further
               here
               ,
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 understanding
              
               and
               believing
               hearts
               .
            
             
               
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 Text.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Heaven
                 is
              
               like
               to
               ten
               
                 Virgins
                 which
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 I
                 shall
                 begin
                 according
              
               to
               the
               former
               method
               .
               And
               
                 first
                 speak
              
               concerning
               Jesus
               Christ
               with
               respect
               to
               his
               Church
               .
               And
               touching
               him
               there
               are
               many
               things
               in
               this
               Parable
               .
               
                 First
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 His
                 delay
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 cry
                 before
                 his
                 coming
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 coming
                 .
              
               5.
               
               The
               time
               
                 of
                 his
                 coming
              
               ,
               at
               Midnight
               .
            
             
               To
               begin
               
                 with
                 the
                 first
              
               ,
            
             
               The
               Bridegroom
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ;
               
                 However
                 it
                 be
              
               that
               the
               scope
               of
               the
               parable
               be
               to
               stir
               up
               all
               men
               that
               profess
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               a
               
                 perseverance
                 in
                 watchfulness
              
               ,
               to
               stand
               ready
               for
               his
               coming
               ,
               which
               being
               apprehended
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               necessity
               of
               pressing
               each
               particular
               in
               the
               parable
               ,
               yet
               I
               conceive
               ,
               according
               to
               our
               Saviour
               .
               
                 His
                 opening
              
               of
               other
               parables
               ,
               we
               may
               insist
               upon
               the
               chief
               things
               therein
               ,
               as
               where
               HE
               
                 would
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 what
              
               need
               we
               had
               to
               take
               heed
               What
               ,
               or
               How
               ,
               or
               Whom
               we
               Hear
               ,
               by
               the
               parable
               of
               the
               several
               sorts
               of
               Ground
               ,
               receiving
               the
               seed
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               he
               not
               onely
               tells
               us
               the
               difference
               of
               the
               Grounds
               ,
               but
               
               what
               the
               
                 seed
                 is
              
               ,
               and
               who
               the
               Sower
               is
               ,
               or
               else
               in
               that
               parable
               of
               the
               good
               seed
               and
               
                 the
                 Tares
              
               ,
               he
               tells
               us
               particularly
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               each
               .
               And
               
                 therefore
                 I
                 must
                 not
                 here
                 pass
                 over
              
               this
               
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 .
                 The
                 Virgins
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 note
                 will
                 be
              
               The
               relation
               
                 between
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 ,
              
               
               
                 He
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               and
               stands
               in
               that
               relation
               to
               his
               people
               .
               that
               this
               is
               so
               ,
               we
               need
               go
               no
               further
               ,
               
                 then
                 this
                 parable
              
               ,
               for
               who
               
               else
               is
               it
               that
               cometh
               ,
               and
               with
               whom
               they
               that
               are
               ready
               ,
               
                 do
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 M●rriage
                 ,
                 then
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 our
                 life
                 ,
              
               who
               appearing
               ,
               
               
                 we
                 shall
                 appear
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 glory
                 .
              
               Again
               
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 cry
              
               to
               him
               
                 Lord
                 Lord
                 open
              
               to
               us
               .
               Who
               is
               the
               Lord
               ,
               but
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               as
               will
               appear
               by
               comparing
               this
               with
               that
               speech
               of
               our
               Saviour
               .
               
                 Not
                 every
                 one
                 that
              
               saith
               to
               me
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               shall
               enter
               ,
               
               but
               he
               
                 that
                 doeth
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 my
                 Father
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 heaven
                 .
              
               Many
               will
               say
               to
               me
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
              
               ,
               have
               we
               not
               
                 prophesied
                 in
                 thy
                 Name
              
               ,
               in
               whose
               name
               ,
               but
               
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
              
               and
               in
               thy
               name
               
                 cast
                 out
                 devils
              
               ,
               whose
               name
               ,
               but
               the
               name
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ?
               Again
               ,
               
                 who
                 is
                 it
              
               that
               passeth
               the
               doom
               and
               Sentence
               upon
               poor
               souls
               ,
               but
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               shall
               judge
               both
               quick
               and
               dead
               ,
               he
               saith
               
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
              
               ,
               in
               this
               place
               ,
               depart
               from
               me
               ,
               for
               I
               know
               you
               not
               .
               I
               never
               knew
               you
               ,
               in
               that
               place
               of
               
                 Matthew
                 .
                 Again
                 in
              
               
               
                 the
                 winding
                 up
                 of
                 all
              
               ,
               in
               the
               Application
               we
               
                 have
                 an
              
               explication
               of
               this
               part
               of
               the
               parable
               ,
               Watch
               therefore
               
                 for
                 ye
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 day
                 n●r
                 hour
                 wherein
                 Son
                 of
                 man
                 cometh
                 ,
              
               and
               who
               is
               this
               Son
               of
               man
               that
               cometh
               so
               uncertainly
               :
               
                 but
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               for
               whom
               the
               Virgins
               watched
               a
               while
               ,
               but
               he
               not
               coming
               the
               time
               they
               thou
               ht
               ,
               they
               fell
               asleep
               ,
               and
               were
               found
               unready
               ;
               therefore
               watch
               ,
               and
               who
               
                 is
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 man
              
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ?
               You
               know
               he
               often
               calls
               himself
               so
               in
               the
               Gospel
               .
               
                 I
                 suppose
                 this
                 is
              
               the
               most
               solid
               and
               near
               proof
               of
               the
               Doctrine
               .
               
                 Which
                 is
                 fetched
                 out
              
               of
               the
               parable
               ,
               yet
               a
               parallel
               place
               or
               two
               more
               ,
               I
               will
               add
               to
               it
               ,
               in
               that
               place
               of
               John
               ,
               where
               he
               
                 answereth
                 his
                 Disciples
              
               ,
               who
               seemed
               to
               envy
               at
               it
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               people
               followed
               
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 their
                 Master
                 ,
              
               O
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 Bride
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               
               but
               the
               friend
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               standeth
               and
               heareth
               his
               voice
               and
               rejoyceth
               .
               
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 but
                 onely
                 his
                 friend
              
               ,
               for
               I
               have
               
                 not
                 the
                 Bride
              
               ,
               she
               is
               not
               mine
               ,
               but
               his
               ;
               I
               have
               
                 onely
                 prepared
              
               a
               people
               for
               Christ
               ,
               being
               a
               voice
               crying
               ,
               prepare
               ye
               the
               Lord
               his
               way
               ,
               make
               
                 his
                 paths
              
               straight
               ,
               but
               he
               is
               the
               Bride-groom
               ,
               who
               hath
               the
               Bride
               ;
               that
               is
               to
               say
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               for
               the
               
                 comparison
                 is
                 between
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
              
               onely
               so
               he
               giveth
               the
               honor
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               and
               is
               willing
               to
               be
               Out-shone
               by
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               morning-star
               ,
               by
               the
               Son
               when
               it
               ariseth
               ,
               appeareth
               not
               any
               more
               .
               
                 But
                 one
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
              
               is
               of
               Matthew
               ,
               when
               again
               the
               Disciples
               of
               John
               ,
               being
               in
               
                 a
                 mourning
                 condition
              
               ,
               as
               it
               should
               seem
               for
               their
               Master
               ,
               now
               in
               the
               
                 Paw
                 of
                 that
                 Lyon
              
               that
               crafty
               
               Fox
               Herod
               ,
               they
               had
               cause
               to
               
                 mourn
                 and
                 fast
              
               ,
               if
               by
               any
               means
               they
               might
               prevail
               ,
               for
               his
               deliverance
               ,
               as
               the
               
                 Church
                 afterward
              
               made
               continua
               !
               supplication
               for
               Peter
               .
               Now
               they
               saw
               not
               the
               Disciples
               of
               Christ
               to
               
                 fast
                 and
                 mourn
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               they
               had
               a
               
                 little
                 emulation
                 at
                 them
              
               ,
               and
               
                 were
                 quarrellous
              
               ,
               and
               complaining
               to
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               Why
               do
               we
               and
               the
               Parisees
               
                 fast
                 often
                 ,
                 but
                 thy
                 Desciples
                 fast
                 not
                 .
                 Our
                 Saviour
              
               again
               answers
               ,
               How
               can
               the
               children
               of
               the
               Bride
               
                 Chamber
                 mourn
              
               ,
               while
               the
               
                 Bridegroom
                 is
                 with
                 them
              
               ,
               but
               the
               days
               are
               coming
               when
               
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
              
               from
               them
               and
               
                 then
                 shall
                 they
                 mourn
              
               .
               Is
               it
               sit
               or
               
                 convenient
                 for
              
               them
               to
               mourn
               while
               he
               is
               with
               them
               ,
               for
               that
               
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 (
                 they
                 cannot
                 )
              
               the
               impossibility
               
               set
               forth
               interrogatively
               ,
               for
               the
               
                 Affirmative
                 interrogation
              
               ,
               hath
               the
               force
               of
               a
               strong
               Negation
               ,
               Can
               they
               ,
               
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 ,
              
               they
               cannot
               mourn
               ,
               the
               meaning
               is
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               suitable
               ,
               
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 convenient
              
               ,
               so
               Nazianzen
               .
               It
               is
               reasonable
               that
               they
               should
               now
               mourn
               .
               You
               all
               know
               
                 who
                 are
                 meant
                 by
                 the
                 children
              
               of
               the
               Bride-Chamber
               ,
               
                 even
                 the
                 Disciples
              
               ,
               and
               the
               Bridegroom
               is
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               yet
               a
               little
               while
               was
               with
               them
               ,
               
                 and
                 ere
                 long
                 should
              
               be
               taken
               away
               from
               them
               ,
               and
               then
               should
               be
               a
               time
               of
               mourning
               to
               them
               .
               But
               I
               will
               not
               here
               
                 stay
                 you
                 longer
              
               ,
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               Scriptures
               
                 we
                 shall
                 consider
              
               ,
               in
               the
               opening
               of
               the
               Point
               to
               you
               .
            
             
               The
               Bridegroom
               ,
               
                 being
                 a
                 relative
              
               ,
               must
               have
               a
               Correlate
               and
               
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 Bride
              
               .
               And
               therefore
               first
               we
               will
               speak
               a
               little
               to
               that
               ,
               
                 who
                 this
                 Bride
                 is
              
               ,
               for
               it
               seemeth
               not
               to
               be
               intimated
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               but
               the
               Bridegroom
               to
               stand
               alone
               .
               And
               then
               a
               word
               or
               two
               to
               the
               person
               ,
               and
               quality
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               .
            
             
               
                 For
                 the
                 Bride
                 ,
                 the
                 Text
                 seemeth
              
               not
               to
               shew
               her
               to
               
                 our
                 view
                 ,
                 for
                 here
                 only
                 ,
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               the
               Church
               visible
               ,
               is
               compared
               to
               ten
               virgins
               ,
               some
               wise
               ,
               some
               foolish
               ,
               and
               this
               may
               seem
               
                 hardly
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Bride
              
               ,
               for
               the
               foolish
               you
               see
               ,
               
                 they
                 are
                 disowned
              
               ,
               and
               Jesus
               Christ
               certainly
               espouseth
               none
               to
               be
               his
               Bride
               ,
               but
               he
               communicateth
               of
               himself
               to
               them
               ,
               who
               is
               
                 the
                 wisdom
                 of
                 the
                 Father
              
               ,
               and
               hath
               all
               
                 treasures
                 of
                 wisdom
              
               and
               knowledge
               in
               him
               ;
               and
               therefore
               
                 his
                 spouse
                 ,
                 can
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 ,
              
               they
               have
               no
               fellowship
               with
               him
               in
               his
               wisdom
               .
               
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 wise
              
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               said
               they
               
                 entered
                 with
                 him
              
               in
               
                 to
                 the
                 marriage
              
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               here
               spoken
               of
               ,
               
                 but
                 as
                 virgins
                 which
                 are
                 companions
                 to
                 the
                 Queen
                 ,
              
               as
               it
               is
               in
               the
               45.
               
               
                 Psal
                 .
                 v.
              
               14.
               which
               in
               
                 weddings
                 it
                 seemeth
              
               did
               accompany
               the
               B●ide
               to
               bring
               her
               to
               the
               Bridgr
               .
               but
               these
               were
               not
               the
               spouse
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               may
               seem
               there
               is
               nothing
               here
               intimated
               
               of
               the
               Bride
               which
               is
               the
               correlate
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               .
               We
               answer
               ,
               In
               propriety
               of
               speech
               indeed
               ,
               the
               Bride
               is
               the
               Queen
               ,
               and
               the
               Virgins
               
                 her
                 companions
              
               they
               are
               not
               one
               and
               the
               same
               ,
               but
               in
               these
               tropical
               speeches
               they
               may
               be
               one
               and
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               are
               so
               doubtless
               ,
               for
               
                 herein
                 we
              
               must
               know
               that
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               people
               of
               God
               admits
               of
               notions
               ,
               of
               divers
               relations
               unto
               divers
               conditions
               As
               in
               
                 another
                 Parable
              
               ,
               where
               the
               Communications
               of
               Christ
               to
               his
               people
               are
               set
               forth
               by
               a
               
                 Marriage
                 Feast
              
               as
               afterward
               we
               shall
               
               shew
               you
               ,
               here
               you
               know
               the
               King
               
                 prepareth
                 a
                 feast
                 for
                 his
                 Son
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 a
                 marriage
                 feast
              
               it
               is
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               a
               marriage
               it self
               ,
               though
               by
               that
               be
               meant
               a
               marriage
               feast
               ,
               now
               
                 many
                 guests
                 were
                 invited
              
               ,
               and
               
                 they
                 make
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 excuse
                 ,
              
               at
               last
               he
               retcheth
               them
               in
               from
               the
               
                 high-way
                 sides
              
               ,
               and
               heals
               the
               poor
               scattered
               contemned
               Gentiles
               ,
               brought
               in
               when
               the
               
                 Jews
                 refused
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 communication
              
               of
               himself
               to
               them
               as
               a
               Church
               visible
               ,
               for
               so
               it
               must
               be
               understood
               because
               there
               was
               one
               there
               
                 without
                 a
                 wedding
                 garment
              
               ;
               It
               seemeth
               there
               was
               a
               custom
               to
               put
               on
               their
               best
               apparel
               ,
               somewhat
               suitable
               to
               the
               occasion
               .
               Well
               ,
               the
               rest
               they
               had
               such
               a
               garment
               .
               But
               if
               this
               be
               but
               a
               marriage
               feast
               for
               Christ
               and
               the
               Bride
               ,
               What
               are
               those
               Guests
               then
               that
               are
               invited
               to
               it
               ?
               It
               should
               seem
               they
               are
               not
               the
               Bride
               her self
               .
               Why
               truly
               here
               the
               Answer
               is
               the
               same
               ,
               in
               this
               Tropical
               speech
               they
               are
               one
               ,
               and
               the
               same
               ,
               though
               here
               they
               be
               not
               considered
               as
               such
               .
               And
               so
               in
               
                 our
                 Text
                 the
                 real
              
               believers
               ,
               aand
               Saints
               in
               truth
               ,
               are
               set
               forth
               
                 by
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
              
               ,
               and
               all
               
                 such
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 hath
                 them
              
               as
               the
               Bride
               ,
               onely
               
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 considered
              
               indeed
               according
               to
               the
               comparison
               ,
               as
               
                 the
                 virgins
                 her
                 companions
              
               which
               
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
              
               the
               Bridegroom
               .
               Yet
               
                 indeed
                 and
                 in
                 truth
                 they
              
               are
               the
               Bride
               her self
               .
               And
               he
               said
               in
               that
               place
               of
               the
               Revelations
               ,
               Blessed
               are
               they
               
                 who
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 the
                 marriage
                 supper
                 of
                 the
                 Lamb
                 ,
              
               and
               so
               
               called
               as
               to
               come
               to
               it
               ,
               but
               if
               they
               were
               not
               the
               spouse
               ,
               had
               not
               an
               interest
               in
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               as
               such
               ,
               truly
               there
               would
               
                 be
                 no
                 hapness
                 in
                 it
              
               to
               behold
               him
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               enjoy
               him
               ;
               and
               therefore
               this
               is
               
                 but
                 the
                 same
                 thing
              
               with
               that
               in
               the
               
                 New
                 Jerusalem
              
               ;
               the
               holy
               
               City
               ,
               
                 coming
                 down
                 from
                 God
              
               ,
               even
               out
               of
               heaven
               as
               a
               Bride
               adorned
               for
               her
               husband
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 Angel
                 said
              
               ,
               come
               and
               
                 I
                 will
                 shew
                 thee
                 the
                 Bride
                 the
                 Lambs
                 wife
                 ,
              
               where
               
                 the
                 Bride
                 and
                 Guests
              
               are
               one
               and
               the
               same
               surely
               ,
               onely
               considered
               under
               a
               divers
               notion
               ,
               according
               
               to
               the
               nature
               of
               the
               similitude
               or
               comparison
               ,
               and
               so
               it
               is
               in
               this
               place
               .
               Yea
               ,
               that
               which
               
                 seemeth
                 farther
              
               off
               in
               the
               comparison
               of
               the
               prothesis
               in
               the
               apodosis
               cometh
               as
               near
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               of
               
                 young
                 men
                 ,
                 the
                 friends
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
              
               the
               children
               of
               the
               Bride
               Chamber
               ,
               they
               also
               are
               a
               part
               of
               the
               Bride
               ,
               for
               they
               are
               these
               Virgins
               also
               ,
               though
               in
               the
               comparison
               male
               and
               female
               are
               distinguished
               ,
               yet
               in
               Christ
               ,
               no
               difference
               .
            
             
               
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 these
                 virgins
              
               ,
               the
               
                 wise
                 virgins
              
               ,
               though
               considered
               here
               onely
               as
               
                 accompanying
                 the
                 Bride
              
               ,
               the
               Queen
               ,
               to
               the
               Bride-groom
               ,
               
                 Yet
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 Bride
                 herself
              
               indeed
               ,
               now
               herein
               
                 is
                 the
                 mystery
              
               of
               the
               Saints
               communion
               with
               Christ
               
                 transcendent
                 and
                 wonderful
              
               ,
               that
               though
               they
               be
               marryed
               to
               him
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               virgins
               still
               ;
               It
               is
               true
               
                 an
                 espousal
              
               of
               a
               virgin
               deflours
               her
               not
               ,
               but
               she
               continueth
               so
               ,
               until
               the
               consummation
               of
               the
               marriage
               ,
               though
               the
               Jews
               had
               another
               manner
               of
               custom
               ,
               sometimes
               to
               espouse
               by
               copulation
               ;
               though
               afterwards
               it
               was
               
                 forbidden
                 with
                 them
              
               .
               See
               
                 Goodw.
                 Antiq.
                 Jud.
              
               yet
               when
               the
               Saints
               have
               the
               fullest
               ,
               nearest
               
                 marriage
                 ,
                 communion
              
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               yet
               
                 they
                 are
                 virgins
              
               ,
               yea
               the
               purer
               
                 their
                 virginity
                 is
              
               ,
               then
               the
               Idols
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               
                 they
                 are
                 fully
                 cleansed
                 from
              
               ,
               according
               to
               that
               Gospel-promise
               ,
               I
               will
               cleanse
               them
               from
               all
               your
               Idols
               ,
               then
               it
               is
               done
               fully
               .
               And
               
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 virginity
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
              
               it
               lyes
               in
               their
               union
               and
               fellowship
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               and
               none
               else
               ;
               thus
               saith
               Theophil
               .
               from
               Chrys
               .
               is
               a
               wonder
               that
               she
               should
               
                 be
                 marryed
              
               ,
               &
               yet
               a
               virgin
               and
               the
               more
               ,
               for
               marriage
               communion
               ,
               the
               Church
               with
               
                 J.
                 Christ
              
               the
               purer
               her
               virginity
               is
               ,
               the
               more
               perfectly
               is
               she
               cleansed
               from
               Idols
               and
               all
               uncleanness
               .
               The
               
                 truth
                 is
              
               brethren
               
                 we
                 are
                 never
              
               
               
                 virgins
                 ,
                 until
              
               we
               come
               to
               be
               espoused
               to
               him
               ,
               
                 but
                 all
                 filthy
                 fornicators
              
               and
               unclean
               persons
               ,
               
                 wallowing
                 in
                 our
                 filthiness
              
               ,
               and
               now
               when
               once
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               lays
               hold
               upon
               us
               for
               
                 his
                 ,
                 we
                 begin
                 to
                 be
                 virgins
                 ,
              
               where
               again
               
                 the
                 transcendency
                 of
                 grace
              
               above
               nature
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               ground
               of
               the
               comparison
               ,
               if
               it
               reacheth
               not
               the
               thing
               compared
               to
               it
               .
               And
               
                 so
                 though
                 they
                 go
                 a
                 whoring
                 afterward
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
              
               play
               the
               Harlots
               ,
               as
               he
               complains
               of
               Judah
               and
               Israel
               ,
               you
               know
               often
               in
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               by
               going
               
                 after
                 other
                 objects
                 of
                 worship
              
               ,
               then
               himself
               ,
               other
               lovers
               ,
               yet
               
                 when
                 they
                 return
              
               to
               their
               
                 own
                 husband
                 again
              
               ,
               why
               
                 then
                 they
                 become
                 virgins
              
               .
               Now
               though
               Judah
               had
               been
               wofully
               
                 corrupted
                 with
                 Idolatry
              
               in
               
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 Ahaz
              
               ,
               that
               Ahaz
               .
               There
               is
               a
               brand
               set
               
               upon
               him
               worthily
               by
               the
               spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               he
               corrupted
               the
               people
               above
               measure
               ,
               
                 shut
                 up
              
               the
               
                 doors
                 of
                 the
                 House
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               had
               
                 Altars
                 in
                 every
                 corner
              
               of
               the
               City
               in
               the
               
                 open
                 places
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Pharisees
               prayed
               
                 in
                 corners
              
               ,
               the
               places
               where
               many
               streets
               met
               ,
               impudent
               whoredoms
               in
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Sun
               ,
               they
               discovered
               their
               sin
               as
               Sodom
               ,
               yea
               ,
               they
               
                 cut
                 in
                 pieces
              
               ,
               many
               of
               the
               vessels
               of
               the
               
                 Temple
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 filthiness
              
               into
               it
               ,
               as
               that
               they
               
                 were
                 sixteen
                 days
                 cleansing
                 it
              
               .
               Now
               they
               played
               the
               Harlot
               ,
               and
               therefore
               wrath
               was
               against
               them
               ,
               and
               all
               Israel
               for
               that
               .
               But
               now
               when
               
                 in
                 Hezekiah
              
               his
               days
               ,
               the
               doors
               of
               
                 the
                 house
                 were
                 opened
              
               ,
               they
               repented
               ,
               he
               called
               upon
               them
               to
               turn
               to
               their
               God
               ,
               
                 set
                 up
                 his
                 pure
                 worship
                 again
                 ,
                 though
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 cost
                 and
                 charge
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 daily
              
               burnt
               Sacrifice
               ,
               a
               high
               
                 example
                 for
                 godly
              
               Princes
               ,
               you
               have
               the
               
                 memorable
                 story
              
               in
               2
               Chron.
               Well
               now
               when
               
                 Sennacherib
                 cometh
              
               up
               against
               them
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               
                 The
                 virgin
                 daughter
                 of
                 Sion
              
               hath
               despised
               thee
               before
               an
               Harlot
               ,
               an
               impudent
               one
               ,
               commiting
               
               abominations
               in
               the
               very
               corners
               of
               the
               streets
               ,
               now
               the
               virgin
               daughter
               of
               Sion
               ,
               here
               is
               
                 indeed
                 wonder
                 upon
                 wonder
              
               in
               this
               ,
               but
               I
               doubt
               I
               stay
               too
               long
               upon
               these
               things
               .
            
             
               The
               next
               
                 thing
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               The
               Person
               that
               stands
               now
               in
               relation
               to
               the
               Bride
               ,
               who
               is
               it
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 Immanuel
              
               God
               with
               us
               ,
               Married
               to
               us
               in
               our
               nature
               taking
               that
               upon
               himself
               ,
               It
               is
               no
               
                 mean
                 Person
              
               brethren
               that
               is
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               but
               he
               who
               is
               
                 God
                 equal
                 with
                 the
                 father
              
               ,
               and
               counteth
               it
               no
               robbery
               
               to
               be
               equal
               with
               him
               .
               He
               who
               is
               the
               shining
               forth
               
                 of
                 his
                 fathers
              
               
               glory
               ,
               the
               
                 express
                 image
                 of
                 his
                 fathers
              
               person
               ,
               this
               is
               he
               brethren
               .
               What
               shall
               I
               say
               brethren
               ,
               Alas
               ,
               I
               doubt
               
                 I
                 shall
                 dishonour
                 him
              
               by
               speaking
               of
               him
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 If
                 you
                 look
                 upon
                 his
                 birth
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 declare
                 his
                 generation
                 ,
              
               It
               is
               that
               ,
               people
               do
               much
               look
               at
               ,
               in
               their
               marriages
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               
               somewhat
               in
               it
               ;
               though
               happily
               ,
               not
               so
               much
               as
               men
               place
               in
               it
               among
               men
               ,
               but
               here
               there
               is
               very
               much
               ,
               
                 He
                 is
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 God.
              
               The
               Jews
               lookt
               upon
               it
               as
               so
               
                 high
                 above
                 him
              
               ,
               seeing
               no
               farther
               then
               Haman
               ,
               that
               they
               cryed
               out
               of
               
                 blasphemy
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 made
                 himself
                 equal
                 with
                 God
                 ,
              
               he
               is
               the
               Bridegroom
               then
               ,
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               his
               
                 own
                 Son
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Gospel
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 his
                 onely
                 begotten
                 Son
              
               ;
               He
               w●o
               by
               a
               divine
               ,
               infinite
               ,
               incomprehensible
               communication
               is
               
                 one
                 in
                 essence
              
               and
               nature
               with
               his
               father
               ,
               
                 he
                 it
                 is
                 (
                 brethren
              
               )
               that
               is
               the
               
               Bridegroom
               .
               We
               ,
               by
               Birth
               ,
               what
               are
               we
               ?
               but
               the
               basest
               ,
               our
               
               
               Father
               an
               Amorite
               ,
               our
               Mother
               an
               Hittite
               ,
               yea
               a
               seeed
               of
               
                 evil
                 doers
                 ,
                 a
                 generation
                 of
                 vipers
                 ,
              
               worse
               then
               worms
               ,
               and
               the
               vilest
               ;
               
               And
               
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               bearing
               such
               a
               relation
               ,
               to
               such
               as
               we
               ,
               and
               taking
               us
               into
               such
               a
               relation
               to
               himself
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 If
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 his
                 beauty
                 brethren
                 ,
                 Alas
                 !
              
               if
               we
               turn
               our
               
                 eyes
                 towards
                 it
              
               ,
               we
               
                 are
                 dazled
                 ,
                 a
                 beam
                 or
                 two
                 he
                 sheweth
              
               us
               in
               a
               glass
               darkly
               indeed
               ,
               that
               yet
               rightly
               understood
               ,
               would
               amaze
               us
               ;
               as
               to
               behold
               the
               
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 reflected
                 by
                 a
                 glass
                 ,
              
               or
               a
               piece
               of
               
                 burnished
                 mettal
              
               ,
               it
               dazleth
               us
               ,
               we
               cannot
               behold
               it
               ,
               when
               he
               saith
               ,
               he
               is
               the
               
                 shining
                 forth
                 of
                 his
                 fathers
                 glory
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               the
               shining
               
               forth
               of
               his
               fathers
               glory
               ,
               which
               considered
               as
               God-man
               ,
               is
               a
               glorious
               expression
               of
               his
               beauty
               .
               But
               considered
               as
               he
               is
               
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               it
               falls
               much
               below
               it
               ,
               for
               the
               beam
               of
               the
               Sun
               ,
               though
               
                 never
                 so
                 glorious
              
               ,
               is
               far
               below
               the
               essence
               of
               the
               Son
               ,
               but
               he
               is
               ,
               one
               in
               essence
               with
               the
               father
               ,
               
                 He
                 is
                 as
                 God-man
              
               ,
               the
               express
               Character
               
                 of
                 his
                 fathers
                 person
              
               .
               A
               poor
               dull
               carnal
               eye
               that
               lookt
               no
               farther
               
                 then
                 the
                 veil
                 of
                 flesh
              
               ,
               and
               saw
               him
               
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 acquainted
                 with
                 grief
                 ,
              
               his
               visage
               
                 marred
                 more
                 then
                 any
                 mans
              
               as
               he
               
               saith
               ,
               Smitten
               of
               God
               ,
               or
               a
               smitten
               God
               ,
               alas
               ,
               there
               was
               no
               beauty
               to
               be
               seen
               why
               
                 he
                 should
                 desire
                 him
              
               .
               But
               
                 his
                 beauty
                 is
                 inward
              
               ,
               he
               is
               
                 white
                 and
                 ruddy
                 ,
                 the
                 chief
                 among
                 ten
                 thousand
                 ,
              
               either
               his
               divinity
               
               
                 and
                 Humanity
              
               ,
               or
               his
               fulness
               
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 bloody
                 Merits
              
               in
               
                 a
                 sweet
                 exact
                 mixture
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 beautiful
              
               do
               they
               make
               him
               ,
               he
               is
               
                 fairer
                 then
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 men
                 !
              
               If
               that
               beauty
               will
               carry
               it
               ,
               he
               
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 Paragon
                 of
                 Heaven
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               For
               Riches
               there
               is
               none
               
                 like
                 to
                 him
              
               .
               This
               is
               a
               great
               allurement
               you
               know
               indeed
               ,
               
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
              
               men
               do
               marry
               the
               gold
               and
               riches
               of
               the
               world
               rather
               then
               the
               person
               ,
               though
               this
               
                 be
                 a
                 madness
              
               ;
               an
               
                 Heir
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 estate
              
               likely
               will
               not
               need
               a
               wife
               ,
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 heir
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
              
               all
               things
               in
               
                 Heaven
                 and
                 Earth
              
               .
               He
               is
               the
               
                 onely
                 Son
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               the
               heir
               apparent
               of
               heaven
               he
               is
               ,
               being
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               so
               that
               what
               ever
               we
               want
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               abundantly
               supplyed
               in
               him
               .
               
                 Abraham
                 his
                 servant
              
               wooing
               saith
               ,
               his
               Master
               
                 was
                 rich
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 onely
                 one
                 Son
                 ,
              
               and
               he
               heir
               of
               all
               .
               Gen.
               24.
               35
               
               ▪
               36.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 If
                 Honours
                 will
                 do
                 it
              
               for
               that
               is
               
                 somewhat
                 which
                 much
                 takes
                 with
                 men
                 ,
              
               he
               is
               no
               
                 less
                 then
                 a
                 King
              
               ,
               and
               no
               mean
               one
               ,
               he
               is
               the
               
                 King
                 of
                 Glory
              
               ,
               a
               
                 glorious
                 King
              
               indeed
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               called
               in
               that
               Psalm
               ,
               Yea
               the
               
                 King
                 of
                 Kings
                 ;
                 and
                 Lord
                 of
                 Lords
                 ,
              
               Rev.
               17.
               14.
               
               A
               most
               
               high
               and
               eminent
               Kingdom
               ,
               who
               hath
               all
               other
               
                 Kings
                 at
                 his
                 command
              
               ,
               a
               hundred
               seven
               and
               twenty
               Provinces
               were
               a
               
                 great
                 Dominion
              
               ,
               but
               not
               onely
               all
               the
               
                 Kingdoms
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 are
                 the
                 Lords
                 and
                 his
                 Christs
                 ,
              
               but
               
                 by
                 him
                 Kings
                 rule
              
               ,
               and
               Princes
               decree
               Justice
               ,
               it
               is
               by
               his
               permission
               ,
               any
               of
               them
               exercise
               their
               power
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 For
                 Power
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 Authority
                 ,
              
               and
               Majesty
               ,
               he
               it
               is
               that
               can
               
                 do
                 what
                 he
                 pleaseth
              
               ,
               he
               is
               indeed
               the
               
                 Mighty
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               what
               then
               can
               stand
               in
               his
               way
               .
               
                 He
                 is
                 our
                 Maker
              
               ,
               and
               
                 there
                 is
                 much
              
               
               
                 in
                 that
              
               ,
               thy
               
                 Maker
                 is
                 thy
                 Husband
              
               ,
               thy
               Redeemer
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 of
                 Hosts
              
               is
               his
               name
               ;
               
                 thy
                 Maker
              
               ,
               he
               that
               
                 gave
                 thee
                 thy
                 beeing
                 when
                 thou
                 haddest
                 none
                 ,
              
               by
               a
               
                 word
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
              
               .
               O
               here
               is
               power
               indeed
               !
               he
               that
               could
               give
               us
               a
               
                 spiritual
                 being
              
               by
               the
               same
               word
               ,
               there
               ,
               is
               yet
               more
               power
               ,
               for
               in
               the
               first
               there
               was
               no
               repugnancy
               but
               here
               there
               is
               ,
               
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Hosts
              
               ;
               It
               was
               much
               to
               Israel
               to
               consider
               who
               was
               
                 their
                 Husband
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Hosts
                 ,
              
               he
               that
               could
               Redeem
               them
               out
               of
               Egypt
               ,
               sink
               all
               their
               enemies
               in
               the
               Red-Sea
               ,
               go
               as
               a
               Captain
               before
               them
               ,
               drive
               out
               the
               Canaanites
               ,
               notwithstanding
               their
               
                 Iron
                 Chariots
              
               ,
               the
               Anakims
               ,
               that
               
                 were
                 a
                 terror
              
               to
               them
               .
               He
               now
               was
               their
               Husband
               
                 He
                 is
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 war
                 ,
              
               and
               a
               most
               mighty
               man
               of
               valour
               ,
               for
               that
               Goliah
               himself
               which
               defies
               the
               Armies
               
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 is
                 nothing
              
               in
               his
               hand
               ,
               the
               roaring
               Lyon
               ,
               is
               nothing
               in
               his
               hand
               ,
               he
               can
               
                 tear
                 him
                 in
                 pieces
              
               ,
               and
               bruise
               him
               under
               his
               feet
               ,
               even
               as
               a
               Lyon
               tears
               a
               Kid.
               It
               is
               very
               much
               brethren
               ,
               this
               to
               commend
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               us
               ,
               he
               can
               fight
               our
               battels
               for
               us
               ,
               so
               that
               if
               
                 we
                 can
                 but
                 stand
                 still
              
               we
               shall
               see
               the
               salvation
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               6.
               
               For
               
                 a
                 lovely
                 sweet
                 disposition
              
               ,
               which
               is
               none
               of
               the
               
                 least
                 desirable
                 things
              
               in
               a
               Husband
               ;
               O
               never
               was
               there
               like
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               for
               disposition
               ,
               he
               is
               
                 love
                 it self
              
               ,
               and
               
                 tenderness
                 it self
                 ,
                 bowels
                 and
                 compassion
                 it self
                 !
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 one
                 ,
              
               though
               they
               have
               beauty
               and
               riches
               ,
               a●d
               
                 honours
                 ,
                 and
                 birth
                 and
                 power
              
               in
               an
               Husband
               ;
               yet
               if
               there
               be
               
                 an
                 unsuitable
              
               disposition
               ,
               there
               be
               rigidness
               ,
               and
               harshness
               ,
               it
               imbitters
               all
               ;
               O
               do
               but
               observe
               how
               
                 sweet
                 a
                 disposition
              
               he
               was
               of
               ,
               so
               far
               from
               harshness
               to
               his
               people
               ,
               that
               he
               melteth
               over
               
                 his
                 very
                 enemies
                 that
                 refused
                 him
                 ,
              
               Ah
               that
               
                 thou
                 ha●st
                 known
                 in
                 this
                 thy
                 day
              
               &c.
               
               O
               how
               he
               is
               
                 touched
                 with
                 our
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 afflicted
              
               
               
                 in
                 our
                 afflictions
              
               !
               A
               woman
               that
               hath
               such
               a
               husband
               ,
               what
               a
               sweetning
               is
               it
               to
               all
               her
               afflictions
               ;
               
                 If
                 love
              
               will
               do
               ,
               he
               ●●ll
               never
               
               take
               any
               other
               course
               ,
               never
               any
               estrangement
               of
               himself
               from
               a
               soul
               ,
               here
               
                 is
                 a
                 Bridegroom
                 indeed
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 speak
                 any
                 further
                 ,
              
               Brethren
               ,
               you
               have
               heard
               much
               ,
               and
               much
               better
               of
               the
               excellencies
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               then
               I
               am
               able
               to
               speak
               to
               you
               ;
               this
               onely
               for
               the
               second
               thing
               .
            
             
               There
               
                 are
                 yet
                 to
                 be
                 considered
              
               the
               Causes
               ,
               which
               according
               to
               their
               several
               influences
               ,
               
                 concur
                 to
                 the
                 making
                 up
                 of
                 this
                 relation
              
               between
               Christ
               and
               the
               Church
               ,
               of
               a
               
                 Bridegroom
                 and
                 a
                 Bride
              
               ,
               whichwhen
               I
               have
               spoken
               somewhat
               to
               ,
               I
               will
               proceed
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Then
               ,
               
                 The
                 Father
                 ,
                 he
                 giveth
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 Son
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               Son
               to
               them
               .
               This
               is
               above
               comparison
               ,
               though
               the
               Father
               of
               the
               Virgin
               give
               her
               ,
               give
               his
               consent
               ,
               and
               
                 so
                 the
                 Parents
                 of
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
              
               they
               give
               their
               consent
               .
               But
               here
               is
               God
               the
               Father
               who
               doth
               all
               ,
               he
               
                 giveth
                 his
                 son
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
              
               as
               you
               have
               it
               in
               that
               place
               ,
               
                 he
                 so
                 loved
                 the
                 world
              
               that
               he
               gave
               
                 his
                 onely
                 begotten
              
               
               Son
               ,
               that
               
                 whosoever
                 believeth
              
               in
               him
               
                 might
                 not
                 perish
              
               ,
               but
               might
               be
               brought
               in
               to
               the
               nearest
               unity
               with
               him
               ,
               
                 might
                 have
                 life
                 everlasting
              
               ,
               in
               
                 communion
                 with
                 him
              
               .
               If
               thou
               hadst
               known
               
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               to
               the
               woman
               of
               Samaria
               ,
               and
               who
               saith
               to
               
               thee
               give
               me
               drink
               ,
               or
               ,
               And
               he
               giveth
               us
               to
               his
               Son
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               as
               many
               as
               were
               
                 in
                 his
                 purpose
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 thine
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 gavest
                 them
                 to
                 me
              
               ;
               they
               were
               thine
               not
               so
               much
               by
               Creation
               ,
               for
               he
               speaks
               of
               many
               that
               yet
               were
               not
               created
               ,
               nor
               are
               
               to
               this
               day
               likely
               ,
               created
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               
                 purpose
                 of
                 grace
              
               they
               were
               h●s
               ,
               and
               as
               
                 absolute
                 soveraign
              
               over
               all
               ,
               so
               they
               were
               his
               to
               do
               with
               them
               as
               he
               pleased
               ,
               to
               have
               made
               them
               
                 vessels
                 of
                 dishonor
              
               if
               he
               had
               pleased
               ;
               as
               Ananias
               was
               it
               not
               thine
               own
               ,
               
                 mightest
                 thou
                 not
                 have
                 done
              
               
               
                 with
                 it
              
               what
               thou
               wouldest
               ?
               So
               here
               ,
               
                 we
                 were
                 the
                 Fathers
                 as
                 Soveraign
                 ,
              
               all
               of
               us
               and
               
                 his
                 Christs
              
               ,
               not
               onely
               so
               ,
               but
               in
               his
               purpose
               of
               grace
               he
               gave
               them
               to
               his
               Son
               ,
               to
               be
               his
               Spouse
               ,
               his
               wife
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 But
                 yet
                 Alas
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 under
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 sin
              
               and
               Satan
               inslaved
               in
               an
               Iron
               Furnace
               ,
               hard
               bondage
               ,
               
                 he
                 must
                 redeem
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 sold
                 under
                 sin
                 and
              
               Satan
               ,
               the
               Prince
               of
               this
               world
               ;
               therefore
               he
               must
               pay
               the
               price
               ,
               they
               were
               obnoxious
               indeed
               to
               his
               Justice
               ,
               
                 or
                 would
                 be
                 in
                 time
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
              
               he
               must
               provide
               a
               satisfaction
               or
               else
               
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 set
                 clear
                 .
              
               It
               was
               the
               manner
               in
               some
               Countries
               brethen
               ,
               
                 to
                 give
                 Dowries
                 for
                 
                 their
                 wives
                 ,
              
               to
               buy
               them
               before
               they
               had
               them
               ,
               quite
               contrary
               to
               what
               is
               among
               us
               ,
               
                 Ask
                 me
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 dowry
                 ,
                 saith
                 Sechem
                 ,
              
               
               
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 give
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 now
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 the
                 Virgin
                 ,
              
               and
               nothing
               was
               too
               much
               for
               her
               now
               ;
               so
               here
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               as
               
                 well
                 as
                 his
                 Father
              
               ,
               he
               before
               the
               world
               was
               ,
               foresaw
               what
               a
               happiness
               it
               would
               be
               to
               
                 poor
                 Creatures
              
               ,
               and
               what
               a
               glory
               and
               joy
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               them
               for
               ever
               
                 one
                 in
                 another
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               
                 he
                 delights
                 now
              
               in
               
               the
               
                 habitable
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 in
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 men
                 .
              
               O
               now
               what
               ever
               is
               required
               I
               will
               give
               ,
               if
               
                 I
                 must
                 take
                 flesh
              
               ,
               an
               infinite
               condescention
               ,
               I
               will
               do
               it
               ,
               as
               if
               a
               Prince
               should
               say
               ,
               if
               
                 I
                 must
                 be
                 cloathed
                 with
                 rags
              
               ;
               yea
               with
               
                 clods
                 ,
                 yea
                 with
                 worms
              
               ,
               I
               will
               ,
               rather
               then
               I
               will
               go
               without
               such
               a
               
                 poor
                 worm
              
               to
               be
               my
               spouse
               ,
               
                 If
                 I
                 must
                 part
                 with
                 my
                 dearest
                 blood
                 ,
              
               and
               extend
               it
               to
               the
               
                 last
                 drop
              
               ,
               I
               will
               ;
               
                 Ask
                 me
                 any
                 Dowry
              
               ,
               yea
               if
               I
               must
               give
               my self
               for
               them
               ,
               who
               am
               God
               ,
               and
               equal
               with
               thee
               ,
               
                 as
                 well
                 as
              
               afterward
               man
               ,
               I
               will
               do
               it
               ,
               
                 my
                 kingdom
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 my
                 glory
                 for
                 them
                 ,
              
               my
               blood
               for
               them
               ,
               O
               
               brethren
               the
               Lord
               
                 Jesus
                 is
                 worth
                 a
                 hundred
                 thousand
                 worlds
                 !
              
               well
               he
               will
               buy
               us
               ,
               he
               hath
               done
               it
               ,
               at
               a
               dear
               rate
               .
               Indeed
               David
               bought
               Michal
               at
               a
               dear
               rate
               ,
               by
               the
               death
               of
               the
               Philistims
               ,
               and
               afterward
               
                 two
                 hundred
                 foreskins
                 of
                 the
                 Philistins
                 ,
              
               it
               pleased
               him
               well
               ,
               what
               is
               this
               brethren
               :
               
                 If
                 David
                 must
                 have
                 parted
                 with
              
               
               
                 his
                 life
                 for
                 her
              
               ,
               have
               been
               so
               much
               debased
               ,
               as
               to
               have
               lived
               a
               poor
               despised
               contemptible
               life
               for
               her
               ,
               
                 a
                 h●wer
                 of
                 wood
                 ,
                 or
                 drawer
                 of
                 water
                 ,
              
               or
               ground
               at
               a
               Mill
               ,
               or
               to
               have
               been
               as
               Job
               continually
               ,
               a
               
                 man
                 of
                 sorrows
              
               ,
               and
               upon
               the
               dunghil
               ,
               this
               had
               been
               somewhat
               ,
               but
               nothing
               to
               this
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
               Satan
               was
               there
               
                 spouse
                 ,
                 bought
                 at
                 so
                 low
                 a
                 rate
              
               as
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               was
               .
               
                 I
                 have
                 read
                 of
                 some
                 that
                 must
                 not
                 marry
              
               a
               woman
               until
               they
               
                 had
                 killed
                 an
                 enemy
                 ,
                 and
                 other
              
               until
               they
               
                 had
                 killed
                 ,
                 or
                 overcome
                 their
                 Corrivals
                 ,
              
               and
               happily
               this
               might
               be
               hard
               :
               But
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               he
               
                 must
                 grapple
                 with
                 his
                 Corrival
              
               the
               Law
               ,
               the
               former
               Husband
               as
               the
               Apostle
               cals
               it
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               the
               
                 strength
                 of
                 sin
              
               ,
               and
               slay
               that
               ,
               and
               take
               
                 away
                 the
                 Curse
              
               ,
               &
               break
               the
               
                 commanding
                 power
              
               ,
               the
               streaming
               power
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
               before
               he
               could
               take
               us
               to
               be
               his
               .
               And
               so
               he
               must
               grapple
               
               with
               
                 principalities
                 and
                 powers
              
               ,
               and
               spoyl
               them
               ,
               ,
               
                 and
                 lead
                 captivity
                 captive
                 ,
                 scatter
              
               him
               in
               his
               temptations
               ,
               
                 break
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 policies
                 ,
                 undermine
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 depths
              
               and
               methods
               ,
               over-power
               him
               ,
               in
               his
               malice
               ,
               he
               must
               destroy
               
                 all
                 these
                 enemies
              
               .
               Yea
               more
               then
               all
               this
               the
               
                 wrath
                 of
                 his
                 father
                 that
              
               was
               against
               us
               ,
               and
               against
               
               which
               
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 standing
              
               ,
               he
               must
               interpose
               ,
               and
               screen
               us
               from
               it
               ,
               and
               O!
               
                 How
                 it
                 scorched
                 him
              
               ,
               though
               he
               quenched
               it
               !
               As
               the
               
                 Passeover
                 was
                 roasted
              
               in
               the
               fire
               ;
               so
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 our
                 Passeover
                 ,
                 was
                 even
                 roasted
              
               alive
               in
               the
               displeasure
               of
               his
               Father
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Then
               
                 he
                 cometh
                 a
                 wooing
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 all
                 this
              
               is
               done
               brethren
               ,
               we
               are
               unwilling
               it
               may
               be
               to
               have
               him
               ,
               are
               well
               contented
               to
               continue
               
                 with
                 our
                 former
              
               Husband
               ,
               to
               be
               
                 yet
                 under
                 the
                 Law
              
               ,
               and
               the
               commanding
               power
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               see
               no
               
                 such
                 beauty
                 in
                 him
              
               ,
               as
               to
               desire
               him
               ,
               nor
               any
               such
               freedom
               and
               
                 comfort
                 in
                 being
              
               one
               with
               him
               as
               to
               desire
               that
               .
               Yea
               
                 if
                 we
                 be
              
               convinced
               a
               little
               of
               this
               ,
               yet
               happily
               our
               wills
               or
               hearts
               are
               not
               towards
               him
               ;
               and
               therefore
               he
               is
               
                 fain
                 to
                 w●o
                 us
              
               ,
               when
               all
               is
               done
               ;
               
                 himself
                 came
                 in
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 his
                 flesh
                 ,
              
               and
               what
               was
               his
               work
               before
               his
               suffering
               ,
               but
               to
               wooe
               poor
               creatures
               to
               accept
               of
               him
               .
               How
               did
               he
               wooe
               the
               woman
               of
               
                 Samaria
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 hadst
                 known
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               the
               Gift
               of
               God
               ,
               thou
               wouldst
               have
               asked
               him
               insinuating
               ,
               there
               was
               more
               
               in
               him
               then
               she
               yet
               saw
               ,
               as
               appeared
               when
               he
               told
               her
               her
               sins
               ,
               what
               they
               had
               been
               ?
               How
               often
               would
               I
               
                 have
                 gathered
                 thee
                 ,
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
              
               saith
               he
               ;
               O
               I
               have
               been
               ready
               to
               spread
               my
               Skirts
               over
               you
               ,
               but
               you
               
                 would
                 not
              
               :
               Sometimes
               intreating
               ,
               
                 sometimes
                 lamenting
              
               their
               condition
               ;
               
                 sometimes
                 displeased
              
               at
               the
               hardness
               of
               their
               hearts
               .
               It
               is
               much
               for
               a
               King
               to
               come
               a
               
                 wooing
                 himself
              
               ,
               a
               
                 great
                 King.
                 They
                 use
                 to
                 send
                 ,
              
               as
               David
               to
               
                 Abigail
                 ,
                 Abraham
              
               ,
               to
               Rebecca
               :
               but
               here
               ,
               he
               cometh
               himself
               
                 a
                 long
                 journey
              
               ,
               from
               Heaven
               to
               Earth
               ,
               and
               
                 contented
                 to
                 take
                 on
                 him
                 the
                 form
                 of
                 a
                 servant
                 ,
              
               that
               we
               might
               not
               be
               dazled
               with
               his
               glory
               ,
               and
               no
               pains
               doth
               he
               refuse
               .
               How
               did
               
                 he
                 go
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 on
                 foot
                 until
                 he
                 was
                 weary
                 ?
              
               Blessed
               Saviour
               ,
               he
               was
               weary
               at
               the
               well
               there
               by
               Samaria
               ,
               and
               all
               was
               that
               he
               might
               
                 everywhere
                 wooe
              
               and
               intreat
               poor
               creatures
               to
               accept
               of
               him
               .
               And
               2
               :
               not
               onely
               
                 by
                 himself
              
               ,
               but
               
                 by
                 his
                 Messengers
              
               ,
               now
               he
               is
               
                 in
                 his
                 glory
              
               :
               now
               he
               sends
               by
               his
               Messengers
               to
               this
               end
               .
               You
               see
               Abraham
               his
               
                 servant
                 went
                 to
                 take
                 a
                 wife
              
               for
               Isaac
               ,
               and
               David
               his
               servants
               ,
               went
               to
               Abigail
               .
               So
               brethren
               ,
               do
               the
               Messengers
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               his
               paranymphs
               or
               pronubi
               .
               They
               speak
               now
               a
               good
               word
               for
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               so
               
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               I
               have
               
                 espoused
                 you
              
               saith
               he
               to
               one
               Husband
               .
               
                 Such
                 are
                 friends
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegoom
                 ,
              
               as
               
                 John
                 was
              
               ,
               that
               did
               what
               he
               could
               to
               
               bring
               the
               people
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               even
               the
               people
               of
               the
               Jews
               ,
               and
               would
               fain
               have
               had
               all
               the
               people
               to
               close
               with
               him
               .
               But
            
             
             
               4.
               
               In
               
                 this
                 espousal
                 to
              
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               we
               are
               to
               
                 consider
                 several
                 things
              
               ,
               what
               is
               done
               1.
               
               By
               
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 great
                 wooer
                 ,
              
               He
               is
               
                 sent
                 forth
                 to
                 convince
              
               of
               righteousness
               and
               of
               sin
               ,
               the
               burthen
               of
               the
               work
               lyes
               upon
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               happy
               it
               is
               for
               us
               that
               it
               doth
               so
               ,
               for
               how
               fruitless
               would
               our
               endeavours
               be
               to
               you
               ,
               else
               brethren
               ,
               we
               might
               spend
               our selves
               ,
               and
               be
               spent
               ,
               and
               when
               all
               is
               done
               complain
               ,
               We
               have
               
                 spent
                 our
                 strength
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 for
                 Israel
                 is
                 not
                 gathered
                 ,
              
               How
               sad
               for
               you
               ?
               How
               uncomfortable
               for
               us
               ?
               No
               no
               ,
               the
               great
               perswader
               is
               the
               Spirit
               :
               he
               cometh
               and
               
                 he
                 openeth
                 the
                 eyes
              
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               poor
               soul
               seeth
               ,
               O
               he
               is
               
                 aere
                 alieno
                 obrutu●
              
               ,
               so
               deep
               indebted
               to
               the
               Justice
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               
                 whatever
                 he
                 can
                 do
                 or
                 suffer
              
               to
               pay
               it
               ,
               eternity
               is
               little
               enough
               to
               pay
               it
               in
               ,
               O
               now
               for
               a
               Husband
               ,
               now
               how
               happy
               a
               creature
               should
               I
               be
               if
               some
               that
               were
               able
               to
               bear
               the
               debt
               would
               discharge
               it
               ,
               would
               take
               it
               up
               for
               her
               .
               He
               then
               insinuates
               somewhat
               further
               ,
               and
               convinceth
               of
               Righteousness
               ,
               that
               
                 there
                 is
                 enough
                 in
                 Christ
              
               if
               we
               owed
               a
               thousand
               Talents
               more
               ,
               O
               
                 then
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 it
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 :
              
               O
               he
               is
               willing
               ,
               
                 he
                 is
                 willing
              
               saith
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               therefore
               he
               
                 is
                 Preached
              
               to
               every
               creature
               .
               Thus
               if
               this
               Arm
               of
               the
               Lord
               were
               
                 not
                 revealed
                 ,
                 our
              
               report
               of
               Christ
               would
               never
               be
               believed
               .
               But
               what
               
               then
               do
               the
               Ministers
               do
               ?
            
             
               
                 Yea
                 their
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 Faith
              
               which
               they
               preach
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               
                 vehiculum
                 Spiritus
              
               .
               It
               is
               that
               wherein
               the
               Spirit
               breatheth
               .
               It
               
                 is
                 the
                 spirit
              
               brethren
               ,
               ordinarily
               
                 in
                 the
                 Law
              
               which
               convinceth
               of
               sin
               ,
               or
               the
               
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 legally
              
               ,
               as
               the
               great
               aggravation
               of
               mens
               sins
               ;
               and
               it
               is
               the
               spirit
               in
               the
               
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 Evangelically
              
               as
               that
               which
               holds
               forth
               a
               ransom
               ,
               a
               propitiation
               for
               sinners
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Spirit
               convinceth
               of
               righteousness
               .
               Where
               ,
               
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 glass
              
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Christ
               doth
               hold
               out
               The
               beauty
               ,
               excellency
               ,
               
               love
               ,
               and
               loveliness
               of
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               which
               is
               most
               transcendent
               and
               ravishing
               to
               the
               soul
               that
               seeth
               it
               ,
               but
               a
               little
               more
               particularly
               then
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               
                 Spirit
                 by
                 their
                 word
                 ordinarily
              
               ,
               not
               excluding
               other
               means
               ,
               though
               the
               Spirit
               alway
               is
               the
               great
               wooer
               ,
               and
               worker
               in
               this
               kind
               .
               I
               say
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               by
               their
               word
               doth
               work
               to
               the
               revealing
               of
               a
               poor
               creature
               ,
               breaking
               that
               enmity
               that
               was
               in
               the
               heart
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
               So
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 espoused
                 you
                 to
              
               
               
                 one
                 Husband
              
               ,
               so
               we
               read
               it
               ,
               which
               Beza
               disalloweth
               not
               ,
               but
               he
               readeth
               
                 optavi
                 ,
                 Erasmus
                 adjunxi
              
               ,
               the
               word
               is
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               I
               
               have
               joyned
               them
               to
               the
               Lord
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 Eras
                 .
                 vel●t
                 ea
                 quae
                 glutine
                 aut
                 ferrumine
                 comittuntur
                 ,
              
               but
               yet
               me
               thinks
               ,
               saith
               Beza
               ,
               the
               the
               word
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               that
               I
               might
               present
               you
               as
               
                 a
                 pure
                 virgin
              
               to
               one
               Husband
               ,
               &c.
               confutes
               is
               ,
               
                 speaking
                 afterward
              
               of
               a
               nearer
               joyning
               to
               Christ
               then
               now
               ,
               
                 therefore
                 he
                 readeth
                 it
                 I
                 have
                 fitted
                 you
              
               for
               the
               Lord
               ,
               wherein
            
             
               1.
               
               Is
               a
               
                 reconciling
                 of
                 the
                 persons
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               We
               beseech
               
               you
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 be
                 ye
                 reconciled
                 to
                 God.
              
               In
               Christs
               stead
               we
               do
               it
               ,
               as
               if
               
                 he
                 did
                 beseech
                 you
                 himself
              
               ,
               we
               pray
               you
               be
               reconciled
               and
               O
               that
               we
               could
               do
               this
               brethren
               !
               but
               with
               such
               bowels
               as
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               or
               as
               this
               Apostle
               did
               .
               
                 We
                 are
                 soon
                 answered
              
               ,
               and
               take
               a
               denyal
               of
               you
               for
               you
               
                 practice
                 a
                 denyal
              
               ,
               and
               we
               are
               too
               easie
               
                 to
                 take
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
              
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               be
               you
               reconciled
               .
               Alas
               poor
               sinners
               ,
               you
               are
               enemies
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               how
               will
               an
               enemy
               be
               marryed
               to
               an
               enemy
               while
               such
               ,
               
                 you
                 think
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 enemies
                 ,
              
               and
               you
               are
               not
               so
               indeed
               ,
               in
               word
               ,
               and
               profession
               ;
               but
               in
               your
               deeds
               you
               are
               enemies
               .
               
                 You
                 do
                 nothing
                 but
                 wound
              
               and
               tear
               his
               name
               ,
               and
               are
               you
               not
               then
               enemies
               ,
               you
               
                 hate
                 the
                 strictness
                 of
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
              
               and
               his
               people
               that
               walk
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               are
               you
               not
               enemies
               ;
               
                 you
                 are
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
              
               which
               were
               the
               very
               speare
               at
               
                 his
                 heart
              
               the
               knife
               that
               butchered
               him
               ,
               and
               are
               not
               enemies
               ?
               Ah!
               how
               many
               such
               here
               this
               day
               ,
               Now
               our
               work
               is
               to
               intreat
               you
               first
               to
               be
               reconciled
               ,
               as
               for
               his
               part
               
                 he
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 forgive
              
               ,
               and
               forget
               all
               ,
               and
               to
               look
               upon
               you
               ,
               as
               if
               you
               had
               
                 never
                 had
                 offended
                 him
              
               ,
               if
               you
               had
               but
               hearts
               given
               you
               towards
               him
               as
               his
               is
               towards
               you
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Not
               onely
               ,
               
                 but
                 then
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 espousing
              
               brethren
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               when
               there
               is
               a
               
                 mutual
                 promise
                 past
              
               between
               the
               Lord
               
                 Jesus
                 and
                 the
                 soul
              
               ,
               he
               will
               be
               a
               
                 Husband
                 to
                 thee
              
               ,
               and
               marry
               thee
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               thou
               wilt
               
                 be
                 faithful
                 to
                 him
              
               ,
               wilt
               never
               follow
               other
               lovers
               any
               more
               ,
               Thou
               wilt
               be
               his
               ,
               and
               his
               alone
               ,
               if
               he
               be
               pleased
               to
               be
               thine
               .
               
                 Now
                 the
                 Gospel
                 which
                 we
                 preach
                 is
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 this
                 faith
                 .
              
               It
               is
               indeed
               the
               spirit
               brethren
               ,
               which
               is
               received
               by
               the
               hearing
               
               of
               faith
               ,
               by
               the
               word
               of
               faith
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               spake
               ,
               that
               doth
               perswade
               a
               soul
               to
               this
               ,
               to
               close
               with
               him
               ,
               to
               take
               him
               ,
               upon
               his
               own
               terms
               .
               
                 He
                 will
                 be
                 his
                 virgin
                 now
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 There
                 is
                 yet
                 further
                 an
                 adorning
                 her
                 ,
              
               when
               so
               espoused
               ,
               and
               so
               fitting
               her
               for
               him
               to
               be
               presented
               him
               
                 a
                 pure
                 virgin
              
               .
               That
               I
               might
               present
               you
               ,
               not
               only
               chaste
               ,
               but
               
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 purity
              
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               
               and
               this
               is
               nothing
               else
               brethren
               ,
               but
               
                 the
                 integrity
                 and
                 uprightness
              
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               the
               abounding
               of
               the
               soul
               with
               all
               the
               graces
               of
               the
               spirit
               ,
               wherein
               there
               is
               a
               growth
               by
               degrees
               .
               And
               this
               is
               the
               work
               of
               the
               
                 servants
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               a
               part
               of
               their
               
                 fitting
                 of
                 them
                 for
                 him
              
               To
               labour
               ,
               
                 to
                 carry
                 on
                 his
                 work
              
               so
               in
               his
               peoples
               hearts
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               adorned
               and
               meet
               for
               such
               a
               Bride-groom
               .
            
             
               
                 There
                 are
                 but
                 two
                 things
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 hinted
                 ,
              
               before
               I
               come
               to
               the
               Application
               of
               this
               .
               And
               the
               next
               is
               
                 The
                 manner
                 of
                 this
                 espousing
              
               or
               betrothing
               ,
               but
               before
               that
               we
               must
               note
               ,
               That
               as
               there
               was
               a
               betrothing
               of
               virgins
               some
               time
               ,
               before
               the
               compleating
               of
               the
               marriage
               which
               custom
               is
               commendable
               ,
               you
               know
               
                 Joseph
                 had
                 Mary
                 espoused
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 took
                 her
              
               to
               his
               family
               ,
               as
               compleatly
               
               and
               fully
               .
               So
               among
               the
               Heathens
               ,
               
                 also
                 placuit
                 despondi
                 nuptiis
                 hic
                 dictus
                 est
                 dies
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               Comic
               .
               Terent.
               only
               to
               
                 the
                 faith
              
               of
               the
               marriage
               .
               Now
               they
               were
               
                 counted
                 by
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               by
               the
               Law
               ,
               man
               and
               wife
               ,
               Husband
               and
               wife
               (
               *
               )
               .
               It
               was
               
               death
               for
               them
               
                 to
                 violate
                 that
                 betrothing
              
               as
               well
               as
               
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 been
              
               never
               so
               compleatly
               
                 and
                 solemnly
                 marryed
              
               ,
               whereby
               it
               appears
               God
               would
               have
               them
               look
               upon
               it
               as
               a
               perfect
               marriage
               ,
               though
               
                 the
                 consummation
                 of
                 it
              
               were
               not
               until
               afterward
               the
               taking
               of
               her
               home
               ,
               and
               solemnly
               engaging
               
                 de
                 presenti
              
               as
               they
               say
               .
               So
               here
               ,
               the
               consummation
               of
               this
               marriage
               is
               deferred
               a
               while
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               it
               
                 in
                 the
                 very
              
               Text
               at
               last
               ,
               at
               midnight
               the
               cry
               was
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               cometh
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               were
               
                 ready
                 went
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 marriage
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               to
               say
               into
               heaven
               .
               Then
               when
               Isaac
               took
               Rebecca
               and
               brought
               her
               
                 into
                 his
                 Mothers
                 Tent
              
               ,
               and
               became
               
                 one
                 with
                 her
              
               more
               neerly
               ,
               she
               became
               his
               wife
               indeed
               so
               hereafter
               ,
               
                 when
                 he
                 takes
                 us
                 into
                 his
                 fathers
                 house
              
               brethren
               ,
               when
               he
               takes
               us
               into
               Heaven
               ,
               
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 marriage
              
               consummated
               indeed
               .
            
             
               But
               
                 for
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 his
                 espousals
                 ,
              
               First
               ,
               
                 remember
                 this
              
               in
               all
               He
               doth
               it
               freely
               .
               For
               alas
               Brethren
               ,
               what
               can
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               
               now
               if
               he
               come
               into
               the
               Congregation
               this
               day
               ,
               see
               in
               any
               of
               us
               that
               he
               would
               
                 take
                 for
                 his
                 spouse
              
               ,
               what
               can
               he
               see
               in
               us
               ,
               there
               is
               nothing
               desireable
               nor
               lovely
               
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 like
              
               poor
               Infants
               cast
               
                 out
                 in
                 our
                 blood
                 ;
                 not
                 washed
                 ,
                 nor
                 salted
                 ,
              
               but
               stinking
               ,
               loathsom
               ,
               
                 the
                 navel
                 not
                 cut
                 nor
                 bound
                 up
                 ,
              
               cast
               out
               to
               the
               
                 loathing
                 of
                 our
                 person
              
               .
               Ah
               Brethren
               !
               while
               poor
               sinners
               are
               in
               their
               sins
               ,
               they
               smell
               not
               
               
               the
               loathsomness
               of
               their
               souls
               ,
               they
               have
               
                 stinking
                 nostrils
              
               ,
               to
               which
               the
               savour
               of
               sin
               is
               suitable
               ;
               and
               therefore
               they
               smell
               it
               not
               ,
               we
               are
               as
               persons
               that
               have
               been
               long
               in
               a
               filthy
               Jakes
               or
               Dungeon
               ,
               and
               by
               continuance
               of
               it
               ,
               we
               feel
               it
               not
               ,
               it
               is
               so
               habitual
               ,
               or
               indeed
               connatural
               to
               us
               ,
               but
               now
               bring
               a
               man
               out
               of
               this
               place
               ,
               a
               
                 little
                 while
              
               ,
               and
               put
               him
               into
               it
               again
               ,
               O
               then
               how
               loathsom
               it
               is
               to
               him
               ,
               yea
               ,
               
                 bring
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 door
              
               of
               it
               ,
               O
               it
               is
               ready
               to
               
                 sink
                 him
              
               ,
               so
               it
               is
               in
               this
               case
               ,
               you
               
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
              
               O
               that
               such
               of
               us
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               hath
               made
               sin
               loathsom
               to
               ,
               could
               tell
               
                 how
                 to
                 pitty
                 you
              
               ,
               but
               sure
               you
               will
               finde
               it
               so
               ,
               if
               ever
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               do
               espouse
               you
               ,
               he
               will
               first
               let
               you
               know
               what
               you
               are
               ,
               to
               whom
               he
               doth
               this
               ,
               Alas
               ,
               
                 what
                 can
                 he
                 see
                 in
                 us
              
               brethren
               ,
               or
               hath
               he
               seen
               in
               any
               of
               us
               ,
               that
               he
               stands
               in
               this
               relation
               to
               ,
               for
               birth
               ,
               you
               have
               nothing
               but
               
                 baseness
                 ,
                 The
                 Devil
                 is
                 our
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 works
                 we
                 will
                 do
                 .
              
               I
               mean
               as
               to
               corruption
               that
               is
               within
               us
               ,
               whence
               is
               it
               ,
               
               but
               from
               Satan
               .
               For
               Beauty
               ,
               there
               is
               none
               ,
               but
               all
               deformed
               
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 bruises
                 ,
                 and
                 putrified
                 sores
                 ,
              
               full
               of
               corruption
               ,
               that
               stink
               and
               are
               loathsom
               ,
               and
               what
               beauty
               can
               there
               be
               in
               such
               a
               
               person
               .
               Alas
               !
               our
               hands
               are
               withered
               ,
               as
               to
               any
               thing
               that
               is
               good
               ,
               and
               our
               Legs
               are
               Lame
               throug
               
                 Hypocrisie
                 ,
                 we
                 halt
                 between
                 two
                 ,
              
               we
               are
               very
               Criples
               indeed
               ;
               no
               strength
               ,
               not
               so
               much
               in
               our
               Ankle-bones
               as
               to
               stand
               upon
               our
               Legs
               .
               We
               are
               blinde
               and
               cannot
               see
               ,
               deaf
               and
               cannot
               hear
               ,
               pride
               like
               a
               Tympany
               swells
               us
               .
               All
               manner
               of
               deformities
               gathered
               into
               one
               are
               the
               very
               picture
               of
               a
               poor
               sinner
               ,
               O
               brethren
               ,
               who
               could
               affect
               such
               a
               creature
               were
               not
               this
               free
               ,
               altogether
               free
               .
               
                 We
                 must
                 have
                 something
              
               or
               else
               we
               cannot
               take
               a
               person
               into
               such
               a
               relation
               .
               we
               must
               have
               
                 beauty
                 and
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 birth
                 ,
                 and
                 wealth
                 ,
                 and
                 wisdom
              
               and
               what
               not
               .
               we
               are
               blacker
               then
               Ethiopians
               ,
               
                 more
                 bruitish
              
               then
               fools
               ,
               
                 viler
                 then
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 poor
                 and
                 naked
                 and
                 miserable
                 ,
              
               and
               what
               not
               ,
               and
               O
               that
               ever
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               should
               take
               such
               as
               we
               are
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               condition
               ,
               well
               this
               is
               the
               first
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 He
                 doth
                 it
                 so
                 willingly
                 as
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 it
                 :
              
               It
               may
               be
               it
               may
               make
               a
               man
               more
               serious
               and
               Melancholly
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               condition
               ,
               if
               he
               be
               sensible
               of
               the
               weight
               of
               the
               things
               he
               goeth
               about
               ,
               but
               now
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               knowing
               the
               
                 issues
                 of
                 things
              
               ,
               and
               that
               it
               will
               be
               eternally
               happy
               for
               the
               poor
               soul
               ,
               and
               he
               shall
               
                 have
                 glory
                 in
                 it
              
               ;
               he
               doth
               it
               ,
               and
               not
               onely
               so
               ,
               but
               he
               
                 rejoyceth
                 in
                 it
              
               ,
               even
               ●s
               a
               Bride-groom
               
                 rejoyceth
                 over
                 his
                 Bride
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Prophet
               hath
               it
               .
               The
               
               
               words
               of
               the
               Text
               are
               very
               Emphatical
               ,
               
                 as
                 a
                 young
                 man
                 marryeth
                 a
                 virgin
                 ,
              
               so
               shall
               thy
               sons
               marry
               Thee
               ,
               he
               speaks
               of
               the
               Church
               
               of
               the
               
                 Jews
                 their
                 sons
              
               ,
               shall
               abide
               with
               her
               ,
               as
               one
               that
               marrieth
               another
               ,
               and
               dwells
               with
               her
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               not
               be
               removed
               :
               but
               a
               
                 young
                 man
                 marryeth
                 a
                 virgin
                 ,
                 a
                 chosen
                 young
                 man
                 ,
                 the
                 freely
              
               chosen
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               happily
               because
               they
               used
               to
               choose
               young
               men
               for
               
                 expl●its
                 in
                 war
              
               ,
               or
               otherwise
               as
               being
               of
               more
               strength
               and
               activity
               ,
               
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 marrying
                 a
                 virgin
                 ,
                 not
                 an
                 old
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 virgin
                 ,
              
               nor
               a
               young
               man
               marrying
               a
               widow
               or
               Ancient
               woman
               ;
               but
               a
               young
               man
               ,
               a
               virgin
               ,
               so
               an
               
                 old
                 man
              
               ,
               an
               
                 old
                 woman
              
               ,
               the
               reason
               of
               it
               is
               that
               hereby
               
                 God
                 might
                 set
                 forth
                 how
                 every
                 way
              
               (
               there
               being
               a
               suitableness
               to
               give
               full
               content
               and
               satisfaction
               )
               
                 he
                 rejoyceth
                 therefore
                 over
                 his
                 people
              
               he
               thus
               espouseth
               as
               
                 a
                 young
                 man
              
               over
               his
               virgin
               ,
               his
               Bride
               that
               he
               marryeth
               ;
               therefore
               she
               is
               called
               Hephsibah
               ,
               my
               
                 delight
                 is
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               and
               
                 Beulah
                 ,
                 she
                 is
                 marryed
              
               .
               And
               this
               ,
               if
               it
               
                 be
                 not
                 full
                 enough
                 ,
                 take
                 another
                 place
                 ,
              
               and
               it
               is
               that
               of
               Zeph
               ,
               where
               he
               prophecyeth
               in
               like
               manner
               of
               the
               restoring
               of
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               Gods
               
                 taking
                 her
                 again
              
               after
               she
               was
               put
               away
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               ,
               the
               
               Lord
               thy
               God
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               thee
               
                 is
                 mighty
              
               ,
               he
               will
               save
               ,
               he
               will
               rejoyce
               over
               thee
               
                 with
                 joy
              
               ,
               he
               will
               rest
               in
               
                 his
                 love
              
               he
               will
               joy
               over
               thee
               
                 with
                 singing
              
               .
               Minde
               you
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 rejoyce
                 over
                 thee
                 with
                 joy
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 exceedingly
                 rejoyce
              
               ,
               as
               in
               another
               case
               the
               friend
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               
                 rejoyceth
                 with
                 joy
              
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               he
               rejoyceth
               with
               joy
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               GREATLY
               ,
               yea
               he
               will
               
                 rest
                 in
                 his
                 love
              
               ,
               he
               
                 is
                 fully
                 satisfied
                 and
                 contented
              
               ,
               yea
               rejoyceth
               
                 with
                 singing
              
               ,
               an
               outward
               expression
               of
               it
               .
               How
               many
               expressions
               are
               here
               whereby
               he
               would
               have
               us
               
                 know
                 the
                 largeness
                 of
                 his
                 heart
              
               towards
               us
               in
               this
               his
               espousing
               any
               of
               us
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               Alas
               !
               all
               little
               enough
               
                 to
                 poor
                 trembling
                 souls
              
               ,
               to
               raise
               a
               drooping
               spirit
               to
               believe
               any
               thing
               of
               this
               kind
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               not
               onely
               a
               flashy
               ungrounded
               
                 empty
                 joy
              
               ,
               but
               he
               will
               rejoyce
               over
               such
               a
               soul
               to
               do
               them
               good
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 rejoyce
                 over
                 them
                 to
                 do
                 them
                 good
                 ,
              
               as
               if
               he
               had
               said
               it
               is
               the
               very
               joy
               
               and
               rejoycing
               of
               my
               heart
               to
               do
               you
               good
               .
               Though
               you
               think
               happily
               that
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               
                 hard
                 to
                 be
                 intreated
              
               ,
               and
               you
               
                 have
                 sought
              
               him
               long
               ,
               &c.
               and
               you
               finde
               little
               ,
               O
               entertain
               
                 not
                 such
              
               
               thoughts
               ,
               for
               surely
               he
               doth
               rejoyce
               over
               his
               people
               to
               do
               them
               good
               ;
               but
               so
               much
               for
               that
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               He
               doth
               it
               brethren
               ;
               so
               
                 firmly
                 in
                 every
                 respect
                 to
                 all
                 after-claps
                 ,
                 being
                 provided
                 for
                 ,
              
               it
               shall
               
                 never
                 be
                 broken
              
               ,
               There
               is
               many
               
               
               a
               man
               ,
               espouseth
               a
               wife
               ,
               and
               happily
               through
               weakness
               of
               the
               
                 disposition
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 disease
              
               ,
               or
               the
               like
               ,
               which
               afterwards
               being
               discovered
               ,
               
                 procures
                 a
                 disrelish
              
               ,
               and
               happily
               breaks
               all
               or
               the
               like
               ,
               but
               I
               will
               a
               
                 little
                 insist
                 upon
                 this
              
               because
               it
               is
               very
               considerable
               ,
               and
               therefore
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               Lord
               Jesus
               
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 way
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 sure
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 ,
              
               that
               
                 Justice
                 shall
                 be
                 satisfied
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 in
                 the
                 behalf
                 of
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 whatever
                 the
                 debts
                 brethren
              
               have
               been
               
                 if
                 10000
                 Talents
              
               ,
               whatever
               the
               offences
               have
               been
               ,
               you
               have
               been
               guilty
               of
               ;
               which
               happily
               
               may
               lie
               sore
               upon
               you
               :
               O
               you
               
                 are
                 afraid
                 of
                 the
                 justice
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 just
              
               and
               dreadful
               ,
               and
               though
               he
               may
               forbear
               me
               for
               a
               while
               ,
               thinketh
               the
               poor
               doubting
               soul
               ;
               yet
               he
               may
               afterward
               come
               upon
               me
               for
               all
               ,
               and
               what
               will
               become
               of
               me
               then
               ?
               no
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               he
               hath
               before-hand
               satisfyed
               all
               that
               can
               be
               demanded
               ,
               he
               hath
               
                 paid
                 to
              
               the
               uttermost
               for
               them
               ,
               
                 being
                 a
                 Saviour
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ,
              
               all
               the
               black
               and
               
                 bloody
                 bills
                 chargeable
                 upon
                 thee
              
               ,
               were
               
                 charged
                 upon
                 him
              
               .
               It
               is
               true
               indeed
               hrethren
               ,
               if
               this
               contract
               
                 or
                 espousal
                 between
                 Christ
              
               and
               the
               soul
               ;
               were
               made
               
                 without
                 provision
              
               of
               satisfaction
               to
               justice
               ,
               he
               might
               come
               UPON
               THE
               SOUL
               AFTERWARDS
               and
               break
               and
               undo
               all
               again
               ,
               but
               our
               Saviour
               is
               wiser
               in
               his
               negotiations
               then
               so
               :
               he
               hath
               first
               cleared
               all
               as
               to
               the
               merit
               ;
               
                 and
                 having
                 taken
                 satisfaction
                 in
                 his
                 son
                 ,
              
               and
               given
               him
               an
               acquittance
               ,
               
                 being
                 well
                 pleased
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
              
               he
               cannot
               now
               again
               return
               upon
               thee
               for
               arrearages
               ,
               that
               is
               a
               great
               and
               rich
               Scripture
               indeeed
               ,
               
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 propitiation
              
               then
               through
               faith
               in
               his
               blood
               ,
               that
               God
               might
               be
               just
               ,
               
                 the
                 justifier
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 believe
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 justifier
                 ,
              
               and
               yet
               so
               as
               himself
               be
               just
               ,
               
               not
               onely
               in
               fulfilling
               his
               promises
               of
               Christ
               his
               coming
               ;
               but
               be
               just
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               his
               
                 justice
                 fully
                 satisfied
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               his
               infinite
               mercy
               take
               place
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               That
               
                 he
                 is
                 real
                 in
                 what
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
              
               he
               doth
               not
               mock
               
                 and
                 delude
              
               poor
               creatures
               ,
               indeed
               a
               man
               that
               is
               variable
               ,
               and
               changeable
               as
               
                 the
                 shadow
              
               ,
               he
               may
               make
               a
               
                 shew
                 of
                 much
                 love
              
               ,
               and
               carry
               on
               a
               
                 Match
                 far
              
               ,
               and
               when
               all
               cometh
               to
               all
               ,
               cast
               her
               off
               ;
               and
               take
               up
               other
               resolutions
               ;
               but
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               surely
               he
               is
               real
               in
               what
               he
               doth
               :
               indeed
               God
               hath
               much
               ado
               with
               us
               many
               times
               to
               perswade
               us
               to
               this
               ,
               that
               he
               meaneth
               as
               he
               saith
               ,
               and
               we
               shall
               finde
               him
               full
               as
               good
               as
               
                 his
                 word
              
               and
               his
               offers
               ,
               because
               alas
               !
               we
               judge
               him
               by
               her
               own
               unconstancy
               ,
               because
               our
               hearts
               are
               so
               hollow
               ,
               
               we
               
                 think
                 his
                 may
                 be
                 also
              
               ,
               but
               remember
               his
               
                 thoughts
                 are
                 above
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 ways
                 above
                 ours
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               
                 Lord
                 I
                 will
              
               betroth
               
               thee
               unto
               me
               ,
               I
               will
               betroth
               thee
               to
               me
               ,
               and
               again
               the
               third
               time
               
                 he
                 repeateth
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 ,
              
               as
               the
               soul
               is
               ready
               to
               say
               ,
               O
               
               O
               sure
               he
               will
               not
               look
               upon
               me
               ,
               such
               a
               one
               as
               I
               !
               yea
               I
               will
               ,
               I
               will
               saith
               he
               ;
               yea
               
                 notwithstanding
                 all
              
               your
               mis-doings
               ,
               I
               will
               ,
               
                 your
                 unkindnesses
              
               I
               will
               ,
               
                 your
                 jealousies
              
               of
               me
               ,
               I
               will
               ,
               your
               
                 back-sliding
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 betroth
                 thee
              
               to
               me
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               It
               is
               done
               
                 with
                 that
                 wisdom
                 and
                 Council
              
               ,
               that
               it
               will
               never
               
                 be
                 overthrown
                 .
                 Counsel
              
               is
               so
               called
               from
               a
               word
               signifying
               to
               Found
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               the
               
                 foundation
                 of
                 actions
              
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               done
               rashly
               ,
               
                 and
                 unadvisedly
              
               many
               times
               ,
               men
               are
               fain
               to
               come
               off
               with
               a
               
                 non
                 putaram
              
               ,
               to
               retreat
               with
               shame
               ,
               or
               when
               through
               weakness
               they
               cannot
               
                 see
                 through
                 ▪
                 things
              
               .
               Now
               this
               is
               not
               to
               be
               thought
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               Brethren
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               the
               
                 wonderful
                 Counseller
              
               ,
               
               the
               wise
               God
               ,
               a
               God
               of
               understanding
               and
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               ,
               by
               him
               actions
               
                 are
                 weighed
              
               ,
               yea
               his
               own
               actions
               are
               weighed
               :
               his
               
               choice
               of
               
                 some
                 persons
              
               ,
               to
               life
               
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 counsel
                 of
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 his
                 will
                 ,
              
               but
               the
               counsel
               of
               his
               will
               ;
               he
               doth
               it
               with
               such
               wisdom
               as
               foreseeth
               all
               the
               events
               .
               It
               was
               not
               a
               rash
               thing
               that
               God
               brought
               Israel
               into
               the
               Land
               of
               Canaan
               ,
               no
               he
               did
               it
               with
               Counsel
               ;
               and
               therefore
               he
               saith
               
                 that
                 he
                 knew
                 what
                 they
                 would
                 do
              
               
               
                 before
                 hand
              
               .
               Ah!
               (
               may
               a
               poor
               soul
               think
               ,
               )
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               indeed
               hath
               made
               love
               to
               me
               ,
               but
               did
               he
               think
               ,
               I
               would
               be
               such
               a
               wretch
               under
               all
               this
               his
               love
               :
               I
               would
               carry
               so
               unkindly
               towards
               him
               ;
               yea
               ,
               he
               knew
               this
               ,
               and
               
                 considered
                 it
              
               before
               hand
               .
               
                 He
                 did
                 sit
                 down
                 brethren
                 ,
                 &
                 from
                 eternity
                 consider
              
               what
               it
               would
               cost
               him
               ,
               
                 the
                 bringing
                 of
                 such
                 sinners
              
               as
               thou
               art
               to
               glory
               ,
               that
               
                 many
                 a
                 grief
              
               ,
               he
               must
               have
               ,
               many
               a
               slighting
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               many
               a
               kick
               
                 in
                 his
                 very
                 bowels
              
               ,
               Jerusalem
               
                 would
                 wax
                 fat
                 and
                 kick
                 against
                 him
                 ,
              
               he
               
               knew
               this
               ,
               and
               yet
               notwithstanding
               he
               resolved
               upon
               it
               ,
               he
               would
               go
               through
               with
               his
               work
               ,
               if
               
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 have
              
               born
               these
               things
               brethren
               
                 and
                 covered
                 them
              
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               have
               made
               love
               to
               us
               ,
               if
               he
               could
               not
               have
               taken
               us
               with
               all
               our
               
                 weakness
                 and
                 imperfections
              
               ,
               for
               he
               would
               undertake
               nothing
               that
               he
               could
               not
               bring
               to
               pass
               ,
               that
               were
               weakness
               ;
               therefore
               
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 judgement
                 also
                 .
              
            
             
               4.
               
               It
               is
               
                 with
                 that
                 faithfulness
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 not
                 onely
                 not
                 c
                 〈…〉
                 st
                 off
                 ,
              
               when
               once
               he
               hath
               taken
               a
               soul
               so
               near
               him
               in
               this
               relation
               ,
               
               
                 but
                 his
                 heart
                 being
                 once
                 pitched
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               
                 never
                 removed
                 more
              
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               with
               
                 him
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 men
                 ,
              
               for
               however
               when
               once
               we
               have
               betrothed
               persons
               ,
               we
               are
               ingaged
               by
               the
               
                 Law
                 of
                 God
              
               to
               take
               them
               ,
               and
               our
               Consciences
               do
               bind
               us
               ,
               though
               it
               may
               be
               ,
               between
               the
               espousal
               and
               marriage
               ;
               though
               there
               be
               not
               a
               casting
               off
               ,
               yet
               there
               may
               something
               intervene
               ,
               that
               may
               carry
               away
               the
               heart
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               heart
               is
               not
               so
               towards
               her
               as
               before
               ,
               and
               the
               person
               could
               be
               
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 loose
              
               ,
               if
               it
               were
               not
               that
               he
               is
               intangled
               i
               
               such
               ●ands
               ,
               he
               cannot
               break
               ,
               but
               
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 otherwise
              
               with
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               his
               
                 heart
                 if
                 once
                 pitched
              
               ,
               is
               never
               removed
               more
               ,
               if
               he
               loveth
               ,
               he
               loveth
               to
               the
               end
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 ever
                 that
                 he
                 betrotheth
                 ,
              
               when
               he
               betrotheth
               .
               Alas
               !
               there
               is
               little
               comfort
               ,
               or
               sweetness
               in
               injoyment
               of
               such
               near
               relations
               ,
               if
               their
               hearts
               be
               not
               towards
               one
               another
               .
               It
               is
               true
               they
               may
               live
               together
               and
               do
               duties
               one
               toward
               another
               outwardly
               ,
               but
               if
               the
               heart
               be
               gone
               ,
               there
               is
               little
               comfort
               in
               it
               ,
               so
               it
               cannot
               be
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               He
               may
               indeed
               
                 sometimes
                 suspend
              
               the
               outward
               acts
               if
               I
               may
               call
               it
               so
               ,
               and
               withhold
               himself
               sometimes
               ,
               and
               not
               give
               that
               free
               communion
               of
               himself
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               but
               yet
               his
               heart
               all
               that
               while
               ,
               is
               never
               
                 the
                 further
                 off
              
               ,
               his
               heart
               is
               never
               gone
               ,
               
                 which
                 is
                 indeed
                 ,
                 all
                 in
                 all
                 .
                 One
                 of
                 the
                 Churches
                 eyes
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 will
                 ravish
                 his
                 heart
              
               
               
                 that
                 he
                 cannot
                 well
                 hold
                 longer
                 ,
              
               from
               revealing
               himself
               again
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               after
               he
               hath
               withdrawn
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 For
                 after-sinnings
                 there
                 is
                 also
                 a
                 treasury
                 of
                 pardoning
                 mercy
                 laid
                 up
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               a
               
                 treasury
                 of
                 Merit
              
               which
               he
               hath
               expended
               
                 to
                 purchase
                 mercy
                 for
                 us
              
               ,
               which
               is
               
                 alway
                 before
                 the
                 father
              
               ,
               not
               only
               
               for
               the
               
                 sins
                 past
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 believed
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 all
                 after
                 ,
                 since
                 the
                 pardon
              
               is
               purchased
               already
               ,
               though
               
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 applyed
              
               ,
               nor
               the
               sins
               pardoned
               before
               
                 they
                 be
                 committed
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 forgiveness
                 with
                 God
                 ,
              
               there
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               ready
               
                 to
                 be
                 issued
                 forth
                 ,
                 as
                 occasion
                 serveth
                 :
              
               And
               he
               
                 himself
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 father
              
               continually
               
                 i
                 〈…〉
                 eceding
                 for
              
               the
               Application
               of
               it
               .
               
                 Whereby
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 save
                 us
                 to
                 the
                 uttermost
                 .
              
               Brethren
               if
               we
               could
               say
               thus
               far
               ,
               or
               thus
               
                 far
                 he
              
               
               
                 can
                 help
                 and
                 save
              
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               forgiveness
               indeed
               ,
               
                 our
                 hearts
                 might
                 fail
                 us
              
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               to
               the
               uttermost
               ,
               to
               all
               perfections
               ,
               or
               all
               end
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               And
               
                 yet
                 let
                 not
                 graceless
                 sinners
                 abuse
                 this
                 ,
              
               but
               
                 rather
                 fear
                 him
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               forgiveness
               with
               thee
               ,
               
                 that
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 feared
              
               ,
               not
               that
               we
               may
               wax
               wanton
               under
               it
               .
            
             
             
               
                 Againe
                 ,
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 .
                 He
                 maketh
                 the
                 soul
                 also
                 to
                 close
              
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               
                 give
                 it self
                 up
                 considerately
                 and
                 in
                 truth
              
               sincerely
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 Considerately
                 and
                 not
                 rashly
                 the
                 soul
                 giveth
                 it self
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 promiseth
              
               to
               be
               his
               :
               the
               love
               of
               
                 J.
                 Christ
                 Constraineth
                 us
                 because
              
               
               we
               thus
               judge
               if
               
                 one
                 dyed
                 ,
                 then
                 were
                 all
                 dead
                 .
              
               It
               is
               the
               act
               of
               the
               judgement
               ,
               convinced
               ,
               
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 ten
                 thousand
                 ,
              
               that
               he
               
                 is
                 onely
                 lovely
              
               ,
               altogether
               lovely
               ,
               of
               
                 our
                 necessity
              
               of
               him
               ,
               of
               his
               all-sufficiency
               to
               answer
               our
               wants
               ,
               and
               onely
               sufficiency
               ,
               his
               willingness
               to
               accept
               of
               us
               .
               No
               depth
               of
               earth
               ,
               no
               judgement
               ,
               no
               rooting
               ,
               in
               it self
               ,
               Mat.
               13.
               
               There
               is
               many
               a
               poor
               creature
               for
               a
               flash
               ,
               a
               
                 sudden
                 motion
                 ,
                 hath
                 some
                 velleities
                 ,
              
               some
               
                 wishings
                 and
                 wouldings
              
               ,
               but
               this
               is
               a
               serious
               and
               judicious
               closing
               with
               him
               ,
               promising
               to
               be
               his
               ,
               to
               take
               him
               for
               
                 better
                 for
                 worse
              
               ,
               to
               go
               through
               with
               him
               
                 in
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 go
                 to
                 prison
                 ,
              
               to
               go
               with
               him
               ,
               
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               And
               he
               only
               can
               work
               up
               the
               heart
               to
               this
               .
            
             
               Then
               secondly
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 in
                 sincerity
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 thus
                 judiciously
                 ,
                 he
                 loveth
                 truth
                 in
                 the
                 inward
                 parts
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               looks
               at
               the
               heart
               
               more
               then
               at
               the
               outward
               .
               Alas
               !
               how
               often
               did
               Israel
               turn
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               
                 but
                 fainedly
                 ,
                 not
                 sincerely
              
               .
               But
               now
               the
               Lord
               ,
               his
               people
               indeed
               give
               up
               themselves
               to
               him
               cordially
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               
               
                 but
                 weak
              
               ,
               yet
               it
               is
               in
               truth
               
                 their
                 resignation
              
               of
               themselves
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               taking
               him
               for
               theirs
               ,
               
                 not
                 for
                 by-ends
                 ,
                 or
              
               reports
               ,
               but
               for
               himself
               ,
               not
               for
               
                 riches
                 ,
                 honours
                 ,
                 a
                 name
                 ,
              
               any
               thing
               ;
               but
               for
               himself
               ,
               
                 no
                 not
                 onely
                 for
                 peace
              
               ,
               but
               for
               himself
               who
               is
               the
               Prince
               of
               peace
               ,
               no
               
                 nor
                 meerly
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 grace
                 and
                 glory
                 which
                 cometh
                 by
                 him
                 ,
              
               but
               for
               himself
               .
               
                 To
                 love
                 a
                 man
              
               ,
               and
               choose
               him
               meerly
               
                 for
                 his
                 wealth
              
               ,
               or
               his
               honor
               ,
               which
               a
               woman
               shall
               have
               by
               him
               ,
               it
               is
               
                 false
                 and
                 dissembling
                 ,
                 she
              
               loveth
               him
               not
               indeed
               :
               no
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               person
               that
               
                 she
                 would
                 have
              
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               in
               truth
               ,
               let
               the
               other
               accomplishments
               be
               less
               or
               greater
               ,
               
                 so
                 the
                 soul
              
               ,
               O
               thy self
               ,
               thy self
               ,
               give
               me
               Christ
               
               
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 dye
              
               ,
               What
               wilt
               thou
               give
               me
               if
               
                 I
                 go
                 Christ
                 less
              
               ,
               wilt
               thou
               give
               me
               
                 a
                 name
                 ,
                 riches
                 ,
                 a
                 portion
              
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               a
               fellowship
               with
               thy
               people
               in
               the
               Ordinances
               ,
               yea
               
                 grace
                 it self
              
               ,
               if
               it
               may
               be
               given
               without
               Christ
               ,
               O
               none
               but
               him
               ,
               none
               but
               him
               .
               Well
               ,
               thus
               now
               thy
               Lord
               
                 works
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
              
               so
               that
               choosing
               Christ
               
                 for
                 himself
              
               ;
               while
               we
               have
               him
               ,
               we
               are
               well
               enough
               .
               If
               a
               man
               follow
               him
               for
               Loaves
               ,
               when
               they
               cease
               ,
               farewell
               Christ
               ;
               or
               
               for
               riches
               ,
               or
               prosperity
               ,
               when
               that
               ceaseth
               all
               is
               gon
               :
               They
               will
               not
               
                 go
                 to
                 prison
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               
                 suffer
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               no
               they
               never
               intended
               it
               ,
               but
               to
               have
               such
               a
               Christ
               as
               to
               be
               kept
               from
               those
               things
               .
               Well
               ,
               this
               is
               not
               sincere
               ,
               nor
               upwright
               ,
               which
               is
               wrought
               ,
               in
               every
               heart
               ,
               whom
               the
               Lord
               doth
               thus
               espouse
               to
               himself
               ,
               which
               may
               serve
               for
               a
               word
               of
               tryal
               to
               us
               all
               .
            
             
               
                 I
                 have
                 onely
                 a
                 word
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 solemnity
                 of
                 the
                 Marriage-Feast
                 :
              
               you
               see
               Marriages
               used
               to
               be
               made
               with
               feasting
               ,
               it
               being
               
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 rejoycing
              
               ,
               so
               Sampson
               he
               made
               a
               
                 Feast
                 seven
                 days
                 ,
                 that
              
               
               was
               the
               manner
               it
               seemeth
               ,
               and
               so
               Laban
               saith
               to
               
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 fulfil
                 her
                 week
              
               ,
               the
               
                 solemnity
                 of
                 the
                 Marriage
              
               .
               And
               our
               Saviour
               himself
               
               was
               
                 at
                 a
                 marriage-feast
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 miracle
                 that
                 he
                 wrought
                 .
              
               And
               though
               this
               feast
               it
               seems
               ,
               was
               rather
               at
               the
               compleat
               marriage
               then
               the
               espousal
               ,
               yet
               this
               Feast
               is
               at
               his
               espousal
               ,
               and
               continueth
               until
               the
               consummation
               ;
               and
               yet
               a
               greater
               feast
               to
               be
               expected
               .
               
               
                 The
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Heaven
              
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               is
               
                 like
                 a
                 King
                 that
              
               
               
                 made
                 a
                 Marriage-Feast
              
               for
               his
               son
               ,
               and
               bid
               the
               Guests
               .
               Here
               he
               speaks
               .
               (
               I
               take
               it
               )
               of
               the
               administrations
               of
               grace
               in
               the
               visible
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               for
               one
               was
               there
               that
               had
               not
               a
               wedding-garment
               .
               
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 A
                 Feast
                 of
                 Fat
                 things
                 ,
                 of
                 Wines
                 on
                 the
                 Lees
                 ,
                 well
                 refined
                 ,
              
               a
               Feast
               the
               Lord
               maketh
               ,
               saith
               the
               Prophet
               .
               Their
               
               
                 Feasts
                 were
                 rather
              
               in
               drinking
               ,
               then
               eating
               ;
               and
               therefore
               they
               had
               their
               name
               in
               Hebrew
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               A
               drinking
               ,
               a
               Feast
               ,
               so
               Ahasuerus
               feast
               ,
               a
               drinking
               .
               And
               so
               the
               Greek
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               a
               drinking
               
               together
               ;
               so
               here
               brethen
               ,
               such
               dainties
               are
               provided
               as
               eye
               
                 hath
                 not
                 seen
              
               ,
               nor
               ear
               heard
               ,
               
                 nor
                 can
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 man
                 ,
              
               as
               a
               man
               that
               never
               
                 tasted
                 hony
              
               ,
               though
               he
               
                 may
                 hear
                 speaking
                 of
                 it
              
               ,
               cannot
               conceive
               what
               it
               is
               .
               
                 Eat
                 my
                 friends
              
               ,
               and
               drink
               ye
               ,
               yea
               
                 drink
                 abundantly
              
               saith
               he
               in
               the
               song
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 observed
                 by
                 some
              
               ,
               that
               Matthew
               
                 calls
                 it
                 a
                 dinner
              
               ,
               and
               Luke
               
                 calls
                 it
                 a
                 supper
              
               ,
               both
               
               indeed
               ,
               for
               we
               
                 dine
                 and
                 sup
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               and
               he
               with
               us
               in
               the
               Administrations
               of
               his
               grace
               ,
               and
               those
               
                 sweet
                 communions
                 that
              
               
               
                 we
                 have
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               while
               he
               sitteth
               with
               us
               at
               the
               Table
               ,
               as
               not
               long
               since
               you
               heard
               .
               Yea
               we
               have
               continually
               brethren
               such
               as
               are
               believers
               indeed
               
                 have
                 continual
                 meat
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 ,
              
               as
               
                 Mephibosheth
                 at
                 David
                 his
                 Table
              
               ,
               a
               
                 dayly
                 portion
              
               the
               
               things
               of
               the
               day
               in
               its
               day
               ,
               so
               we
               our
               daily
               refreshings
               from
               his
               presence
               ,
               so
               
                 Jeconiah
                 had
                 his
                 portio●n
                 from
                 the
                 Kings
                 Table
                 dayly
                 .
              
               Some
               say
               the
               dinner
               is
               here
               but
               
                 the
                 supper
              
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               this
               not
               comparable
               to
               that
               ,
               now
               we
               have
               flagons
               ,
               but
               there
               will
               be
               
               springs
               and
               Rivers
               ,
               or
               rather
               an
               Ocean
               of
               wine
               to
               all
               eternity
               ,
               here
               we
               
                 drink
                 and
                 take
                 in
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
              
               there
               the
               
                 comfort
                 takes
                 in
              
               us
               ,
               we
               
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 joy
              
               ,
               because
               it
               cannot
               enter
               into
               us
               .
               O
               blessed
               is
               he
               that
               shall
               be
               brought
               brethren
               to
               the
               supper
               of
               the
               
                 Lamb
                 forever
              
               and
               forever
               .
            
             
               Lastly
               ,
               The
               
                 consummation
                 of
                 this
                 marriage
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 cometh
                 ,
              
               to
               take
               his
               Bride
               to
               himself
               ,
               to
               take
               her
               now
               from
               
                 among
                 the
                 pots
              
               ,
               wherein
               she
               hath
               lien
               ;
               to
               take
               her
               now
               nearer
               to
               
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 bosom
                 indeed
                 ,
              
               now
               she
               hath
               had
               some
               smiles
               from
               him
               ,
               to
               
                 keep
                 the
                 heart
                 alive
                 ,
                 now
                 and
                 then
              
               a
               Kiss
               ,
               but
               then
               continual
               embraces
               .
               Now
               and
               then
               
                 he
                 hath
                 met
                 with
                 her
                 ,
                 here
                 and
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 withdraw
              
               again
               ,
               but
               then
               we
               shall
               be
               alway
               in
               the
               glorious
               light
               of
               his
               countenance
               .
               
                 O
                 Brethren
                 !
                 If
                 a
                 smile
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               will
               sweeten
               the
               
                 bitterest
                 cup
                 of
                 Affliction
              
               here
               below
               ;
               yea
               ,
               very
               gall
               
                 and
                 wormwood
              
               ,
               it
               will
               sweeten
               
                 the
                 mouth
                 and
                 fill
                 us
                 with
                 comfort
                 :
              
               what
               will
               it
               be
               then
               ,
               when
               nothing
               
                 but
                 pouring
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 eternity
                 ?
              
               and
               when
               there
               shall
               be
               no
               bitterness
               at
               all
               to
               
                 abate
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               
                 no
                 mixture
              
               ,
               no
               interruption
               ,
               no
               
                 fear
                 of
                 losing
                 that
                 sweet
              
               and
               ravishing
               communion
               with
               him
               :
               Oh
               heaven
               will
               be
               Heaven
               indeed
               !
               But
               so
               much
               for
               the
               Doctrinal
               part
               .
            
             
               Now
               for
               the
               Application
               .
            
             
               
                 First
                 then
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 more
                 serious
              
               in
               taking
               notice
               of
               the
               
               great
               
                 transcendent
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               to
               such
               as
               we
               are
               ;
               
                 that
                 we
              
               should
               be
               made
               
                 a
                 spouse
              
               to
               him
               .
               O
               brethren
               what
               condescention
               is
               this
               ,
               he
               being
               so
               high
               ,
               and
               we
               so
               low
               ,
               such
               
                 poor
                 abject
              
               creatures
               .
               Alas
               ,
               conception
               fails
               us
               brethren
               ,
               comparison
               fails
               us
               ,
               for
               there
               is
               no
               proportion
               between
               an
               infinitely
               glorious
               God
               ,
               and
               vile
               dust
               and
               ashes
               .
               Who
               regardeth
               a
               drop
               of
               
                 a
                 Bucket
              
               ,
               or
               thedust
               of
               the
               ballance
               ,
               they
               are
               poor
               contemptible
               things
               ,
               who
               desireth
               a
               poor
               worm
               ,
               or
               an
               Ant
               ,
               every
               one
               ,
               trampleth
               them
               underfoot
               ,
               and
               thinketh
               he
               doth
               them
               no
               wrong
               ,
               though
               he
               never
               gave
               them
               no
               being
               ;
               alas
               brethren
               ,
               we
               that
               are
               less
               then
               nothing
               ,
               in
               comparison
               of
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               should
               set
               his
               love
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               become
               espoused
               to
               himself
               ,
               how
               shall
               we
               conceive
               of
               it
               ,
               much
               less
               speak
               of
               it
               .
               You
               would
               think
               it
               much
               for
               one
               of
               you
               brethren
               ,
               one
               of
               us
               to
               have
               our
               hearts
               drawn
               out
               thus
               to
               a
               poor
               abject
               forlorn
               maid
               ,
               lying
               in
               the
               street
               ,
               that
               we
               must
               take
               her
               to
               a
               nearer
               relation
               ,
               to
               a
               bosom-communion
               and
               fellowship
               ,
               this
               were
               strange
               ,
               but
               for
               a
               ●rince
               to
               do
               so
               ,
               is
               yet
               more
               strange
               ;
               but
               all
               is
               nothing
               to
               this
               of
               the
               Lord
               
               Jesus
               to
               our
               souls
               .
               It
               was
               Condescention
               for
               the
               Cedar
               to
               marry
               
               
                 the
                 Thistle
              
               .
               as
               it
               was
               ambition
               for
               the
               Thistle
               to
               seek
               to
               the
               Cedar
               ,
               
                 O
                 such
                 thoughts
              
               ,
               if
               they
               rise
               ,
               they
               
                 are
                 even
                 stifled
              
               ,
               in
               the
               very
               birth
               !
               A
               
                 begger
                 will
              
               not
               fall
               in
               love
               with
               a
               King
               ,
               
                 she
                 thinketh
              
               it
               is
               impossible
               to
               compass
               it
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               hope
               ;
               and
               therefore
               no
               desire
               :
               and
               truly
               I
               think
               it
               is
               as
               rare
               for
               a
               King
               to
               fall
               in
               love
               with
               a
               begger
               ,
               he
               is
               
                 so
                 far
                 above
                 her
              
               ,
               and
               hath
               objects
               more
               
                 suitable
                 to
                 himself
                 to
                 set
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 ,
              
               so
               that
               it
               would
               be
               one
               of
               the
               wonders
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               if
               
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 should
                 be
              
               ,
               why
               brethren
               much
               more
               then
               this
               ,
               is
               acted
               dayly
               ;
               
                 while
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               the
               King
               of
               Kings
               ,
               the
               Lord
               of
               Lords
               ,
               maketh
               love
               to
               such
               poor
               
                 worms
                 as
                 we
                 are
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               it
               is
               not
               wondered
               at
               .
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               we
               think
               our selves
               something
               ;
               and
               therefore
               we
               are
               the
               less
               taken
               with
               it
               .
               
                 Tell
                 a
                 Pharisee
              
               how
               great
               Condescention
               it
               is
               ,
               for
               the
               God
               of
               Heaven
               to
               
                 set
                 his
              
               love
               upon
               his
               soul
               ,
               
                 he
                 believeth
                 no
                 such
                 things
              
               ,
               nor
               the
               Papists
               neither
               ;
               Nor
               many
               a
               poor
               hypocrite
               :
               Alas
               ,
               they
               think
               they
               have
               somewhat
               
                 that
                 deserveth
                 him
              
               ,
               I
               ,
               some
               beauty
               is
               in
               us
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 saw
              
               ;
               and
               so
               it
               was
               meet
               for
               him
               to
               lay
               out
               his
               love
               upon
               us
               ,
               proud
               wretches
               that
               we
               are
               ;
               it
               is
               well
               we
               have
               an
               infinitely
               condescending
               love
               ,
               yea
               and
               powerful
               that
               can
               overcome
               our
               pride
               ,
               
                 and
                 swallow
              
               it
               up
               ,
               and
               love
               not
               onely
               poor
               creatures
               ,
               nothing-creatures
               ,
               but
               such
               as
               falsly
               
                 suppose
                 themselves
              
               somewhat
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               nothing
               ,
               else
               what
               would
               become
               of
               many
               of
               us
               .
               Well
               ,
               sure
               it
               is
               because
               we
               know
               not
               our selves
               ,
               or
               know
               not
               what
               this
               love
               means
               ;
               else
               we
               should
               all
               of
               us
               easily
               subscribe
               to
               this
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 That
                 he
                 would
                 be
              
               at
               such
               
                 a
                 price
              
               for
               such
               ,
               for
               alas
               brethren
               〈◊〉
               who
               would
               lay
               down
               his
               life
               ,
               almost
               for
               the
               cho
               cest
               of
               persons
               ;
               though
               some
               ,
               in
               an
               
                 Agony
                 of
                 Passion
              
               ,
               and
               discontent
               ,
               have
               made
               themselves
               away
               for
               them
               ,
               they
               have
               doated
               upon
               ,
               yet
               here
               was
               some
               proportion
               between
               the
               persons
               loving
               ,
               and
               loved
               ;
               yea
               happily
               the
               person
               loved
               ,
               might
               be
               the
               
                 more
                 eminent
                 person
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               might
               
                 stand
                 off
                 and
              
               a
               man
               when
               he
               doth
               this
               ,
               alas
               he
               is
               beloved
               himself
               ;
               he
               is
               wrapt
               by
               the
               violence
               of
               his
               passion
               
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 choice
              
               ,
               his
               understanding
               and
               judgement
               dethroned
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               Affections
               like
               wild
               horses
               :
               O
               whither
               will
               they
               not
               hurry
               a
               man
               ,
               but
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ,
               a
               man
               is
               not
               a
               man
               ;
               but
               now
               in
               sobriety
               of
               minde
               consider
               it
               ,
               
                 and
                 who
                 would
                 lay
                 down
              
               their
               lives
               and
               dye
               for
               the
               
                 obtaining
                 the
                 rarest
                 creature
              
               in
               the
               world
               for
               
                 a
                 
                 spouse
              
               ,
               surely
               none
               ,
               O
               no
               :
               
                 Skin
                 for
                 skin
              
               saith
               the
               Devil
               ,
               and
               though
               a
               man
               imagine
               more
               to
               be
               in
               what
               he
               hath
               never
               injoyed
               then
               
                 he
                 findeth
                 by
                 experience
              
               in
               what
               he
               hath
               had
               the
               flower
               and
               cream
               of
               ,
               yet
               notwithstanding
               if
               a
               man
               be
               himself
               ,
               he
               will
               prize
               his
               life
               above
               all
               ;
               
                 but
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 dye
              
               ,
               would
               he
               dye
               a
               most
               shameful
               death
               ?
               to
               have
               his
               life
               taken
               away
               by
               the
               most
               
                 violent
                 destructions
              
               and
               convulsions
               of
               minde
               so
               strongly
               working
               upon
               the
               body
               ,
               as
               
                 to
                 moulder
                 it
                 away
                 by
              
               degrees
               ;
               surely
               hardly
               any
               man
               would
               ever
               venture
               in
               such
               a
               case
               as
               this
               .
               
                 Alas
                 !
                 What
                 is
                 this
              
               ?
               to
               what
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               
                 hath
                 willingly
                 undertaken
              
               for
               worms
               ,
               what
               man
               would
               dye
               for
               a
               worm
               ,
               that
               it
               might
               live
               ,
               and
               he
               might
               have
               it
               
                 put
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
              
               ,
               or
               rather
               
                 would
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 ●ay
                 down
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 form
                 of
                 a
                 worm
                 ,
              
               and
               therein
               dye
               the
               most
               miserable
               death
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               
                 have
                 worms
              
               saved
               from
               death
               ,
               and
               be
               his
               nearest
               relations
               for
               ever
               :
               O
               doth
               not
               this
               transcend
               the
               love
               of
               Angels
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               
                 Alas
                 !
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 what
              
               Jesus
               Christ
               hath
               paid
               for
               poor
               worms
               ,
               at
               the
               best
               ,
               
                 sinful
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
              
               ,
               and
               that
               we
               might
               
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 in
                 union
              
               and
               fellowship
               with
               himselfe
               for
               ever
               ;
               Ah
               Brethren
               ,
               if
               God
               would
               but
               make
               us
               sensible
               what
               
                 we
                 are
                 at
                 the
                 worst
              
               ,
               and
               what
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 underwent
              
               in
               some
               measure
               ,
               for
               
                 apprehend
                 it
                 fully
                 we
                 cannot
              
               ;
               but
               such
               as
               have
               ever
               tasted
               what
               it
               
                 is
                 to
                 sip
                 of
                 the
              
               cup
               ,
               may
               apprehend
               more
               then
               others
               ,
               
                 what
                 dregs
                 were
                 at
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
              
               a
               drop
               how
               doth
               it
               put
               the
               soul
               into
               an
               Agony
               ,
               upon
               the
               rack
               that
               thou
               
                 wouldst
                 choose
                 death
                 rather
              
               then
               life
               ,
               O
               what
               then
               was
               the
               whole
               cup
               brethren
               ?
               that
               he
               
                 should
                 undergo
              
               this
               :
               and
               should
               with
               his
               
                 most
                 precious
                 blood
              
               be
               willing
               to
               purchase
               such
               poor
               abjects
               ,
               forlorn
               Creatures
               ,
               to
               be
               
                 a
                 spouse
              
               to
               him
               ;
               yea
               ,
               with
               
                 his
                 blood
              
               drawn
               from
               him
               ,
               through
               the
               very
               
                 pores
                 of
                 the
                 body
              
               ,
               by
               the
               very
               
                 distractions
                 of
                 his
                 soul
              
               ,
               and
               wres●ling
               with
               wrath
               :
               O
               was
               there
               
                 ever
                 grief
                 like
                 this
              
               ,
               that
               the
               father
               put
               him
               to
               ,
               and
               was
               
                 there
                 ever
                 love
                 like
                 this
              
               brethren
               ?
               O
               that
               we
               had
               hearts
               indeed
               to
               admire
               it
               !
            
             
               3.
               
               That
               
                 after
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 at
                 such
                 pains
                 to
                 bring
                 us
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 wooe
                 us
                 ,
              
               to
               come
               himself
               ,
               to
               send
               us
               his
               messengers
               ,
               to
               
                 strive
                 with
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 :
              
               as
               you
               know
               he
               strivd
               long
               with
               the
               
                 old
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 strived
                 long
                 with
                 the
                 Israelites
                 in
                 the
                 wilderness
                 :
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 can
              
               say
               it
               by
               experience
               ,
               he
               hath
               striven
               
                 long
                 with
                 us
              
               by
               his
               spirit
               ,
               when
               we
               have
               
                 been
                 convinced
              
               ,
               our
               ways
               have
               been
               folly
               ,
               and
               misery
               ;
               and
               yet
               we
               would
               not
               yield
               :
               
               how
               hath
               he
               
                 followed
                 us
                 up
              
               and
               down
               
                 with
                 motions
              
               of
               his
               spirit
               ,
               and
               waited
               to
               be
               gracious
               ,
               and
               all
               ,
               but
               
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 consent
              
               to
               take
               him
               for
               ours
               .
               Dear
               friends
               ,
               who
               are
               we
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               should
               thus
               ambire
               ,
               make
               so
               much
               ado
               with
               us
               ,
               to
               have
               our
               consent
               to
               take
               him
               ,
               to
               accept
               of
               him
               for
               a
               Husband
               .
               O
               what
               
                 desperate
                 enmity
              
               is
               in
               our
               hearts
               against
               him
               ,
               that
               there
               must
               be
               so
               much
               ado
               to
               overcome
               it
               .
               
                 You
                 would
                 think
                 that
              
               poor
               begger
               either
               
                 a
                 very
                 crooked
              
               cross
               piece
               ,
               full
               of
               bitter
               hatred
               against
               a
               Prince
               or
               Noble-man
               ,
               that
               sues
               to
               her
               with
               all
               the
               intreaties
               that
               can
               be
               ,
               
                 sends
                 messenger
              
               after
               messenger
               ,
               
                 cometh
                 himself
              
               and
               beseecheth
               her
               to
               accept
               of
               him
               ;
               and
               yet
               she
               will
               not
               :
               no
               ,
               is
               she
               well
               ,
               where
               she
               is
               desireth
               not
               ,
               either
               you
               will
               say
               ,
               
                 she
                 believeth
                 not
                 what
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
              
               that
               it
               is
               in
               reality
               ,
               it
               will
               not
               enter
               into
               her
               heart
               to
               think
               he
               is
               real
               ,
               he
               is
               so
               far
               above
               her
               ;
               though
               he
               tell
               her
               he
               knew
               that
               ,
               is
               sensible
               of
               it
               ;
               yet
               maketh
               love
               to
               her
               ,
               meerly
               because
               he
               will
               ,
               and
               his
               heart
               is
               
                 towards
                 her
              
               ,
               not
               
                 for
                 any
                 thing
              
               in
               her self
               ,
               she
               believeth
               not
               ;
               or
               else
               that
               she
               is
               a
               
                 desperate
                 enemy
              
               and
               hater
               of
               such
               a
               Noble-man
               ,
               and
               would
               rather
               
                 perish
                 there
              
               ,
               or
               languish
               in
               such
               a
               condition
               as
               an
               abject
               ,
               then
               accept
               of
               him
               :
               O
               this
               is
               the
               
                 condition
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
              
               some
               poor
               
                 deject
                 dunbelieving
              
               souls
               ;
               
                 alas
                 !
                 their
                 hearts
              
               ,
               even
               fail
               within
               them
               to
               hear
               that
               J.
               Christ
               should
               make
               love
               to
               them
               ,
               O
               it
               canot
               be
               sure
               to
               such
               
                 a
                 worm
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 ,
              
               so
               poor
               ,
               
                 so
                 filthy
              
               ,
               so
               full
               of
               rags
               &
               vermin
               ,
               so
               
                 full
                 of
                 sores
              
               and
               wounds
               ,
               full
               deeply
               indebted
               ,
               so
               deformed
               and
               loathsom
               every
               way
               :
               O
               they
               know
               not
               how
               to
               receive
               this
               .
               Others
               they
               are
               
                 even
                 stout
                 and
                 proud
              
               ,
               and
               care
               no
               more
               for
               these
               things
               ,
               then
               if
               Jesus
               Christ
               had
               said
               nothing
               at
               all
               ;
               as
               for
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               well
               enough
               ,
               if
               he
               will
               let
               them
               alone
               ;
               they
               desire
               not
               to
               mend
               their
               conditions
               ,
               by
               closing
               with
               him
               .
               Now
               brethren
               ,
               to
               both
               these
               how
               doth
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               apply
               himself
               :
               Never
               were
               there
               
                 more
                 powerful
              
               Arguments
               used
               ,
               and
               never
               more
               powerfully
               prest
               ,
               then
               he
               presseth
               them
               ,
               and
               that
               with
               more
               diligence
               ,
               and
               patient
               waiting
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               
                 O
                 what
                 love
              
               ,
               what
               manner
               of
               love
               ,
               is
               this
               that
               all
               this
               floweth
               from
               !
            
             
               A
               
                 little
                 to
                 touch
              
               upou
               each
               of
               them
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               happily
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 be
                 pleased
              
               to
               breath
               in
               them
               
                 to
                 some
                 poor
                 soul
              
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               doth
               at
               other
               times
               thus
               :
               so
               this
               day
               ,
               brethren
               :
               Even
               to
               you
               ,
               he
               is
               pleading
               with
               you
               for
               this
               very
               end
               ,
               that
               some
               poor
               sinners
               would
               be
               perswaded
               to
               close
               with
               him
               .
            
             
             
               First
               then
               ,
               The
               Arguments
               are
               the
               most
               pressing
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               capable
               of
               indeed
               :
               For
               he
               setteth
               
                 before
                 us
                 Life
              
               ,
               and
               Death
               ;
               life
               ,
               if
               we
               
                 close
                 with
                 him
              
               ;
               death
               if
               we
               refuse
               him
               ,
               reject
               him
               .
               
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 thing
                 wherein
              
               we
               may
               
                 choose
                 or
              
               refuse
               ,
               and
               no
               wrong
               to
               our
               souls
               ;
               no
               brethren
               ,
               but
               he
               tells
               us
               ,
               let
               our
               condition
               be
               what
               it
               will
               ,
               be
               we
               as
               dead
               as
               we
               may
               ;
               if
               we
               
                 close
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               quickned
               ,
               there
               is
               warmth
               enough
               in
               his
               bosom
               to
               revive
               us
               ;
               there
               are
               spirits
               enough
               in
               his
               love
               ,
               to
               fetch
               us
               again
               .
               O
               we
               shall
               live
               ;
               
                 condemnation
                 shall
              
               be
               taken
               away
               ,
               for
               there
               is
               no
               condemnation
               to
               them
               that
               are
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               our
               bolts
               and
               shakles
               shall
               be
               removed
               ,
               the
               obligations
               of
               our
               souls
               to
               the
               Justice
               of
               God
               ,
               it
               shall
               cease
               ,
               :
               O
               brethren
               ,
               here
               is
               the
               case
               now
               ,
               a
               poor
               
                 condemned
                 woman
              
               ready
               to
               perish
               ,
               the
               Prince
               hath
               so
               much
               compassion
               on
               her
               ,
               that
               he
               intreats
               her
               but
               to
               accept
               of
               him
               ,
               to
               be
               espoused
               to
               him
               ;
               
                 promise
                 him
                 marriage
                 ,
                 if
                 so
                 :
                 he
                 will
                 pardon
                 all
              
               that
               is
               past
               ,
               
                 she
                 shall
                 have
                 her
                 life
              
               ,
               Is
               not
               this
               a
               pressing
               Argument
               〈…〉
               doubtless
               it
               is
               ,
               to
               such
               a
               one
               as
               this
               ,
               when
               death
               is
               even
               present
               to
               her
               ,
               before
               her
               face
               ,
               is
               ready
               to
               be
               turned
               off
               the
               Ladder
               ,
               and
               now
               ,
               an
               offer
               cometh
               ,
               O
               if
               you
               will
               but
               
                 Marry
                 the
                 Prince
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 though
                 before
                 she
                 refused
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               Argument
               had
               not
               such
               force
               in
               it
               ,
               because
               the
               thing
               was
               at
               a
               distance
               ,
               yet
               now
               
                 you
                 would
                 think
              
               her
               desperate
               indeed
               ,
               that
               should
               refuse
               it
               .
               So
               brethren
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               he
               doth
               at
               other
               times
               ;
               yea
               ,
               and
               when
               the
               soul
               is
               as
               it
               were
               on
               the
               wrack
               ;
               
                 upon
                 the
                 Ladder
              
               ,
               under
               strong
               convictions
               ,
               the
               Sentence
               is
               received
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               even
               going
               forth
               to
               execution
               ,
               O
               now
               here
               is
               life
               and
               death
               before
               thee
               ,
               wilt
               
                 thou
                 now
                 marry
                 me
              
               ,
               be
               a
               spouse
               to
               me
               ,
               saith
               the
               Prince
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               the
               King
               of
               Kings
               ?
               Are
               not
               these
               pressing
               Arguments
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Again
               ,
               another
               he
               useth
               
                 is
                 his
                 precious
                 blood
              
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               not
               thought
               too
               dear
               for
               us
               :
               O
               brethren
               ,
               when
               
                 he
                 beseecheth
                 us
              
               by
               such
               an
               Argument
               as
               this
               is
               ,
               
                 by
                 the
                 Mercies
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               hath
               it
               ,
               will
               it
               not
               turn
               all
               that
               is
               within
               us
               to
               him
               ?
               If
               a
               man
               though
               but
               inferior
               to
               a
               woman
               ,
               
                 should
                 shew
                 so
                 much
                 love
              
               ,
               as
               to
               expose
               his
               life
               ,
               to
               hazard
               for
               her
               ,
               would
               it
               not
               be
               strong
               a
               Argument
               when
               he
               
                 cometh
                 to
                 wooe
                 her
              
               ,
               O
               remember
               my
               life
               ,
               my
               blood
               is
               not
               dear
               to
               me
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               go
               well
               with
               you
               ,
               will
               not
               this
               move
               her
               ,
               there
               's
               a
               heart
               of
               stone
               ,
               it
               must
               needs
               be
               so
               ?
               Why
               truly
               brother
               this
               is
               the
               
                 Argument
                 every
                 time
              
               that
               
                 you
                 have
                 Jesus
              
               Christ
               held
               out
               Crucified
               before
               your
               faces
               ,
               O
               do
               you
               not
               hear
               ,
               how
               every
               
               wound
               speaks
               to
               you
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               for
               you
               to
               the
               Father
               .
               
                 O
                 sinners
              
               why
               are
               your
               hearts
               no
               more
               towards
               me
               ,
               have
               I
               not
               dyed
               for
               you
               ,
               
                 my
                 blood
                 ,
                 my
                 life
                 was
                 not
                 dear
              
               to
               me
               ,
               
                 for
                 your
                 sakes
                 ,
                 If
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 me
                 ,
                 Behold
                 my
                 hands
                 and
                 my
                 feet
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 my
                 sides
                 and
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 look
                 upon
                 me
                 in
                 the
                 Garden
                 ,
                 trace
                 me
              
               there
               ,
               where
               it
               trickled
               down
               
                 my
                 weary
                 body
              
               ,
               and
               see
               how
               I
               have
               loved
               you
               :
               and
               will
               you
               
                 still
                 refuse
                 me
              
               ,
               will
               you
               
                 still
                 think
                 that
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 towards
                 you
                 ,
              
               or
               shall
               your
               hearts
               not
               
                 yet
                 be
                 towards
                 me
              
               ?
               Yea
               ,
               have
               I
               not
               been
               willing
               to
               lose
               ,
               the
               light
               of
               my
               fathers
               countenance
               ,
               to
               be
               under
               a
               defection
               ,
               to
               be
               eclipsed
               ,
               for
               you
               ,
               which
               was
               so
               much
               the
               purer
               ,
               though
               nothing
               so
               dear
               to
               me
               as
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               it
               were
               upon
               me
               in
               the
               greatest
               heat
               and
               glory
               ,
               and
               my
               heart
               most
               affected
               with
               it
               ;
               yet
               to
               suffer
               an
               eclipse
               for
               you
               ,
               and
               
                 will
                 you
                 not
                 close
                 with
                 me
                 ,
              
               will
               you
               not
               be
               perswaded
               ?
            
             
               3.
               
               Again
               ,
               
                 once
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 pressing
                 manner
                 ,
              
               and
               powerful
               ,
               he
               
                 followeth
                 us
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 with
                 these
                 Arguments
                 .
              
               O
               ,
               with
               what
               bowels
               ,
               how
               do
               they
               y●rn
               over
               us
               every
               step
               he
               followeth
               us
               ,
               O
               
                 why
                 will
                 you
                 dye
              
               ,
               why
               will
               you
               endure
               the
               everlasting
               chains
               ,
               to
               pay
               the
               uttermost
               ;
               further
               ,
               when
               I
               offer
               you
               
                 my
                 merits
              
               ,
               my
               satisfaction
               for
               all
               your
               debts
               .
               Look
               upon
               him
               weeping
               over
               
                 Jerusalem
                 ;
                 O
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
              
               O
               with
               what
               affection
               ,
               that
               is
               the
               edge
               indeed
               of
               an
               invitation
               !
               O
               if
               he
               
                 were
                 now
                 Preaching
              
               to
               you
               ,
               I
               believe
               brethren
               ,
               
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 bowels
                 .
              
               And
               so
               did
               Paul
               ,
               that
               Saint
               in
               whom
               grace
               did
               so
               abound
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               ,
               O
               he
               warned
               them
               day
               and
               night
               with
               tears
               .
               
                 O
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 dye
              
               :
               will
               ye
               not
               believe
               ,
               will
               you
               not
               
                 close
                 with
                 me
              
               ,
               can
               you
               find
               in
               your
               hearts
               to
               
                 slight
                 me
              
               ,
               set
               light
               by
               my
               love
               ,
               that
               is
               so
               drawn
               out
               towards
               you
               ,
               O
               what
               love
               is
               here
               brethren
               !
            
             
               And
               then
               with
               what
               
                 diligence
                 and
                 patience
              
               ,
               often
               he
               would
               have
               done
               this
               ,
               and
               wayts
               long
               ,
               
                 How
                 many
                 years
              
               ,
               have
               some
               of
               us
               ,
               been
               thus
               besought
               ,
               to
               close
               with
               
                 a
                 Crucified
                 Christ
              
               !
            
             
               Again
               secondly
               ,
               This
               
                 may
                 serve
                 for
                 ever
                 to
                 keep
                 us
                 low
                 ,
              
               if
               love
               work
               kindly
               so
               it
               works
               ,
               it
               
                 melteth
                 down
                 the
                 heart
              
               ,
               the
               very
               mountains
               ,
               high
               and
               
                 towring
                 thoughts
                 and
                 imaginations
                 flow
                 at
                 his
                 presence
              
               ;
               you
               see
               how
               it
               humbled
               Abigail
               when
               David
               sent
               to
               woo
               her
               ,
               she
               bowed
               her self
               with
               
                 her
                 face
              
               to
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               said
               behold
               let
               
                 thine
                 hand
                 mayd
                 be
              
               a
               servant
               to
               wash
               the
               feet
               of
               the
               servants
               
               of
               my
               Lord.
               A
               Spouse
               to
               David
               Gods
               Anointed
               ;
               I
               am
               not
               worthy
               :
               let
               me
               
                 be
                 a
                 servant
                 ,
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 wash
                 his
                 feet
                 ,
              
               yea
               the
               
               meanest
               servant
               ,
               a
               
                 servant
                 to
                 his
                 servants
              
               to
               
                 do
                 the
                 meanest
                 offices
              
               for
               them
               ,
               to
               wash
               their
               feet
               .
               
                 So
                 Ruth
              
               ,
               when
               Boaz
               took
               but
               notice
               of
               her
               
                 and
                 spake
                 kindly
                 of
                 her
              
               ,
               Whence
               is
               it
               saith
               she
               
                 that
                 my
                 Lord
                 should
                 take
                 knowledge
              
               of
               me
               ,
               who
               
                 am
                 but
                 a
                 stranger
                 ,
                 yea
              
               
               
                 thou
                 hast
                 spoke
              
               comfortably
               
                 to
                 me
                 or
                 to
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
              
               though
               I
               be
               not
               like
               one
               of
               thy
               hand-mayds
               .
               It
               is
               true
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 not
              
               upbraid
               his
               people
               with
               what
               they
               have
               been
               ,
               nor
               doth
               he
               ever
               do
               it
               ,
               yet
               they
               should
               keep
               it
               before
               them
               continually
               to
               keep
               them
               low
               .
               So
               
                 he
                 saith
                 he
                 will
                 betroth
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 after
                 their
                 going
                 a
                 whering
                 from
                 him
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               much
               in
               that
               expression
               ,
               and
               one
               thing
               among
               the
               rest
               
                 is
                 conceived
              
               to
               be
               this
               ,
               by
               Mr.
               Burroughs
               upon
               Hos
               .
               That
               he
               would
               forget
               her
               former
               unkindness
               and
               unfaithfulness
               ,
               and
               she
               should
               be
               now
               not
               onely
               as
               
                 an
                 unfaithful
                 wife
                 received
              
               again
               ,
               but
               
                 Marryed
                 as
                 a
                 virgin
              
               ,
               as
               if
               she
               never
               
                 had
                 departed
              
               .
               But
               though
               the
               Lord
               will
               
                 not
                 upbraid
                 us
              
               ,
               as
               James
               saith
               ,
               yet
               we
               should
               keep
               upon
               our
               hearts
               the
               sense
               of
               our
               former
               vileness
               ,
               when
               the
               Lord
               first
               met
               with
               us
               ,
               
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
              
               so
               Paul
               doth
               I
               am
               sure
               .
               God
               
                 never
                 tells
                 them
              
               ,
               after
               the
               first
               time
               ,
               Why
               
               persecutest
               thou
               me
               ,
               he
               never
               told
               him
               afterward
               he
               
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 persecuter
              
               ,
               and
               what
               a
               blasphemous
               wretch
               he
               had
               lived
               .
               But
               Paul
               by
               the
               
                 spirit
                 of
                 grace
              
               and
               power
               in
               him
               ,
               he
               often
               looks
               upon
               his
               feet
               ,
               upon
               what
               he
               had
               been
               ,
               and
               that
               kept
               him
               in
               so
               sweet
               an
               humble
               frame
               ,
               O
               I
               am
               
                 less
                 then
                 the
                 least
                 Saint
              
               .
               Shall
               the
               thoughts
               of
               love
               from
               David
               so
               humble
               Abigail
               ,
               and
               from
               B●az
               ,
               so
               humble
               Ruth
               ,
               and
               shall
               not
               this
               love
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               infinitely
               greater
               then
               all
               ,
               humble
               such
               poor
               
                 filthy
                 creatures
              
               upon
               whom
               he
               hath
               set
               his
               love
               ?
            
             
               Thirdly
               .
               
                 Let
                 us
                 hence
              
               take
               notice
               then
               ,
               of
               the
               many
               precious
               priviledges
               of
               the
               Saints
               .
               We
               live
               much
               below
               them
               ,
               because
               we
               study
               them
               not
               ,
               keep
               not
               the
               relish
               of
               them
               upon
               our
               hearts
               ,
               I
               mean
               endeavour
               not
               so
               to
               do
               ,
               the
               Lord
               give
               us
               hearts
               now
               lifted
               up
               to
               him
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               
                 As
                 many
                 as
                 by
              
               believing
               are
               espoused
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               they
               are
               
                 one
                 with
                 him
              
               in
               the
               
                 nearest
                 union
              
               .
               Surely
               it
               is
               not
               for
               nothing
               ,
               that
               the
               H.
               Ghost
               delights
               so
               to
               set
               forth
               the
               believers
               relation
               
               to
               Christ
               ,
               by
               this
               of
               a
               spouse
               to
               a
               husband
               ,
               you
               know
               that
               this
               is
               the
               nearest
               union
               among
               men
               of
               one
               person
               to
               another
               .
               Kindred
               are
               near
               a
               man
               ,
               his
               children
               ,
               his
               brethren
               ,
               they
               are
               usually
               
                 called
                 their
                 bone
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 flesh
              
               ;
               as
               the
               men
               of
               Judah
               spake
               to
               David
               ,
               
               we
               are
               thy
               flesh
               and
               thy
               bone
               ,
               but
               this
               is
               a●
               a
               greater
               distance
               ,
               but
               now
               in
               Marriage
               two
               persons
               that
               were
               strangers
               one
               to
               another
               ,
               never
               saw
               the
               face
               one
               of
               another
               ,
               
                 within
                 a
                 little
                 while
              
               ,
               by
               this
               Ordinance
               of
               
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 brought
              
               to
               such
               a
               nearness
               ,
               as
               that
               Father
               ,
               and
               Mother
               ,
               and
               
                 Children
                 if
                 they
                 had
              
               any
               before
               ,
               
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 near
              
               to
               them
               ;
               
                 they
                 shall
                 leave
                 Father
                 and
                 Mother
                 ,
              
               and
               be
               joyned
               to
               their
               Husband
               ;
               here
               
                 this
                 union
              
               is
               the
               stranger
               ,
               
               by
               how
               much
               greater
               the
               
                 distance
                 between
                 the
                 persons
              
               were
               ,
               and
               how
               much
               the
               closer
               the
               union
               is
               now
               
                 it
                 is
                 made
              
               ;
               the
               distance
               was
               great
               ,
               whether
               we
               respect
               the
               
                 dignity
                 of
                 the
                 person
              
               ,
               there
               was
               no
               proportion
               ,
               
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 a
                 Beggar
              
               are
               but
               a
               shadow
               ,
               and
               a
               dark
               one
               too
               ;
               to
               set
               forth
               this
               ,
               
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 a
                 worm
              
               ,
               to
               take
               it
               ,
               and
               lay
               
                 it
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
              
               ,
               is
               nothing
               to
               this
               ,
               but
               chiefly
               in
               respect
               of
               enmity
               of
               mind
               ;
               alas
               that
               such
               as
               we
               are
               ,
               at
               the
               
                 deadliest
                 feud
              
               ,
               haters
               of
               God
               and
               of
               Christ
               ,
               not
               only
               strangers
               but
               enemies
               
                 through
                 evil
                 works
              
               ,
               that
               those
               should
               be
               brought
               so
               
               near
               to
               Christ
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               made
               one
               with
               him
               ,
               this
               is
               something
               indeed
               .
               An
               
                 impotent
                 and
                 weak
                 enemy
              
               ,
               that
               could
               do
               nothing
               against
               him
               ,
               not
               so
               much
               as
               move
               any
               longer
               then
               he
               upheld
               us
               ,
               and
               yet
               we
               should
               be
               look't
               upon
               ;
               indeed
               a
               potent
               enemy
               happily
               in
               policie
               ,
               may
               be
               
                 concerned
                 to
                 such
                 an
                 union
              
               ,
               but
               a
               weak
               enemy
               rather
               ,
               would
               be
               trampled
               under
               foot
               .
            
             
               But
               then
               
                 the
                 nearness
                 of
                 the
                 union
              
               ;
               man
               and
               wife
               are
               one
               flesh
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               but
               he
               that
               is
               
                 joyned
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 one
                 spirit
                 ,
              
               The
               
               union
               of
               soul
               and
               body
               is
               nearer
               
                 then
                 of
                 man
                 and
                 wife
              
               ,
               if
               too
               bodies
               could
               be
               acted
               by
               one
               and
               the
               same
               soul
               ,
               this
               were
               a
               near
               union
               indeed
               ;
               Why
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               and
               the
               saints
               are
               one
               and
               the
               same
               Spirit
               ,
               whereby
               they
               are
               knit
               together
               in
               love
               ,
               this
               is
               
                 a
                 near
                 union
                 indeed
              
               .
               Is
               this
               a
               light
               thing
               ,
               a
               small
               thing
               to
               be
               made
               so
               near
               the
               Lord
               of
               life
               and
               glory
               ;
               
                 even
                 the
                 Children
                 of
              
               Israel
               ,
               
                 a
                 people
                 near
                 to
                 him
              
               ,
               who
               is
               like
               them
               that
               have
               Christ
               so
               near
               them
               ,
               of
               that
               are
               so
               near
               him
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               There
               
                 is
                 a
                 sweet
                 Communion
                 and
                 Fellowship
              
               ariseth
               upon
               this
               ,
               a
               blessed
               imparting
               ;
               now
               of
               all
               his
               fulness
               to
               such
               a
               soul
               ,
               all
               that
               is
               
                 Christ's
                 is
                 now
                 yours
                 ,
                 his
                 righteousness
                 yours
                 ,
              
               therefore
               the
               Holy
               City
               
                 the
                 name
              
               of
               it
               is
               called
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 our
                 righteousness
              
               .
               Now
               his
               
                 honour
                 is
                 yours
              
               ,
               where
               he
               is
               King
               ,
               you
               are
               Queen
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               old
               custom
               with
               the
               Romanes
               they
               used
               to
               say
               ,
               where
               you
               are
               Caius
               ,
               I
               am
               Caia
               ,
               saith
               the
               woman
               ,
               where
               you
               
               are
               Lord
               ,
               I
               am
               Lady
               :
               be
               the
               poor
               Creature
               never
               so
               contemptible
               ,
               yet
               marrying
               with
               a
               noble
               person
               it
               dignifieth
               her
               ,
               with
               a
               rich
               person
               it
               enricheth
               her
               ,
               because
               she
               hath
               an
               interest
               in
               all
               .
               But
               beloved
               ,
               that
               (
               though
               this
               be
               matter
               enough
               
                 to
                 insist
              
               upon
               ;
               if
               I
               could
               enlarge
               things
               for
               fear
               of
               being
               too
               tedious
               )
               There
               is
               fellowship-Communion
               ,
               between
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               and
               the
               soul
               ,
               that
               others
               know
               nothing
               what
               it
               meaneth
               ;
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               is
               more
               
                 open
                 hearted
                 to
                 them
              
               ,
               his
               secrets
               are
               with
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               the
               hidden
               Manna
               ,
               and
               they
               again
               are
               
                 most
                 free
                 ,
                 to
                 power
              
               
               
                 out
                 their
                 souls
              
               ,
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               into
               his
               bosom
               ,
               
                 to
                 power
                 them
                 out
                 like
                 water
              
               ;
               as
               he
               will
               hide
               nothing
               from
               Abraham
               ;
               so
               
                 Abraham
                 will
                 hide
                 nothing
                 from
                 him
                 ,
              
               such
               a
               confidence
               hath
               the
               poor
               
                 Believing
                 soul
              
               ,
               that
               he
               speaks
               boldly
               ,
               freely
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               with
               
               speaking
               all
               ,
               so
               the
               original
               word
               properly
               imports
               ;
               that
               
                 which
                 none
                 else
              
               in
               the
               world
               shall
               know
               ,
               they
               will
               make
               known
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               they
               can
               be
               more
               free
               with
               him
               ,
               then
               any
               other
               .
               And
               not
               only
               because
               he
               already
               knoweth
               
                 the
                 heart
                 as
                 I
                 conceive
              
               ,
               but
               out
               of
               a
               sweet
               confidence
               they
               have
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               experience
               
                 of
                 his
                 bowels
              
               yerning
               over
               poor
               souls
               in
               such
               a
               Condition
               ,
               so
               that
               if
               he
               knew
               not
               all
               that
               was
               in
               their
               hearts
               ;
               they
               would
               out
               of
               this
               
                 freedom
                 open
                 it
                 to
                 him
              
               .
               Yea
               the
               Lord
               
                 Jesus
                 he
                 dyed
                 our
                 death
              
               ,
               and
               
                 grieves
                 our
                 griefs
              
               ,
               and
               we
               rise
               his
               resurrection
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               in
               his
               rejoycings
               ,
               he
               partaketh
               with
               us
               ,
               yea
               indeed
               bears
               the
               heavier
               end
               ,
               and
               all
               indeed
               of
               our
               miseries
               ,
               and
               we
               
                 partake
                 of
                 his
                 joys
              
               ,
               the
               oyl
               of
               gladness
               we
               
                 are
                 anointed
              
               with
               .
               But
               this
               is
               the
               second
               .
               
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 another
                 is
                 the
                 cohabitation
                 of
                 Christ
              
               with
               his
               people
               ,
               I
               will
               dwell
               
                 with
                 them
              
               ,
               and
               I
               
                 will
                 walk
                 in
                 them
              
               ,
               when
               the
               new
               
                 Jerusalem
                 comes
                 down
                 from
                 heaven
              
               ,
               the
               Church
               of
               the
               Jews
               shall
               come
               in
               ;
               then
               he
               will
               especially
               dwell
               in
               them
               ,
               then
               the
               Tabernacle
               of
               God
               is
               with
               men
               ,
               but
               now
               
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
              
               ,
               that
               
               
                 Christ
                 may
                 dwell
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 by
              
               faith
               ,
               though
               he
               be
               absent
               indeed
               in
               some
               respect
               ,
               at
               the
               
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 absent
                 in
                 body
                 ,
              
               yet
               he
               is
               present
               in
               spirit
               ,
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               of
               himself
               ,
               as
               he
               would
               have
               us
               to
               be
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               have
               our
               
                 hearts
                 there
              
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               
                 dwell
                 there
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 conversations
                 there
                 ,
              
               our
               
                 love
                 there
              
               ,
               and
               where
               the
               heart
               is
               there
               the
               man
               is
               ,
               
                 Animus
                 non
                 est
                 ubi
                 animat
                 ,
                 sed
                 ub
                 i
                 amat
                 ,
              
               well
               ,
               we
               then
               dwell
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               
                 dwels
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 with
              
               him
               will
               
                 I
                 dwell
                 saith
              
               the
               Lord.
               It
               is
               a
               
                 Marriage
                 duty
              
               
               to
               dwell
               one
               with
               another
               ,
               and
               if
               a
               believer
               have
               an
               unbelieving
               
               yoke-fellow
               ,
               if
               he
               or
               she
               will
               live
               with
               the
               believer
               they
               must
               not
               put
               them
               away
               ,
               they
               must
               
                 not
                 depart
              
               from
               them
               ;
               so
               it
               is
               here
               ,
               the
               
               Lord
               Jesus
               dwels
               with
               his
               people
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               no
               small
               priviledge
               to
               the
               Husband
               the
               Bridegroom
               at
               hand
               ,
               alway
               ready
               to
               pity
               and
               
               compassionate
               us
               in
               our
               sufferings
               within
               or
               without
               .
               But
               this
               the
               third
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 he
                 nourisheth
                 and
                 cherisheth
                 them
              
               .
               No
               man
               hates
               
               
                 his
                 own
                 flesh
              
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               but
               he
               
                 nourisheth
                 it
                 and
                 cherisheth
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
              
               there
               in
               
                 Nathan's
                 parable
              
               one
               poor
               
                 Ewe
                 Lamb
              
               and
               he
               laid
               it
               in
               his
               bosom
               ,
               and
               it
               did
               eat
               of
               his
               
                 bread
                 and
                 drink
                 of
                 his
                 cup
                 ,
              
               by
               which
               are
               meant
               all
               manner
               of
               supplies
               tenderly
               and
               freely
               ministred
               to
               a
               yoke-fellow
               ,
               as
               afterward
               by
               the
               opening
               of
               the
               
               parable
               it
               appears
               well
               ,
               now
               thus
               doth
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               dwell
               with
               us
               ,
               as
               many
               as
               believe
               ,
               he
               cherisheth
               us
               ,
               and
               nourisheth
               
               us
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               He
               lay's
               his
               
                 people
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
              
               .
               The
               Church
               is
               said
               to
               lay
               him
               
                 between
                 her
                 breasts
              
               ,
               which
               only
               is
               an
               expression
               of
               her
               love
               to
               him
               ,
               not
               for
               that
               he
               needed
               any
               cherishing
               from
               thence
               as
               David
               
               did
               from
               Abishai
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               old
               he
               must
               have
               a
               young
               
                 virgin
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 warmth
                 in
              
               him
               .
               This
               is
               the
               case
               here
               ,
               if
               we
               had
               not
               such
               cherishing
               from
               Jesus
               Christ
               alas
               brethren
               we
               should
               quickly
               be
               benummed
               and
               frozen
               and
               stiff
               and
               unfit
               for
               any
               service
               he
               calls
               us
               to
               where
               should
               the
               spouse
               in
               her
               fainting
               
                 swouning
                 fits
              
               lye
               ,
               but
               in
               her
               
                 Husbands
                 bosome
              
               ,
               this
               the
               Prophet
               setteth
               forth
               in
               another
               simile
               ,
               of
               a
               shepheard
               ,
               
                 the
                 Lambs
                 that
                 are
                 feeble
              
               ,
               and
               are
               not
               able
               to
               go
               or
               drive
               the
               pace
               of
               others
               ,
               he
               puts
               them
               in
               his
               bosom
               saith
               the
               Text
               ,
               thence
               they
               may
               gather
               heat
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               Chicken
               from
               the
               
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Hen
              
               ,
               there
               is
               warmth
               and
               cherishing
               ,
               so
               the
               son
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               
                 spread
                 over
                 a
                 soul
              
               ,
               there
               is
               healing
               and
               
                 strength
                 in
                 them
              
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               But
               
                 then
                 they
                 eat
                 of
                 his
                 bread
                 and
                 drank
                 of
                 his
                 cup
                 ,
              
               when
               he
               was
               upon
               Earth
               ,
               you
               know
               he
               did
               
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 with
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
              
               he
               desired
               to
               eat
               that
               Passover
               with
               them
               .
               O
               blessed
               are
               they
               that
               eat
               bread
               with
               him
               at
               his
               Table
               ,
               in
               his
               Kingdom
               !
               he
               speaks
               of
               
                 drinking
                 wine
                 new
                 with
                 them
              
               :
               that
               which
               is
               a
               refreshing
               to
               them
               ,
               is
               a
               refreshing
               to
               him
               as
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               what
               is
               the
               satisfaction
               of
               a
               soul
               brethren
               ,
               but
               when
               he
               
                 eats
                 the
                 flesh
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 drinketh
                 his
                 blood
              
               ;
               when
               he
               feeds
               upon
               those
               real
               dainties
               ;
               and
               
               what
               is
               the
               
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ,
               but
               to
               see
               this
               ,
               He
               
                 shall
                 see
                 his
                 Seed
              
               ,
               and
               be
               satisfied
               to
               see
               his
               mercy
               and
               
                 his
                 bowels
              
               ,
               the
               precious
               
                 fruits
                 of
                 his
                 death
              
               and
               resurrection
               ,
               
                 made
                 over
                 to
                 a
                 soul
              
               ,
               to
               see
               them
               living
               
                 by
                 Faith
              
               upon
               them
               ,
               and
               eating
               and
               drinking
               abundantly
               to
               their
               souls
               satisfaction
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               satisfaction
               of
               the
               soul
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               also
               :
               well
               he
               nourisheth
               them
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               Saints
               priviledge
               ;
               a
               man
               will
               not
               feed
               strangers
               continually
               at
               his
               Table
               ,
               nor
               enemies
               ,
               but
               when
               once
               this
               relation
               is
               made
               up
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               result
               ;
               O
               what
               filling
               is
               to
               the
               hungry
               and
               thirsty
               soul
               ,
               they
               shall
               be
               satisfied
               !
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               
                 (
                 which
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 before
                 this
                 ,
                 )
              
               he
               will
               
                 purify
                 his
                 Church
              
               ,
               his
               spouse
               ,
               the
               more
               Communion
               he
               hath
               with
               her
               ,
               the
               more
               pure
               she
               is
               ,
               what
               is
               humbling
               in
               other
               Marriages
               ,
               is
               advancement
               in
               this
               blessed
               Marriage
               .
               It
               is
               said
               that
               the
               virgins
               
               which
               
                 were
                 to
                 come
              
               to
               King
               ,
               Ahashur
               ,
               were
               
                 to
                 purify
                 themselves
              
               before
               they
               came
               to
               him
               ,
               much
               ado
               there
               was
               to
               purify
               them
               with
               
                 oyl
                 of
                 Myrrh
              
               ,
               which
               they
               say
               was
               to
               make
               the
               skin
               smooth
               ,
               to
               clear
               the
               beauty
               ,
               to
               free
               them
               ,
               from
               Wrinckles
               ,
               and
               to
               keep
               it
               from
               decaying
               .
               
                 The
                 sweet
                 Odours
                 were
              
               to
               make
               them
               delightful
               in
               their
               savour
               ,
               to
               make
               them
               lovely
               to
               the
               eye
               of
               a
               man
               ,
               so
               curious
               they
               were
               ;
               but
               the
               case
               is
               otherwise
               here
               .
               Alas
               ,
               he
               is
               fain
               to
               put
               his
               
                 comeliness
                 upon
              
               us
               ,
               else
               we
               
                 should
                 not
                 have
                 beauty
              
               at
               all
               that
               he
               should
               
                 desire
                 us
              
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               it
               ,
               in
               Ezek.
               16.
               
               And
               therefore
               the
               Apostle
               to
               the
               Ephesians
               ,
               he
               gave
               himself
               for
               his
               Church
               
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 purify
                 it
              
               .
               Though
               
                 we
                 were
                 nasty
                 ,
                 sluttish
                 ,
                 lothsom
              
               creatures
               before
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               will
               not
               have
               us
               continue
               
               so
               ,
               but
               
                 wash
                 us
                 in
                 that
                 fountain
                 ,
                 opened
                 for
                 sin
                 and
                 uncleanness
                 ,
              
               that
               Jordan
               with
               us
               to
               wash
               away
               our
               Leprosy
               :
               And
               therefore
               he
               himself
               
                 came
                 by
                 water
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 by
                 blood
                 .
              
               Alas
               !
               
                 what
                 should
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 do
              
               with
               us
               bretbren
               ,
               if
               we
               should
               retain
               our
               
                 swinish
                 disposition
              
               to
               
                 wallow
                 in
                 the
                 myre
              
               ?
               and
               then
               think
               to
               come
               and
               lye
               down
               in
               his
               bosom
               .
               No
               ,
               he
               cannot
               away
               with
               this
               :
               
                 he
                 must
                 wash
                 away
                 this
                 disposition
                 ,
              
               and
               hath
               done
               it
               for
               all
               that
               are
               his
               ,
               that
               now
               they
               shall
               no
               
                 more
                 delight
                 in
              
               sin
               ,
               but
               if
               they
               miscarry
               
                 now
                 it
              
               shall
               be
               their
               grief
               as
               well
               as
               it
               is
               his
               ,
               he
               purifieth
               his
               people
               :
               
                 A
                 sad
                 word
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 as
              
               yet
               
                 mallow
                 in
              
               their
               uncleanness
               ,
               
                 a
                 sign
              
               they
               have
               nothing
               to
               do
               with
               Christ
               .
               An
               encouragement
               to
               poor
               Creatures
               who
               labour
               under
               
                 the
                 lothsomeness
                 of
                 their
                 corruptions
              
               ,
               he
               gave
               himself
               that
               he
               might
               
                 purifie
                 to
                 himself
                 a
                 Church
              
               ,
               he
               can
               
               do
               it
               ,
               he
               
                 will
                 do
                 it
              
               ,
               his
               blood
               doth
               lye
               in
               pawn
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               lose
               the
               price
               of
               his
               blood
               ,
               
                 nor
                 shall
                 his
                 people
                 lose
              
               such
               mercies
               as
               this
               ,
               which
               cost
               the
               heart-blood
               ,
               whatever
               they
               go
               without
               ,
               they
               shall
               not
               go
               without
               this
               .
            
             
               Sixthly
               ,
               
                 He
                 will
                 make
                 them
                 fruitful
                 ,
                 Marriage-communion
              
               is
               a
               fruitful
               communion
               .
               This
               is
               the
               general
               complaint
               of
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               of
               their
               barren
               hearts
               and
               
                 empty
                 lives
              
               ,
               but
               he
               will
               make
               them
               fruitful
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               have
               
                 a
                 barren
                 spouse
              
               ,
               whether
               we
               speak
               collectively
               ,
               or
               distributively
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               .
               
               
                 Collectively
                 ,
                 Jerusalem
                 which
                 is
                 above
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 us
                 all
                 ,
              
               a
               way
               ,
               that
               is
               barren
               ,
               and
               God
               doth
               not
               own
               with
               bringing
               in
               
                 souls
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               hath
               cause
               to
               fear
               ,
               whethether
               
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 constitution
              
               they
               be
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               yea
               ,
               or
               no
               :
               It
               is
               true
               the
               Gentiles
               before
               they
               were
               marryed
               ,
               
                 had
                 no
                 children
              
               :
               and
               the
               Jews
               that
               
                 were
                 the
                 marryed
                 wife
              
               ,
               when
               God
               was
               casting
               her
               off
               ,
               grew
               very
               barren
               ,
               but
               now
               
                 more
                 are
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 unmarryed
                 ,
              
               then
               of
               the
               
                 marryed
                 woman
              
               saith
               the
               Lord.
               
                 But
                 it
                 is
                 clearer
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 speak
                 distributively
                 ,
              
               he
               will
               make
               us
               fruitful
               ,
               
                 When
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 marryed
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 sin
              
               as
               the
               Apostle
               calls
               it
               ,
               O
               how
               fruitful
               is
               he
               in
               
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 be
                 as
                 vigorous
              
               and
               fruitful
               a
               husband
               ,
               as
               the
               Law
               can
               be
               ,
               and
               sin
               can
               be
               ?
               Let
               
                 Sarahs
                 womb
                 be
                 as
                 dead
                 as
                 it
                 may
                 ,
              
               yet
               he
               can
               make
               her
               fruitful
               ,
               
                 Let
                 a
                 mans
                 heart
                 be
                 as
                 dead
              
               to
               good
               works
               as
               you
               
               can
               imagine
               ,
               
                 he
                 can
                 renew
              
               strength
               again
               as
               he
               did
               
                 Abrahams
                 and
                 Sarahs
              
               .
               If
               
                 he
                 speak
                 the
                 word
              
               ,
               a
               green
               tree
               is
               withered
               ;
               if
               he
               speak
               the
               word
               a
               barren
               tree
               is
               fruitful
               ,
               the
               Apostle
               his
               expression
               ,
               
                 we
                 are
                 dead
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               and
               so
               free
               ,
               from
               
                 our
                 former
                 husband
              
               that
               we
               might
               be
               marryed
               to
               another
               ,
               even
               to
               
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 bring
                 forth
                 fruit
                 unto
                 God
                 ,
              
               see
               what
               riches
               of
               
                 fruitfulness
                 ,
                 or
                 seeds
                 of
                 it
              
               are
               in
               the
               womb
               of
               that
               one
               Text
               ,
               
                 God
                 is
                 able
                 to
              
               
               
                 make
                 all
                 grace
                 abound
                 towards
                 you
                 ,
              
               that
               ye
               alway
               ,
               having
               
                 all-sufficiency
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 may
                 abound
                 to
                 every
                 good
                 work
                 ,
              
               minde
               you
               ,
               here
               is
               good
               works
               ,
               
                 and
                 abounding
              
               in
               them
               ,
               that
               is
               more
               ;
               yea
               
                 in
                 every
                 good
                 work
              
               ,
               good
               works
               of
               all
               kinds
               ,
               and
               abounding
               in
               them
               all
               .
               And
               whence
               cometh
               this
               ,
               
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 grace
                 abound
                 towards
                 you
                 ,
              
               though
               if
               you
               had
               but
               a
               Cistern
               ,
               you
               
                 might
                 be
                 drawn
                 dry
              
               ,
               or
               the
               stream
               ;
               yet
               
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fountain
              
               which
               continually
               
                 overfloweth
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 make
                 grace
                 abound
              
               ;
               yea
               all
               grace
               abound
               ,
               
                 that
                 you
                 should
                 have
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 all-sufficiency
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 alway
                 have
                 it
                 so
                 ,
              
               that
               you
               may
               abound
               :
               O
               brethren
               ,
               there
               is
               more
               riches
               in
               such
               a
               promise
               ,
               then
               in
               a
               thousand
               worlds
               ,
               if
               we
               could
               
                 but
                 live
                 by
                 faith
              
               in
               such
               a
               promise
               ,
               we
               should
               be
               
                 fuller
                 handed
                 ,
                 and
                 freer
                 hearted
                 ,
              
               and
               more
               
                 abound
                 in
                 good
                 works
              
               of
               all
               kinds
               .
               Well
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               sixth
               .
            
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               
                 He
                 will
                 present
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 without
                 spot
                 or
              
               
               
                 wrinkle
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 such
                 thing
                 ,
              
               a
               glorious
               Church
               as
               there
               it
               is
               ;
               now
               alas
               !
               Brethren
               ,
               the
               Saints
               sometimes
               
                 lye
                 among
                 the
                 Pots
              
               ,
               here
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               of
               the
               top
               of
               the
               Saints
               perfection
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               due
               ,
               or
               which
               they
               are
               capable
               of
               .
               There
               shall
               be
               no
               privation
               any
               more
               ,
               we
               are
               now
               but
               
                 changing
                 into
                 his
                 image
              
               ,
               from
               glory
               to
               glory
               ,
               then
               he
               will
               bring
               us
               to
               his
               father
               in
               full
               brightness
               of
               glory
               .
               If
               the
               Church
               on
               earth
               brethren
               ,
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               Bride
               be
               so
               great
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               compared
               in
               her
               
                 primitive
                 purity
              
               to
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               Sun
               ,
               a
               woman
               cloathed
               with
               the
               Sun
               ,
               
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 when
                 Christ
                 shall
                 appear
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 glory
                 ?
              
               No
               deformity
               shall
               there
               then
               be
               brethren
               ,
               but
               the
               Church
               shall
               be
               altogether
               lovely
               .
               But
               here
               further
               ,
               by
               spot
               or
               wrinkle
               are
               meant
               the
               stain
               and
               deformity
               of
               sin
               onely
               ;
               or
               else
               the
               deformity
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               suffering
               both
               ,
               
                 Of
                 sin
              
               ,
               if
               
                 so
                 then
                 ,
                 by
                 spot
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 any
                 greater
                 stain
              
               or
               blemish
               ,
               by
               wrinkle
               
                 any
                 less
                 deformity
              
               ,
               by
               spot
               
                 a
                 gross
                 sin
              
               ,
               by
               wrinkle
               
                 an
                 ordinary
                 infirmity
              
               .
               Or
               else
               by
               spot
               any
               
                 sinful
                 work
              
               ,
               by
               wrinkle
               
                 any
                 failing
              
               even
               in
               good
               works
               ,
               there
               shall
               be
               nothing
               but
               uprightness
               ,
               
                 or
                 else
                 as
                 some
              
               ,
               even
               Mr.
               Caryl
               making
               a
               double
               Metaphor
               ;
               yet
               to
               the
               like
               purpose
               ,
               there
               shall
               be
               no
               deformity
               which
               
                 usually
                 followeth
                 age
              
               ,
               in
               
                 things
                 and
                 persons
              
               .
               In
               things
               an
               
               old
               garment
               is
               usually
               spotted
               and
               defiled
               :
               In
               persons
               ,
               
                 wrinkles
                 use
                 to
                 deform
                 them
              
               ,
               you
               know
               the
               moisture
               consuming
               
                 the
                 skin
                 shrivels
              
               up
               ,
               and
               the
               beauty
               is
               gone
               ;
               now
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               there
               shall
               be
               none
               of
               all
               this
               ,
               
                 no
                 such
                 deformity
              
               ,
               no
               old
               things
               ,
               all
               
                 shall
                 be
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 things
                 shall
                 become
                 new
                 ,
              
               they
               shall
               be
               like
               the
               
                 purest
                 garment
              
               ,
               in
               its
               gloss
               and
               lustre
               ,
               like
               
                 the
                 purest
                 face
              
               ,
               in
               its
               flower
               ,
               no
               deformity
               at
               all
               .
               Or
               else
               
                 by
                 spot
                 ,
                 we
                 may
              
               understand
               
               sin
               ,
               and
               
                 by
                 wrinkle
                 ,
                 sorrow
              
               ,
               and
               so
               we
               know
               ,
               that
               sorrow
               will
               dry
               up
               the
               bones
               and
               marrow
               and
               moisture
               ,
               my
               flesh
               and
               my
               skin
               ,
               he
               hath
               made
               old
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               by
               reason
               of
               sorrow
               ,
               it
               wrinkles
               the
               face
               ,
               breaks
               the
               beauty
               ,
               sarrows
               the
               Cheeks
               ,
               brings
               deformity
               upon
               
               the
               greatest
               beauty
               ;
               now
               there
               shall
               be
               no
               such
               thing
               ,
               sin
               
               
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 none
                 ,
                 all
                 pardoned
              
               ;
               yea
               ,
               all
               far
               removed
               ,
               none
               inherent
               ,
               
               as
               you
               heard
               before
               ,
               all
               glorious
               ,
               no
               deformity
               ,
               no
               vileness
               and
               then
               
                 no
                 sorrow
                 neither
              
               to
               abate
               our
               fulness
               of
               joy
               ,
               but
               a
               merry
               heart
               ,
               a
               
                 joy
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 wings
                 shall
              
               be
               covered
               
                 with
                 silver
              
               and
               feathers
               
                 with
                 yellow
                 gold
              
               ,
               yea
               those
               very
               afflictions
               wherewith
               we
               have
               been
               racked
               ,
               shall
               work
               out
               an
               
                 exceeding
                 and
                 far
                 more
                 exceeding
              
               and
               eternal
               
                 weight
                 of
                 glory
              
               ,
               specially
               if
               they
               be
               for
               Christ
               ,
               here
               is
               a
               priviledge
               indeed
               brethren
               ,
               nor
               
                 any
                 such
                 thing
              
               ,
               any
               thing
               which
               themselvs
               or
               others
               may
               suspect
               to
               be
               a
               spot
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               But
               then
               ,
               
                 his
                 presenting
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 father
                 ,
              
               this
               is
               after
               the
               manner
               of
               men
               ,
               you
               know
               Isaac
               took
               his
               spouse
               ,
               and
               presented
               her
               to
               
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 her
                 into
                 his
                 mothers
                 Tent
                 ,
              
               so
               will
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               present
               
                 his
                 Church
                 to
                 his
                 father
              
               ,
               here
               is
               my
               spouse
               now
               
                 in
                 that
                 glory
                 which
                 I
                 have
              
               put
               upon
               her
               ,
               the
               price
               of
               my
               blood
               ,
               
                 this
                 is
                 my
                 glory
              
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               
                 not
                 be
                 ashamed
                 to
                 confess
                 his
                 people
                 ,
              
               to
               own
               them
               for
               his
               Bride
               ,
               before
               his
               father
               at
               that
               day
               ,
               and
               then
               
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 them
                 into
                 his
                 fathers
                 house
                 ,
              
               there
               to
               abide
               with
               the
               Lord
               forever
               ;
               there
               to
               be
               swallowed
               up
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               likeness
               ,
               forevermore
               .
               
                 O
                 blessed
                 soul
              
               that
               
                 labours
                 now
                 under
                 a
                 body
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
              
               and
               death
               and
               art
               loathsom
               in
               thine
               eyes
               !
               lift
               up
               thy
               head
               ,
               this
               day
               
                 draweth
                 nigh
              
               ,
               every
               spot
               
                 shall
                 be
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 yea
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 nothing
                 like
                 a
                 wrinkle
              
               upon
               thy
               soul
               ,
               O
               
                 what
                 will
                 this
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               weary
               of
               sin
               indeed
               !
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 Vse
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
              
               shall
               
                 be
                 then
                 to
                 teach
                 us
                 the
                 Dignity
                 ,
                 and
              
               
               
                 Duty
                 of
                 a
                 Gospel-Ministry
                 .
                 Their
                 dignity
                 ,
              
               they
               are
               such
               as
               are
               intrusted
               with
               this
               great
               work
               ,
               to
               
                 fit
                 a
                 spouse
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               to
               reconcile
               her
               to
               him
               ,
               to
               espouse
               her
               to
               him
               ,
               they
               are
               no
               ordinary
               servants
               ,
               the
               Lord
               
                 sends
                 about
              
               such
               works
               ,
               yea
               even
               you
               see
               Eleazer
               
               was
               no
               mean
               servant
               ,
               the
               ruler
               of
               the
               house
               .
               Princes
               send
               their
               Embassadors
               to
               treat
               about
               Marriages
               for
               them
               .
               So
               we
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               in
               
                 Christs
                 stead
              
               ,
               as
               if
               he
               
                 did
                 beseech
              
               you
               .
               To
               be
               the
               friends
               of
               the
               
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 is
                 no
                 small
                 priviledge
                 ,
              
               but
               I
               will
               
               not
               stand
               upon
               this
               ,
               but
               rather
               a
               word
               or
               two
               of
               the
               Duty
               ,
               you
               may
               see
               how
               great
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               be
               the
               more
               moved
               to
               pray
               for
               them
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Then
               
                 the
                 Duty
                 lyes
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 woo
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               and
               not
               for
               our selves
               ,
               he
               that
               
                 hath
                 the
                 Bride
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               saith
               
                 John
                 but
                 the
                 friend
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               envyeth
               him
               not
               that
               happiness
               ,
               but
               would
               further
               it
               what
               
                 he
                 can
              
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               his
               rejoycing
               ,
               this
               
               
                 my
                 joy
                 is
                 fulfilled
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               that
               people
               come
               in
               to
               Christ
               .
               It
               is
               a
               sad
               thing
               brethren
               ,
               when
               we
               shall
               be
               found
               at
               the
               day
               of
               account
               to
               have
               spoken
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               ,
               but
               one
               word
               for
               Christ
               ,
               and
               two
               for
               our selves
               ;
               the
               Apostle
               tells
               us
               of
               some
               that
               should
               arise
               in
               the
               Church
               of
               
                 Ephesus
                 ,
                 speaking
                 perverse
                 things
                 to
                 draw
                 Disciples
                 after
                 them
                 ,
              
               I
               pray
               you
               mind
               ,
               
                 to
                 draw
                 Disciples
                 after
                 them
              
               ,
               not
               after
               
               Christ
               .
               It
               is
               sad
               ,
               I
               say
               ,
               when
               men
               shall
               compass
               the
               Sea
               and
               Land
               to
               make
               a
               Proselyte
               to
               
                 an
                 Opinion
              
               ,
               much
               pains
               laid
               out
               this
               way
               ,
               and
               when
               all
               cometh
               to
               all
               it
               shall
               prove
               but
               Copper
               ,
               and
               not
               gold
               ;
               but
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               little
               beholding
               to
               them
               :
               or
               if
               we
               preach
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               
                 and
                 intend
                 our selves
              
               ,
               to
               lift
               up
               our
               own
               names
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               name
               of
               Christ
               :
               O
               this
               is
               great
               unfaithfulness
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               Paul
               ,
               speaking
               of
               that
               Corinthian
               Church
               much
               like
               ours
               ,
               I
               am
               of
               Paul
               ,
               &c.
               were
               you
               baptized
               
                 into
                 the
              
               
               
                 name
                 of
                 Paul
                 ,
                 was
                 he
                 crucified
                 for
                 you
                 ,
              
               &
               c.
               ?
               Alas
               saith
               he
               ,
               I
               have
               done
               nothing
               but
               wooed
               you
               for
               Christ
               ,
               espoused
               you
               to
               one
               
               Husband
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               so
               many
               .
               The
               children
               
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-Chamber
                 are
                 never
              
               called
               together
               to
               prostitute
               the
               Bride
               to
               them
               ;
               but
               to
               rejoyce
               ,
               and
               celebrate
               the
               Marriage
               with
               more
               solemnity
               .
               Yea
               by
               how
               much
               the
               greater
               honor
               it
               is
               to
               have
               the
               
                 charge
                 of
                 the
                 Bride
              
               ,
               by
               so
               much
               the
               greater
               sin
               it
               is
               
                 to
                 deal
                 falsly
                 with
                 Christ
              
               in
               it
               ,
               and
               to
               draw
               them
               after
               our selves
               ,
               when
               we
               should
               draw
               men
               after
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Their
               Duty
               is
               ,
               
                 to
                 present
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 as
                 a
                 pure
                 virgin
                 ,
              
               having
               espoused
               them
               to
               one
               Husband
               ,
               now
               to
               watch
               over
               them
               ,
               to
               take
               such
               care
               of
               them
               and
               pains
               with
               them
               ,
               that
               
               having
               escaped
               the
               pollutions
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               they
               may
               not
               
                 return
                 any
                 more
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 kept
                 pure
              
               ;
               and
               holy
               to
               the
               Lord
               ;
               and
               therefore
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 jealous
              
               over
               you
               with
               a
               godly
               jealousie
               ,
               jealousie
               is
               a
               kinde
               of
               fear
               ,
               
                 sorrow
                 and
                 anger
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 rage
                 of
                 a
                 man
              
               saith
               Salem
               :
               indeed
               it
               doth
               as
               it
               were
               raise
               a
               man
               above
               himself
               ,
               carry
               him
               out
               of
               himself
               ;
               therefore
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               bear
               with
               me
               if
               by
               reason
               of
               my
               earnestness
               ,
               I
               seem
               to
               be
               
                 out
                 of
                 my self
              
               ,
               it
               is
               for
               your
               sakes
               ,
               I
               am
               jealous
               for
               you
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               .
               And
               what
               was
               the
               matter
               ,
               they
               were
               in
               danger
               to
               be
               seduced
               by
               false
               Apostles
               ;
               to
               be
               
                 corrupted
                 from
                 the
                 simplicity
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               and
               this
               was
               that
               the
               Apostle
               was
               jealous
               over
               them
               for
               ;
               and
               surely
               brethren
               it
               is
               commendable
               and
               imitable
               ,
               I
               plead
               not
               for
               passion
               and
               wild-fire
               ,
               but
               a
               holy
               zeal
               
               for
               the
               glory
               of
               Christ
               ,
               the
               well-fare
               of
               souls
               ,
               
                 we
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 cold
              
               but
               zealous
               jealous
               for
               you
               brethren
               if
               in
               danger
               of
               seducing
               at
               any
               time
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               large
               duty
               indeed
               ,
               we
               are
               apt
               to
               sleep
               ,
               especially
               if
               sang
               asleep
               by
               the
               delusions
               
                 of
                 weakness
                 and
                 mildness
              
               and
               love
               ,
               falsly
               so
               called
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               mischief
               is
               done
               ,
               but
               enough
               of
               this
               .
               I
               hope
               you
               see
               ,
               there
               is
               cause
               enough
               to
               pray
               for
               us
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 Another
                 Vse
                 then
                 shall
                 be
                 tending
                 to
                 the
                 wooing
                 of
                 some
                 poor
              
               
               souls
               ,
               this
               day
               to
               accept
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               up
               the
               match
               with
               him
               ,
               this
               is
               our
               work
               indeed
               .
               And
               O
               that
               it
               might
               prosper
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               a
               poor
               unworthy
               servant
               and
               
                 friend
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               ,
               this
               day
               ;
               you
               have
               heard
               
                 Who
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 What
                 he
                 is
              
               ;
               you
               have
               heard
               already
               the
               glorious
               priviledges
               which
               arise
               from
               a
               closure
               with
               him
               ;
               yea
               how
               often
               have
               you
               heard
               these
               things
               ,
               and
               yet
               you
               are
               coy
               ,
               and
               hang
               back
               .
               I
               am
               come
               this
               day
               brethren
               to
               tell
               you
               ,
               the
               sum
               of
               the
               message
               is
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               is
               willing
               to
               have
               you
               ,
               if
               you
               be
               willing
               to
               have
               him
               .
               How
               long
               shall
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               
                 follow
                 you
                 with
                 these
                 mercies
              
               ,
               the
               price
               of
               his
               most
               precious
               blood
               ;
               and
               yet
               you
               slight
               him
               .
               
                 What
                 can
                 you
                 desire
              
               ,
               that
               is
               not
               to
               be
               had
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
               
                 If
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 beauty
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 ten
                 thousand
                 .
                 If
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 riches
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 all
                 things
                 with
              
               
               
                 Christ
                 ,
                 how
                 shall
                 he
                 not
                 with
                 him
                 give
                 us
                 all
                 things
                 ?
              
               Would
               you
               be
               honourable
               ,
               those
               are
               truely
               honourable
               that
               God
               honours
               ?
               now
               he
               will
               honour
               them
               that
               will
               honour
               him
               and
               honour
               his
               Son.
               And
               wherein
               is
               he
               and
               his
               Son
               honoured
               ,
               but
               in
               this
               ,
               if
               we
               believe
               in
               his
               name
               ,
               give
               him
               the
               glory
               of
               his
               mercy
               and
               faithfulness
               ,
               〈…〉
               at
               I
               were
               able
               to
               speak
               of
               him
               ,
               so
               as
               that
               you
               might
               some
               of
               you
               fall
               in
               love
               with
               him
               this
               day
               ,
               
                 Shall
                 I
                 a
                 little
                 stir
                 you
                 up
                 to
                 this
                 !
              
            
             
               
                 First
                 ,
                 If
                 you
                 have
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 live
                 and
                 dye
                 under
                 that
                 cruel
                 husband
                 ,
              
               the
               Law
               and
               Sin
               ,
               the
               Law
               as
               it
               is
               the
               strength
               of
               sin
               which
               is
               the
               cruellest
               
                 bondage
                 in
                 the
                 world
              
               ,
               the
               Law
               1.
               
               It
               commands
               
                 a
                 most
                 absolute
                 obedience
                 and
                 conformity
                 to
                 it self
                 ,
              
               there
               must
               not
               be
               the
               least
               turning
               aside
               to
               the
               right
               hand
               ,
               or
               to
               the
               left
               ,
               not
               a
               lota
               be
               missed
               ,
               
                 all
                 things
                 obeyed
                 ,
                 and
                 continued
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 upon
                 pain
                 of
                 an
                 eternal
                 curse
                 ,
              
               cursed
               is
               every
               one
               that
               continueth
               not
               in
               
                 every
                 thing
                 which
                 is
                 written
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               a
               most
               rigorous
               exacter
               
               of
               obedience
               to
               its
               cominands
               ,
               there
               is
               
                 no
                 pitying
              
               ,
               no
               sparing
               ,
               as
               
               there
               is
               now
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               he
               
                 pityeth
                 and
                 spa●eth
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 father
                 his
                 son
                 ,
              
               as
               a
               husband
               
                 his
                 spouse
              
               .
               If
               a
               man
               could
               from
               his
               youth
               up
               keep
               all
               ,
               and
               but
               miss
               it
               in
               a
               word
               ,
               in
               a
               vain
               thought
               
                 all
                 his
                 life
                 time
              
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               pity
               ,
               no
               sparing
               ,
               it
               condemneth
               to
               the
               lowermost
               ●ell
               .
               O
               what
               a
               condition
               are
               you
               in
               ,
               sinners
               ,
               upon
               whom
               all
               your
               breaches
               of
               this
               Law
               doth
               lye
               !
               2.
               
               It
               
                 is
                 a
                 cruel
                 bondage
              
               ;
               because
               it
               giveth
               
                 no
                 strength
              
               ,
               if
               it
               did
               impose
               never
               so
               much
               ,
               if
               it
               did
               give
               
                 any
                 strength
              
               ,
               it
               were
               something
               .
               It
               is
               true
               we
               had
               strength
               which
               God
               gave
               us
               at
               the
               first
               ,
               until
               we
               wantonly
               fell
               ,
               and
               broke
               our
               bones
               ,
               &
               so
               brought
               weakness
               upon
               our selves
               ,
               but
               now
               in
               this
               condition
               ,
               yet
               ,
               we
               are
               
                 under
                 the
                 Law
              
               as
               a
               husband
               ,
               which
               will
               
                 command
                 peremptorily
              
               ,
               but
               giveth
               us
               no
               power
               ,
               like
               the
               the
               Egyptians
               task-masters
               ,
               they
               would
               have
               them
               make
               
                 bricks
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 give
                 them
                 no
                 straw
              
               ;
               and
               yet
               the
               Law
               
                 is
                 holy
                 just
                 and
                 good
              
               .
               Now
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               what
               he
               commandeth
               ,
               he
               giveth
               strength
               to
               perform
               .
               3.
               
               It
               
                 admitteth
                 of
                 nosurety
              
               ,
               we
               must
               do
               it
               our selves
               obey
               to
               the
               utmost
               our selves
               ,
               or
               else
               be
               ruined
               to
               the
               utmost
               ,
               perish
               to
               the
               utmost
               ,
               
                 cursed
                 is
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 continueth
                 not
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 ,
              
               one
               man
               ,
               cannot
               be
               accepted
               for
               another
               ,
               the
               soul
               that
               sinneth
               it
               shall
               dye
               .
               And
               4.
               
               
                 Yea
                 more
                 then
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 It
                 provokes
                 us
              
               as
               we
               are
               corrupt
               to
               break
               it
               ,
               as
               
                 a
                 bank
                 against
                 a
                 strong
                 stream
              
               
               it
               maketh
               it
               swell
               and
               rage
               ,
               
                 the
                 motions
                 of
                 sin
                 which
                 were
                 by
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
              
               this
               is
               by
               the
               Law
               ,
               but
               
                 not
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 our
                 corrupt
                 hearts
                 ,
              
               but
               sin
               takes
               occasion
               by
               the
               commandment
               ,
               
                 nitimur
                 in
                 vetitum
                 cupimusque
                 negata
              
               like
               wild
               Asses
               Colts
               ,
               when
               the
               law
               
               cometh
               to
               
                 yoak
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 hamper
                 us
                 ,
              
               we
               
                 break
                 the
                 y●ak
              
               ,
               and
               the
               bands
               ,
               as
               the
               Prophet
               speaks
               ,
               will
               not
               endure
               to
               be
               held
               .
               Now
               is
               not
               this
               a
               sad
               condition
               ,
               to
               be
               under
               such
               a
               hus
               〈…〉
               d
               as
               this
               ;
               and
               yet
               how
               many
               of
               us
               are
               in
               
                 this
                 case
              
               ,
               and
               contented
               so
               to
               be
               ?
               Well
               ,
               remember
               brethren
               ,
               the
               end
               of
               these
               things
               will
               be
               
                 bitterness
                 and
                 death
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 wages
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Another
                 Motive
              
               ,
               may
               be
               this
               ,
               he
               is
               ready
               to
               close
               
                 with
                 you
              
               ,
               if
               ye
               be
               ready
               to
               close
               with
               him
               ,
               be
               you
               what
               you
               will
               ,
               never
               so
               vile
               in
               your
               own
               eyes
               ,
               for
               it
               may
               be
               this
               is
               the
               discouragement
               of
               many
               ;
               they
               would
               rather
               
                 then
                 their
                 lives
              
               ,
               have
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               for
               a
               husband
               ;
               but
               alas
               ,
               
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 beauty
                 in
                 them
              
               ;
               he
               is
               the
               
                 chief
                 of
                 ten
                 thousand
              
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               the
               vilest
               of
               ten
               thousand
               ,
               the
               chief
               of
               sinners
               ,
               he
               altogether
               lovely
               ,
               they
               altogether
               loathsom
               ;
               
               He
               is
               white
               and
               ruddy
               ,
               they
               are
               black
               and
               bloody
               ;
               
                 lying
                 in
                 their
                 blood
              
               and
               filthiness
               ,
               cast
               out
               to
               the
               loathing
               of
               their
               persons
               ,
               and
               what
               hope
               can
               they
               have
               that
               he
               will
               accept
               of
               them
               ?
               very
               great
               hopes
               brethren
               ,
               for
               this
               is
               the
               
                 tenour
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
              
               to
               be
               
                 preached
                 to
                 every
                 Creature
              
               ,
               without
               exception
               or
               Limitation
               ,
               and
               every
               one
               that
               believeth
               in
               him
               ,
               cometh
               to
               him
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 out
                 ,
              
               if
               he
               would
               ,
               what
               had
               become
               of
               
                 Paul
                 or
                 Manasseh
                 ,
                 say
                 not
                 then
                 ,
                 Alas
                 I
                 am
                 poor
              
               and
               miserable
               ,
               and
               naked
               ,
               yea
               Leprous
               and
               filthy
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               not
               for
               for
               such
               a
               one
               as
               I
               ,
               to
               think
               on
               Christ
               ;
               indeed
               ,
               thou
               canst
               not
               think
               of
               him
               ,
               until
               he
               ,
               first
               think
               of●hee
               ,
               nor
               work
               towards
               him
               ,
               until
               his
               heart
               hath
               been
               working
               towards
               thee
               ,
               and
               is
               not
               that
               demonstrate
               that
               he
               is
               willing
               to
               receive
               thee
               ,
               to
               make
               a
               match
               with
               thee
               ,
               
                 though
                 we
                 be
                 worms
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 men
                 ,
              
               have
               cause
               to
               cry
               out
               ,
               if
               we
               were
               never
               so
               
                 holy
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 man
              
               that
               thou
               art
               so
               
                 mindful
                 of
                 him
              
               ,
               as
               to
               visit
               him
               with
               such
               salvation
               ,
               make
               him
               so
               near
               thy self
               in
               thy
               son
               .
               Yea
               surely
               he
               is
               willing
               ,
               
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 moved
              
               towards
               thee
               else
               ,
               he
               doth
               not
               use
               to
               mock
               poor
               Creatures
               to
               make
               them
               
                 believe
                 his
                 heart
              
               is
               towards
               them
               ,
               and
               when
               their
               heart
               echo
               again
               and
               say
               thy
               face
               Lord
               will
               we
               seek
               ,
               then
               to
               shut
               up
               his
               bowels
               ,
               and
               shut
               out
               their
               desires
               .
               Brethren
               ,
               
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 too
              
               much
               being
               alive
               to
               the
               Law
               ,
               for
               that
               seemeth
               to
               be
               the
               savour
               of
               our
               spirit
               ,
               while
               unworthiness
               is
               the
               obstruction
               to
               our
               coming
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
               we
               must
               be
               dead
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               to
               the
               Law
               and
               the
               righteousness
               thereof
               ,
               all
               our
               performances
               and
               best
               duties
               ,
               else
               we
               cannot
               live
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 never
                 matched
                 with
                 a
                 Creature
                 because
                 it
                 was
                 worthy
              
               of
               him
               ,
               of
               so
               near
               an
               union
               with
               him
               ,
               for
               alas
               ,
               what
               creature
               ,
               being
               but
               a
               creature
               ,
               can
               be
               wotthy
               of
               such
               an
               union
               with
               the
               
                 Lord
                 of
                 life
                 and
                 glory
              
               .
               
               No
               ,
               no
               he
               ●akes
               an
               Ethiopian
               and
               washeth
               her
               clean
               from
               her
               filthiness
               before
               he
               hath
               done
               with
               her
               ,
               nothing
               but
               that
               
                 fullers
                 sope
                 will
                 fetch
                 out
                 the
                 spots
                 .
              
               Yea
               I
               will
               say
               one
               thing
               more
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               never
               ▪
               Matched
               with
               any
               that
               
                 thought
                 themselves
                 worthy
              
               of
               him
               ,
               there
               is
               an
               encouragement
               to
               such
               poor
               drooping
               so●l●
               ,
               did
               Paul
               
                 think
                 himself
                 worthy
                 of
                 Christ
              
               ?
               nothing
               less
               nor
               any
               of
               the
               Saints
               .
               He
               
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 Christ
                 freely
                 ,
              
               is
               never
               
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 him
              
               ,
               I
               will
               love
               them
               freely
               saith
               he
               ;
               No
               ,
               saith
               many
               a
               proud
               sinner
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               not
               love
               us
               freely
               ,
               
                 we
                 hope
                 to
                 approve
              
               our selves
               worthy
               of
               thy
               love
               ,
               I
               tell
               you
               brethren
               such
               a
               soul
               hath
               not
               known
               what
               the
               meaning
               of
               grace
               is
               to
               this
               day
               ,
               Well
               ,
               
               then
               remember
               ,
               
                 be
                 you
                 as
                 unworthy
                 as
                 you
              
               can
               ,
               in
               your
               own
               apprehension
               ,
               
                 all
                 the
                 mercies
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               purchased
               by
               the
               
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               they
               are
               freely
               offered
               and
               tendered
               to
               you
               this
               day
               ,
               to
               thee
               man
               ,
               to
               thee
               woman
               ,
               that
               art
               viler
               then
               the
               earth
               in
               
                 thine
                 own
                 eyes
              
               ,
               yea
               to
               hard
               hearted
               sinners
               ,
               that
               see
               not
               themselves
               ,
               they
               are
               tendered
               to
               
                 melt
                 them
                 down
              
               ,
               and
               if
               this
               will
               not
               do
               it
               ,
               nothing
               will
               do
               it
               .
               
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 speak
                 of
                 these
                 bowels
                 ,
                 with
                 such
                 bowels
                 as
              
               some
               of
               your
               hearts
               might
               be
               stirred
               ,
               and
               moved
               this
               day
               ,
               but
               so
               much
               for
               this
               second
               !
            
             
               3.
               
               Motive
               ,
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 not
                 only
                 willing
              
               thus
               to
               
                 communicate
                 himself
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
              
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               his
               
                 delight
                 so
                 to
                 do
              
               ,
               It
               is
               the
               
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               when
               he
               beholdeth
               the
               precious
               mercies
               purchased
               by
               his
               blood
               accepted
               of
               by
               poor
               sinners
               
               and
               to
               work
               mightily
               in
               them
               and
               to
               them
               .
               
                 He
                 shall
                 see
                 his
                 Seed
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 satisfied
              
               ;
               the
               father
               is
               satisfied
               ,
               and
               the
               son
               is
               satisfied
               ,
               when
               they
               behold
               this
               ,
               this
               is
               all
               that
               
                 they
                 expect
              
               ,
               the
               father
               for
               his
               love
               ,
               such
               a
               love
               ,
               as
               the
               world
               cannot
               paralel
               ,
               a
               Sic
               without
               a
               Siout
               ,
               God
               so
               loved
               the
               world
               ,
               It
               
                 is
                 all
                 he
                 expecteth
              
               that
               those
               mercies
               which
               he
               hath
               purchased
               should
               be
               freely
               be
               bestowed
               upon
               ,
               and
               freely
               accepted
               of
               by
               poor
               sinners
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               the
               
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               also
               ,
               it
               is
               all
               he
               expecteth
               of
               us
               ,
               I
               say
               the
               continual
               streaming
               of
               that
               fountain
               opened
               for
               sin
               and
               
                 for
                 uncleaness
              
               they
               are
               as
               if
               
                 he
                 had
                 said
              
               ,
               I
               have
               enough
               for
               all
               my
               pains
               ,
               my
               
                 sweat
                 ,
                 my
                 agony
              
               ,
               my
               eclipsing
               ,
               
                 for
                 the
                 pangs
                 of
                 hell
              
               in
               my
               soul
               ,
               for
               my
               death
               ,
               and
               blood
               and
               burial
               ,
               all
               the
               contempts
               powred
               
                 out
                 upon
                 me
              
               ,
               and
               the
               sorrow
               ●endured
               ,
               though
               there
               
                 was
                 never
                 grief
              
               like
               mine
               ,
               yet
               this
               is
               enough
               saith
               he
               ,
               he
               shall
               be
               satisfied
               ,
               if
               he
               do
               
                 but
                 see
                 poor
                 sinners
              
               to
               receive
               him
               ,
               and
               so
               become
               his
               Seed
               ,
               close
               with
               him
               
                 and
                 so
                 become
                 his
                 spouse
              
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               the
               same
               thing
               ,
               though
               clothed
               with
               a
               diverse
               Metaphor
               .
               Brethren
               ,
               i●
               may
               be
               ,
               
                 you
                 would
                 satisfie
                 Christ
              
               another
               way
               ,
               you
               would
               do
               this
               and
               that
               for
               him
               ,
               Labour
               as
               abundantly
               as
               you
               can
               ,
               be
               as
               holy
               as
               you
               can
               ,
               perform
               your
               duties
               in
               as
               lively
               a
               manner
               as
               you
               can
               :
               but
               when
               you
               have
               done
               all
               ,
               if
               you
               hang
               your
               peace
               and
               comfort
               upon
               this
               ,
               and
               not
               in
               your
               free
               acceptance
               of
               Christ
               :
               and
               with
               Christ
               ,
               you
               seem
               yet
               to
               be
               marryed
               to
               the
               Law
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               Christ
               ,
               
                 or
                 at
                 least
              
               you
               turn
               aside
               to
               your
               former
               Husband
               ,
               a
               Covenant
               of
               works
               ,
               this
               is
               a
               
                 dissatisfactiou
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               :
               as
               if
               there
               were
               not
               riches
               of
               grace
               in
               him
               to
               swallow
               up
               all
               your
               unworthiness
               .
               
               O
               Brethren
               that
               the
               Lord
               would
               perswade
               
                 your
                 hearts
                 this
                 day
              
               ,
               what
               a
               delight
               and
               satisfaction
               it
               is
               to
               him
               to
               see
               poor
               sinners
               come
               and
               lye
               at
               his
               foot
               and
               willing
               to
               receive
               him
               ,
               to
               match
               with
               him
               ,
               notwithstanding
               their
               unworthiness
               !
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 Consider
                 but
                 how
                 little
                 a
                 thing
                 will
                 do
              
               the
               deed
               ,
               and
               espouse
               thee
               to
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               Alas
               you
               will
               say
               ,
               you
               find
               it
               a
               hard
               thing
               to
               believe
               ,
               as
               hard
               a
               thing
               as
               to
               keep
               the
               Law.
               It
               is
               so
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               our
               strength
               ,
               but
               many
               they
               mistake
               ,
               and
               think
               except
               they
               have
               such
               and
               such
               a
               strength
               of
               faith
               they
               have
               none
               at
               all
               ,
               nor
               do
               not
               close
               with
               him
               nor
               he
               with
               them
               .
               If
               they
               could
               say
               
                 with
                 Thomas
              
               my
               
                 Lord
                 and
                 my
                 God
              
               ,
               or
               with
               the
               
               spouse
               ,
               
                 my
                 beloved
                 is
                 mine
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 his
                 ,
              
               then
               there
               were
               some
               encouragement
               indeed
               .
               Brethren
               if
               it
               
                 be
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustardseed
                 ,
              
               it
               will
               do
               the
               deed
               ,
               look
               upon
               me
               all
               
                 ye
                 ends
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 and
                 be
                 ye
                 saved
              
               ;
               A
               look
               upon
               
                 a
                 woman
                 to
                 lust
                 after
                 her
                 is
                 Adultery
              
               in
               heart
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               
                 heart
                 union
              
               of
               two
               to
               one
               flesh
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               yet
               the
               heart
               ,
               
                 the
                 mind
                 that
                 seeth
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 eye
              
               ;
               the
               eye
               may
               look
               upon
               many
               things
               ,
               and
               discern
               nothing
               distinctly
               if
               the
               mind
               be
               upon
               another
               thing
               ,
               so
               here
               ;
               why
               should
               
                 not
                 a
                 look
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 desire
                 him
                 ,
              
               when
               the
               
                 soul
                 hath
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 passing
                 by
              
               in
               his
               Glory
               .
               
                 O
                 that
                 he
                 were
                 my
                 Husband
                 !
              
               O
               that
               I
               were
               Marryed
               to
               him
               !
               that
               he
               
                 would
                 accept
                 of
                 me
              
               !
               O
               happy
               souls
               that
               enjoy
               seeking
               communion
               with
               him
               !
               This
               ,
               Brethren
               at
               the
               first
               ,
               is
               
                 enough
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 Match
              
               between
               us
               .
               As
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               is
               willing
               to
               have
               thee
               ,
               art
               
                 thou
                 willing
                 poor
                 trembling
                 soul
                 to
              
               have
               him
               ?
               have
               him
               thou
               shalt
               ,
               yea
               thou
               hast
               him
               already
               though
               this
               saith
               must
               grow
               up
               to
               a
               greater
               measure
               ,
               happily
               ,
               before
               thou
               cast
               
                 discern
                 it
                 or
                 have
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
            
             
               Only
               lest
               any
               
                 should
                 be
                 mistaken
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 here
                 give
                 a
                 word
              
               or
               Direction
               or
               Caution
               .
            
             
               First
               ;
               take
               heed
               of
               
                 thinking
                 thou
                 art
                 willing
              
               when
               thou
               
                 art
                 not
              
               ,
               for
               as
               there
               are
               many
               poor
               drooping
               souls
               who
               think
               they
               are
               not
               willing
               to
               have
               Christ
               when
               it
               is
               that
               their
               
                 souls
                 do
                 ever
                 break
                 for
                 longing
              
               after
               ,
               so
               on
               the
               other
               hand
               
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 will
              
               say
               ,
               If
               this
               be
               all
               ,
               it
               is
               an
               easie
               matter
               ,
               
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               O
               that
               you
               were
               brethren
               !
               if
               you
               were
               willing
               to
               have
               him
               ,
               
                 sure
                 you
                 would
              
               make
               more
               after
               him
               then
               you
               do
               ,
               many
               of
               you
               ,
               he
               may
               go
               whither
               he
               will
               ,
               you
               never
               miss
               him
               ,
               never
               troubled
               for
               want
               of
               him
               .
               Believe
               it
               ,
               you
               are
               not
               willing
               to
               have
               him
               ,
               
               there
               goeth
               more
               
                 to
                 a
                 willingness
                 in
                 sincerity
              
               ,
               then
               you
               are
               aware
               of
               .
               And
               then
               on
               the
               other
               hand
               ,
               those
               which
               are
               willing
               
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 ▪
              
               Alas
               ,
               they
               
                 cannot
                 finde
                 their
                 hearts
              
               willing
               ,
               they
               are
               afraid
               they
               may
               deceive
               themselves
               ;
               But
               
                 what
                 is
                 it
              
               man
               that
               maketh
               thee
               walk
               so
               heavily
               ,
               so
               carefully
               ,
               so
               droopingly
               ?
               is
               it
               not
               the
               want
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ?
               
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 thy
                 soul
                 cryeth
                 out
              
               for
               to
               God
               ,
               
                 early
                 and
                 late
              
               ?
               so
               that
               heaven
               and
               earth
               is
               full
               of
               thy
               sighs
               ,
               and
               groans
               ,
               and
               tears
               :
               is
               it
               no●
               
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ?
               What
               is
               the
               reason
               that
               thy
               soul
               followeth
               so
               hard
               after
               God
               ?
               if
               thou
               be
               not
               
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 him
              
               .
               What
               is
               the
               reason
               else
               ,
               that
               all
               comforts
               wherewith
               thou
               aboundest
               yield
               thee
               no
               satisfaction
               ,
               they
               are
               nothing
               to
               thee
               ?
               No
               ,
               thou
               must
               have
               Christ
               or
               else
               thou
               dyest
               ,
               and
               yet
               thinkest
               thou
               are
               not
               
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 him
              
               .
               O
               surely
               brethren
               ,
               here
               is
               a
               willingness
               ,
               
                 take
                 him
                 ,
                 take
                 him
                 then
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 Behold
                 his
                 arms
                 are
              
               open
               to
               
                 embrace
                 thee
                 ,
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 open
                 to
                 receive
                 thee
                 !
                 O
                 embrace
                 him
                 ,
                 close
              
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               take
               the
               comfort
               of
               it
               that
               thou
               maist
               walk
               cheerfully
               before
               him
               for
               ever
               !
            
             
               2.
               
               Again
               ,
               Be
               sure
               Brethren
               
                 that
                 you
                 choose
                 Christ
              
               :
               and
               not
               
                 somewhat
                 else
                 instead
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 Choice
              
               is
               an
               act
               of
               the
               reason
               ,
               and
               judgement
               ,
               and
               so
               must
               we
               
                 proceed
                 upon
              
               judgement
               ,
               mature
               consideration
               of
               things
               ,
               
                 else
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 hold
              
               ,
               we
               shall
               mistake
               the
               object
               ,
               take
               somewhat
               else
               for
               Christ
               .
               Or
               else
               if
               we
               
                 pitch
                 upon
                 the
                 Object
              
               it
               will
               be
               so
               slightly
               ,
               as
               not
               to
               make
               a
               Marriageclosure
               :
               The
               Apostle
               saith
               the
               
                 Love
                 of
                 Christ
                 constraineth
                 us
                 because
              
               
               
                 we
                 thus
                 Judge
              
               ,
               if
               
                 Christ
                 dyed
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 then
                 were
                 all
                 dead
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               an
               object
               of
               Judgement
               going
               before
               the
               constraining
               of
               that
               love
               of
               Christ
               ,
               so
               some
               understand
               that
               ,
               I
               will
               espouse
               ,
               or
               betroth
               thee
               to
               my self
               in
               Judgement
               ,
               
                 not
                 only
                 on
                 his
                 part
              
               ,
               but
               on
               
                 our
                 part
              
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               in
               Judgement
               ,
               usually
               the
               Affections
               ,
               or
               passions
               these
               are
               violent
               ,
               like
               a
               Land-flood
               ,
               yet
               having
               not
               a
               spring
               to
               feed
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               quickly
               dryed
               up
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Then
               ,
               Be
               
                 sure
                 you
                 choose
                 not
                 the
                 prosperity
                 you
                 expect
              
               to
               accompany
               Christ
               instead
               of
               him
               .
               How
               many
               followed
               him
               for
               
               the
               loa●es
               ,
               they
               were
               not
               in
               love
               with
               Christ
               ,
               but
               the
               loaves
               ,
               they
               loved
               their
               own
               bellies
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               as
               the
               Apostle
               
               speaks
               .
               And
               therefore
               our
               Saviour
               deals
               plainly
               with
               men
               ?
               At
               the
               
                 first
                 ,
                 you
                 dream
                 of
              
               outward
               felicity
               if
               you
               have
               me
               ,
               
                 you
                 are
                 deceived
              
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               ,
               the
               Foxes
               have
               holes
               ,
               
                 the
                 birds
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Air
                 nests
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               If
               
                 that
                 men
                 did
              
               certainly
               know
               they
               
                 must
                 suffer
                 persecution
              
               for
               the
               name
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               name
               of
               Christ
               ,
               as
               
                 all
                 that
                 will
                 live
                 godly
                 in
              
               this
               world
               ,
               must
               do
               it
               more
               or
               less
               :
               I
               doubt
               this
               would
               quench
               those
               wishes
               and
               velleities
               that
               sometimes
               they
               have
               towards
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
               Do
               not
               mistake
               if
               you
               have
               him
               ,
               you
               
               must
               expect
               
                 trouble
                 with
                 him
              
               ,
               troubles
               within
               ,
               and
               troubles
               without
               ,
               such
               as
               you
               never
               likely
               met
               with
               before
               :
               and
               if
               you
               cannot
               be
               
                 willing
                 to
                 take
                 him
                 with
                 his
                 reproaches
                 ,
              
               his
               poverty
               ,
               his
               nakedness
               ,
               his
               imprisonments
               ,
               you
               are
               not
               worthy
               of
               him
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Be
                 sure
                 you
                 choose
                 not
                 his
                 graces
                 ,
              
               or
               any
               thing
               but
               himself
               primarily
               ,
               many
               would
               have
               him
               ,
               but
               what
               is
               it
               they
               
                 mind
                 or
                 eye
                 ?
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 peace
                 ,
              
               and
               comfort
               ,
               and
               pardon
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               this
               and
               that
               priviledge
               ;
               but
               they
               do
               not
               
                 pitch
                 upon
                 Christ
              
               himself
               primarily
               as
               the
               fountain
               .
               Well
               then
               labour
               to
               fall
               in
               love
               
                 with
                 his
                 person
              
               ,
               to
               see
               some
               
                 excellency
                 in
              
               Christ
               ,
               that
               you
               apprehend
               not
               before
               ;
               O!
               
                 when
                 the
                 soul
              
               hath
               his
               beauty
               ,
               
                 loveliness
                 to
                 know
                 him
              
               ,
               that
               the
               fulness
               of
               the
               
                 Godhead
                 is
                 in
              
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               is
               the
               express
               image
               or
               Character
               of
               his
               
                 Fathers
                 Person
              
               ,
               
               then
               to
               chuse
               him
               upon
               such
               grounds
               
                 and
                 deliberates
              
               is
               likely
               
                 to
                 hold
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 rooting
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
              
               which
               the
               word
               of
               grace
               hath
               in
               the
               heart
               ;
               the
               depth
               of
               earth
               whereupon
               a
               well
               poysed
               judgement
               
                 we
                 choose
                 the
                 Lhrd
                 Jesus
              
               ;
               that
               we
               see
               so
               much
               in
               him
               of
               worth
               ,
               that
               
                 we
                 are
                 now
                 satisfied
              
               ;
               come
               life
               ,
               come
               death
               ,
               come
               poverty
               ,
               
                 come
                 persecution
              
               ,
               come
               what
               can
               come
               ,
               there
               is
               enough
               in
               him
               to
               make
               up
               all
               :
               until
               we
               come
               to
               this
               ,
               
                 Brethren
                 explicitly
              
               or
               
                 implicitly
                 ,
                 it
              
               will
               hardly
               hold
               .
               O
               
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 labour
                 to
                 study
                 Christ
              
               and
               his
               excellency
               ,
               whereby
               he
               is
               the
               chief
               of
               ten
               thousand
               ,
               Beg
               of
               him
               to
               manifest
               himself
               to
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               judiciously
               choose
               him
               .
            
             
               Use
               6.
               
               
                 Shall
                 be
                 for
                 exhortation
              
               to
               the
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               such
               as
               the
               Lord
               hath
               given
               ●ower
               to
               
                 believe
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               and
               
               close
               with
               him
               ▪
               
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 you
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 ,
              
               and
               upon
               his
               
                 own
                 terms
              
               you
               should
               be
               exhorted
               in
               that
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 To
                 labour
                 to
                 make
                 it●
                 sure
              
               that
               you
               
                 have
                 the
                 match
                 made
              
               up
               between
               Christ
               and
               your
               souls
               ;
               for
               
                 he
                 loseth
                 much
                 of
                 his
                 honour
                 ,
              
               and
               your
               souls
               the
               comfort
               of
               your
               condition
               in
               a
               great
               part
               ,
               because
               you
               are
               not
               sure
               it
               is
               so
               .
               
                 Surely
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 to
              
               seal
               it
               up
               
               to
               you
               
                 with
                 the
                 privy
                 seal
              
               ,
               the
               seal
               
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 witnessing
                 ,
                 to
              
               your
               spirits
               that
               you
               are
               his
               :
               Yea
               ,
               and
               he
               hath
               promised
               too
               in
               that
               place
               ,
               where
               he
               
                 betrotheth
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 to
              
               
               
                 them
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 my
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 my
                 God.
              
               Thou
               canst
               not
               say
               
                 he
                 is
                 thy
                 beloved
              
               ,
               or
               thy
               beloved
               is
               thine
               ▪
               and
               thou
               art
               his
               :
               
                 but
                 observe
              
               ,
               he
               
                 hath
                 promised
              
               that
               he
               ▪
               will
               speak
               first
               to
               thy
               soul
               ,
               and
               
                 say
                 thou
                 art
                 mine
              
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               soul
               shall
               say
               ,
               
                 thou
                 art
                 mine
                 ,
                 my
                 husband
                 ,
                 my
                 God
              
               ;
               for
               the
               thing
               expressed
               by
               both
               is
               the
               same
               .
               There
               are
               many
               othe
               promises
               of
               the
               
                 like
                 ki●d
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 not
                 we
              
               let
               them
               lye
               
                 dormant
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 put
              
               them
               in
               suit
               more
               earnestly
               in
               the
               Court
               of
               heaven
               ?
               were
               we
               not
               much
               wanting
               
                 to
                 our selves
              
               herein
               ,
               it
               would
               be
               much
               more
               comfortable
               for
               us
               then
               it
               is
               ?
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Yea
                 though
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
              
               thus
               
                 far
                 assurance
              
               that
               it
               is
               so
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 match
                 made
                 up
              
               between
               thee
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               yet
               take
               heed
               of
               a
               iealous
               heart
               of
               him
               ,
               as
               if
               
                 he
                 were
                 unwilling
              
               to
               match
               with
               thee
               ,
               or
               
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 off
                 and
                 on
                 ,
              
               and
               did
               but
               mock
               thee
               ,
               because
               thou
               findest
               it
               not
               in
               so
               full
               a
               measure
               as
               thou
               wouldest
               ,
               what
               will
               more
               
                 grieve
                 him
              
               then
               this
               ?
               what
               could
               he
               have
               done
               more
               
                 then
                 he
                 hath
                 done
              
               ,
               to
               manifest
               his
               willingness
               to
               receive
               all
               that
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               are
               
                 made
                 willing
              
               through
               grace
               to
               receive
               him
               ?
               You
               
                 have
                 his
                 promise
              
               ,
               which
               usually
               among
               honest
               men
               ,
               is
               as
               good
               as
               their
               Bond
               and
               we
               build
               upon
               it
               :
               And
               
                 what
                 do
                 you
                 make
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
              
               is
               he
               not
               upright
               ,
               and
               just
               ,
               and
               true
               ?
               hath
               he
               said
               it
               ,
               and
               will
               he
               not
               make
               it
               good
               ?
               
                 hath
                 he
                 not
                 said
              
               ,
               as
               many
               as
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 out
                 ,
              
               and
               is
               ●is
               word
               worth
               
               nothing
               ?
               
                 indeeed
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 fail
                 once
                 in
              
               his
               word
               ,
               we
               will
               hardly
               trust
               him
               the
               second
               time
               ,
               and
               if
               ever
               sinners
               or
               Satan
               can
               come
               forth
               and
               say
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               made
               a
               promise
               ,
               and
               was
               not
               as
               good
               as
               his
               word
               ,
               then
               you
               may
               indeed
               have
               a
               jealousie
               of
               him
               
               but
               they
               cannot
               ,
               they
               cannot
               ,
               the
               Devil
               will
               
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 his
                 promise
                 of
                 the
                 seed
              
               of
               the
               woman
               breaking
               
                 the
                 Serpents
                 head
              
               ,
               he
               hath
               felt
               to
               his
               wounding
               :
               and
               his
               promise
               of
               Satans
               falling
               down
               like
               lightning
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               not
               a
               sinner
               in
               hell
               can
               
                 charge
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               with
               breach
               of
               promise
               .
               But
               it
               may
               be
               this
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               poor
               unbelieving
               souls
               ,
               therefore
               you
               shall
               
                 have
                 it
                 written
              
               ,
               and
               sealed
               ,
               
                 and
                 witnessed
              
               ,
               there
               are
               witnesses
               in
               
                 heaven
                 and
                 upon
                 Earth
              
               ,
               and
               seals
               :
               the
               Sacraments
               ,
               the
               broad
               seal
               ,
               and
               privy
               
                 seal
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
              
               ,
               yea
               there
               
                 is
                 an
                 oath
                 also
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 good
                 ,
              
               what
               would
               
               you
               have
               more
               ?
               what
               can
               you
               desire
               more
               then
               this
               ?
               would
               you
               see
               the
               work
               done
               ,
               why
               is
               not
               the
               
                 giving
                 up
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               to
               the
               death
               for
               sinners
               ,
               the
               
                 greatest
                 part
              
               of
               the
               work
               ?
               
                 Sure
                 if
                 ever
              
               ,
               he
               would
               have
               baulkt
               there
               ,
               and
               yet
               you
               see
               it
               stuck
               not
               :
               
                 O
                 therefore
                 be
                 not
                 jealous
                 of
                 him
                 ,
              
               who
               hath
               so
               freely
               and
               so
               largely
               
               laid
               out
               himself
               for
               sinners
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Now
               then
               
                 ye
                 that
                 are
                 Saints
                 indeed
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               O
               love
               the
               
                 Lord
                 ye
                 his
                 Saints
              
               :
               None
               have
               such
               reason
               to
               love
               him
               ,
               as
               they
               that
               have
               tasted
               of
               his
               love
               ;
               if
               there
               be
               any
               ingenuity
               in
               
               us
               ,
               love
               will
               beget
               love
               as
               one
               flame
               begets
               another
               ;
               because
               he
               
                 hath
                 set
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 me
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               therefore
               I
               will
               deliver
               him
               :
               
                 if
                 we
                 could
              
               love
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               more
               ,
               we
               should
               be
               delivered
               more
               from
               those
               evils
               we
               mourn
               under
               :
               How
               lamentable
               a
               thing
               is
               it
               ,
               how
               much
               love
               have
               we
               for
               Creatures
               ,
               and
               how
               little
               love
               for
               Jesus
               Christ
               ?
               did
               Husband
               or
               Wife
               die
               for
               us
               ?
               ransom
               us
               from
               the
               
                 pit
                 and
                 hell
              
               ?
               I
               hope
               there
               are
               some
               of
               his
               people
               (
               believe
               it
               )
               that
               have
               
                 more
                 affection
                 for
              
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               then
               
                 ever
                 they
                 had
                 for
                 the
                 Creature
                 .
                 Ah
                 blessed
                 souls
                 !
              
               how
               infinitely
               are
               you
               engaged
               to
               him
               ,
               for
               so
               fully
               
                 seizing
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
              
               !
               O
               who
               are
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               should
               be
               
                 able
                 ,
                 thus
              
               entirely
               to
               love
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               and
               admitted
               to
               it
               !
               but
               thus
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               
                 magnifie
                 his
              
               Name
               .
               But
               alas
               ,
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               the
               complaint
               of
               
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 love
                 him
                 .
              
               O
               labour
               to
               
               get
               those
               
                 carnal
                 affections
                 mortified
                 ,
                 the
                 fore-skins
                 of
                 our
                 heart
                 taken
              
               away
               ,
               and
               our
               
                 heart
                 circumcised
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 shall
                 love
                 him
                 :
              
               you
               
                 have
                 a
                 promise
                 ,
                 improve
                 it
              
               for
               that
               end
               .
               If
               we
               could
               but
               spare
               
                 time
                 to
                 set
                 our selves
              
               to
               it
               ,
               to
               
                 study
                 his
                 heart
                 towards
                 us
              
               ,
               and
               ours
               towards
               him
               ,
               his
               excellency
               and
               loveliness
               ,
               we
               could
               not
               but
               love
               him
               .
               
                 O
                 beg
                 the
                 spreading
                 abroad
                 of
              
               his
               love
               ,
               sheding
               
               
                 it
                 abroad
              
               ,
               not
               only
               upon
               our
               understandings
               but
               our
               affections
               ;
               for
               no
               further
               then
               he
               
                 sheds
                 it
              
               ,
               will
               it
               spread
               ;
               it
               
                 will
                 stay
                 in
                 the
                 brain
              
               ,
               in
               the
               understanding
               ;
               if
               the
               passages
               
                 between
                 head
                 and
                 heart
              
               be
               not
               opened
               by
               him
               ,
               we
               shall
               never
               be
               affected
               and
               warmed
               by
               it
               .
            
             
               
                 Alas
                 you
                 will
                 say
              
               ,
               our
               distances
               are
               so
               great
               that
               kils
               our
               love
               :
               No
               brethren
               ,
               that
               cannot
               be
               ,
               the
               distances
               are
               not
               so
               great
               now
               :
               for
               the
               relation
               
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 thy
                 soul
              
               ,
               if
               thou
               believest
               ,
               is
               the
               nearest
               relation
               :
               
                 he
                 is
                 one
                 Spirit
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               there
               is
               not
               such
               a
               distance
               ;
               and
               though
               in
               
                 respect
                 of
                 dignity
                 and
                 
                 worth
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 distance
                 ,
              
               yet
               remember
               ,
               now
               we
               are
               〈◊〉
               part
               of
               himself
               ,
               and
               
                 partake
                 with
                 him
              
               of
               his
               dignities
               also
               :
               but
               however
               
                 love
                 knoweth
              
               not
               that
               over-much
               aw
               and
               respect
               as
               to
               kill
               it
               ,
               but
               it
               will
               be
               working
               towards
               the
               person
               beloved
               ;
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               loving
               him
               holds
               him
               by
               the
               feet
               and
               weeps
               over
               him
               .
               If
               a
               Prince
               will
               
                 marry
                 a
                 begger
              
               ,
               surely
               he
               will
               take
               it
               
                 well
                 ,
                 and
                 expecteth
                 it
              
               ,
               to
               be
               loved
               of
               her
               ,
               and
               he
               would
               not
               be
               pleased
               with
               such
               
                 a
                 dejection
              
               in
               respect
               of
               her
               own
               vileness
               
                 as
                 to
                 quash
                 her
                 love
                 ,
                 yea
              
               brethren
               ,
               me
               thinks
               the
               
                 meaner
                 we
                 see
                 our selves
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 should
                 love
                 him
              
               ;
               for
               what
               can
               we
               do
               else
               but
               love
               him
               ,
               we
               have
               
                 nothing
                 else
              
               lovely
               or
               desirable
               but
               our
               love
               ,
               our
               hearts
               :
               therefore
               Oh
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               abundantly
               love
               him
               
                 O
                 ye
                 Saints
              
               of
               his
               ,
               whom
               he
               hath
               so
               loved
               .
            
             
               Alas
               ,
               
                 But
                 our
                 love
                 is
                 little
                 in
                 comparison
              
               of
               his
               love
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               this
               discourageth
               us
               .
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               What
               proportion
               between
               the
               drop
               of
               a
               Bucket
               and
               the
               ocean
               ,
               Some
               there
               is
               ,
               but
               there
               is
               none
               between
               the
               largeness
               of
               Christ
               his
               heart
               toward
               us
               ,
               and
               ours
               towards
               him
               .
               But
               shall
               our
               love
               perish
               and
               dry
               up
               ,
               because
               there
               is
               not
               as
               much
               in
               
                 the
                 little
                 limbeck
              
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               fountain
               ,
               in
               the
               river
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               sea
               .
               He
               is
               love
               it self
               brethren
               ,
               and
               therefore
               we
               must
               be
               contented
               to
               fall
               infinitely
               below
               in
               love
               :
               but
               
                 let
                 us
                 love
                 him
              
               according
               to
               our
               measure
               .
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 the
                 whole
                 heart
              
               to
               love
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               it
               is
               as
               much
               proportionably
               for
               us
               ,
               if
               we
               could
               reach
               it
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               for
               him
               to
               love
               
                 us
                 with
                 his
                 whole
                 heart
              
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               
                 pleased
                 to
                 express
                 it
              
               .
               The
               Creature
               is
               
                 infinitely
                 less
                 then
                 Christ
              
               ,
               and
               therefore
               must
               needs
               have
               
                 infinitely
                 less
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 hath
                 to
                 us
                 ,
              
               but
               yet
               there
               is
               nothing
               wanting
               where
               there
               is
               Totum
               :
               therefore
               rather
               it
               should
               provoke
               us
               .
               He
               
                 hath
                 loved
                 us
                 first
              
               ,
               a●d
               loved
               us
               more
               abundantly
               then
               we
               can
               love
               him
               :
               therefore
               labour
               to
               get
               our
               hearts
               as
               much
               enlarged
               as
               we
               can
               in
               love
               towards
               him
               ,
               though
               
                 we
                 fall
                 short
                 of
              
               what
               we
               might
               attain
               to
               :
               he
               
                 will
                 make
                 up
                 imperfections
              
               ,
               there
               is
               
                 love
                 enough
                 in
                 him
              
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               the
               advantage
               of
               his
               love
               
                 being
                 above
                 ours
              
               ,
               that
               he
               can
               
                 cover
                 those
                 imperfections
              
               in
               our
               love
               to
               him
               ,
               which
               if
               he
               had
               not
               more
               abundantly
               ,
               then
               he
               could
               not
               do
               .
            
             
               
                 What
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 more
              
               ,
               Love
               is
               that
               which
               commandeth
               all
               ,
               it
               draweth
               
                 all
                 the
                 affections
                 along
                 with
                 it
              
               which
               way
               ever
               it
               turns
               ,
               thither
               the
               desires
               are
               bent
               ,
               there
               is
               the
               hope
               fixed
               ,
               there
               the
               
               delights
               are
               
                 qu●
                 amat
                 ,
                 amat
                 ,
                 &
                 nihil
                 aliud
                 novit
                 .
              
               She
               that
               
                 loveth
                 ,
                 loveth
              
               ,
               and
               knoweth
               nothing
               else
               .
               
                 O
                 how
                 shall
                 we
                 not
              
               be
               able
               to
               do
               any
               thing
               against
               sin
               for
               Christ
               ?
               if
               
                 we
                 loved
                 him
                 so
                 entirely
              
               then
               
                 our
                 hearts
                 would
                 be
              
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               we
               could
               not
               grufle
               as
               many
               of
               us
               do
               then
               ,
               we
               should
               be
               more
               
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 name
              
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               honour
               ,
               then
               now
               we
               are
               ?
               but
               alas
               !
               I
               am
               not
               able
               to
               press
               these
               things
               home
               ,
               the
               Lord
               set
               them
               home
               :
               
                 You
                 must
                 love
                 him
              
               brethren
               ,
               else
               you
               will
               have
               little
               joy
               of
               your
               communion
               with
               him
               which
               is
               to
               endure
               to
               eternity
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               
                 Labour
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 him
              
               and
               in
               his
               love
               ,
               rejoyce
               in
               
               the
               Lord
               O
               ye
               righteous
               saith
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               
                 Rejoyce
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
              
               and
               again
               I
               say
               rejoyce
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               duty
               of
               that
               moment
               ,
               
                 he
                 cannot
                 leave
                 it
              
               ,
               he
               goeth
               over
               and
               over
               with
               it
               ,
               do
               not
               think
               I
               am
               mistaken
               when
               I
               bid
               you
               rejoyce
               ,
               because
               happily
               your
               condition
               may
               
                 be
                 afflicted
                 other
                 ways
              
               ,
               again
               I
               say
               rejoyce
               ,
               I
               am
               still
               of
               the
               same
               mind
               .
               The
               Lord
               Jesus
               
                 rejoyceth
                 over
                 you
              
               ,
               as
               sad
               thoughts
               as
               you
               have
               
                 concerning
                 your selves
              
               :
               he
               rejoyceth
               ,
               over
               you
               ,
               he
               is
               glad
               to
               communicate
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               shall
               not
               we
               rejoyce
               then
               in
               the
               receiving
               of
               it
               ?
               
                 Can
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-chamber
                 mourn
                 while
                 the
                 bridegroom
                 is
                 with
                 them
              
               saith
               our
               Saviour
               ?
               it
               is
               not
               sutable
               to
               their
               condition
               ,
               
                 when
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
              
               then
               they
               shall
               mourn
               :
               
                 I
                 deny
                 not
              
               Brethren
               :
               but
               if
               the
               Lord
               do
               withdraw
               himself
               ;
               we
               should
               lament
               after
               him
               ,
               and
               seek
               him
               sorrowing
               ,
               as
               
                 Mary
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 Jesus
                 did
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               
               more
               love
               we
               have
               received
               ,
               if
               we
               grieve
               him
               ,
               this
               will
               be
               the
               more
               grief
               of
               heart
               :
               but
               if
               you
               that
               have
               his
               presence
               in
               a
               sweet
               manner
               ,
               and
               yet
               hang
               the
               head
               ,
               and
               droop
               ,
               as
               if
               our
               joyning
               
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 been
                 the
              
               undoing
               of
               our
               souls
               ;
               So
               pensively
               and
               sadly
               we
               many
               of
               us
               walk
               ,
               that
               indeed
               we
               are
               a
               shame
               and
               dishonour
               to
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               .
               If
               you
               should
               see
               a
               Virgin
               
                 espoused
                 to
              
               a
               man
               ,
               and
               should
               from
               that
               day
               forwad
               never
               hold
               up
               her
               head
               ,
               but
               
                 walk
                 heavily
              
               ,
               what
               would
               you
               think
               ?
               sure
               she
               apprehends
               she
               hath
               made
               an
               ill
               choice
               ,
               her
               expectations
               are
               frustrated
               :
               therefore
               Brethren
               look
               to
               it
               ,
               that
               we
               rejoyce
               ;
               
                 if
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-chamder
                 cannot
                 mourn
                 ,
                 but
                 rejoyce
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
              
               much
               more
               then
               the
               Bride
               .
               
                 The
                 Lords
                 takes
                 pleasure
                 in
                 the
                 prosperity
                 of
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
              
               and
               why
               shouldst
               not
               thou
               
               ●ake
               pleasure
               in
               the
               prosperity
               of
               thy
               own
               soul
               ,
               being
               made
               one
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             
             
               5.
               
               
                 Look
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 you
                 be
                 faithful
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 as
                 a
                 Bride
              
               when
               once
               espoused
               ,
               if
               she
               turned
               aside
               to
               another
               ,
               
                 it
                 was
                 death
              
               ,
               they
               were
               looked
               upon
               as
               in
               a
               marryed
               state
               and
               condition
               ,
               
                 indeed
                 the
                 truth
                 is
              
               ,
               when
               the
               Lord
               hath
               truly
               espoused
               his
               soul
               to
               himself
               ,
               
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 it
              
               in
               faithfulness
               ,
               and
               maketh
               the
               soul
               faithful
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               in
               the
               
                 great
                 Article
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
              
               they
               
               never
               deal
               falsly
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               they
               choose
               not
               another
               Saviour
               ;
               another
               Lord
               ,
               under
               whose
               dominion
               to
               put
               themselves
               constantly
               ;
               yet
               there
               may
               be
               sometimes
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               even
               in
               his
               own
               people
               .
               If
               that
               once
               it
               cometh
               to
               this
               ,
               
                 that
                 we
                 imbrace
                 sin
                 and
                 consent
                 to
                 it
                 ,
              
               and
               take
               any
               
                 delight
                 in
                 it
              
               ,
               this
               is
               to
               
                 play
                 the
                 harlot
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               O
               
                 take
                 heed
              
               of
               this
               brethren
               indeed
               
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 all
              
               that
               he
               looks
               at
               ,
               how
               we
               
                 stand
                 affected
                 to
                 those
                 evils
              
               which
               yet
               remain
               !
               if
               
                 Paul
                 have
                 a
                 body
                 of
                 death
                 ,
              
               yet
               he
               delights
               not
               in
               it
               ,
               
                 but
                 groans
                 being
                 burtheued
              
               ,
               this
               he
               accounts
               not
               unfaithfulness
               ;
               but
               when
               a
               mans
               heart
               beginneth
               to
               sit
               
                 loose
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ,
               to
               be
               almost
               indifferent
               ,
               he
               could
               sometimes
               in
               a
               fit
               of
               wretched
               carnality
               be
               content
               to
               have
               another
               Lord
               to
               rule
               over
               him
               ,
               to
               be
               free
               from
               Christ
               .
               
                 O!
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 looks
                 at
                 ,
              
               and
               he
               will
               search
               out
               ,
               this
               will
               move
               him
               to
               jealousie
               ;
               therefore
               take
               heed
               of
               this
               ,
               
                 a
                 woman
                 may
                 do
                 as
                 much
              
               service
               and
               seemingly
               as
               readily
               to
               her
               husband
               as
               before
               ,
               but
               yet
               
                 her
                 heart
                 be
                 gone
              
               ,
               and
               she
               could
               be
               contented
               to
               be
               loose
               ,
               this
               
                 is
                 heart-Adultery
              
               ,
               this
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               in
               us
               brethren
               ,
               looks
               at
               as
               such
               ;
               
                 if
                 we
                 serve
                 him
              
               ,
               and
               do
               duties
               but
               in
               such
               a
               manner
               that
               we
               could
               even
               be
               contented
               to
               be
               at
               liberty
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               right
               ;
               
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 provoking
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
              
               lest
               it
               prove
               in
               the
               end
               that
               he
               never
               knew
               us
               indeed
               .
               Labour
               to
               be
               faithful
               then
               in
               this
               ,
               in
               the
               main
               .
            
             
               Again
               ,
               
                 In
                 managing
                 all
                 he
                 puts
                 into
                 our
                 hands
                 ,
                 be
                 faithful
                 .
              
               The
               heart
               
                 of
                 her
                 husband
                 doth
                 safely
                 trust
                 in
                 her
                 .
              
               It
               is
               the
               
                 commendation
                 of
                 a
                 woman
                 of
                 a
                 thousand
              
               in
               the
               Proverbs
               ,
               she
               will
               be
               improving
               .
               It
               may
               be
               you
               have
               not
               
                 so
                 much
                 to
                 turn
              
               as
               others
               have
               ,
               
               others
               have
               ten
               times
               more
               parts
               ,
               and
               opportunities
               to
               do
               good
               ,
               let
               them
               look
               to
               it
               ,
               they
               have
               ten
               times
               as
               much
               to
               answer
               for
               ,
               and
               must
               do
               ten
               times
               as
               much
               ;
               but
               
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 as
                 faithful
                 in
                 a
                 little
              
               as
               they
               in
               a
               great
               deal
               .
               
                 One
                 servant
                 is
                 a
                 Steward
              
               in
               the
               family
               ,
               hath
               all
               under
               his
               hand
               ;
               and
               another
               he
               is
               a
               poor
               under-servant
               ,
               hath
               some
               mean
               service
               committed
               to
               him
               ,
               why
               now
               he
               
                 may
                 be
                 as
                 faithful
              
               in
               his
               place
               ,
               as
               the
               other
               in
               
               
               his
               :
               
                 Moses
                 was
                 faithful
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               he
               had
               a
               great
               command
               ;
               
                 Caleb
                 might
                 be
                 as
                 faithful
                 for
                 what
                 was
                 committed
              
               to
               him
               
                 following
                 God
                 fully
              
               as
               the
               Text
               hath
               it
               ,
               
                 say
                 not
                 then
              
               ,
               If
               I
               were
               a
               Magistrate
               ,
               a
               Minister
               ,
               a
               publike
               person
               ,
               had
               such
               opportunities
               to
               do
               
                 good
                 I
                 might
              
               do
               much
               ,
               but
               I
               am
               an
               
                 obscure
                 person
              
               :
               Well
               ,
               be
               
               thy
               condition
               what
               it
               will
               be
               ,
               thou
               
                 mayst
                 do
                 good
              
               ,
               and
               be
               faithful
               in
               thy
               place
               according
               to
               what
               thou
               hast
               received
               ,
               thy
               lips
               may
               drop
               
                 like
                 a
                 hony-comb
              
               ,
               and
               feed
               many
               ,
               and
               
                 like
                 choice
                 silver
                 ,
                 and
                 inrich
              
               many
               ,
               though
               
                 thou
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 mean
              
               ,
               and
               so
               for
               
                 the
                 Family
              
               ,
               and
               up
               and
               down
               ,
               where
               ever
               thou
               comest
               ,
               look
               that
               thou
               be
               faithful
               to
               do
               all
               from
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               do
               all
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               thou
               
                 rob
                 him
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 glory
              
               of
               what
               he
               hath
               done
               for
               thee
               ,
               and
               by
               thee
               ,
               for
               then
               thou
               art
               not
               faithful
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               
                 Another
                 Exhortation
              
               shall
               be
               then
               
                 to
                 desire
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
              
               
               
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 and
                 the
                 Bride
                 say
                 come
                 ,
              
               the
               spirit
               in
               the
               bride
               
                 breathing
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               in
               the
               
                 Revelation
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 come
              
               ,
               We
               looke
               upon
               the
               day
               of
               death
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               were
               the
               day
               of
               divorce
               from
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               truly
               for
               them
               that
               are
               out
               of
               Christ
               ,
               it
               is
               no
               marvel
               if
               it
               be
               a
               King
               of
               terrors
               to
               them
               ,
               but
               to
               the
               Saints
               me
               thinketh
               ,
               who
               look
               for
               the
               appearing
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               consummate
               the
               marriage
               between
               them
               ,
               it
               should
               not
               be
               so
               
                 terrible
                 as
                 it
                 seemeth
              
               to
               be
               to
               the
               most
               of
               us
               ,
               and
               to
               this
               end
               take
               ye
               
                 here
                 brethren
              
               ,
               at
               the
               marriage
               feast
               he
               turns
               
                 our
                 water
                 into
                 wine
              
               ,
               but
               in
               heaven
               our
               
                 wine
                 into
                 spirits
              
               ,
               and
               
                 setteth
                 them
                 a
                 flaming
              
               ,
               our
               love
               flaming
               to
               all
               eternity
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Exhortation
               ,
               which
               is
               
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 our
                 Ornaments
              
               ,
               to
               get
               them
               
               ready
               ,
               why
               do
               we
               hang
               back
               ,
               but
               because
               we
               are
               not
               ready
               ,
               we
               have
               
                 somewhat
                 or
                 another
                 unready
              
               ,
               still
               ,
               our
               work
               is
               not
               done
               ,
               can
               a
               
                 maid
                 forget
                 her
                 Ornaments
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 Bride
                 her
                 attire
                 ,
              
               yet
               my
               people
               have
               
                 forgotten
                 me
                 ?
                 As
                 a
                 Bride
                 adorneth
                 her self
                 with
                 her
                 Jewels
                 ,
              
               
               so
               he
               hath
               cloathed
               me
               with
               the
               garments
               of
               salvation
               ,
               he
               hath
               covered
               
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 robe
                 of
                 righteousness
                 .
                 Eleazer
              
               put
               jewels
               upon
               Rebecca
               before
               she
               came
               to
               Isaac
               ;
               and
               therefore
               the
               spouse
               is
               called
               Callah
               in
               the
               Original
               ,
               because
               of
               her
               perfect
               adorning
               ,
               therefore
               look
               to
               this
               brethren
               ,
               that
               you
               be
               adorned
               ,
               O
               every
               day
               put
               on
               your
               Ornaments
               and
               make
               
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
              
               ,
               for
               while
               your
               hearts
               are
               out
               of
               order
               ,
               your
               Spirits
               out
               of
               frame
               you
               are
               not
               fit
               to
               
                 meet
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 Jesus
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               you
               will
               hang
               back
               ;
               but
               so
               much
               of
               this
               Exhortation
               .
            
             
               
                 The
                 last
                 Application
              
               will
               be
               a
               word
               of
               
                 comfort
                 to
                 such
              
               as
               through
               grace
               have
               
                 yielded
                 up
                 themselves
              
               to
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               or
               are
               
               desirous
               or
               do
               so
               ,
               to
               be
               espoused
               to
               him
               according
               to
               the
               several
               conditions
               of
               such
               creatures
               ,
               there
               may
               from
               hence
               be
               a
               various
               and
               strong
               consolation
               administred
               from
               this
               Doctrine
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 Then
                 alas
              
               !
               you
               will
               say
               withal
               your
               souls
               you
               close
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               there
               is
               nothing
               you
               more
               gladly
               undertake
               ,
               but
               you
               know
               he
               is
               a
               righteous
               God
               ,
               
                 most
                 just
                 and
                 most
                 pure
              
               of
               eys
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               will
               surely
               be
               displeased
               with
               you
               ,
               and
               you
               shall
               have
               little
               comsort
               ,
               yea
               you
               do
               finde
               that
               your
               fruitlesness
               of
               walking
               doth
               provoke
               him
               ;
               and
               therefore
               you
               are
               afraid
               sooner
               or
               later
               ,
               he
               will
               cast
               you
               off
               ,
               before
               you
               come
               to
               enter
               with
               him
               into
               the
               marriage
               ,
               
                 O
                 I
                 shall
                 one
                 day
                 fall
              
               by
               the
               hand
               of
               this
               Pride
               ,
               of
               this
               uncleanness
               ,
               of
               this
               lust
               or
               the
               other
               .
               For
               Answer
               to
               this
               remember
               .
               1.
               
               
                 That
                 the
                 Lord
                 when
                 he
                 doth
                 betroth
                 ,
                 he
                 betretheth
                 forev●r
                 ,
              
               and
               he
               doth
               
                 it
                 in
                 faithfulness
              
               ,
               so
               that
               if
               the
               
                 saithfulness
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 could
                 fail
                 who
                 hath
                 espoused
                 thee
                 :
              
               thou
               mightest
               miscarry
               .
               
                 Men
                 indeed
                 after
                 espousals
              
               if
               they
               
                 discover
                 any
                 deformity
              
               which
               they
               knew
               not
               before
               ,
               may
               be
               apt
               to
               change
               their
               minds
               ,
               yea
               sometimes
               where
               there
               is
               no
               cause
               at
               all
               but
               their
               own
               fickleness
               and
               changableness
               ;
               but
               there
               is
               no
               variableness
               ,
               nor
               
                 shadow
                 of
                 turning
              
               with
               him
               ,
               
                 hath
                 he
                 spoken
                 it
              
               ,
               and
               will
               he
               not
               perform
               it
               ?
               
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 thee
              
               ,
               saith
               he
               to
               
                 Jacob
                 until
              
               I
               have
               
                 performed
                 all
                 the
                 good
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 spoken
                 concerning
                 thee
                 .
              
               But
               a
               little
               more
               fully
               to
               open
               it
               .
               
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 Concession
                 ,
              
               he
               may
               sometimes
               be
               angry
               with
               
                 his
                 spouse
              
               ,
               or
               at
               least
               withdraw
               himself
               ,
               properly
               he
               is
               not
               angry
               at
               all
               ,
               nor
               subject
               to
               any
               passion
               ,
               but
               he
               may
               behold
               that
               in
               his
               people
               ,
               for
               which
               he
               may
               
                 sometimes
                 put
                 them
                 to
                 a
                 little
                 grief
                 ,
              
               and
               make
               them
               believe
               that
               he
               will
               cast
               them
               off
               ,
               as
               you
               have
               
                 it
                 in
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Psalms
                 ,
              
               he
               may
               frown
               ,
               
                 and
                 hide
                 his
                 face
              
               from
               his
               people
               ,
               but
               as
               on
               their
               part
               ,
               every
               withdrawing
               from
               him
               is
               not
               a
               
                 breach
                 of
                 the
                 marriage-Covenant
              
               :
               so
               neither
               is
               every
               withdrawing
               of
               his
               refreshing
               presence
               ,
               a
               
                 breach
                 of
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 he
                 doth
                 so
              
               withdraw
               brethren
               ,
               alas
               his
               
                 heart
                 works
                 towards
                 his
                 people
              
               as
               to
               
               
                 Ephraim
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 earnestly
                 remember
                 him
                 still
                 ,
              
               he
               
                 may
                 give
                 his
                 people
                 
                 sharp
                 words
                 sometimes
                 ,
              
               which
               will
               be
               a
               cutting
               to
               the
               souls
               that
               are
               deeply
               in
               love
               with
               him
               ,
               but
               they
               go
               to
               his
               own
               heart
               as
               well
               as
               they
               do
               to
               theirs
               ;
               
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 difference
                 brethren
              
               ,
               between
               our
               withdrawings
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               his
               withdrawings
               from
               us
               that
               are
               his
               people
               ,
               
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 many
                 times
                 gone
              
               in
               a
               great
               part
               to
               sit
               loose
               from
               him
               ,
               
                 though
                 not
                 altogether
              
               for
               the
               Church
               when
               she
               slept
               ,
               
                 her
                 heart
                 waked
              
               ,
               but
               now
               
                 with
                 him
                 it
                 is
                 otherwise
              
               ,
               his
               heart
               is
               never
               gone
               in
               the
               
                 least
                 from
                 his
                 people
              
               ,
               onely
               he
               may
               
                 speak
                 sometimes
              
               a
               bitter
               word
               to
               them
               ,
               but
               all
               this
               while
               his
               heart
               is
               full
               of
               sweetness
               and
               love
               to
               them
               ,
               this
               is
               one
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Remember
                 this
                 also
                 as
                 a
                 pillar
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 ,
              
               that
               he
               hath
               builded
               and
               founded
               this
               espousal
               and
               union
               between
               him
               and
               his
               people
               
                 so
                 sure
              
               ,
               as
               that
               it
               can
               never
               be
               shaken
               ;
               upon
               the
               
                 freeness
                 of
                 his
                 grace
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               
                 cannot
                 be
                 moved
              
               .
               Upon
               his
               
                 full
                 knowledge
              
               of
               what
               
                 we
                 would
                 be
              
               ,
               indeed
               ,
               if
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               had
               not
               known
               what
               
                 fruitless
                 froward
                 creatures
                 we
                 would
                 prove
                 ,
              
               how
               unthankful
               ,
               how
               unkind
               ,
               it
               had
               been
               something
               ,
               for
               a
               poor
               doubting
               soul
               to
               have
               fed
               his
               fears
               with
               :
               but
               he
               knew
               long
               before
               brethren
               and
               if
               
                 he
                 had
                 seen
              
               that
               he
               had
               not
               had
               
                 bowels
                 enough
              
               to
               swallow
               up
               all
               our
               unworthiness
               ,
               he
               would
               
                 never
                 have
                 made
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
              
               for
               he
               is
               God
               ,
               and
               his
               work
               is
               perfect
               ,
               he
               would
               never
               have
               begun
               except
               
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 able
                 to
                 lay
              
               the
               top-stone
               :
               Again
               
                 the
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 the
                 Justice
                 of
                 God
              
               is
               to
               the
               full
               ,
               this
               is
               that
               which
               amazeth
               ,
               and
               alrighteth
               many
               a
               poor
               soul
               ;
               they
               forget
               themselves
               and
               look
               upon
               their
               failings
               ,
               as
               those
               which
               
                 expose
                 them
                 to
                 divine
                 vindicative
                 justice
                 ,
              
               which
               is
               a
               great
               mistake
               ,
               for
               that
               
                 was
                 once
                 fully
                 satisfyed
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               and
               he
               is
               
                 well
                 pleased
                 in
                 him
              
               with
               all
               that
               can
               bring
               him
               in
               their
               arms
               ,
               if
               we
               can
               
                 but
                 come
                 to
                 God
              
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               in
               our
               arms
               ,
               
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 more
              
               to
               say
               to
               us
               ,
               
                 all
                 is
                 made
                 even
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               there
               was
               never
               such
               a
               declaration
               of
               the
               Justice
               of
               God
               ,
               
                 as
                 in
                 giving
                 his
                 own
                 son
                 ,
              
               to
               be
               a
               ransom
               ,
               a
               sacrifice
               once
               for
               all
               ,
               and
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 declare
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               therefore
               he
               was
               given
               to
               be
               a
               propitiation
               for
               the
               remission
               of
               sins
               ,
               there
               God
               appeared
               righteous
               indeed
               ,
               that
               the
               flames
               of
               hell
               
                 must
                 kindle
                 upon
                 his
                 son
              
               ,
               yea
               and
               
                 burn
                 to
                 the
                 lowermost
                 hell
              
               in
               a
               sort
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               be
               satisfyed
               ,
               that
               justice
               might
               
                 for
                 ever
                 lye
                 still
                 and
                 be
                 silenced
                 ,
              
               as
               to
               his
               people
               ,
               it
               is
               
                 more
                 that
                 Christ
                 suffered
              
               ,
               then
               if
               thou
               and
               ten
               thousand
               such
               as
               we
               are
               ,
               should
               suffer
               to
               eternity
               ,
               we
               
               
                 could
                 never
                 have
                 paid
              
               the
               utmost
               farthing
               ,
               which
               
                 he
                 paid
                 to
                 the
                 uttermost
              
               ,
               else
               he
               could
               not
               have
               saved
               us
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               besides
               ,
               
               
               we
               should
               have
               been
               long
               paying
               that
               we
               payd
               ,
               
                 he
                 at
                 once
                 payd
              
               
               all
               ,
               and
               therefore
               this
               Marriage
               is
               so
               founded
               brethren
               upon
               this
               satisfaction
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               that
               it
               cannot
               be
               shaken
               .
               Yea
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 As
                 to
                 that
                 of
                 afflicting
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 frowning
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 forward
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 strict
                 to
                 mark
                 what
                 is
                 done
                 amiss
                 ,
              
               to
               take
               notice
               of
               every
               slip
               and
               failing
               ,
               if
               he
               were
               we
               should
               never
               
               have
               comfortable
               moment
               ;
               no
               ,
               
                 he
                 is
                 rather
              
               strict
               to
               mark
               what
               is
               good
               in
               us
               ,
               what
               
                 beauty
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 us
              
               ,
               if
               there
               be
               but
               one
               beauty
               or
               fair
               place
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               many
               
                 spots
                 ,
                 his
                 eye
                 and
                 his
                 heart
              
               is
               rather
               upon
               that
               ,
               as
               some
               
                 observe
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Sarah
              
               ,
               there
               is
               but
               
                 one
                 good
                 word
                 in
                 her
                 speech
              
               calling
               
                 Abraham
                 Lord
              
               ,
               all
               the
               rest
               
                 savours
                 of
                 unbelief
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 that
                 .
              
               So
               
                 Rahab
                 Jos
                 .
                 2.
                 4
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 Heb.
              
               11.
               31.
               
               Alas
               what
               miserable
               mangled
               Services
               do
               we
               offer
               up
               ,
               to
               our
               own
               eys
               there
               is
               not
               any
               thing
               desirable
               that
               is
               ought
               .
               Well
               ,
               
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 but
                 one
                 sigh
                 ,
              
               one
               groan
               ,
               in
               sincerity
               ,
               he
               is
               more
               ready
               to
               take
               notice
               of
               that
               then
               of
               all
               your
               failings
               ;
               and
               
                 therefore
                 is
                 not
                 forward
              
               to
               put
               his
               spouse
               and
               people
               to
               grief
               ,
               
                 O
                 he
                 is
                 full
              
               of
               kindness
               and
               tenderness
               to
               us
               .
            
             
               Yea
               4.
               
               
                 It
                 is
                 observable
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 over
                 his
              
               people
               continually
               as
               a
               Bridegroom
               over
               a
               Bride
               ,
               
                 not
                 onely
                 his
                 heart
              
               is
               constant
               to
               them
               ,
               
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 constant
              
               in
               the
               same
               
                 fervor
                 of
                 affection
              
               towards
               them
               ,
               a
               Bridegroom
               rejoyceth
               exceedingly
               over
               his
               Bride
               ,
               though
               happily
               afterward
               he
               is
               not
               so
               much
               affected
               ,
               for
               
                 it
                 is
                 our
                 natures
              
               the
               imperfection
               of
               them
               ,
               that
               
                 new
                 things
                 affect
              
               us
               more
               then
               old
               ,
               
                 now
                 with
                 God
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 new
                 nor
                 old
                 ,
              
               but
               his
               heart
               is
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               so
               is
               
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 his
                 heart
              
               ;
               he
               rejoyceth
               over
               his
               people
               continually
               as
               a
               Bridegroom
               over
               his
               Bride
               ,
               not
               as
               a
               man
               over
               his
               wife
               ,
               but
               as
               a
               
                 Bridegroom
                 over
                 his
                 Bride
              
               ,
               now
               surely
               if
               a
               man
               
                 do
                 afterwards
                 cool
                 in
                 his
                 affections
              
               towards
               his
               wife
               and
               
                 could
                 be
                 content
              
               to
               be
               separated
               from
               her
               ,
               yet
               
                 upon
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 espousal
              
               or
               Marriage
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               be
               induced
               to
               it
               ,
               he
               rejoyceth
               over
               his
               Bride
               :
               Why
               such
               is
               Gods
               heart
               and
               Christ
               his
               heart
               continually
               to
               his
               people
               .
               But
               so
               much
               for
               this
               :
            
             
               
                 Therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 help
                 us
                 to
                 conclude
                 ,
              
               from
               those
               promises
               ,
               
                 however
                 it
                 be
              
               ,
               however
               he
               
                 may
                 speak
                 against
                 us
              
               ,
               sometimes
               ,
               and
               act
               so
               ,
               as
               it
               seemeth
               to
               
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 against
                 us
              
               ,
               as
               Jacob
               saith
               ,
               all
               these
               things
               are
               against
               me
               ,
               yet
               
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 part
                 with
                 any
                 soul
                 ,
              
               he
               hath
               espoused
               to
               himself
               :
               
                 Ahashuerus
                 may
                 put
                 away
                 the
                 Queen
                 upon
                 a
                 seeming
                 scorn
                 ,
              
               or
               contempt
               ,
               refusing
               to
               come
               at
               his
               command
               when
               he
               was
               in
               is
               cups
               ;
               but
               brethren
               ,
               though
               it
               may
               be
               thou
               
               hast
               and
               thou
               
                 dost
                 many
                 times
                 slight
                 the
                 call
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               thou
               wilt
               not
               come
               ,
               nor
               follow
               him
               when
               he
               would
               have
               thee
               ;
               thou
               shalt
               follow
               him
               in
               darkness
               ,
               
                 and
                 lament
                 after
                 him
              
               ,
               when
               he
               is
               withdrawn
               ;
               but
               he
               will
               
                 not
                 put
                 away
              
               .
               It
               is
               said
               in
               that
               of
               Mal.
               the
               
                 Lord
                 hates
                 putting
                 away
              
               ,
               it
               is
               true
               ,
               it
               is
               firstly
               intended
               there
               of
               
                 mens
                 putting
                 away
                 their
                 wives
              
               ,
               but
               surely
               if
               he
               hate
               it
               in
               us
               ,
               he
               will
               not
               admit
               it
               in
               himself
               ,
               though
               
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 above
                 all
                 Law
                 given
                 to
                 us
                 ,
              
               yet
               he
               hath
               
                 set
                 forth
                 this
                 mystery
                 of
                 his
                 union
              
               with
               his
               Church
               ,
               by
               the
               
                 Marriage-union
                 ,
                 I
                 shew
                 you
                 a
                 mystery
              
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               but
               I
               speak
               concerning
               Christ
               and
               his
               Church
               .
               
                 And
                 as
                 it
                 holds
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 cherishing
                 ,
              
               and
               nourishing
               ,
               and
               not
               hating
               ;
               so
               why
               not
               in
               this
               ,
               that
               he
               hates
               putting
               away
               ,
               the
               Lord
               cannot
               admit
               of
               such
               a
               thought
               
                 of
                 putting
                 away
              
               such
               a
               soul
               ,
               if
               Satan
               
                 would
                 move
                 for
                 it
              
               ,
               the
               Lord
               hates
               it
               ,
               and
               hates
               him
               for
               it
               .
               Be
               of
               good
               chear
               therefore
               thou
               poor
               drooping
               soul
               that
               hast
               received
               him
               ,
               accepted
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               closed
               with
               his
               wooing
               and
               intreating
               thee
               to
               be
               reconciled
               and
               given
               up
               thy self
               to
               him
               ,
               assure
               
                 thy self
                 he
                 will
                 never
              
               put
               away
               any
               poor
               soul
               .
            
             
               Ob.
               
                 Alas
                 !
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
              
               this
               is
               little
               comfort
               ,
               though
               he
               be
               thus
               
                 unchangeable
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 may
                 change
              
               and
               break
               the
               Marriage-Covenant
               with
               him
               ,
               or
               I
               have
               done
               it
               ,
               I
               fear
               ;
               and
               therefore
               in
               such
               a
               case
               he
               may
               put
               me
               away
               ,
               and
               yet
               not
               change
               ,
               for
               the
               change
               is
               in
               me
               .
               For
               this
               brethren
               remember
               ,
               It
               is
               not
               the
               back-slidings
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               that
               can
               undo
               the
               match
               made
               between
               him
               and
               them
               ,
               did
               
                 not
                 Israel
                 go
                 a
                 whoring
                 after
                 other
                 Gods
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 that
                 the
                 breach
                 of
                 the
                 Marriage-Covenant
                 ,
              
               he
               speaks
               there
               of
               that
               Church
               ,
               
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 not
                 receive
                 his
                 wife
                 again
                 ,
              
               likely
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ,
               
                 yet
                 return
                 again
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 receive
                 you
                 .
              
               If
               that
               the
               Lord
               had
               not
               foreseen
               
                 those
                 back-slidings
                 in
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 somewhat
                 ,
                 if
                 Christ
                 had
                 not
                 fully
                 satisfyed
                 the
                 father
                 for
                 them
              
               as
               well
               as
               for
               other
               sins
               ,
               it
               had
               been
               something
               ,
               if
               upon
               this
               
                 account
                 ,
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 forgiveness
                 ,
              
               laid
               up
               in
               store
               enough
               with
               God
               for
               these
               things
               it
               were
               somwhat
               indeed
               .
               And
               it
               is
               
                 very
                 observable
                 brethren
              
               (
               I
               speak
               the
               more
               ,
               because
               I
               know
               that
               poor
               creatures
               in
               this
               condition
               they
               are
               full
               of
               jealousies
               and
               fears
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               can
               be
               said
               is
               little
               enough
               to
               quiet
               and
               comfort
               )
               
                 [
                 first
                 ▪
                 observe
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 speaks
              
               over
               and
               over
               ,
               and
               over
               again
               ,
               Israel
               had
               back-sliden
               in
               that
               Prophesie
               of
               
                 Hosea
                 ,
                 as
                 appears
              
               ch
               .
               14.
               4.
               
               
                 I
                 will
                 heal
                 their
                 back-slidings
              
               .
               Well
               ,
               now
               they
               could
               hardly
               
                 believe
                 that
                 God
                 
                 would
                 receive
              
               them
               again
               ,
               they
               were
               so
               
                 confounded
                 they
                 had
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
              
               ;
               therefore
               he
               
                 puts
                 words
                 into
                 their
                 mouths
              
               in
               that
               chapter
               ,
               teacheth
               them
               what
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 but
                 observe
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 chapter
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 betroth
                 them
                 ,
                 saith
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 I
                 will.
              
               you
               have
               it
               no
               less
               then
               three
               or
               four
               times
               ,
               which
               
                 speaks
                 the
                 certainty
                 and
                 ardency
              
               of
               affection
               in
               doing
               the
               thing
               in
               answer
               to
               their
               doubtings
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               Alas
               saith
               the
               poor
               soul
               ,
               it
               will
               not
               sink
               with
               me
               ,
               that
               after
               
                 such
                 Apostacy
              
               and
               backslidings
               he
               will
               receive
               it
               :
               
                 I
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 again
                 .
              
               O!
               I
               cannot
               believe
               it
               saith
               the
               soul
               ;
               
                 I
                 will
                 do
                 it
              
               saith
               he
               again
               .
               Yea
               2.
               
               
                 Observe
                 there
              
               that
               he
               will
               do
               it
               ,
               and
               espouse
               them
               ,
               
                 betroth
                 them
              
               again
               ;
               as
               one
               very
               well
               hoteth
               ,
               he
               saith
               not
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 receive
                 them
              
               ,
               as
               a
               man
               may
               recive
               his
               Adulterous
               wife
               again
               ,
               
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 betroth
                 them
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 virgins
                 ,
                 ,
              
               pure
               ,
               and
               unspotted
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 will
                 receive
                 them
              
               ,
               not
               upbraiding
               them
               with
               their
               going
               a
               whoring
               from
               him
               ,
               
                 so
                 the
                 virgin
                 daughter
                 of
                 Sion
                 ,
              
               you
               have
               heard
               they
               
                 are
                 called
                 upon
              
               their
               repentance
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               never
               
                 polluted
                 themselves
              
               ,
               so
               that
               if
               the
               
               Lord
               give
               thee
               but
               a
               repenting
               heart
               ,
               thy
               
                 back-slidings
                 will
              
               be
               as
               if
               thou
               hadst
               never
               started
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               from
               
                 final
                 departing
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 keep
                 them
                 ,
              
               I
               say
               ,
               he
               will
               keep
               them
               ;
               here
               is
               the
               difference
               between
               this
               espousal
               ,
               and
               those
               between
               men
               and
               women
               ,
               there
               ,
               if
               the
               mans
               heart
               continue
               faithful
               ,
               happily
               hers
               may
               fall
               off
               ,
               and
               never
               close
               again
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               an
               end
               of
               the
               matter
               ,
               but
               here
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               his
               heart
               is
               not
               onely
               toward
               his
               people
               ,
               but
               he
               keepeth
               their
               hearts
               with
               him
               ,
               that
               they
               shall
               not
               depart
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 tenor
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 put
                 my
                 fear
                 into
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 not
                 depart
                 from
                 me
                 ,
              
               as
               long
               as
               God
               is
               faithful
               ,
               and
               the
               Covenant
               of
               Grace
               stands
               ,
               they
               shall
               not
               depart
               ,
               let
               Satan
               ,
               
               and
               sophisters
               say
               what
               they
               will.
               
            
             
               
                 Then
                 in
                 the
                 next
                 place
                 this
                 being
                 made
                 good
                 ,
              
               there
               is
               a
               spring
               of
               comfort
               ariseth
               from
               this
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               in
               respect
               of
               troubles
               and
               crosses
               ,
               afflictions
               and
               losses
               ,
               the
               fading
               vanities
               of
               the
               world
               .
               Thou
               
                 mayest
                 lose
                 thy
                 dear
                 husband
              
               ,
               that
               is
               as
               dear
               as
               thy
               life
               ,
               
                 But
                 thy
                 Maker
                 is
                 thy
                 husband
                 ,
              
               if
               thou
               believe
               ,
               and
               thou
               canst
               not
               lose
               him
               ,
               nor
               he
               will
               not
               lose
               thee
               .
               Thy
               dear
               children
               ,
               they
               are
               but
               fading
               flowers
               ,
               that
               
                 even
                 wither
                 in
                 the
                 hand
              
               and
               perish
               in
               the
               using
               ,
               as
               all
               these
               
                 outward
                 comforts
                 do
              
               ,
               but
               here
               is
               a
               comfort
               ,
               
                 never
                 fades
                 ,
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 afflicted
                 happily
              
               with
               the
               cooling
               of
               the
               affections
               of
               dear
               relations
               to
               thee
               ;
               
                 why
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 his
                 heart
              
               is
               
               at
               the
               same
               pass
               alway
               to
               thee
               ,
               it
               is
               alway
               ,
               a
               day
               of
               espousal
               with
               him
               ,
               he
               
                 rejoyceth
                 continually
                 as
                 a
                 Bridegroom
                 over
                 his
                 Bride
                 .
              
               Methinketh
               brethren
               ,
               whatever
               your
               troubles
               are
               ,
               
                 inward
                 ,
                 or
                 outward
              
               ,
               here
               you
               
                 may
                 relieve
              
               your selves
               ;
               by
               having
               recourse
               to
               your
               interest
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               your
               Redeemer
               and
               your
               husband
               ,
               if
               you
               believe
               in
               him
               .
               But
               I
               will
               not
               stand
               any
               longer
               upon
               this
               Doctrine
               .
            
             
               
                 I
                 had
                 now
                 thought
              
               to
               have
               gone
               on
               ,
               with
               what
               is
               spoken
               
                 concerning
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               first
               proposal
               of
               a
               method
               .
               But
               it
               may
               happily
               be
               as
               well
               ,
               if
               not
               better
               to
               many
               understandings
               
                 to
                 take
                 things
                 as
                 they
                 lye
              
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               and
               therefore
               I
               shall
               so
               do
               .
            
             
               Then
               shall
               
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Heaven
              
               be
               likened
               to
               
                 ten
                 virgins
              
               ,
               
               which
               took
               their
               Lamps
               and
               
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
              
               the
               Bridegroom
               .
            
             
               
                 For
                 the
                 Adverb
                 of
                 Time
              
               ,
               Then
               
                 I
                 shall
              
               happily
               speak
               somewhat
               afterward
               .
               The
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               that
               
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
              
               I
               might
               in●ist
               upon
               it
               and
               shew
               you
               ,
               that
               the
               Church
               
                 visible
                 is
                 a
                 Kingdom
              
               ,
               and
               that
               
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 head
                 of
                 this
                 Church
                 ,
              
               the
               King
               of
               the
               Saints
               ,
               and
               not
               onely
               ruleth
               the
               Saints
               which
               really
               believe
               ,
               by
               his
               word
               and
               spirit
               which
               abide
               ,
               and
               dwell
               in
               them
               :
               but
               also
               
                 he
                 ruleth
              
               his
               Church
               visible
               
                 by
                 his
                 word
                 and
                 spirit
              
               ,
               and
               Ordinances
               ,
               all
               the
               Administrations
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               .
               
                 But
                 that
                 Kingdom
              
               hath
               been
               lately
               spoken
               to
               by
               a
               brother
               ,
               therefore
               I
               will
               wave
               that
               .
            
             
               
                 I
                 might
                 also
                 speak
                 something
              
               to
               the
               heavenliness
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Heaven
              
               ,
               and
               shew
               you
               how
               it
               is
               heavenly
               in
               its
               Original
               in
               divine
               Laws
               ,
               Institutions
               ,
               and
               many
               other
               ways
               ;
               But
               
                 you
                 had
                 it
              
               held
               forth
               largely
               ,
               by
               a
               better
               hand
               ;
               therefore
               I
               will
               not
               trouble
               you
               again
               with
               these
               things
               so
               soon
               .
            
             
               It
               
                 shall
                 be
                 likened
                 to
                 ten
                 virgins
                 .
              
               There
               is
               another
               Note
               which
               floweth
               clearly
               (
               I
               think
               )
               from
               the
               words
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               this
               .
            
             
               The
               
                 visible
                 Church
                 for
                 the
                 matter
              
               ,
               is
               
                 made
                 up
                 of
                 visible
                 Saints
              
               :
               
               that
               this
               is
               so
               ,
               will
               appear
               from
               the
               very
               Text
               it self
               .
               
                 First
                 ,
                 It
                 shall
                 be
                 compared
              
               to
               ten
               virgins
               ,
               he
               saith
               not
               
                 to
                 a
                 mixed
                 multitude
              
               ,
               or
               to
               10
               women
               ,
               five
               wherof
               are
               virgins
               ,
               and
               5
               harlots
               or
               strumpets
               ,
               but
               to
               10
               virgins
               ,
               and
               what
               that
               word
               doth
               import
               ,
               I
               believe
               you
               remember
               since
               the
               words
               were
               opened
               to
               you
               ,
               such
               are
               
               turned
               from
               Idols
               to
               the
               living
               God
               ,
               as
               he
               
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 conversion
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Thessalonians
                 ,
              
               according
               to
               the
               judgement
               of
               Charity
               ,
               for
               else
               so
               far
               as
               a
               professed
               subjection
               
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 renouncing
              
               
               them
               reacheth
               ,
               he
               spake
               according
               to
               a
               judgement
               of
               verity
               ,
               for
               that
               they
               did
               profess
               ,
               and
               so
               
                 escaping
                 the
                 pollutions
              
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               forsaking
               gross
               and
               loose
               courses
               ,
               and
               professedly
               subject
               themselves
               to
               the
               rule
               of
               the
               government
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
               To
               such
               
                 the
                 Church
                 visible
              
               is
               here
               compared
               ,
               and
               the
               most
               the
               Lord
               speaks
               of
               
                 his
                 relation
                 to
                 his
                 people
              
               ,
               it
               is
               after
               the
               manner
               of
               men
               ,
               under
               such
               similitudes
               as
               we
               can
               conceive
               of
               ,
               and
               as
               we
               may
               be
               led
               by
               ,
               as
               by
               a
               clew
               
                 into
                 the
                 understanding
                 of
                 the
                 deep
                 mysteries
              
               of
               faith
               and
               salvation
               .
            
             
               
                 But
                 if
                 any
                 will
                 think
              
               or
               say
               this
               is
               
                 not
                 a
                 sure
                 bottom
              
               to
               build
               such
               a
               truth
               ,
               or
               point
               upon
               :
               
                 because
                 the
                 virgins
              
               ,
               here
               are
               not
               considered
               as
               virgins
               ;
               
                 but
                 as
                 persons
              
               accompanying
               the
               Bride
               ,
               going
               forth
               to
               meet
               the
               Bridegroom
               :
               I
               shall
               first
               say
               ,
            
             
               That
               as
               they
               are
               not
               onely
               
                 considered
                 as
                 virgins
              
               ,
               so
               neither
               is
               the
               consideration
               of
               their
               virginity
               to
               be
               waved
               ,
               for
               as
               in
               the
               
                 similitude
                 usually
              
               ,
               they
               were
               those
               virgins
               which
               did
               
                 accompany
                 the
                 Bride
              
               ,
               so
               I
               suppose
               in
               the
               Apodosis
               now
               of
               the
               comparison
               ,
               we
               are
               to
               look
               for
               somewhat
               which
               may
               answer
               that
               virginity
               ,
               
                 And
                 you
                 finde
                 it
              
               in
               Scripture
               to
               be
               answered
               by
               those
               things
               I
               have
               proposed
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 their
                 forsaking
                 Idolatry
              
               ,
               turning
               to
               the
               true
               God
               ,
               and
               their
               renouncing
               their
               former
               prophane
               conversation
               .
               And
               then
               secondly
               ,
               I
               say
               this
               is
               not
               the
               only
               bottom
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               whereupon
               it
               is
               builded
               .
            
             
               For
               in
               the
               
                 second
                 place
                 besides
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 or
                 compared
                 to
                 virgins
                 ,
              
               they
               are
               also
               said
               to
               take
               
                 their
                 Lamps
              
               ,
               and
               surely
               if
               we
               must
               expound
               what
               is
               meant
               by
               the
               Lamps
               :
               we
               
                 can
                 understand
                 and
                 nothing
              
               less
               by
               it
               then
               a
               visibility
               of
               Saintship
               .
               But
               if
               this
               
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 it
                 neither
              
               ,
               methinketh
               the
            
             
               
                 Third
                 should
                 be
                 undenyable
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               they
               went
               
                 forth
                 from
                 home
                 ,
                 and
                 forlook
                 their
                 fathers
                 house
                 and
                 mothers
              
               they
               set
               upon
               their
               journey
               heavenward
               ,
               Zion-ward
               to
               meet
               Jesus
               Christ
               who
               is
               the
               Bridegroom
               ,
               who
               will
               ere
               
                 long
                 come
                 to
                 take
              
               the
               Bride
               unto
               himself
               .
               There
               are
               many
               
               Scriptures
               will
               speak
               fully
               to
               the
               proof
               of
               this
               .
               Some
               prophesies
               there
               are
               ,
               as
               that
               in
               the
               
                 Prophet
                 Isaiah
              
               ;
               there
               he
               speaks
               
                 of
                 a
                 high-way
              
               shal
               be
               cast
               up
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 unclean
                 shal
                 not
                 pass
                 over
                 it
                 ;
                 Again
                 none
                 uncircumcised
                 in
                 heart
                 or
                 flesh
                 shall
                 enter
                 into
                 his
                 Sanctuary
              
               ;
               
               this
               applyed
               ,
               not
               only
               to
               the
               times
               of
               their
               returning
               from
               Babylon
               ,
               but
               to
               the
               Gospel-times
               ;
               What
               can
               it
               speak
               less
               then
               this
               Brethren
               ?
               that
               
                 no
                 visible
              
               ,
               unclean
               creature
               ,
               shall
               ever
               enter
               into
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ?
               It
               should
               consist
               of
               visible
               Saints
               ,
               
                 This
                 is
                 plain
              
               by
               the
               tares
               and
               the
               wheat
               ,
               
                 which
                 ,
                 while
              
               in
               the
               blade
               are
               are
               so
               like
               ,
               they
               
                 hardly
                 discernable
              
               in
               those
               Countries
               as
               Jerom
               saith
               ,
               And
               
                 so
                 by
                 the
                 Apostles
              
               ,
               wherefore
               else
               do
               they
               call
               them
               holy
               to
               the
               Saints
               which
               are
               at
               Corinth
               ,
               at
               Ephesus
               ,
               &c
               ,
               but
               either
               
               they
               were
               all
               
                 such
                 visibly
              
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               judgement
               of
               charity
               ,
               or
               else
               ought
               to
               have
               been
               such
               ?
               
                 Mistake
                 not
                 ,
                 I
                 say
              
               ,
               not
               that
               none
               should
               be
               a
               member
               of
               a
               Church
               ,
               but
               he
               that
               is
               a
               real
               Saint
               and
               shall
               be
               saved
               ,
               for
               then
               there
               could
               be
               no
               Church
               wherein
               we
               could
               walk
               or
               administer
               ,
               or
               receive
               any
               ordinance
               
                 de
                 fide
              
               ,
               because
               we
               know
               not
               who
               are
               such
               ,
               nor
               cannot
               know
               ,
               
                 as
                 I
                 conceive
              
               ,
               nor
               have
               any
               rule
               to
               make
               an
               
                 infallible
                 judgement
              
               of
               any
               man
               ,
               but
               only
               probably
               to
               conclude
               concerning
               the
               state
               and
               conditions
               of
               men
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               invisible
               to
               us
               ,
               it
               is
               true
               ,
               its
               visible
               to
               God
               and
               that
               which
               is
               visible
               to
               him
               ,
               is
               invisible
               to
               us
               .
               But
               visible
               Saints
               surely
               they
               ought
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 further
                 opening
              
               of
               this
               ,
               what
               I
               mean
               by
               
                 visible
                 Saints
              
               ,
               and
               Saint-ship
               ,
               I
               shall
               endeavour
               to
               lay
               it
               down
               in
               these
               particulars
               ,
               as
               plainly
               
                 as
                 I
                 can
              
               to
               your
               understandings
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 Then
                 it
                 is
                 requisite
                 to
                 Saint-ship
                 ,
              
               that
               there
               be
               a
               
                 separation
                 to
                 God
                 from
                 the
                 world
              
               ;
               that
               is
               holiness
               whether
               in
               things
               or
               in
               persons
               when
               they
               are
               separated
               to
               God
               for
               any
               special
               use
               
               of
               his
               ,
               they
               are
               called
               holy
               ,
               
                 Common
                 and
                 unclean
                 ,
                 are
                 convertible
                 tearms
                 ,
              
               as
               you
               have
               in
               it
               in
               the
               Acts
               ;
               
                 and
                 as
                 appears
              
               by
               the
               sanctifying
               of
               the
               
                 Vineyards
                 and
                 Orchards
              
               ;
               when
               the
               
                 Lord
                 had
              
               had
               the
               first-fruits
               of
               them
               ,
               then
               they
               themselves
               ,
               and
               
                 others
                 had
                 the
                 free
                 use
                 of
                 them
              
               ;
               the
               word
               in
               the
               original
               is
               they
               
                 polluted
                 ,
                 or
              
               
               
                 prophaned
                 them
              
               ,
               the
               common
               use
               of
               them
               is
               distinguished
               thereby
               from
               the
               holy
               use
               whereby
               they
               
                 were
                 separated
              
               before
               from
               them
               to
               the
               Lord
               :
               whether
               persons
               
                 separated
                 to
                 themselves
              
               to
               the
               Lord
               ;
               
                 acti
                 agimus
              
               ;
               the
               Lord
               turns
               them
               and
               they
               are
               turned
               ;
               or
               whether
               they
               be
               
                 altogether
                 passive
              
               (
               as
               in
               the
               first
               work
               of
               God
               we
               all
               are
               )
               if
               it
               be
               a
               separation
               to
               God
               ;
               
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 Holiness
                 ,
                 a
                 Saint-ship
              
               ;
               he
               writeth
               to
               the
               Saints
               in
               the
               Church
               in
               such
               a
               place
               ,
               such
               as
               he
               hath
               espoused
               to
               Christ
               ,
               they
               were
               set
               apart
               to
               
               him
               :
               so
               the
               
                 Congregation
                 of
                 Israel
              
               are
               said
               to
               be
               a
               holy
               people
               to
               
               the
               Lord
               their
               God
               ,
               because
               God
               
                 had
                 separated
              
               them
               to
               himself
               above
               all
               other
               people
               ,
               this
               is
               so
               notably
               known
               ,
               that
               it
               were
               to
               waste
               time
               to
               prove
               it
               .
               
                 So
                 I
                 have
                 called
                 you
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
              
               It
               is
               equivalent
               to
               that
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               called
               to
               be
               Saints
               ,
               or
               Saints
               by
               calling
               .
               But
               if
               this
               first
               
                 be
                 defective
              
               and
               reach
               not
               happily
               every
               scruple
               that
               may
               arise
               concerning
               
                 this
                 .
                 Suspend
              
               your
               judgements
               until
               you
               hear
               the
               rest
               which
               will
               help
               to
               clear
               it
               .
            
             
               2
               ,
               The
               
                 means
                 of
                 this
                 separation
              
               and
               holiness
               to
               God
               ,
               it
               's
               a
               Covenant
               of
               grace
               ,
               it
               is
               true
               there
               were
               many
               things
               separated
               to
               
               God
               among
               the
               Jews
               by
               a
               Ceremonial
               institution
               ,
               those
               Carnal
               ordinances
               and
               commandments
               as
               the
               Apostle
               cals
               them
               ,
               and
               from
               among
               them
               some
               persons
               were
               more
               specially
               
                 separated
                 to
                 God
              
               as
               His
               in
               a
               more
               near
               special
               manner
               for
               that
               service
               he
               had
               appointed
               them
               to
               ,
               so
               
                 the
                 first-born
              
               you
               know
               were
               separated
               to
               God
               from
               among
               all
               the
               children
               of
               Israel
               ,
               they
               
                 were
                 holy
              
               to
               him
               ,
               not
               as
               if
               they
               were
               really
               more
               sanctified
               then
               the
               rest
               ,
               but
               separated
               to
               a
               nearer
               service
               and
               use
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               
                 Levites
                 instead
                 of
                 them
              
               afterward
               ,
               and
               the
               Priests
               they
               
                 were
                 separated
              
               in
               a
               special
               
                 manner
                 to
                 minister
              
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               wherefore
               Aaron
               is
               called
               the
               
               
                 Saint
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               not
               as
               if
               there
               were
               not
               men
               as
               holy
               as
               he
               ,
               as
               Moses
               ,
               and
               Caleb
               ,
               and
               Joshua
               but
               he
               was
               specially
               separated
               to
               that
               service
               of
               drawing
               near
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               this
               
                 is
                 by
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 the
                 Priesthood
                 ,
              
               so
               Nehemiah
               in
               his
               imprecation
               
               
                 against
                 those
                 Priests
              
               which
               had
               married
               strange
               wives
               .
               Manasseh
               the
               brother
               of
               Jadduah
               ,
               the
               son
               of
               Abjada
               ,
               the
               son
               of
               Elishib
               Marryed
               ,
               the
               son
               in
               Law
               of
               Sanballat
               ,
               Remember
               thou
               ,
               O
               my
               God
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 defiled
                 the
                 Priesthood
                 and
              
               
               
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 the
                 Priesthood
                 ,
                 which
                 Covenant
                 you
                 have
                 in
                 that
                 of
              
               Numbers
               ,
               
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 it
              
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               the
               
                 Priesthood
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 seed
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 even-the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 an
                 everlasting
                 Priesthood
                 .
              
               But
               this
               is
               
                 not
                 that
                 separation
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
              
               but
               that
               Covenant
               whereby
               God
               takes
               a
               people
               
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 a
                 peculiar
                 people
              
               to
               himself
               which
               he
               doth
               by
               Covenant
               ,
               he
               enters
               
                 into
                 Covenant
                 with
                 them
              
               ,
               and
               they
               become
               His
               separated
               to
               him
               .
               And
               therefore
               
                 Israel
                 was
                 separated
                 from
                 all
                 the
                 Nations
                 round
                 about
              
               by
               vertue
               of
               this
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               made
               to
               dwell
               alone
               ,
               
                 you
                 only
                 ,
                 have
                 I
                 known
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               and
               abundance
               of
               such
               expressions
               there
               are
               :
            
             
             
               3.
               
               
                 Then
                 as
                 here
                 is
              
               a
               twofold
               being
               in
               Covenant
               with
               God
               ,
               so
               there
               is
               a
               
                 twofold
                 separation
              
               to
               God
               and
               a
               
                 twofold
                 Saint-ship
                 ,
                 First
                 that
                 which
                 is
              
               invisible
               and
               saving
               ,
               When
               the
               Lord
               giveth
               to
               poor
               souls
               really
               to
               embrace
               Jesus
               Christ
               in
               the
               Covenant
               of
               grace
               that
               
               maketh
               good
               the
               absolute
               part
               of
               the
               Covenant
               to
               them
               ,
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 the
                 great
                 undertaker
              
               ,
               both
               on
               his
               fathers
               part
               and
               on
               our
               part
               those
               are
               such
               as
               are
               sprinkled
               with
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               Covenant
               ,
               from
               all
               their
               guilt
               ,
               and
               the
               water
               mixed
               with
               
                 the
                 blood
                 ,
                 as
                 Christ
              
               came
               by
               water
               and
               blood
               ,
               so
               they
               are
               cleansed
               from
               all
               their
               uncleanesses
               ,
               
                 else
                 no
                 entring
                 into
                 heaven
              
               .
               Nothing
               that
               defileth
               cometh
               thither
               ,
               Now
               that
               such
               as
               these
               are
               Saints
               ,
               can
               be
               no
               question
               ,
               
                 this
                 is
                 Gods
                 setting
                 apart
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 Godly
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
              
               Psal
               .
               4.
               3.
               
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               or
               as
               some
               
                 read
                 wonderfully
                 set
                 apart
              
               ,
               him
               that
               is
               Godly
               for
               himself
               ,
               for
               there
               is
               no
               such
               wonder
               ,
               or
               mysterie
               in
               the
               world
               as
               this
               ;
               now
               these
               are
               the
               Saints
               indeed
               ,
               that
               already
               have
               things
               which
               accompany
               their
               own
               salvation
               ,
               But
               
                 secondly
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 others
                 that
              
               are
               only
               externally
               and
               visibly
               in
               Covenant
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               they
               are
               so
               far
               interested
               in
               the
               Covenant
               of
               grace
               as
               that
               thereby
               they
               are
               taken
               by
               the
               Lord
               to
               belong
               to
               
                 his
                 family
                 ,
                 his
                 house-hold
              
               ,
               to
               partake
               of
               the
               priviledges
               thereof
               ,
               to
               share
               in
               
                 his
                 provision
              
               for
               his
               family
               ;
               the
               
                 fat
                 things
                 of
                 his
                 house
              
               ,
               in
               his
               Protection
               in
               a
               special
               manner
               ,
               and
               his
               guidance
               ,
               yea
               and
               the
               life
               eternal
               also
               is
               conditionally
               promised
               to
               them
               ,
               
                 if
                 they
                 believe
              
               and
               repent
               ,
               if
               they
               
                 will
                 but
                 consent
              
               ,
               and
               close
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Mediator
               of
               that
               Covenant
               .
               Thus
               every
               professor
               ,
               though
               but
               
                 formal
                 ,
                 is
                 separated
                 in
                 a
                 sort
                 co-incident
                 ,
              
               for
               those
               that
               are
               really
               and
               invisibly
               separated
               to
               God
               ,
               
                 they
                 are
                 visibly
              
               so
               also
               but
               not
               
                 vice
                 versa
              
               universally
               .
               So
               grace
               is
               distinguished
               
                 into
                 grace
                 freely
              
               given
               ,
               and
               grace
               which
               maketh
               acceptable
               ,
               which
               are
               partly
               co-incident
               ,
               for
               all
               grace
               which
               maketh
               acceptable
               :
               for
               common
               gifts
               and
               graces
               are
               freely
               given
               ,
               so
               it
               is
               here
               .
               
                 Now
                 those
                 are
                 they
              
               (
               brethren
               )
               
                 that
                 I
                 here
                 intend
              
               ,
               whether
               grown
               persons
               which
               profess
               this
               Covenant
               ,
               or
               infants
               of
               such
               ,
               who
               are
               within
               the
               compass
               of
               the
               Covenant
               for
               this
               purpose
               ,
               whom
               I
               understand
               by
               visible
               
                 Saints
                 ,
                 or
                 persons
                 visibly
                 holy
                 ,
              
               or
               
                 visibly
                 separated
              
               or
               set
               
                 apart
                 to
                 God
              
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               such
               persons
               concerning
               whom
               we
               
                 have
                 Scripture
                 grounds
                 to
                 Judge
              
               according
               to
               Charity
               and
               to
               hope
               that
               they
               are
               Gods
               ,
               because
               
               
                 separated
                 to
                 him
              
               ,
               by
               vertue
               of
               his
               Covenant
               .
            
             
             
               
                 That
                 they
                 are
                 thus
                 holy
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 plain
              
               from
               many
               Scriptures
               .
               Paul
               in
               his
               Epistles
               to
               the
               visible
               Churches
               of
               
                 Corinthians
                 ;
                 Galatians
                 ,
                 Ephesians
              
               ,
               and
               the
               rest
               ,
               to
               
                 the
                 Saints
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 place
                 ,
              
               Saints
               by
               casting
               ,
               Saints
               by
               a
               
                 visible
                 separation
              
               to
               God
               from
               the
               world
               ;
               otherwise
               we
               cannot
               believe
               ,
               but
               there
               were
               many
               of
               them
               that
               were
               never
               really
               sanctified
               .
               And
               so
               ,
               that
               Children
               of
               such
               
                 are
                 Saints
              
               in
               such
               a
               sence
               ,
               
                 mind
                 but
                 that
                 one
                 place
                 ,
                 Else
                 were
                 your
                 Children
                 unclean
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 holy
                 .
              
               Not
               Legitimate
               ,
               for
               then
               the
               Apostle
               speaks
               not
               truth
               :
               for
               they
               are
               lawfully
               begotten
               ,
               
               though
               the
               father
               and
               mother
               ,
               be
               
                 not
                 sanctified
              
               one
               to
               another
               ,
               as
               if
               both
               be
               unbelievers
               .
               Nor
               yet
               holy
               to
               appearance
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               they
               might
               have
               an
               
                 holy
                 use
              
               of
               them
               ;
               for
               I
               find
               not
               
                 holy
                 taken
                 alone
              
               ,
               without
               respect
               to
               the
               person
               to
               whom
               they
               are
               said
               to
               be
               holy
               .
               As
               
                 for
                 instance
              
               ,
               To
               the
               believer
               
                 all
                 things
                 are
                 pure
              
               ;
               to
               say
               all
               
                 things
                 are
                 pure
              
               ,
               without
               
                 meationing
                 the
                 person
              
               to
               whom
               they
               are
               so
               ,
               is
               not
               the
               Scripture-manner
               of
               expression
               ;
               and
               since
               it
               is
               so
               many
               hundred
               times
               
                 taken
                 alone
              
               ,
               not
               in
               connexion
               ,
               sometimes
               
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 God
              
               expresly
               for
               persons
               so
               separated
               to
               him
               ,
               why
               we
               should
               not
               so
               understand
               it
               here
               ,
               for
               my
               part
               I
               see
               not
               .
               
                 For
                 Application
                 of
                 this
              
               ,
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 Then
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 blame
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 :
              
               If
               the
               
                 visible
                 Church
              
               do
               consist
               of
               
                 visible
                 Saints
              
               ,
               visibly
               separated
               
               to
               God
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               so
               as
               there
               is
               ground
               for
               us
               to
               believe
               and
               hope
               well
               of
               their
               eternal
               state
               ,
               
                 I
                 say
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 blame
                 ,
              
               that
               so
               carry
               the
               affairs
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               wherein
               ▪
               they
               are
               ,
               as
               
                 to
                 make
                 no
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 precious
                 and
                 the
                 vile
                 ,
              
               no
               difference
               between
               the
               Church
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               between
               the
               Sheep
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               dogs
               
                 and
                 swine
              
               .
               Is
               it
               nothing
               to
               have
               the
               body
               and
               blood
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               openly
               prostituted
               to
               such
               as
               though
               
                 indeed
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Christians
                 ,
              
               yet
               their
               lives
               ,
               to
               every
               
                 one
                 that
                 knoweth
              
               them
               ,
               deny
               that
               they
               have
               any
               thing
               to
               do
               with
               Christ
               ;
               
                 No
                 purging
                 out
                 the
                 old
                 Leven
                 ,
              
               and
               therefore
               no
               likelihood
               to
               be
               a
               
                 new
                 lump
              
               ,
               O
               that
               we
               
               were
               sensible
               what
               a
               guilt
               is
               contracted
               every
               where
               by
               this
               means
               !
               
                 Alas
                 !
                 Let
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
              
               take
               the
               
                 greatest
                 pains
              
               with
               their
               
                 hearts
                 to
                 draw
              
               near
               to
               such
               an
               ordinance
               as
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               have
               cause
               to
               pray
               with
               
                 Nehemiah
                 ,
                 
                 The
                 Lord
                 spare
                 us
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 tender
                 mercies
                 .
              
               And
               with
               
                 Hezekiah
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 be
                 merciful
                 to
                 every
              
               one
               that
               hath
               
               
                 prepared
                 his
                 heart
                 to
                 seek
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 not
                 prepared
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 preparation
                 of
                 the
                 Sanctuary
              
               ;
               but
               when
               without
               any
               care
               ,
               it
               shal
               be
               promiscuously
               given
               to
               
                 Drunkards
                 ,
                 Swearers
              
               ,
               openly
               prophane
               wicked
               wretches
               to
               the
               bane
               of
               their
               souls
               ,
               to
               the
               provoking
               God
               to
               bring
               ▪
               wasting
               judgements
               upon
               the
               place
               and
               people
               where
               such
               things
               are
               done
               .
               Surely
               it
               is
               time
               to
               look
               about
               us
               ,
               O!
               
                 that
                 we
              
               (
               who
               can
               do
               no
               more
               but
               mourn
               for
               these
               things
               )
               
                 had
                 such
                 a
                 sense
              
               of
               the
               
                 dishonour
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 abuse
                 of
              
               his
               love
               and
               grace
               upon
               our
               hearts
               ,
               as
               to
               mourn
               !
               And
               O
               that
               such
               
                 of
                 us
                 as
                 have
                 power
              
               in
               our
               hands
               to
               command
               a
               Reformation
               
                 in
                 this
                 kind
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
              
               would
               perswade
               the
               heart
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               such
               a
               power
               !
               Hezekiah
               and
               J●siah
               not
               only
               commanded
               the
               true
               worship
               
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 up
              
               ,
               and
               turned
               the
               people
               from
               their
               
                 Idols
                 to
                 the
                 trne
                 God
              
               ,
               but
               they
               commanded
               
                 the
                 purifying
                 the
                 Temple
              
               ,
               a
               type
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               purifying
               of
               the
               Priests
               and
               People
               ,
               that
               they
               
                 should
                 not
                 pollute
              
               the
               Ordinances
               of
               God
               ,
               And
               this
               example
               of
               theirs
               is
               commended
               ,
               and
               surely
               it
               was
               done
               as
               they
               were
               types
               of
               Christ
               ,
               except
               they
               were
               types
               of
               Christ
               as
               they
               were
               Magistrates
               ,
               and
               if
               so
               ,
               it
               would
               follow
               we
               should
               have
               no
               Magistrates
               at
               all
               ;
               
                 For
                 Christ
                 the
                 substance
                 being
                 come
              
               the
               thing
               typified
               ,
               what
               should
               we
               do
               with
               the
               shadows
               any
               more
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Then
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
              
               ,
               they
               
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 blamed
                 also
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 stricter
              
               then
               the
               
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 have
                 them
              
               ,
               in
               their
               
                 admissions
                 to
                 Christs
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
              
               ;
               All
               
                 visible
                 Saints
              
               he
               would
               have
               admitted
               
                 to
                 communion
              
               and
               fellowship
               with
               his
               people
               in
               their
               several
               societies
               ;
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               they
               
                 seeking
                 to
                 joyn
                 themselves
              
               to
               them
               .
               
                 Now
                 here
              
               indeed
               there
               is
               a
               difference
               of
               apprehensions
               ,
               and
               
                 I
                 purpose
              
               not
               to
               enter
               into
               disquisition
               of
               such
               things
               at
               this
               time
               and
               in
               this
               place
               ;
               
                 Mens
                 charity
              
               may
               do
               something
               indeed
               to
               moderate
               them
               ,
               but
               it
               s
               not
               that
               which
               
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 judge
              
               ,
               but
               the
               Scriptures
               ;
               what
               rules
               are
               there
               laid
               down
               according
               to
               which
               we
               ought
               to
               own
               persons
               ,
               
                 as
                 belonging
                 to
                 Christ
              
               his
               visible
               kingdom
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               such
               as
               profess
               and
               contradict
               
                 not
                 their
                 profession
              
               .
               But
               surely
               it
               
                 is
                 blame-worthy
              
               ,
               if
               that
               upon
               
                 niceties
                 and
                 trifles
              
               in
               comparison
               we
               shall
               dis-own
               such
               as
               
                 truly
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               so
               far
               as
               we
               can
               judge
               of
               them
               .
               And
               truly
               Brethren
               ,
               
               I
               desire
               to
               speak
               it
               with
               a
               spirit
               of
               
                 tenderness
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 injurious
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ,
              
               who
               do
               
                 deny
                 Infants
                 of
                 Believers
              
               any
               room
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               the
               Church
               :
               for
               
                 they
                 are
                 holy
              
               ,
               they
               are
               
                 external
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 separated
                 to
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               it
               is
               apparent
               ,
               that
               
                 once
                 they
                 were
                 members
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               a●d
               by
               vertue
               of
               a
               Covenant
               of
               grace
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 thy
                 God
                 and
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 thy
                 seed
                 ,
              
               which
               he
               that
               denyeth
               any
               more
               to
               be
               comprehended
               in
               then
               a
               
                 temporal
                 blessing
              
               ,
               when
               God
               saith
               
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 their
                 God
              
               ;
               I
               would
               pity
               them
               ,
               and
               pray
               for
               them
               that
               they
               
                 might
                 come
                 to
                 themselves
              
               again
               :
               for
               then
               sure
               they
               would
               judge
               otherwise
               .
               
                 Now
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 such
                 ,
                 once
                 members
              
               of
               that
               Church
               with
               which
               
                 we
                 are
                 one
                 now
              
               :
               for
               so
               saith
               the
               
                 Apostle
                 plainly
              
               ,
               the
               Gentiles
               are
               
                 made
                 one
              
               
               with
               the
               
                 Commonwealth
                 of
                 Israel
              
               ,
               we
               are
               graffed
               in
               among
               the
               branches
               ;
               how
               
                 cometh
                 it
              
               to
               pass
               ,
               they
               should
               be
               all
               
                 cast
                 off
              
               ,
               and
               cut
               off
               
                 from
                 the
                 Olive
              
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               syllable
               of
               it
               mentioning
               any
               such
               thing
               in
               Scriptures
               ,
               no
               
                 account
                 given
              
               to
               the
               world
               of
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 that
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ,
              
               when
               the
               fulness
               of
               
                 grace
                 was
                 revealed
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
              
               for
               grace
               came
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               now
               there
               should
               
                 be
                 less
                 grace
              
               come
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               narrower
               priviledges
               to
               the
               Church
               ,
               
                 will
                 hardly
                 be
                 understood
              
               ,
               I
               think
               .
            
             
               The
               third
               
                 Doctrinal
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 In
                 the
                 visible
              
               
               
                 Church
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 good
                 ,
                 some
                 bad
                 :
              
               Ordinarily
               they
               were
               not
               all
               wise
               virgins
               
                 that
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
              
               is
               compared
               to
               ,
               but
               five
               wise
               ,
               five
               foolish
               :
               All
               within
               the
               visible
               Church
               are
               not
               wise
               to
               salvation
               ,
               
                 Five
                 of
                 them
                 were
                 wise
                 ,
                 five
                 were
                 foolish
                 .
              
               The
               proportion
               of
               the
               wise
               to
               the
               foolish
               ,
               five
               to
               five
               ,
               in
               the
               Parable
               ,
               is
               not
               concluding
               that
               there
               are
               as
               many
               good
               as
               bad
               in
               the
               Church
               :
               
                 there
                 may
                 possibly
                 be
              
               a
               visible
               Church
               where
               there
               are
               none
               bad
               ,
               but
               I
               doubt
               there
               is
               none
               such
               found
               :
               there
               were
               but
               
                 twelve
                 Disciples
              
               ,
               and
               one
               was
               a
               Devil
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               parables
               whereour
               Saviour
               holdeth
               out
               the
               nature
               and
               state
               of
               the
               
                 visible
                 Church
              
               to
               us
               ,
               is
               ,
               we
               find
               there
               is
               
                 a
                 mixture
              
               :
               So
               in
               the
               Parable
               of
               the
               Sower
               ,
               there
               are
               four
               sorts
               of
               ground
               to
               which
               the
               kingdom
               
               
                 of
                 heaven
                 is
                 compared
              
               ,
               and
               but
               one
               of
               them
               brought
               forth
               fruit
               to
               perfection
               ;
               
                 the
                 stony
                 Ground
                 it
                 was
                 quickly
                 scorched
              
               ;
               from
               the
               
                 sandy
                 ground
                 springs
                 up
                 quickly
              
               ,
               and
               withers
               as
               soon
               ;
               the
               
                 thorny
                 ground
              
               holds
               out
               longer
               ,
               and
               
                 endures
                 happily
              
               the
               
                 scorching
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
              
               ,
               the
               Persecution
               ,
               and
               yet
               is
               choakt
               ,
               when
               all
               is
               done
               .
               And
               so
               the
               
                 Parable
                 of
                 the
                 tares
                 sown
              
               in
               the
               field
               ,
               they
               grow
               up
               
               with
               the
               Corn
               ,
               and
               it
               seemeth
               by
               the
               ancient
               report
               even
               ,
               Jerom
               ,
               are
               so
               
                 like
                 it
                 while
                 in
                 the
                 blade
                 ,
              
               that
               they
               can
               be
               hardly
               discerned
               from
               it
               ;
               but
               there
               they
               grow
               ,
               and
               partake
               of
               
                 the
                 juice
              
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               fatness
               of
               the
               soyl
               ,
               and
               are
               
                 green
                 and
                 flourish
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               at
               last
               are
               singled
               out
               for
               fire
               .
               And
               so
               the
               Barn-floor
               ,
               there
               is
               wheat
               ,
               and
               there
               
                 is
                 Chaff
              
               lying
               together
               ,
               until
               he
               whose
               fan
               is
               in
               his
               
                 hand
                 shall
                 throughly
                 purge
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
              
               the
               separation
               being
               made
               ,
               
               Woe
               to
               the
               Chaff
               ,
               but
               at
               present
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               so
               the
               
                 draw-net
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 gather
                 together
              
               somewhat
               naught
               which
               is
               to
               be
               cast
               away
               ,
               yet
               while
               under
               water
               ,
               it
               is
               hidden
               .
               And
               so
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 All
                 are
                 not
              
               Israel
               that
               are
               of
               
                 Israel
                 :
                 Some
                 are
                 Israel
              
               that
               are
               
                 of
                 Israel
              
               ,
               but
               all
               are
               not
               :
               Some
               are
               of
               Israel
               ,
               though
               they
               be
               not
               the
               Israel
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               shall
               inherit
               the
               heavenly
               Canaan
               .
               I
               
                 hope
                 it
                 is
                 needless
              
               to
               waste
               more
               time
               in
               heaping
               up
               of
               Scriptures
               to
               make
               it
               good
               .
            
             
               
                 The
                 ground
                 may
                 be
                 because
              
               the
               Church
               here
               below
               ,
               the
               visible
               
               Church
               which
               admitteth
               of
               members
               ,
               hath
               
                 not
                 an
                 infallible
                 spirit
              
               to
               discern
               the
               deep
               hypocrisie
               that
               is
               in
               mens
               hearts
               :
               or
               if
               they
               had
               ,
               do
               I
               think
               they
               were
               to
               use
               it
               ,
               
                 but
                 serve
                 Gods
                 holy
                 ends
              
               in
               following
               Christ
               his
               example
               ,
               who
               suffered
               
                 a
                 Devil
              
               ,
               though
               
               
                 a
                 white
                 one
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 indeed
              
               in
               the
               likenes
               of
               an
               Angel
               of
               light
               ,
               yet
               he
               did
               suffer
               him
               in
               his
               family
               until
               it
               broke
               out
               into
               scandal
               !
               There
               is
               much
               in
               this
               one
               reason
               ,
               1.
               
               
                 What
                 deep
                 hypocrisie
              
               may
               lurk
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               men
               ,
               under
               a
               plausible
               profession
               :
               so
               that
               men
               can
               suspect
               nothing
               many
               times
               ,
               as
               you
               see
               Ananias
               and
               
                 Saphira
                 ,
                 Simon
              
               
               Magus
               and
               others
               :
               Judas
               carried
               it
               
                 so
                 cunningly
              
               ,
               and
               seemed
               so
               zealous
               and
               
                 full
                 of
                 charity
                 :
                 O
                 why
                 was
                 this
                 waste
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
              
               Christ
               
                 went
                 with
                 his
                 spirit
              
               ,
               and
               saw
               his
               fetches
               
               and
               deep
               ends
               ,
               he
               said
               it
               because
               he
               
                 had
                 the
                 bag
              
               ,
               and
               was
               a
               thief
               ,
               the
               more
               he
               had
               to
               row
               in
               ,
               the
               more
               bold
               he
               might
               make
               with
               it
               ,
               and
               it
               would
               the
               less
               be
               mist
               ,
               but
               his
               paint
               was
               so
               exact
               ,
               and
               so
               near
               the
               life
               ,
               that
               the
               Disciples
               took
               him
               to
               be
               as
               real
               as
               themselves
               any
               of
               them
               ,
               rather
               suspecting
               themselves
               then
               him
               ,
               his
               heart
               was
               too
               deep
               ,
               for
               them
               to
               fathom
               ,
               Because
               2.
               
               
                 They
                 had
                 not
                 such
                 an
                 infallible
                 spirit
              
               given
               ,
               nor
               have
               any
               of
               the
               Churches
               now
               such
               a
               spirit
               given
               whereby
               to
               know
               the
               secrets
               of
               mens
               
               heart
               ,
               nor
               do
               I
               find
               that
               the
               Apostles
               had
               such
               a
               spirit
               given
               them
               ,
               now
               and
               then
               indeed
               they
               had
               some
               secret
               things
               and
               actions
               revealed
               to
               them
               ,
               but
               not
               that
               incommunicable
               property
               of
               God
               
                 to
                 search
                 the
                 heart
              
               ,
               I
               the
               Lord
               
                 search
                 the
                 heart
                 and
                 try
                 the
                 reins
                 .
                 Peter
              
               indeed
               ,
               had
               that
               private
               action
               and
               falshood
               of
               Ananias
               revealed
               
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               from
               thence
               he
               concluded
               ,
               Sathan
               
                 had
                 filled
                 his
                 heart
              
               in
               that
               he
               lyed
               against
               the
               Holy
               ghost
               :
               but
               what
               is
               this
               to
               the
               searching
               of
               the
               heart
               ?
               and
               
                 this
                 that
                 was
                 revealed
              
               ,
               was
               but
               for
               an
               act
               now
               and
               then
               ,
               in
               Acts
               10.
               
               He
               knew
               not
               that
               there
               were
               men
               sent
               for
               him
               from
               
                 Cornelius
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
              
               God
               told
               him
               ,
               and
               revealed
               it
               to
               him
               :
               so
               that
               he
               had
               not
               that
               knowledge
               which
               he
               
                 had
                 of
                 secret
                 things
              
               ,
               not
               made
               known
               in
               an
               ordinary
               way
               by
               sense
               ,
               he
               had
               it
               not
               habitually
               but
               by
               several
               acts
               ;
               
                 Or
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 such
                 a
              
               spirit
               ,
               which
               none
               can
               prove
               ,
               they
               did
               not
               act
               by
               it
               in
               
                 admitting
                 persons
              
               ,
               for
               then
               such
               as
               those
               would
               never
               have
               been
               admitted
               .
               Yea
               ,
               3.
               
               
                 If
                 the
                 Church
                 had
                 such
                 a
                 spirit
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               very
               likely
               she
               were
               not
               to
               act
               
                 by
                 it
                 in
                 admission
                 :
                 For
                 our
                 Saviour
              
               himself
               though
               he
               
                 knew
                 whom
              
               he
               ●ad
               chosen
               ,
               and
               
                 knew
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
              
               who
               
                 should
                 betray
                 him
              
               ,
               yet
               he
               did
               admit
               him
               that
               he
               knew
               would
               prove
               a
               Devil
               ;
               and
               therefore
               he
               
                 acted
                 therein
              
               according
               to
               his
               humanity
               ,
               and
               to
               leave
               us
               a
               pattern
               ,
               that
               though
               we
               may
               suspect
               happily
               such
               or
               such
               a
               person
               ,
               and
               
                 not
                 savour
                 them
                 according
              
               to
               that
               
                 discerning
                 which
                 God
                 hath
              
               given
               us
               of
               the
               spirits
               of
               men
               ,
               yet
               if
               not
               
                 scandalous
                 not
                 to
                 reject
                 them
              
               ,
               making
               such
               a
               profession
               of
               Christ
               as
               according
               to
               charity
               and
               Scripture-rules
               we
               ought
               to
               hope
               well
               of
               .
               And
               methinks
               there
               is
               somewhat
               
                 in
                 that
                 Parable
                 of
                 the
                 tares
                 ,
              
               though
               while
               in
               the
               blade
               they
               were
               scarce
               discernable
               from
               the
               wheat
               ,
               yet
               
                 it
                 seemeth
              
               by
               the
               Parable
               ,
               that
               now
               
                 they
                 were
                 come
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 growth
                 ,
              
               as
               they
               did
               discern
               them
               ,
               
                 therefore
                 came
                 with
                 that
                 Question
              
               ,
               whether
               they
               should
               pluck
               them
               up
               ,
               and
               yet
               he
               
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 if
                 so
              
               :
               they
               were
               not
               
                 thorns
                 and
                 thistles
              
               ,
               and
               such
               as
               would
               
                 altogether
                 choak
                 the
                 Corn
              
               ,
               though
               they
               might
               hinder
               it
               :
               if
               only
               Hypocrites
               though
               discovered
               ,
               if
               they
               can
               be
               discovered
               without
               prophaness
               and
               scandal
               ,
               they
               are
               
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 pluckt
                 up
              
               from
               among
               the
               good
               Corn
               ,
               and
               hence
               it
               is
               
                 that
                 there
                 are
                 good
                 and
                 bad
              
               in
               the
               visible
               Church
               though
               the
               bad
               seem
               to
               be
               good
               
                 all
                 are
                 Virgins
              
               ,
               but
               all
               are
               not
               wise
               virgins
               .
            
             
             
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 We
                 may
                 hence
                 take
                 notice
              
               of
               the
               great
               indulgence
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 largeness
                 of
                 his
              
               grace
               ,
               and
               the
               riches
               of
               his
               patience
               and
               long-suffering
               to
               poor
               Creatures
               ,
               in
               
                 that
                 he
                 takes
                 many
              
               as
               his
               own
               ,
               within
               the
               verge
               and
               comprehension
               of
               
                 this
                 his
                 Covenant
              
               ,
               that
               
                 never
                 really
              
               partake
               of
               the
               saving
               
                 benefits
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
              
               .
               So
               you
               
                 know
                 it
                 was
                 with
              
               Israel
               ,
               
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 as
                 the
                 sand
                 of
                 the
                 sea
                 ,
                 yet
                 a
                 remnant
                 should
                 be
                 saved
                 .
              
               All
               
                 are
                 not
                 Israel
                 that
                 are
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
              
               that
               is
               true
               :
               and
               
               yet
               they
               are
               of
               Israel
               though
               they
               be
               not
               Israel
               ,
               that
               is
               as
               true
               ;
               
               Now
               that
               the
               Lord
               should
               admit
               of
               such
               to
               be
               of
               Israel
               ,
               that
               never
               were
               nor
               are
               like
               to
               be
               Israel
               ,
               this
               is
               largeness
               of
               bounty
               .
               Alas
               !
               
                 how
                 many
                 wild
                 Olives
                 are
                 graffed
                 in
                 among
                 the
                 branches
              
               
               which
               remain
               and
               partake
               of
               the
               
                 fatness
                 of
                 the
                 Olive
              
               ,
               the
               
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 and
                 ordinances
              
               ,
               and
               gifts
               of
               God
               bestowed
               on
               his
               Church
               for
               edification
               ,
               and
               
                 yet
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
              
               ,
               as
               branches
               broken
               off
               dryed
               and
               withered
               ,
               
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 away
              
               as
               barren
               ,
               and
               unprofitable
               ,
               
               and
               burn
               for
               ever
               ;
               if
               thou
               continue
               not
               in
               this
               goodness
               thou
               shalt
               be
               cut
               off
               .
               It
               is
               not
               the
               manner
               
                 of
                 men
                 to
                 plant
              
               such
               in
               their
               vine
               yards
               as
               they
               know
               will
               bring
               forth
               nothing
               but
               leaves
               ,
               no
               fruits
               
                 but
                 sowr
                 ,
                 the
                 grapes
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ,
              
               and
               yet
               this
               the
               manner
               
               of
               God
               to
               such
               as
               
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
              
               into
               utter
               darkness
               ,
               yet
               should
               be
               admitted
               to
               be
               the
               
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 kingdom
              
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 That
                 he
                 owneth
                 many
              
               as
               
                 separated
                 to
                 himself
              
               in
               such
               a
               way
               
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 own
                 him
                 ,
              
               and
               though
               they
               dwell
               under
               his
               shadow
               and
               shine
               ,
               and
               in
               droppings
               ,
               and
               dew
               of
               heaven
               ,
               yet
               a
               long
               time
               bring
               forth
               nothing
               ,
               
                 do
                 nothing
                 but
                 abuse
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 this
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 goodness
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               at
               last
               notwithstanding
               
                 all
                 he
                 should
                 go
              
               on
               
                 to
                 separate
                 them
              
               to
               a
               nearer
               holiness
               to
               himself
               ,
               seize
               upon
               their
               hearts
               ,
               put
               another
               principle
               and
               seed
               into
               them
               ,
               whereby
               they
               
                 should
                 be
                 fruitful
              
               for
               the
               time
               to
               come
               .
               Ordinary
               experience
               teacheth
               us
               this
               ,
               how
               many
               years
               many
               a
               poor
               formal
               Professor
               hath
               walkt
               under
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               and
               passed
               for
               
                 a
                 Saint
              
               ,
               and
               yet
               hath
               been
               in
               the
               gall
               of
               bitterness
               :
               but
               the
               Lord
               out
               of
               his
               infinit
               mercy
               and
               rich
               grace
               hath
               healed
               him
               afterward
               ;
               It
               is
               no
               question
               it
               is
               the
               case
               of
               some
               ,
               that
               that
               very
               grace
               which
               they
               have
               so
               long
               hypocritically
               
                 pretended
                 to
                 and
                 abused
                 ,
                 was
              
               that
               at
               last
               which
               seized
               upon
               them
               .
            
             
               
                 Why
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 priviledge
              
               nor
               mercy
               to
               be
               
                 members
                 of
                 Christ
                 his
                 visible
                 Church
                 ,
              
               if
               we
               therein
               enjoy
               not
               Christ
               ,
               
               and
               for
               our
               Children
               to
               be
               owned
               as
               those
               separated
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               yet
               
                 though
                 Children
                 of
                 the
                 kingdom
              
               ,
               and
               be
               cast
               out
               ,
               for
               none
               
               are
               like
               to
               sink
               
                 so
                 low
              
               into
               hell
               as
               those
               which
               are
               
                 cast
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 kingdom
              
               ,
               such
               as
               
                 so
                 often
                 abuse
              
               mercies
               
                 and
                 Gospel-grace
              
               tendered
               to
               them
               ?
            
             
               
                 I
                 answer
              
               ,
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               the
               
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 our
                 God
                 is
                 great
                 and
              
               
               fearful
               ,
               as
               in
               that
               place
               of
               Deuteronomy
               ,
               And
               the
               nearer
               a
               people
               have
               been
               drawn
               to
               Christ
               within
               the
               compass
               of
               this
               Covenant
               of
               Grace
               ,
               and
               afterward
               perish
               ,
               the
               deeper
               will
               they
               s●nk
               :
               
                 those
                 will
                 burn
                 with
                 a
                 witness
                 ,
              
               that
               are
               cut
               off
               from
               
                 the
                 Vine
                 .
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Olive
                 ,
              
               as
               unprofitable
               ,
               dead
               and
               barren
               branches
               :
               Yet
               it
               is
               a
               priviledge
               ,
               and
               a
               great
               act
               of
               grace
               
                 to
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 Olive
              
               ,
               Is
               it
               nothing
               to
               
                 be
                 one
                 of
                 Gods
                 houshold
                 or
                 family
                 ,
              
               to
               be
               under
               
                 his
                 provision
                 ,
                 his
                 protection
              
               ,
               and
               guidance
               in
               a
               special
               manner
               ,
               
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 separation
                 to
                 God
              
               of
               old
               ;
               and
               sealed
               up
               therein
               to
               God
               by
               
                 Circumcision
                 ?
                 It
                 was
                 profitable
                 much
                 every
                 way
                 the
                 Apostle
                 said
                 .
              
               Yea
               I
               will
               say
               more
               ,
               That
               the
               
                 greater
                 force
              
               a
               thing
               hath
               to
               aggravate
               the
               condemnation
               of
               poor
               Creatures
               ,
               the
               greater
               the
               mercy
               is
               .
               Shall
               we
               say
               the
               Preaching
               of
               the
               Gospel
               
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 mercy
                 ?
                 because
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 condemnation
              
               indeed
               ,
               
                 that
                 light
                 is
                 come
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 .
              
               
            
             
               The
               
                 second
                 use
                 may
              
               be
               to
               help
               the
               people
               of
               God
               
                 over
                 a
                 stumbling
              
               
               block
               ,
               which
               may
               be
               an
               offence
               to
               them
               happily
               in
               some
               Churches
               of
               Christ
               :
               either
               such
               as
               
                 themselves
                 walk
              
               with
               ,
               or
               others
               ,
               
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 ,
              
               in
               such
               or
               such
               a
               Church
               ,
               whose
               spirits
               
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 savour
              
               ,
               thou
               hast
               them
               in
               suspition
               ,
               and
               therefore
               thou
               canst
               not
               be
               free
               to
               have
               fellowship
               with
               them
               ;
               Or
               if
               thou
               be
               in
               Fellowship
               ,
               thou
               art
               ready
               to
               withdraw
               upon
               such
               an
               account
               :
               
                 First
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 making
                 breaches
              
               in
               thy
               love
               :
               It
               thinketh
               no
               evil
               ,
               hopeth
               all
               things
               that
               are
               hopeable
               ,
               And
               dost
               thou
               know
               
                 how
                 much
                 smoke
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 some
                 fire
                 :
              
               how
               much
               corruption
               and
               ashes
               there
               may
               be
               ,
               and
               yet
               some
               fire
               ?
               Therefore
               take
               heed
               of
               judging
               the
               state
               
                 and
                 Condition
              
               of
               men
               ,
               where
               they
               are
               not
               in
               the
               course
               of
               their
               lives
               prophane
               and
               scandalous
               .
               2.
               
               
                 Much
                 more
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 that
                 dividing
                 and
                 separating
                 upon
                 such
              
               an
               occasion
               as
               this
               :
               for
               did
               not
               
                 our
                 Saviour
              
               walk
               with
               his
               disciples
               ,
               though
               he
               
                 knew
                 Judas
              
               a
               devil
               ,
               and
               doubtless
               it
               was
               more
               a
               grief
               to
               him
               ,
               then
               it
               can
               be
               to
               us
               ,
               the
               
                 less
                 holiness
              
               ,
               the
               
               less
               evil
               
                 will
                 grieve
              
               ,
               and
               a
               man
               is
               more
               tender
               ;
               there
               must
               needs
               be
               all
               tenderness
               where
               there
               is
               no
               sin
               to
               harden
               it
               .
               O
               then
               let
               
                 us
                 arm
                 our selves
                 with
                 the
                 same
                 minde
                 .
              
               There
               were
               great
               abuses
               in
               the
               Church
               of
               Corinth
               and
               yet
               he
               stirreth
               not
               them
               up
               to
               division
               ,
               but
               love
               rather
               .
            
             
               
                 Why
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 when
                 they
                 become
                 scandalous
                 ,
              
               what
               should
               we
               do
               then
               ?
               
                 Why
                 then
                 the
                 Church
                 ought
                 to
                 deal
                 with
                 them
                 judiciously
                 ,
              
               to
               enquire
               into
               them
               ,
               
                 admonish
                 them
                 ,
                 censure
                 and
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ,
              
               if
               the
               other
               preparative
               means
               ,
               with
               waiting
               upon
               God
               in
               
               them
               will
               not
               do
               it
               ,
               
                 That
                 is
                 clear
              
               in
               the
               
                 incestuous
                 person
              
               ,
               and
               again
               ,
               
                 If
                 any
                 that
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 brother
                 be
                 a
                 drunkard
                 or
                 a
                 rayler
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 no
                 not
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               clear
               ,
               whether
               they
               might
               so
               withdraw
               from
               him
               ,
               before
               
                 the
                 Church
                 had
                 censured
                 him
                 under
                 tryal
                 ,
              
               I
               think
               not
               ,
               for
               then
               ,
               he
               was
               to
               be
               
                 as
                 a
                 heathen
              
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               communion
               ,
               and
               yet
               not
               accounted
               an
               enemy
               ,
               but
               esteemed
               as
               a
               brother
               ,
               now
               ,
               truly
               if
               the
               Church
               be
               so
               over-run
               with
               this
               hem
               〈…〉
               k
               ,
               for
               
                 want
                 of
                 weeding
                 like
                 the
                 slothful
                 mans
                 vineyard
              
               over-grown
               with
               thorns
               and
               thistles
               .
               Through
               the
               sloth
               of
               the
               Church
               and
               officers
               ,
               the
               ordinance
               of
               excommunication
               so
               neglected
               ,
               that
               now
               they
               are
               grown
               so
               corrupt
               ,
               as
               there
               is
               no
               way
               lef●
               according
               to
               the
               rule
               of
               Christ
               to
               purge
               them
               ;
               what
               other
               means
               is
               left
               in
               such
               a
               case
               but
               withdrawing
               ,
               I
               do
               not
               understand
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 It
                 may
                 teach
                 us
                 notwithstanding
              
               the
               sad
               condition
               of
               such
               
               as
               
                 continuing
                 members
              
               of
               the
               visible
               Church
               ,
               
                 yet
                 remain
                 in
                 an
                 unregenerate
                 state
                 ,
              
               happily
               we
               all
               look
               upon
               our selves
               to
               be
               members
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Christ
               ;
               but
               have
               we
               this
               grace
               in
               our
               hearts
               ,
               
                 this
                 oyl
                 in
                 our
                 Lamps
              
               ,
               we
               have
               a
               name
               and
               profession
               ,
               but
               
                 can
                 we
                 say
                 that
                 Christ
                 is
                 in
                 us
                 the
                 hope
                 of
                 glory
                 ?
              
               If
               not
               brethren
               ,
               our
               
               condition
               is
               sad
               ▪
               indeed
               we
               are
               a
               people
               that
               happily
               the
               world
               
                 can
                 lay
                 nothing
                 to
                 our
                 charge
                 ,
              
               we
               may
               put
               the
               
                 best
                 side
                 outward
                 like
                 painted
                 sepulchers
                 ,
              
               but
               
                 what
                 is
                 within
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 within
                 ?
              
               but
               rottenness
               remember
               ,
               that
               ,
               though
               men
               cannot
               judge
               
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 but
                 hope
                 the
                 best
              
               of
               you
               brethren
               ,
               
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 one
                 which
                 searcheth
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 judgeth
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
              
               and
               of
               you
               according
               to
               your
               hearts
               ,
               
                 though
                 his
                 Disciples
                 cannot
                 finde
                 out
                 Judas
                 ,
                 yet
                 our
                 Saviour
              
               would
               finde
               him
               
               out
               
                 at
                 last
              
               ,
               h●s
               eys
               are
               
                 like
                 a
                 flaming
                 fire
              
               .
               Let
               your
               hypocrisie
               be
               as
               deep
               as
               it
               may
               ,
               it
               shall
               not
               be
               hid
               from
               the
               light
               ,
               nor
               from
               the
               scorching
               heat
               thereof
            
             
             
               
                 Yea
                 consider
                 seriously
              
               brethren
               ,
               that
               
                 those
                 things
                 you
                 glory
                 most
                 in
                 ,
              
               and
               pillar
               up
               your selves
               with
               ,
               they
               will
               be
               your
               ruine
               if
               you
               remain
               in
               this
               condition
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               the
               Ordinances
               ,
               you
               have
               the
               Covenant
               preached
               ,
               and
               sealed
               to
               you
               ,
               from
               time
               to
               time
               ,
               and
               communion
               with
               the
               Saints
               ,
               you
               think
               this
               is
               enough
               ,
               you
               cannot
               
               miscarry
               ,
               
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               you
               trust
               in
               
                 lying
                 words
              
               ,
               for
               they
               will
               deceive
               you
               ,
               may
               you
               not
               
                 be
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 cast
                 out
                 ,
              
               yet
               ,
               will
               not
               this
               be
               the
               thing
               which
               will
               sink
               you
               ,
               
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fall
                 short
                 of
                 the
                 kingdom
                 .
              
               You
               
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 for
                 the●e
                 is
                 a
                 wedding
                 feast
                 ,
              
               the
               Gospel
               and
               the
               Ordinances
               are
               ,
               whereof
               ,
               see
               pag.
               106.
               which
               you
               are
               to
               understand
               
                 all
                 the
                 administrations
              
               
               of
               the
               grace
               in
               the
               Kingdom
               ,
               the
               Gospel-Ordinances
               
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 feast
                 of
                 fat
                 things
                 ,
              
               the
               fat
               things
               of
               heaven
               ,
               you
               may
               be
               admitted
               
                 to
                 this
                 feast
              
               ,
               to
               all
               the
               Ordinances
               ,
               
                 not
                 a
                 dish
                 upon
                 the
                 table
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 may
                 eat
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 But
                 alas
                 !
              
               brethren
               ,
               if
               you
               
                 be
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 bitter●●ss
                 ,
              
               though
               you
               go
               for
               sweet
               Christians
               ,
               all
               
                 turns
                 to
                 gall
                 and
                 poyson
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 .
              
               It
               is
               impossible
               for
               such
               a
               man
               or
               such
               a
               woman
               ,
               
                 ever
                 to
                 come
                 worthily
              
               to
               partake
               of
               the
               Ordinances
               ,
               a
               
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 hath
              
               much
               ado
               with
               his
               heart
               to
               bring
               it
               into
               frame
               ,
               
                 to
                 get
                 the
                 spirit
                 fixed
              
               ,
               to
               sing
               
                 and
                 give
                 praise
                 ,
                 to
                 prepare
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 pains
                 many
                 times
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               work
               done
               but
               in
               a
               little
               part
               
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 mercy
                 to
                 accept
                 ,
              
               where
               we
               do
               our
               best
               ,
               there
               is
               habitual
               
               preparation
               ,
               there
               are
               the
               
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
              
               ,
               and
               there
               is
               Christ
               
                 put
                 on
                 by
                 faith
              
               for
               righteousness
               and
               holiness
               ,
               but
               the
               graces
               
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 lovely
              
               ,
               so
               stirred
               up
               ,
               and
               much
               ado
               ,
               to
               blow
               away
               the
               ashes
               ,
               and
               they
               
                 flye
                 about
                 our
                 ears
              
               sometimes
               ,
               that
               we
               even
               lose
               our selves
               in
               the
               work
               .
               
                 But
                 yet
                 God
                 will
                 be
                 mercifull
                 ,
              
               and
               cover
               our
               shortness
               if
               we
               reach
               but
               this
               ,
               the
               sense
               of
               our
               unpreparation
               ,
               and
               be
               ●u●bled
               for
               it
               .
               But
               now
               
                 thou
                 that
                 art
                 a
                 hypocrite
              
               ,
               and
               an
               unregenerate
               man
               ,
               
               thou
               
                 canst
                 never
                 be
                 prepared
              
               to
               come
               to
               hear
               ,
               to
               receive
               the
               Supper
               ,
               and
               so
               
                 they
                 prove
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 death
                 to
                 death
                 ,
              
               thou
               hast
               no
               promise
               thou
               canst
               build
               upon
               ,
               but
               that
               they
               will
               be
               thy
               
                 bane
                 ,
                 Alas
                 poor
                 soul
              
               !
               how
               many
               times
               hast
               thou
               drunk
               the
               
                 cup
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ,
               and
               it
               hath
               been
               a
               cup
               of
               
                 deadly
                 wine
              
               to
               thy
               soul
               ,
               
                 thou
                 hast
                 eaten
              
               and
               drunken
               
                 thy
                 judgement
                 and
                 condemnation
              
               so
               often
               ,
               that
               thou
               art
               even
               stupifyed
               and
               past
               feeling
               it
               is
               to
               be
               feared
               ,
               
               it
               not
               onely
               argues
               a
               desperately
               hard
               heart
               
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 look
                 upon
                 Christ
                 crucifyed
                 ,
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 those
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 meat
                 and
                 
                 drink
                 to
                 nourish
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 relent
              
               ;
               but
               it
               hardens
               us
               so
               much
               the
               more
               .
               Thou
               mayst
               yet
               come
               oft
               ento
               receive
               the
               Supper
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               but
               as
               
                 often
                 as
                 thou
                 dost
                 it
              
               ,
               thou
               dost
               but
               more
               deeply
               poyson
               and
               fill
               thy
               soul
               .
               
                 O!
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 let
                 us
                 see
              
               this
               day
               whether
               this
               be
               our
               condition
               ,
               
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 rotten
                 hearts
                 covered
              
               over
               with
               a
               glorious
               profession
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               not
               dare
               to
               draw
               near
               ,
               for
               we
               cannot
               have
               a
               Wedding-garment
               upon
               us
               brethren
               :
               if
               we
               have
               not
               the
               
                 habits
                 of
                 grace
              
               ,
               if
               we
               have
               not
               Christ
               for
               righteousness
               and
               holiness
               ,
               how
               can
               we
               act
               that
               grace
               which
               we
               have
               not
               ?
               Thou
               art
               fit
               for
               any
               thing
               else
               ,
               but
               for
               the
               worship
               of
               God
               ,
               thou
               art
               fit
               for
               thine
               own
               occasions
               ,
               and
               fit
               to
               serve
               the
               Devil
               ,
               to
               be
               at
               his
               beck
               ,
               but
               not
               to
               worship
               God
               in
               those
               Ordinances
               ,
               remember
               ,
               remember
               brethren
               ,
               though
               
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 somewhat
                 now
                 to
                 answer
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 preach
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 answer
                 your
                 own
                 consciences
                 ,
              
               and
               can
               make
               
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 silence
                 them
              
               when
               they
               tell
               you
               though
               you
               have
               a
               profession
               and
               name
               ,
               and
               are
               reckoned
               among
               the
               Saints
               ,
               yet
               you
               
                 never
                 were
                 born
                 again
              
               ,
               never
               did
               put
               on
               Christ
               indeed
               ,
               you
               cannot
               have
               
                 a
                 wedding
                 garment
              
               ,
               though
               you
               may
               brethren
               deceive
               your selves
               and
               us
               ,
               and
               take
               this
               and
               that
               ,
               for
               a
               wedding-garment
               ,
               
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 shall
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 ask
                 you
                 how
                 comest
                 thou
                 in
                 hither
                 without
                 a
                 wedding
                 garment
                 ,
              
               
               thou
               
                 hadst
                 not
                 a
                 dram
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 thou
                 never
                 puttest
                 me
                 on
                 for
                 righteousness
              
               in
               believing
               ,
               how
               camest
               thou
               hither
               ,
               how
               
                 durst
                 thou
                 be
                 so
                 bold
              
               as
               to
               draw
               nigh
               to
               
                 my
                 table
                 ,
                 to
                 meddle
                 with
                 my
                 precious
                 blood
              
               and
               body
               broken
               for
               sinners
               ,
               when
               thou
               haddest
               not
               a
               wedding
               garment
               on
               :
               you
               
                 shall
                 then
                 be
                 speechless
              
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               so
               
                 evident
                 ,
                 O
                 take
                 him
                 bind
                 him
                 hand
                 and
                 foot
                 ,
              
               hang
               these
               
                 Ordinances
                 and
                 priviledges
              
               which
               he
               hath
               so
               long
               
                 abused
                 ,
                 my
                 blood
                 and
                 body
              
               which
               he
               
                 hath
                 eaten
                 and
                 drunk
              
               that
               is
               to
               say
               Sacramentally
               ,
               the
               
                 signs
                 of
                 them
              
               ,
               as
               
                 those
                 in
              
               1
               Cor.
               10.
               
                 they
                 did
                 all
                 eat
                 the
                 same
                 spiritual
                 meat
                 ,
              
               
               &c.
               and
               yet
               most
               of
               them
               perished
               ,
               sink
               him
               ,
               sink
               him
               ,
               he
               hath
               
                 trampled
                 my
                 blood
                 under
                 his
                 foot
                 ,
                 counted
                 it
                 an
                 unholy
                 thing
                 ,
              
               else
               he
               would
               
                 never
                 have
                 cared
                 to
                 have
                 come
                 with
                 an
                 unholy
                 heart
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
              
               now
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 trample
                 his
                 soul
              
               in
               my
               fury
               unto
               the
               lowermost
               hell
               ,
               
                 O!
                 how
                 this
                 will
              
               sharpen
               the
               teeth
               of
               the
               gnawing
               worm
               ,
               to
               eternity
               ;
               
                 O
                 how
                 this
                 will
                 inrage
                 the
                 flames
              
               of
               those
               everlasting
               burnings
               ;
               
                 therefore
                 consider
                 this
                 your
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
              
               let
               it
               be
               a
               terrible
               word
               to
               you
               ,
               the
               Lord
               give
               you
               hearts
               to
               tremble
               at
               it
               .
            
             
             
               And
               in
               the
               last
               place
               ,
               
                 Let
                 us
                 take
                 heed
                 how
                 we
                 rest
                 and
                 lean
              
               upon
               a
               profession
               and
               a
               name
               .
               Methinks
               there
               needs
               no
               more
               Arguments
               to
               move
               us
               ,
               then
               what
               hath
               been
               spoken
               already
               ;
               What
               folly
               is
               it
               for
               a
               man
               to
               hang
               his
               weight
               upon
               that
               which
               he
               is
               told
               will
               break
               ,
               and
               then
               he
               
                 falls
                 into
                 an
                 irrecoverable
                 gulf
              
               ,
               O!
               that
               we
               had
               that
               alway
               sounding
               in
               
                 our
                 ears
              
               !
               in
               the
               seventh
               of
               
                 Mat.
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 heard
                 thee
                 preach
                 ,
                 done
                 wonderful
                 works
              
               ;
               they
               were
               visible
               Saints
               surely
               at
               least
               ,
               
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 calls
                 them
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
              
               which
               they
               might
               
               do
               in
               secret
               acts
               with
               
                 pretences
                 for
                 God
              
               ,
               but
               intending
               themselves
               .
               What
               if
               
                 Simon
                 Magus
              
               had
               had
               
                 that
                 power
                 to
                 give
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
              
               and
               had
               done
               it
               ,
               
                 and
                 replenished
              
               his
               purse
               by
               it
               ,
               for
               likely
               he
               that
               would
               have
               bought
               it
               ,
               would
               have
               been
               as
               ready
               to
               have
               sold
               it
               again
               ;
               he
               might
               have
               past
               for
               a
               Saint
               ,
               but
               what
               would
               his
               end
               have
               been
               ?
               O
               Brethren
               consider
               your
               
                 latter
                 end
              
               ,
               the
               Lord
               teach
               you
               that
               one
               point
               of
               wisdom
               ,
               that
               so
               
                 in
                 time
                 〈◊〉
                 may
                 flee
                 from
                 that
                 wrath
                 to
                 come
                 .
              
               But
               so
               much
               for
               this
               Doctrine
               also
               .
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   3
                   ,
                   and
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   foolish
                   ,
                   took
                   their
                   Lamps
                   ,
                   and
                   took
                   no
                   oyl
                   with
                   them
                   .
                   But
                   the
                   wise
                   took
                   oyl
                   in
                   their
                   vessels
                   with
                   their
                   Lamps
                   .
                
              
               
                 WE
                 may
                 read
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 or
                 a
                 fool
                 in
                 his
                 actions
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   took
                   no
                   oyl
                   with
                   their
                   Lamps
                   ,
                
                 and
                 what
                 more
                 foolish
                 then
                 that
                 ?
                 For
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 need
                 to
                 say
                 much
                 :
                 
                   by
                   the
                   Lamps
                   I
                   understand
                
                 here
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 name
                 ,
                 a
                 shew
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 as
                 light-bearers
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 burning
                 and
                 shining
                 lights
                 ,
                 as
                 John
                 was
                 .
                 Light
                 there
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 appearing
                 heat
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 John
                 ,
                 how
                 
                   zealous
                   for
                   God.
                
                 And
                 Judas
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 him
                 zealous
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   Why
                   is
                   this
                   waste
                
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 glow-worm
                 ,
                 touch
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 hath
                 neither
                 light
                 nor
                 heat
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 indeed
                 sparks
                 
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   kindling
                
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 the
                 sparks
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 action
                 of
                 Devotion
                 ,
                 and
                 Duty
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 be
                 elicited
                 ,
                 or
                 educed
                 by
                 the
                 help
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 education
                 ,
                 and
                 custom
                 ;
                 the
                 conscience
                 being
                 enlightened
                 by
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 and
                 self-love
                 ,
                 working
                 somewhat
                 in
                 men
                 ,
                 will
                 put
                 them
                 on
                 to
                 do
                 something
                 to
                 quiet
                 their
                 Consciences
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 these
                 sparks
                 quickly
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lamp
                 is
                 put
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 ;
                 There
                 may
                 be
                 also
                 somewhat
                 of
                 Common-grace
                 ,
                 some
                 enlightning
                 of
                 the
                 minde
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 kinde
                 
                   of
                   affection
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 second
                 ground
                 ,
                 received
                 
                 
                   the
                   word
                   gladly
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Herod
                   heard
                   John
                   gladly
                
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 great
                 difference
                 between
                 these
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Disciples
                 who
                 receiveed
                 the
                 word
                 gladly
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 rejoyced
                 happily
                 in
                 that
                 which
                 in
                 the
                 word
                 is
                 suitable
                 to
                 a
                 carnal
                 appetite
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Eloquence
                 ,
                 as
                 those
                 in
                 the
                 Prophet
                 
                   thou
                   art
                   to
                   them
                   as
                   one
                   that
                   plays
                   on
                   an
                   Instrument
                   ,
                
                 but
                 the
                 
                 other
                 rejoyced
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Christ
                 which
                 is
                 therein
                 found
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Bee
                 ,
                 is
                 pleased
                 with
                 the
                 Flower
                 ,
                 the
                 Sheep
                 with
                 the
                 Blade
                 ,
                 the
                 Bird
                 with
                 the
                 Seed
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Swine
                 with
                 the
                 Root
                 .
              
               
                 
                   But
                   new
                   for
                   the
                   oyl
                   in
                   the
                   vessels
                   ,
                
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 ?
                 
                   The
                   foolish
                   took
                   no
                   oyl
                   in
                   their
                   vessels
                   with
                   their
                   lamps
                   .
                
                 By
                 this
                 I
                 understand
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                 
                   the
                   oyl
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   ye
                   have
                   received
                   an
                   anointing
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 dwelling
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Cruse
                 opened
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 drawn
                 dry
                 ,
                 
                   like
                   the
                   Fountain
                   of
                   waters
                   ,
                   or
                   Rivers
                   springing
                   up
                   with
                   eternal
                
                 
                 life
                 ,
                 it
                 never
                 sails
                 .
                 By
                 this
                 then
                 I
                 understand
                 
                   the
                   true
                   saving
                   work
                   of
                   grace
                   in
                   the
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 a
                 receiving
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 by
                 faith
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   by
                   the
                   hearing
                   of
                   faith
                
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 blessed
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 the
                 working
                 of
                 saith
                 ,
                 in
                 your
                 souls
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 spirit
                 works
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   that
                   works
                   by
                   love
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 never
                 fails
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 perfected
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 so
                 
                   humility
                   ,
                   self-denyal
                
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 those
                 graces
                 .
                 And
                 not
                 onely
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 
                 this
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 dwelling
                 in
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 which
                 continually
                 supplyeth
                 their
                 wants
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 Lamp
                 shall
                 not
                 go
                 out
                 forwant
                 of
                 oyl
                 .
              
               
                 From
                 the
                 words
                 thus
                 understood
                 ,
                 this
                 note
                 will
                 arise
                 .
                 
              
               
                 
                   He
                   that
                   contents
                   himself
                   with
                   a
                   profession
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   without
                   the
                   real
                   saving
                   work
                   of
                   grace
                   upon
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   fool
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   that
                   looks
                   to
                   the
                   main
                   thing
                   ,
                   the
                   getting
                   grace
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   making
                   a
                   shew
                   before
                   men
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   wise
                   man.
                   Profession
                
                 without
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 is
                 but
                 folly
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 put
                 them
                 both
                 together
                 ,
                 that
                 contraries
                 may
                 the
                 better
                 illustrate
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 
                   juxta
                   se
                   posita
                
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 either
                 of
                 them
                 be
                 proved
                 ,
                 both
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 proved
                 ;
                 for
                 they
                 will
                 infer
                 each
                 other
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 contraries
                 .
                 Nothing
                 is
                 more
                 ordinary
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 call
                 sinners
                 fools
                 ,
                 sinners
                 of
                 all
                 sorts
                 are
                 
                   fools
                   ,
                   committing
                   wickedness
                
                 ,
                 is
                 
                   committing
                   folly
                   in
                   Israel
                
                 ,
                 but
                 no
                 
                   fool
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   fool
                   ,
                   wise
                   in
                   his
                   own
                   conceit
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   more
                   hope
                   of
                   a
                   fool
                   then
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   man
                   ,
                
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 usually
                 more
                 wise
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 conceits
                 ,
                 then
                 formal
                 professors
                 are
                 ?
                 
                   he
                   that
                   hideth
                   hatred
                   with
                   lying
                   lips
                   is
                   a
                   fool
                   ,
                
                 he
                 that
                 
                   hideth
                   hatred
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   God
                
                 ,
                 a
                 rotten
                 heart
                 with
                 lying
                 lips
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 professeth
                 much
                 
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 carryeth
                 a
                 fair
                 shew
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 
                   in
                   grain
                
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 would
                 know
                 where
                 wisdom
                 beginneth
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 the
                 
                   sum
                   of
                   wisdom
                   
                   is
                
                 ,
                 the
                 wisest
                 of
                 men
                 shall
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   fear
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   wisdom
                   ,
                
                 or
                 the
                 
                   sum
                   of
                   wisdom
                
                 ,
                 some
                 read
                 it
                 so
                 .
                 And
                 
                 so
                 Job
                 who
                 was
                 no
                 child
                 in
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 to
                 man
                 he
                 saith
                 ;
                 
                   to
                   fear
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   is
                   wisdom
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   depart
                   from
                   evil
                   that
                   is
                   understanding
                   :
                
                 Mark
                 you
                 ,
                 Whatever
                 men
                 place
                 wisdom
                 in
                 ,
                 or
                 folly
                 in
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 sum
                 of
                 wisdom
                 to
                 
                   fear
                   God
                   ,
                   fear
                
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 all
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   manfearing
                   God
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   eschewing
                   evil
                
                 ,
                 was
                 the
                 highest
                 character
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 Lord
                 gave
                 of
                 Job
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 all
                 that
                 good
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 evil
                 we
                 avoid
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 and
                 but
                 one
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   the
                   ●hiddenarts
                   ,
                   thou
                   shalt
                   make
                   me
                   to
                   know
                   wisdom
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 headed
                 ,
                 and
                 tongued
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 hearted
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 therefore
                 in
                 Scripture
                 nothing
                 more
                 ordinary
                 then
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 wisdom
                 that
                 is
                 true
                 indeed
                 
                   by
                   the
                   heart
                   ,
                   God
                
                 himself
                 is
                 said
                 
                   to
                   be
                   wise
                   of
                   heart
                   .
                   Foolish
                   creatures
                   ,
                   Eph.
                   a
                   silly
                   Dove
                   ,
                   without
                   a
                
                 
                 heart
                 .
                 They
                 may
                 have
                 head
                 enough
                 ,
                 notion
                 enough
                 ,
                 
                   flashing
                   light
                
                 ,
                 appearing
                 to
                 others
                 enough
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 without
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 great
                 work
                 there
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   new
                   head
                
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 
                   old
                   heart
                
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   full
                   head
                
                 and
                 an
                 
                   empty
                   heart
                
                 ,
                 a
                 light
                 and
                 burning
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 dark
                 dead
                 and
                 cold
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 takes
                 up
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 an
                 errant
                 fool
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 further
                 clearing
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 enquire
                 a
                 little
                 wherein
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 wisdom
                 and
                 folly
                 lyeth
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 shew
                 you
                 how
                 it
                 is
                 Applicable
                 in
                 truth
                 unto
                 this
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 without
                 the
                 possession
                 of
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Wisdom
                 then
                 I
                 conceive
                 may
                 consist
                 of
                 these
                 three
                 generals
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 
                   In
                   the
                   obtaining
                   what
                   we
                   want
                   ,
                
                 the
                 good
                 we
                 want
                 ;
                 and
                 therfore
                 come
                 short
                 of
                 happiness
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 want
                 it
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 
                   In
                   the
                   keeping
                
                 the
                 good
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 when
                 once
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 :
                 And
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 avoiding
                 the
                 evil
                 we
                 fear
                 ,
                 which
                 would
                 render
                 us
                 miserable
                 ,
                 in
                 these
                 three
                 things
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 ,
                 wisdom
                 consists
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 these
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 how
                 we
                 may
                 prove
                 the
                 formal
                 professor
                 by
                 his
                 defect
                 ,
                 and
                 falling
                 short
                 in
                 each
                 them
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   obtaining
                   of
                   the
                   good
                   we
                   want
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   happy
                   ,
                
                 Alas
                 you
                 know
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 fallen
                 short
                 of
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 nature
                 are
                 without
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 
                 accompany
                 salvation
                 ,
                 neither
                 ,
                 he
                 then
                 is
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 in
                 general
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 who
                 knoweth
                 those
                 principles
                 ,
                 and
                 ends
                 which
                 are
                 universally
                 necessary
                 to
                 a
                 mans
                 good
                 ,
                 his
                 chiefest
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 general
                 
                 good
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 I
                 conceive
                 ,
                 three
                 things
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 under
                 this
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 proportionably
                 under
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 which
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 compleating
                 of
                 wisdom
                 .
              
               
                 
                   First
                   there
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   end
                   ,
                
                 and
                 a
                 
                   propounding
                   of
                   this
                   end
                   to
                   a
                   mans
                   self
                   ,
                
                 an
                 end
                 you
                 know
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 good
                 :
                 either
                 really
                 so
                 ,
                 or
                 appearingly
                 so
                 ;
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 the
                 Will
                 goodness
                 ,
                 as
                 truth
                 is
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 the
                 Minde
                 ,
                 and
                 understanding
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 cannot
                 
                   appetere
                   malum
                
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 malum
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 to
                 delight
                 in
                 evil
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 evil
                 ,
                 is
                 diab●lical
                 ,
                 to
                 delight
                 in
                 s●n
                 or
                 folly
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 pleasant
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 suitable
                 to
                 the
                 corrupt
                 nature
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 Will
                 crooked
                 and
                 deprayed
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 humane
                 ,
                 because
                 though
                 a
                 man
                 do
                 thus
                 p●opose
                 s●n
                 as
                 his
                 ●nd
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 as
                 it
                 evil
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 corrupt
                 judgement
                 and
                 Will
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 suitable
                 ,
                 and
                 convenient
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 An
                 so
                 sor
                 suffering
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 man
                 living
                 can
                 prevail
                 with
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 miserable
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 happy
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 either
                 real
                 or
                 apparent
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 here
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 spiritual
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 folly
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 understand
                 his
                 end
                 suitable
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 understand
                 it
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 supreme
                 principle
                 and
                 ultimate
                 
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 God
                 ,
                 for
                 what
                 good
                 else
                 is
                 there
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 indeed
                 make
                 the
                 soul
                 happy
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 that
                 good
                 which
                 must
                 make
                 blessed
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 commensurate
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 satisfie
                 it
                 ,
                 else
                 the●e
                 will
                 be
                 somewhat
                 wanting
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 alas
                 for
                 all
                 other
                 goods
                 below
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 
                   wanting
                   cannot
                   be
                   numbred
                
                 .
                 Now
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 things
                 considerable
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 especially
                 to
                 which
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 an
                 answerableness
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 followed
                 unto
                 injoyment
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 soul
                 cannot
                 be
                 happy
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 first
                 is
                 
                   the
                   vast
                   capacity
                   and
                   comprehension
                   of
                   the
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 to
                 which
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 an
                 
                   answerable
                   fulness
                
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 object
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 soul
                 cannot
                 rest
                 upon
                 it
                 as
                 its
                 Center
                 ,
                 and
                 happiness
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 we
                 may
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 especially
                 in
                 those
                 two
                 faculties
                 of
                 the
                 Understanding
                 and
                 the
                 Will
                 ,
                 the
                 Affections
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 the
                 several
                 motions
                 of
                 the
                 Will
                 ,
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 Appendix
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 to
                 these
                 two
                 faculties
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 supreme
                 and
                 ultimate
                 end
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 an
                 answerable
                 
                   ratio
                   veri
                   &
                   boni
                
                 ,
                 great
                 enough
                 to
                 fill
                 or
                 satisfie
                 the
                 understanding
                 or
                 mind
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 for
                 its
                 object
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 one
                 truth
                 ,
                 or
                 another
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   all
                   truth
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 satisfyed
                 with
                 the
                 partial
                 discoveries
                 of
                 truth
                 ,
                 or
                 here
                 and
                 there
                 a
                 
                 little
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 all
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 highest
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 best
                 
                   in
                   genera
                   vari
                
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 truth
                 itself
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 being
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 things
                 are
                 no
                 further
                 true
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 have
                 some
                 proportion
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 also
                 have
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 mind
                 having
                 gotten
                 such
                 an
                 Object
                 as
                 this
                 to
                 dwell
                 upon
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 satisfied
                 with
                 truth
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 its
                 perfection
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   will
                
                 that
                 hath
                 for
                 its
                 
                   Object
                   good
                
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 content
                 with
                 a
                 partial
                 good
                 ,
                 here
                 and
                 there
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 would
                 receive
                 all
                 good
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 he
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 good
                 but
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 supream
                 good
                 ,
                 the
                 greatest
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 last
                 
                   in
                   genere
                   boni
                
                 ,
                 all
                 goodness
                 in
                 the
                 Creature
                 whether
                 honour
                 proportionable
                 ,
                 or
                 delightful
                 ,
                 or
                 pleasant
                 good
                 ,
                 alas
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 reflection
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 upon
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 spark
                 of
                 his
                 kindling
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 drop
                 to
                 the
                 ocean
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 answerable
                 to
                 the
                 capacity
                 ,
                 and
                 comprehension
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 also
                 the
                 
                   everlastingness
                   of
                   the
                   soul
                
                 ;
                 it
                 liveth
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 a
                 short
                 good
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 full
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 commensurate
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 
                   certitudo
                   aeternae
                   fruitionis
                
                 ,
                 which
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                   fruitio
                   incommutabilis
                   boni
                
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 a
                 blessedness
                 
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 proposeth
                 to
                 it self
                 .
                 So
                 
                   Aug.
                   de
                   Chro.
                
                 for
                 
                   fuisse
                   selioem
                   mi●erum
                
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 our
                 misery
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 now
                 cast
                 down
                 so
                 low
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 were
                 once
                 seated
                 ,
                 raised
                 so
                 high
                 in
                 honour
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 if
                 we
                 might
                 spend
                 but
                 a
                 time
                 in
                 h●aven
                 ,
                 and
                 enjoy
                 ▪
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 forsake
                 that
                 habitation
                 ,
                 this
                 world
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 ●ell
                 of
                 hels
                 ,
                 unto
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 everlastingness
                 in
                 the
                 good
                 itself
                 we
                 enjoy
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 our
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 that
                 good
                 We
                 〈…〉
                 this
                 then
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 end
                 ,
                 ●o
                 know
                 and
                 to
                 propound
                 to
                 a
                 mans
                 self
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 as
                 his
                 〈…〉
                 as
                 his
                 mark
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 doth
                 great
                 things
                 ,
                 takes
                 much
                 pains
                 for
                 poor
                 ends
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 speaks
                 a
                 man
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 or
                 a
                 fool
                 ;
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 any
                 thi●g
                 ▪
                 But
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Then
                 there
                 are
                 the
                 means
                 to
                 be
                 used
                 for
                 the
                 attaining
                 of
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 next
                 thing
                 .
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 right
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 means
                 to
                 use
                 for
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 or
                 use
                 them
                 not
                 aright
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 ●ool
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 wise
                 man.
                 As
                 now
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 health
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 physick
                 will
                 avail
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 a
                 cup
                 of
                 poyson
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 purging
                 potion
                 
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 not
                 aright
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 thing
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 I
                 briefly
                 wrapt
                 up
                 the
                 other
                 two
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 .
                 Now
                 to
                 this
                 great
                 end
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 means
                 what
                 are
                 they
                 but
                 more
                 immediately
                 the
                 closing
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 by
                 faith
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 received
                 but
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 be
                 enjoyed
                 but
                 in
                 him
                 and
                 through
                 him
                 ,
                 Now
                 since
                 we
                 have
                 lost
                 the
                 image
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 prove
                 good
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 enjoy
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 possible
                 for
                 us
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 suitable
                 to
                 us
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 corrupted
                 ,
                 heaven
                 would
                 be
                 hell
                 to
                 a
                 wicked
                 man
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 could
                 enter
                 into
                 that
                 holy
                 place
                 a
                 while
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 there
                 
                 is
                 a
                 necessity
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 close
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 that
                 in
                 him
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 brought
                 near
                 ,
                 being
                 reconciled
                 through
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 his
                 cross
                 and
                 the
                 enmity
                 slain
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 against
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 new
                 nature
                 put
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 changed
                 and
                 made
                 conformable
                 to
                 
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 image
                 ,
                 and
                 likeness
                 restored
                 ,
                 which
                 consisted
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 righteousness
                 and
                 true
                 holiness
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 to
                 enjoy
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 fulness
                 and
                 holiness
                 and
                 joy
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 suitable
                 to
                 this
                 new
                 man
                 wrought
                 in
                 us
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 suitable
                 to
                 that
                 spiritual
                 
                 Christ
                 which
                 is
                 founded
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 good
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 means
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 the
                 closing
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 for
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 reconciliation
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 that
                 heaven
                 may
                 be
                 suitable
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 also
                 by
                 him
                 be
                 changed
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 fit
                 ,
                 and
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 the
                 weight
                 of
                 glory
                 which
                 is
                 there
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 upon
                 us
                 .
                 More
                 mediately
                 and
                 remotely
                 :
                 now
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospel
                 and
                 ordinances
                 thereof
                 ,
                 wherein
                 God
                 is
                 revealed
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 therein
                 he
                 is
                 revealed
                 for
                 righteousness
                 for
                 holiness
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 preached
                 therein
                 in
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 sealed
                 up
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 ordinances
                 ,
                 And
                 all
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 are
                 helpful
                 for
                 this
                 end
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 now
                 before
                 I
                 go
                 any
                 further
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 see
                 the
                 wisdom
                 and
                 folly
                 of
                 a
                 pretender
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 real
                 Saint
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 virgin
                 
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 for
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 though
                 miserable
                 man
                 would
                 be
                 happy
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 miss
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 miss
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 all
                 our
                 endeavours
                 are
                 nothing
                 :
                 
                   Now
                   a
                   child
                   of
                   God
                
                 ,
                 his
                 end
                 is
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 
                 a
                 glorious
                 God
                 ▪
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 good
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 here
                 is
                 wisdom
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 aimeth
                 at
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 glorine
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 exalt
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 glorified
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 knowing
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 that
                 wherein
                 his
                 own
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 salvation
                 is
                 
                 wrapt
                 up
                 ,
                 for
                 wherein
                 are
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 glorious
                 grace
                 manifested
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 pardoning
                 and
                 
                   subduing
                   of
                   iniquity
                   ?
                   O
                   for
                   thy
                   names
                   sake
                   pardon
                   mine
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   for
                   it
                   is
                   great
                
                 ;
                 for
                 his
                 names
                 sake
                 ,
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   like
                   unto
                   thee
                   ,
                   a
                   God
                   pardoning
                   iniquity
                   transgression
                   and
                   sin
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   then
                   the
                   salvation
                   of
                   his
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 he
                 is
                 wise
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 wise
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 wise
                 for
                 himself
                 indeed
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 a
                 man
                 wonderful
                 industrious
                 ,
                 takes
                 great
                 pains
                 ,
                 runs
                 and
                 rides
                 ,
                 is
                 very
                 earnest
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 his
                 end
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 flea
                 to
                 catch
                 a
                 butterfly
                 ?
                 You
                 would
                 judge
                 this
                 man
                 a
                 sool
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 will
                 recompence
                 the
                 laborious
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 means
                 ;
                 
                   Now
                   a
                   formal
                   professer
                
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 keep
                 as
                 much
                 a
                 do
                 as
                 another
                 happily
                 ,
                 be
                 at
                 as
                 much
                 pains
                 in
                 duty
                 ,
                 spend
                 as
                 many
                 hours
                 in
                 private
                 happily
                 some
                 may
                 be
                 of
                 J●hu
                 his
                 stamp
                 ,
                 and
                 strain
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 it
                 will
                 hold
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 for
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 they
                 seek
                 a
                 poor
                 empty
                 self
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 a
                 name
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 zeal
                 for
                 God
                 seen
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 ends
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 flourish
                 .
                 What
                 pains
                 did
                 they
                 take
                 to
                 follow
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 was
                 for
                 the
                 loaves
                 ?
                 a
                 poor
                 end
                 .
                 Suppose
                 the
                 end
                 be
                 a
                 little
                 stopping
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 a
                 clamarous
                 conscience
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 ,
                 a
                 poor
                 end
                 .
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 folly
                 ,
                 to
                 shoot
                 so
                 high
                 and
                 aim
                 so
                 low
                 ?
                 But
                 happily
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 easie
                 to
                 convince
                 hypocrites
                 that
                 they
                 miss
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 though
                 for
                 my
                 part
                 I
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 ordinarily
                 miss
                 it
                 in
                 ;
                 
                 
                   did
                   you
                   at
                   all
                   feast
                   to
                   me
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ?
                
                 or
                 
                   fast
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   did
                   you
                   not
                   bring
                   forth
                   fruit
                   to
                   your selves
                   ?
                
                 which
                 are
                 infinitely
                 too
                 low
                 ;
                 to
                 be
                 our
                 own
                 end
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 we
                 enjoy
                 the
                 most
                 we
                 can
                 in
                 our selves
                 as
                 our
                 end
                 ,
                 we
                 grasp
                 no-thing
                 but
                 sin
                 and
                 emptiness
                 ,
                 wind
                 and
                 misery
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   for
                   the
                   means
                
                 ,
                 which
                 you
                 see
                 what
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 immediately
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 closed
                 with
                 mediate
                 ,
                 the
                 ordinances
                 wherein
                 he
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 herein
                 they
                 do
                 fearfully
                 miss
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 profess
                 him
                 ,
                 As
                 will
                 appear
                 in
                 many
                 particulars
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 They
                 do
                 not
                 choose
                 the
                 right
                 means
                 for
                 the
                 attaining
                 the
                 end
                 wherein
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 their
                 wisdom
                 lies
                 ,
                 this
                 
                   is
                   life
                   eternal
                   to
                   know
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   whom
                   thou
                   hast
                   sent
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 means
                 and
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 suburbs
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
                 Now
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 so
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 so
                 like
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 acts
                 like
                 to
                 the
                 embracing
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 deceived
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 miss
                 of
                 the
                 
                   main
                   means
                   and
                   fall
                   short
                   of
                   the
                   end
                   ,
                   simile
                   &
                   mater
                   erroris
                   .
                
                 A
                 man
                 misseth
                 his
                 way
                 and
                 takes
                 another
                 way
                 ,
                 lay
                 near
                 it
                 and
                 was
                 like
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 runs
                 and
                 takes
                 
                 pains
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 journeys
                 end
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 it
                 never
                 will
                 bring
                 him
                 thither
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 as
                 wel
                 as
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 now
                 there
                 are
                 false
                 Christs
                 which
                 men
                 make
                 to
                 themselves
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 bad
                 like
                 to
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 error
                 like
                 to
                 truth
                 ,
                 one
                 man
                 he
                 thinketh
                 a
                 drunken
                 Christ
                 will
                 serve
                 his
                 turn
                 ;
                 a
                 covetuous
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 thinketh
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 secret
                 lusts
                 will
                 stand
                 together
                 ,
                 though
                 his
                 profession
                 and
                 open
                 sinning
                 will
                 not
                 stand
                 together
                 ,
                 he
                 thinketh
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 sin
                 regarded
                 there
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 cannot
                 have
                 holiness
                 in
                 his
                 profession
                 an
                 appearance
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 an
                 open
                 prophaness
                 there
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 sin
                 would
                 better
                 agree
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 his
                 profession
                 .
                 Some
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 Christ
                 made
                 up
                 all
                 of
                 pardons
                 ,
                 no
                 matter
                 for
                 holiness
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 live
                 as
                 they
                 list
                 ,
                 no
                 matter
                 for
                 walking
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 merciful
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 but
                 cry
                 have
                 mercy
                 it
                 will
                 do
                 the
                 deed
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 wallow
                 in
                 their
                 uncleanness
                 all
                 their
                 lives
                 ,
                 some
                 they
                 are
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 that
                 make
                 to
                 themselves
                 a
                 holy
                 Christ
                 ,
                 not
                 minding
                 his
                 pardoning
                 mercy
                 ,
                 O
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 but
                 do
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 they
                 walk
                 uprightly
                 with
                 men
                 ,
                 they
                 serve
                 God
                 ,
                 none
                 more
                 constant
                 at
                 the
                 ordinances
                 then
                 they
                 ,
                 private
                 and
                 publike
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 surely
                 Christ
                 is
                 theirs
                 ;
                 
                   not
                   remembring
                   with
                
                 Nehemiah
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   spare
                   me
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   great
                   mercy
                   ,
                
                 or
                 multitude
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 so
                 eminently
                 for
                 God.
                 Alas
                 ,
                 brethren
                 what
                 pitiful
                 mistakes
                 are
                 these
                 ?
                 Many
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 but
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 little
                 affections
                 stirring
                 at
                 a
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 O
                 sure
                 they
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 velleity
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 a
                 wishing
                 and
                 woulding
                 ,
                 this
                 must
                 go
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 how
                 prone
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 substitute
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 room
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 Now
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 would
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 eat
                 dirt
                 or
                 coles
                 instead
                 of
                 bread
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 think
                 that
                 man
                 a
                 fool
                 ;
                 or
                 a
                 man
                 
                 that
                 would
                 be
                 rich
                 ,
                 professeth
                 that
                 is
                 his
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 bags
                 up
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 dung
                 and
                 dross
                 ,
                 stones
                 and
                 trash
                 ,
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 count
                 this
                 man
                 a
                 fool
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 every
                 formal
                 professor
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 they
                 do
                 indeed
                 fix
                 upon
                 something
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 trash
                 ;
                 it
                 or
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 better
                 ,
                 their
                 duties
                 ,
                 their
                 holiness
                 it
                 is
                 trash
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 dung
                 instead
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 secondary
                 means
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   means
                   of
                   getting
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 more
                 immediate
                 means
                 and
                 way
                 to
                 his
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 happiness
                 of
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 herein
                 indeed
                 
                 most
                 ordinarily
                 the
                 folly
                 doth
                 appear
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 shall
                 here
                 consider
                 several
                 particulars
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   To
                   use
                   means
                   to
                   get
                   any
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   seasonably
                   is
                   folly
                   ,
                
                 to
                 use
                 them
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 deadly
                 sick
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 take
                 Physick
                 untill
                 he
                 be
                 past
                 recovery
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 so
                 long
                 will
                 lean
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 understanding
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 meat
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 will
                 fast
                 so
                 long
                 until
                 he
                 cannot
                 eat
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 did
                 not
                 ever
                 neglect
                 
                 to
                 get
                 
                   oyl
                   in
                   their
                   lamps
                   in
                   their
                   vessels
                   ,
                
                 they
                 were
                 very
                 inquisitive
                 ,
                 
                   sought
                   it
                   of
                   the
                   wise
                   virgins
                   ,
                   and
                   went
                   to
                   buy
                   it
                   of
                   them
                   that
                   sold
                   ,
                   but
                   alas
                   it
                   was
                   too
                   late
                   .
                
                 Would
                 you
                 not
                 count
                 that
                 man
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 provisions
                 to
                 make
                 for
                 his
                 family
                 the
                 week
                 following
                 ,
                 
                 at
                 the
                 Market
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 goeth
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 shops
                 shut
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 place
                 to
                 buy
                 any
                 thing
                 .
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 
                   Manna
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   went
                   to
                   seek
                   Manna
                   upon
                   the
                   Seveath
                   day
                   there
                   was
                   none
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   ,
                   yea
                   if
                   daily
                   they
                   went
                   not
                   to
                   seek
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   morning
                   ,
                   but
                   staid
                   until
                   the
                   Sun
                   were
                   hot
                   ,
                   there
                   was
                   none
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   ,
                   it
                   was
                   gone
                   .
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 season
                 for
                 every
                 thing
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 saith
                 :
                 
                   and
                   every
                   thing
                   is
                   beautiful
                   in
                   its
                   season
                   ,
                   he
                   that
                   gathereth
                   in
                   Summer
                   is
                   a
                   wise
                   man
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Solomon
                 :
                 he
                 that
                 maketh
                 
                 hay
                 while
                 the
                 Sun
                 shineth
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 piece
                 of
                 folly
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 have
                 his
                 grace
                 and
                 his
                 Christ
                 to
                 get
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 should
                 use
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 five
                 times
                 as
                 much
                 need
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 in
                 our
                 life-time
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 to
                 get
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 tri●led
                 away
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 flourishes
                 and
                 shews
                 ,
                 in
                 taking
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 him
                 not
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   To
                   have
                   means
                   for
                   the
                   getting
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   make
                   use
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   them
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 folly
                 indeed
                 ;
                 
                   wherefore
                   is
                   there
                   a
                   prize
                   in
                   the
                   hand
                   of
                   a
                   fool
                   and
                   he
                   hath
                   no
                   heart
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 hath
                 an
                 opportunity
                 to
                 make
                 himself
                 for
                 ever
                 and
                 hath
                 no
                 heart
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   redeeming
                   the
                   time
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   walk
                
                 
                 
                   circumspectly
                   not
                   as
                   fools
                   ,
                   but
                   as
                   wise
                
                 ;
                 what
                 would
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 Creature
                 in
                 hell
                 give
                 ,
                 for
                 such
                 an
                 opportunity
                 of
                 grace
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 ?
                 
                   Yea
                   if
                   the
                   Gospel
                   were
                   preached
                   to
                
                 Tyre
                 ,
                 and
                 Sidon
                 
                   they
                   would
                   have
                   repented
                   long
                   ago
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 opportunity
                 in
                 your
                 hands
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 no
                 heart
                 to
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 sad
                 .
                 To
                 see
                 a
                 man
                 feed
                 upon
                 husks
                 ,
                 and
                 dirt
                 and
                 so
                 perish
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 bread
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 pitiful
                 sight
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 necessity
                 not
                 folly
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 bread
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   live
                
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 neglect
                 to
                 gather
                 it
                 ;
                 or
                 to
                 eat
                 it
                 ,
                 content
                 our selves
                 with
                 husks
                 and
                 trash
                 is
                 not
                 tl
                 is
                 folly
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   every
                   formal
                   profess●r
                   ?
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   They
                   rest
                   in
                   the
                   means
                   short
                   of
                   the
                   end
                   ,
                
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 grievous
                 folly
                 ,
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 whereby
                 Christ
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 gotten
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 in
                 us
                 revealed
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 increase
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 rest
                 in
                 these
                 means
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 have
                 Christ
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 great
                 folly
                 ,
                 what
                 man
                 is
                 there
                 that
                 would
                 so
                 do
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 is
                 more
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 preferring
                 ,
                 and
                 prizing
                 ,
                 and
                 lifting
                 them
                 up
                 above
                 Christ
                 will
                 be
                 our
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 setting
                 up
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 instead
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Second
                
                 thing
                 ,
                 or
                 point
                 of
                 
                   wisdom
                   is
                   in
                   keeping
                   that
                   which
                   we
                   have
                   ,
                
                 the
                 good
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 chief
                 point
                 of
                 wisdom
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   Nonminor
                   est
                   virtus
                
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 count
                 him
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 takes
                 great
                 pains
                 to
                 get
                 an
                 estate
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 as
                 lavish
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 takes
                 no
                 care
                 to
                 keep
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 lets
                 one
                 run
                 away
                 with
                 one
                 p●r●
                 ,
                 another
                 with
                 another
                 part
                 ,
                 why
                 now
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 ,
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 a
                 formal
                 professor
                 ,
                 a
                 foolish
                 
                 virgin
                 hath
                 something
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 common
                 grace
                 ,
                 happily
                 he
                 hath
                 many
                 duties
                 and
                 services
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 these
                 will
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 cannot
                 keep
                 his
                 garments
                 ,
                 nor
                 doth
                 he
                 take
                 the
                 course
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 that
                 would
                 keep
                 these
                 things
                 must
                 look
                 after
                 somewl
                 at
                 more
                 ,
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Christ
                 within
                 to
                 inable
                 to
                 improve
                 these
                 to
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 that
                 
                   hath
                   not
                
                 ,
                 from
                 him
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 ,
                 
                   even
                   that
                   which
                   he
                   hath
                
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 
                   leaves
                   of
                   profession
                
                 ,
                 these
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 .
                 But
                 the
              
               
                 Third
                 thing
                 is
                 more
                 considerable
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 indeed
                 I
                 think
                 will
                 prove
                 comprehensive
                 of
                 the
                 two
                 points
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 wisdom
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 
                   avoid
                   carefully
                   the
                   evil
                   which
                   they
                   fear
                   ,
                
                 the
                 greater
                 the
                 evil
                 ,
                 the
                 greater
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 evil
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 will
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 the
                 Soul-Evil
                 ,
                 which
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 the
                 worst
                 
                   corruptio
                   optimi
                   est
                   pessima
                
                 ,
                 and
                 evil
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 destructive
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 wisdom
                 is
                 requisite
                 to
                 avoid
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 eminent
                 it
                 is
                 hanging
                 our
                 head
                 ,
                 this
                 evil
                 brethren
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 outward
                 
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 perishable
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 suffering
                 of
                 temporal
                 troubles
                 ,
                 these
                 may
                 run
                 into
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 a
                 Joseph
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Job
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 triumph
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 their
                 blessedness
                 will
                 be
                 above
                 all
                 these
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 oyl
                 at
                 top
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 then
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 
                   Malum
                   damni
                
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 evil
                 of
                 loss
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 a
                 
                 precious
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 nothing
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 purchase
                 but
                 the
                 
                   blood
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 do
                 not
                 deliver
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 there
                 remaineth
                 no
                 more
                 Sacrifice
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   thou
                   fall
                   short
                   of
                   this
                   ,
                
                 which
                 is
                 already
                 offered
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   what
                   shall
                   a
                   man
                   give
                   in
                   exchange
                   for
                   his
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 once
                 lost
                 ,
                 shal
                 he
                 give
                 ten
                 thousand
                 Rivers
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
                 or
                 golden
                 Mountains
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 
                   fruit
                   of
                   his
                   body
                
                 !
                 Alas
                 ,
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 the
                 
                   face
                   and
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 souls
                 loss
                 ;
                 
                   to
                   be
                   separated
                   from
                   him
                
                 ,
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   end
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   serve
                   him
                   ,
                
                 and
                 be
                 
                   glorifyed
                   with
                   him
                
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   inflicting
                   of
                   the
                   heaviest
                   suffering
                   ,
                
                 is
                 the
                 
                   poena
                   sensus
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 poureth
                 out
                 the
                 burning
                 coals
                 of
                 his
                 wrath
                 upon
                 the
                 naked
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 whipping
                 the
                 naked
                 and
                 galled
                 Conscience
                 
                 with
                 Scorpions
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   this
                   dwelling
                   with
                   devouring
                   fire
                   ,
                   and
                   everlasting
                   burning
                   without
                   a
                   shadow
                   ,
                   will
                   make
                   the
                   sinners
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   Sion
                   afraid
                   ,
                   and
                   fearfulness
                   surprizeth
                   the
                   hypocrites
                   ;
                   O
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   fearful
                   thing
                   to
                   fall
                   into
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   the
                   living
                   God
                   ,
                
                 Heb.
                 10.
                 31.
                 
                 
                   According
                   to
                   his
                   power
                   ,
                   so
                   is
                   his
                   wrath
                   ,
                   as
                   is
                   the
                   man
                   ,
                   so
                   is
                   his
                   might
                   ,
                   said
                   he
                   of
                   Gideon
                   ,
                
                 as
                 is
                 the
                 ability
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 arm
                 ,
                 to
                 lay
                 heavy
                 
                 stroaks
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 dispatch
                 us
                 as
                 he
                 said
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 sink
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   able
                   to
                   destroy
                   both
                   soul
                   and
                   body
                   in
                   hell
                   .
                
              
               
                 Now
                 the
                 means
                 to
                 avoid
                 this
                 evil
                 are
                 the
                 same
                 that
                 before
                 ,
                 no
                 other
                 way
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 get
                 into
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 refuge
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 rest
                 and
                 stay
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 this
                 evil
                 will
                 seize
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 blood
                 wil
                 be
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 heads
                 .
                 
                   But
                   wherein
                   doth
                   a
                   formal
                   professors
                   folly
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Saints
                   wisdom
                
                 appear
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   He
                   that
                   foreseeth
                   not
                   an
                   evil
                
                 coming
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 wise
                 as
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   prudent
                   man
                   foreseeth
                   the
                   evil
                   ,
                   and
                   hideth
                   himself
                   ,
                
                 this
                 providence
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 prudence
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 see
                 
                 a
                 mist
                 no
                 further
                 then
                 under
                 his
                 feet
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 beast
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 folly
                 ,
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 hath
                 his
                 eye
                 in
                 his
                 head
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 man
                 that
                 
                 buildeth
                 his
                 house
                 upon
                 the
                 sand
                 ,
                 did
                 foresee
                 the
                 showers
                 ,
                 &c.
                 a
                 house
                 they
                 must
                 have
                 ,
                 somewhat
                 to
                 shade
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 weather
                 ;
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 folly
                 ,
                 to
                 build
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 foundation
                 ,
                 not
                 foreseeing
                 what
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 befall
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   that
                   my
                   people
                   were
                   wise
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                
                 
                 
                   would
                   consider
                   their
                   latter
                   end
                
                 :
                 they
                 sit
                 not
                 down
                 and
                 consider
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 they
                 have
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 hint
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 make
                 no
                 
                 provision
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 likely
                 Hypocrites
                 have
                 some
                 grudgings
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 discoveries
                 of
                 their
                 hypocrisy
                 ,
                 rottenness
                 of
                 their
                 houses
                 they
                 have
                 builded
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 heed
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 worse
                 :
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 great
                 folly
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 how
                 often
                 are
                 you
                 warned
                 and
                 awakened
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 stir
                 ?
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 see
                 a
                 storm
                 coming
                 that
                 will
                 destroy
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 fortifie
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 not
                 care
                 ,
                 were
                 not
                 he
                 a
                 fool
                 ?
                 they
                 will
                 ▪
                 not
                 hide
                 themselves
                 from
                 the
                 storm
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 folly
                 ,
                 rather
                 to
                 run
                 a
                 hazard
                 of
                 a
                 greater
                 evil
                 that
                 is
                 future
                 though
                 certain
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 undergo
                 a
                 much
                 less
                 evil
                 ,
                 though
                 present
                 :
                 as
                 for
                 instance
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 rather
                 venture
                 his
                 life
                 unavoidably
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 would
                 take
                 such
                 a
                 bitter
                 potion
                 ;
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 that
                 went
                 far
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 notwithstanding
                 venture
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 his
                 estate
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 Condition
                 of
                 many
                 formal
                 Professors
                 ?
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 !
                 if
                 a
                 little
                 reproach
                 or
                 persecution
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Christ
                 be
                 a
                 disgraced
                 way
                 ,
                 they
                 count
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 greater
                 treasure
                 ,
                 then
                 their
                 souls
                 and
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 venture
                 all
                 upon
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 folly
                 !
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Yea
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 would
                 lose
                 a
                 far
                 greater
                 good
                 to
                 gain
                 a
                 less
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 :
                 
                   and
                   what
                   shall
                   a
                   man
                   gain
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   get
                   the
                   world
                   and
                   lose
                   his
                   soul
                   ?
                
                 and
                 what
                 shall
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 get
                 by
                 his
                 close
                 ways
                 of
                 unrighteous
                 gaining
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 lose
                 his
                 soul
                 ?
                 will
                 it
                 countervail
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 laid
                 in
                 the
                 balance
                 together
                 ?
                 What
                 will
                 you
                 gain
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 reputation
                 for
                 wise
                 and
                 holy
                 men
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 thing
                 you
                 seek
                 likely
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 
                   seek
                   honour
                   one
                   of
                   another
                
                 ,
                 and
                 lose
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 ,
                 gape
                 at
                 the
                 shadow
                 ,
                 and
                 lose
                 the
                 substance
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 folly
                 with
                 a
                 witness
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 part
                 with
                 
                 Gold
                 for
                 Counters
                 ,
                 with
                 Pearls
                 for
                 Pebbles
                 !
                 and
                 yet
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 Condition
                 of
                 a
                 formal
                 Professor
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 contents
                 himself
                 with
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 without
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 him
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 contrary
                 is
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 ,
                 then
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   We
                   see
                   that
                   God
                   and
                   the
                   world
                   are
                   of
                   two
                   minds
                   :
                
                 O
                 that
                 men
                 would
                 be
                 but
                 perswaded
                 
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   folly
                
                 !
                 but
                 the
                 world
                 counteth
                 this
                 the
                 greatest
                 folly
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 
                   to
                   make
                   so
                   much
                   ado
                   about
                   the
                   soul-affairs
                   ,
                
                 to
                 trouble
                 themselves
                 so
                 much
                 about
                 the
                 interest
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 wise
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 heads
                 deep
                 and
                 large
                 to
                 compass
                 their
                 designs
                 for
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 profession
                 
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 thing
                 may
                 be
                 of
                 some
                 use
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 thing
                 it self
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 burthen
                 :
                 they
                 will
                 never
                 trouble
                 themselves
                 with
                 a
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 
                   Vessel
                   full
                   of
                   Oyl
                
                 ,
                 besides
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 Lamp
                 ;
                 But
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 judgeth
                 otherwise
                 you
                 see
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 fool
                 in
                 Christs
                 sense
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 avail
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 the
                 world
                 account
                 him
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 himself
                 deem
                 himself
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 accounteth
                 him
                 a
                 fool
                 ?
                 he
                 never
                 giveth
                 names
                 for
                 nothing
                 :
                 they
                 are
                 sure
                 to
                 answer
                 them
                 sooner
                 or
                 later
                 ,
                 the
                 easiest
                 course
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 wisest
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Sluggard
                 were
                 the
                 wisest
                 man.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 
                   to
                   reprove
                   and
                   convince
                   us
                   of
                   much
                   folly
                   then
                   that
                   is
                   among
                   us
                   :
                   Stultorum
                   plena
                   sunt
                   omnia
                   ,
                
                 all
                 Proressions
                 are
                 ful
                 of
                 fools
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 more
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Profession
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 higher
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 the
                 greater
                 the
                 folly
                 in
                 pretending
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 missing
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 I
                 doubt
                 brethren
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 Congregation
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 such
                 fools
                 as
                 these
                 are
                 ,
                 it
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 Prophets
                 time
                 ;
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   wise
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   he
                   will
                   consider
                   these
                
                 
                 things
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 Prudent
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   he
                   shall
                   know
                   them
                   ?
                   Who
                   is
                   wise
                   ?
                
                 by
                 this
                 interrogation
                 there
                 is
                 implied
                 a
                 paucity
                 of
                 them
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   there
                   among
                   you
                   that
                   walks
                   in
                   darkness
                   ,
                   and
                   seeth
                   no
                   light
                   ?
                
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 very
                 ordinary
                 ;
                 so
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   Who
                   hath
                   believed
                   our
                   report
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   to
                   whom
                   is
                   the
                   arm
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   revealed
                   ?
                
                 May
                 I
                 not
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 Prophets
                 complaint
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   in
                   this
                   Congregation
                   is
                   wise
                   !
                   who
                   so
                   wise
                
                 as
                 to
                 consider
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 to
                 provide
                 for
                 it
                 ?
                 not
                 to
                 rest
                 in
                 a
                 name
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 profession
                 ;
                 
                   Some
                   I
                   doubt
                
                 not
                 but
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 produce
                 their
                 Evidences
                 ,
                 
                   Christ
                   in
                   them
                   the
                   hope
                   of
                   Glory
                
                 ;
                 but
                 are
                 they
                 so
                 many
                 as
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 wished
                 
                 brethren
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 take
                 up
                 short
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ?
                 rest
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   it
                   shall
                   serve
                   to
                   stir
                   us
                   up
                   ,
                   to
                   awaken
                   us
                   to
                   look
                   about
                   us
                   :
                
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 also
                 which
                 that
                 interrogation
                 imports
                 ,
                 to
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 to
                 
                   Consider
                   our
                   wayes
                
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 Condition
                 and
                 State
                 ;
                 
                   Whether
                   we
                   have
                   this
                   oyl
                   in
                   our
                   vessel
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 For
                 Motives
                 ,
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 pressing
                 one
                 which
                 our
                 Saviour
                 covertly
                 giveth
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   were
                   foolish
                   virgins
                
                 which
                 took
                 no
                 oyl
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Prophet
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   wise
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   consider
                   these
                   things
                   ?
                
                 for
                 men
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 counted
                 fools
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 men
                 had
                 rather
                 be
                 wicked
                 and
                 counted
                 so
                 ,
                 then
                 be
                 counted
                 fools
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 rather
                 
                 shew
                 their
                 wit
                 in
                 froth
                 ,
                 and
                 jests
                 ,
                 and
                 over-reaching
                 ,
                 then
                 be
                 counted
                 fools
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 affectation
                 of
                 wisdom
                 was
                 the
                 first
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 ever
                 since
                 ,
                 
                   vain
                   man
                   would
                   be
                   wise
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   born
                   like
                   a
                   wild
                   Asses
                   Colt
                   :
                
                 we
                 are
                 most
                 stupid
                 Creatures
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 would
                 have
                 a
                 name
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 indeed
                 contented
                 to
                 be
                 fools
                 in
                 Gods
                 account
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 wise
                 men
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 account
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 account
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 desperate
                 fools
                 !
                 this
                 is
                 
                   cum
                   ratione
                   insanire
                
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 be
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 wise
                 indeed
                 ,
                 take
                 the
                 advice
                 of
                 wisdom
                 it self
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 wonderful
                 Councellor
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 resting
                 in
                 this
                 Condition
                 ,
                 without
                 
                   oyl
                   in
                   your
                   vessels
                
                 :
                 he
                 is
                 wise
                 indeed
                 that
                 is
                 wise
                 in
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   thou
                   mayst
                   be
                   wise
                   in
                   the
                   latter
                   end
                   :
                
                 he
                 that
                 liveth
                 in
                 reputation
                 of
                 a
                 wise
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 thinketh
                 himself
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 dyeth
                 a
                 fool
                 in
                 the
                 account
                 
                 of
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 others
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 fool
                 in
                 grain
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 care
                 to
                 get
                 and
                 keep
                 our
                 vessels
                 full
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 wiser
                 we
                 shall
                 approve
                 our selves
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 Consider
                 seriously
                 now
                 ,
                 
                   You
                   think
                   you
                   follow
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   Lamps
                   are
                   burning
                   ?
                   but
                   what
                   a
                   sad
                   disappointment
                   will
                   it
                   be
                   and
                   confusion
                   ?
                
                 For
                 hope
                 disappointed
                 confounds
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 
                   Job
                   :
                   they
                   are
                   confounded
                   because
                
                 
                 
                   they
                   hoped
                
                 :
                 you
                 hope
                 for
                 heaven
                 now
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 disappointed
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 Lamps
                 go
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 just
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 them
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 you
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 it
                 !
              
               
                 O
                 therefore
                 whatever
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 this
                 oyl
                 ,
                 make
                 sure
                 of
                 this
                 brethren
                 :
                 never
                 give
                 the
                 Lord
                 over
                 ,
                 follow
                 him
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 wayes
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 until
                 thou
                 have
                 gotten
                 thy
                 vessel
                 full
                 ,
                 thy
                 heart
                 filled
                 with
                 grace
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 fear
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 with
                 humility
                 ,
                 self-denial
                 .
                 O
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   thou
                   close
                   with
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 mistake
                 somewhat
                 else
                 instead
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 beg
                 the
                 Spirit
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   be
                   strengthened
                   with
                   might
                   by
                   his
                   Spirit
                   in
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   inner
                   man
                
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   Christ
                   may
                   dwell
                   in
                   your
                   hearts
                   by
                   faith
                   ,
                   and
                   you
                   may
                   have
                   all
                   grace
                   to
                   abound
                   towards
                   you
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   you
                   ,
                   that
                   having
                   an
                   al-sufficiency
                   alway
                   in
                   all
                   things
                   ,
                   you
                   may
                   abound
                   in
                   every
                   good
                   work
                   ,
                
                 your
                 hearts
                 being
                 ful
                 ,
                 there
                 being
                 a
                 
                   Spring
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                
                 :
                 that
                 your
                 Lamps
                 may
                 never
                 be
                 put
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 may
                 appear
                 wise
                 in
                 your
                 
                   latter
                   end
                
                 ,
                 which
                 trieth
                 indeed
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 .
                 O
                 be
                 diligent
                 in
                 improving
                 all
                 the
                 
                 Ordinances
                 for
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 
                   received
                   ye
                   the
                   Spirit
                   by
                   the
                   works
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   or
                   by
                   the
                   hearing
                   of
                   Faith
                   ?
                
                 You
                 have
                 heard
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 dew
                 wherein
                 the
                 Manna
                 descends
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 
                   vehiculum
                   ,
                   we
                
                 come
                 to
                 hear
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 how
                 you
                 hear
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 hearts
                 you
                 come
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 you
                 attend
                 to
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 in
                 what
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 the
                 Spirit
                 will
                 descend
                 ,
                 will
                 come
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 at
                 which
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Sermon
                 ?
                 O
                 brethren
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 with
                 vessels
                 full
                 ,
                 conceited
                 with
                 Pride
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 Earth
                 stopped
                 up
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 expect
                 this
                 oyl
                 should
                 be
                 poured
                 into
                 us
                 ?
                 therefore
                 Come
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 bring
                 your
                 
                   empty
                   vessels
                
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 :
                 for
                 it
                 
                 is
                 observable
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 there
                 was
                 an
                 
                   empty
                   vessel
                
                 ,
                 the
                 oyl
                 run
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 widows
                 case
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 here
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 sent
                 a
                 poor
                 empty
                 broken
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 a
                 poor
                 Creature
                 ,
                 poor
                 in
                 spirit
                 to
                 come
                 humbled
                 and
                 trembling
                 in
                 sense
                 of
                 its
                 wants
                 ,
                 and
                 worthlesness
                 he
                 never
                 sent
                 them
                 away
                 empty
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 vessel
                 is
                 full
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 pour
                 out
                 the
                 oyl
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 lost
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 room
                 to
                 receive
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Labour
                   to
                   number
                   your
                   days
                
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   apply
                   your
                   hearts
                   unto
                   wisdom
                   ,
                
                 to
                 this
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 to
                 salvation
                 :
                 this
                 
                 is
                 a
                 rich
                 piece
                 of
                 skill
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 learned
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 school
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 number
                 our
                 days
                 .
                 Consider
                 the
                 shortness
                 of
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 how
                 short
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 tell
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 we
                 know
                 this
                 night
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 fool
                 in
                 grain
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 who
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   hast
                   goods
                   laid
                   up
                   for
                   many
                   years
                   ,
                   Eat
                   ,
                   drink
                
                 and
                 be
                 merry
                 .
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 was
                 there
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 eternity
                 ?
                 was
                 there
                 any
                 Grace
                 laid
                 up
                 to
                 carry
                 him
                 through
                 death
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 jot
                 :
                 
                   thou
                   fool
                   this
                   night
                   shall
                   thy
                   soul
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 and
                 then
                 whose
                 shall
                 these
                 things
                 be
                 ?
                 these
                 are
                 things
                 which
                 in
                 
                 themselves
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 either
                 they
                 take
                 wings
                 and
                 are
                 gone
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 flock
                 of
                 Birds
                 ▪
                 in
                 a
                 mans
                 ground
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 are
                 taken
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 them
                 to
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 whom
                 :
                 
                   for
                   naked
                   must
                   they
                   return
                   thither
                   ,
                
                 to
                 the
                 grave
                 which
                 Job
                 had
                 in
                 his
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 happily
                 pointed
                 at
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 speech
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 death
                 for
                 many
                 days
                 upon
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 his
                 riches
                 ,
                 which
                 could
                 not
                 profit
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 nor
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 neither
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 this
                 wisdom
                 if
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 applyed
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 provide
                 somewhat
                 that
                 will
                 carry
                 them
                 through
                 :
                 they
                 will
                 provide
                 some
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 that
                 shall
                 not
                 fail
                 ,
                 somewhat
                 to
                 follow
                 
                 them
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 dead
                 ,
                 to
                 enter
                 with
                 them
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage
                 of
                 the
                 Lamb
                 ,
                 A
                 man
                 may
                 number
                 his
                 days
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 of
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 wish
                 it
                 much
                 ,
                 &
                 yet
                 if
                 God
                 teach
                 him
                 not
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 use
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 :
                 O
                 therefore
                 beg
                 of
                 him
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 so
                 to
                 number
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 apply
                 your
                 hearts
                 to
                 this
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 if
                 death
                 be
                 so
                 near
                 ,
                 eternity
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 entering
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 or
                 being
                 shut
                 out
                 for
                 ever
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 we
                 then
                 to
                 bestir
                 our selves
                 ,
                 get
                 this
                 oyl
                 ,
                 this
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 may
                 live
                 by
                 a
                 form
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 dye
                 by
                 a
                 
                   form
                   of
                   Godliness
                
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 the
                 Power
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 must
                 carry
                 us
                 through
                 death
                 .
              
               
                 
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   further
                   Instruction
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   then
                   surely
                   there
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   great
                   change
                   in
                   us
                   to
                   this
                   true
                   wisdom
                   :
                
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   born
                   like
                   wild
                   Asses
                   Colts
                   ,
                
                 none
                 more
                 stupid
                 ;
                 An
                 Ass
                 ,
                 a
                 wild
                 Ass
                 ,
                 a
                 wilde
                 
                 Asses
                 Colt
                 ,
                 what
                 more
                 brutish
                 ?
                 now
                 this
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 wonderful
                 change
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 wise
                 to
                 salvation
                 :
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 too
                 hard
                 for
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 Almighty
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 fools
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 conceit
                 we
                 are
                 wise
                 ,
                 affect
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 because
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 wise
                 ,
                 we
                 easily
                 believe
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 ,
                 self-love
                 bribing
                 our
                 judgements
                 also
                 :
                 but
                 now
                 when
                 God
                 cometh
                 to
                 work
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 emptieth
                 us
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 wisdom
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 conceit
                 of
                 wisdom
                 rather
                 ,
                 for
                 indeed
                 the
                 wisdom
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 foolishness
                 with
                 God
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 conceit
                 of
                 wisdom
                 is
                 much
                 ,
                 this
                 
                 must
                 be
                 captivated
                 ,
                 those
                 high
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 must
                 become
                 fools
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 wise
                 :
                 there
                 must
                 he
                 a
                 great
                 change
                 indeed
                 ,
                 which
                 alas
                 many
                 a
                 Professor
                 never
                 had
                 experience
                 of
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Be
                   not
                   satisfied
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 contented
                 then
                 to
                 use
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 means
                 more
                 remote
                 from
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 find
                 and
                 feel
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 in
                 them
                 embrace
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 souls
                 embrace
                 him
                 :
                 until
                 you
                 feel
                 this
                 oyl
                 poured
                 into
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 find
                 your selves
                 changed
                 into
                 his
                 image
                 ,
                 your
                 hearts
                 coming
                 in
                 to
                 a
                 better
                 frame
                 thereby
                 ,
                 and
                 kept
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 frame
                 thereby
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 :
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 to
                 try
                 now
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 tried
                 by
                 his
                 hand
                 at
                 death
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 place
                 to
                 get
                 it
                 ,
                 &
                 c
                 ?
              
               
                 Alas
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 how
                 shall
                 we
                 know
                 we
                 have
                 this
                 oyl
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 notable
                 way
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 by
                 the
                 overflowing
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 abounds
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 ;
                 the
                 presses
                 burst
                 out
                 with
                 new
                 wine
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 discovers
                 
                 it self
                 :
                 the
                 reason
                 why
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 cannot
                 see
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 because
                 we
                 have
                 yet
                 so
                 little
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   thought
                   it
                   be
                   a
                   Well
                   springing
                   up
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                
                 :
                 yet
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 low
                 and
                 much
                 mud
                 it
                 is
                 hard
                 to
                 discern
                 it
                 :
                 but
                 doth
                 it
                 spring
                 up
                 when
                 the
                 vessel
                 is
                 filled
                 with
                 oyl
                 ?
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 it
                 is
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 little
                 comfort
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 weak
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 .
                 Why
                 press
                 forward
                 ,
                 forget
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 behind
                 ,
                 Slothfulness
                 and
                 Ease
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 comfort
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   the
                   diligent
                   hand
                   which
                   maketh
                   rich
                   .
                
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 ye
                 know
                 grace
                 is
                 set
                 
                   forth
                   by
                   oyl
                
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 softens
                 and
                 sweetens
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 
                   shall
                   find
                   that
                   operation
                   of
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                
                 ;
                 doth
                 it
                 change
                 thy
                 nature
                 from
                 harsh
                 ,
                 and
                 crooked
                 and
                 perverse
                 ,
                 to
                 
                   sweet
                   and
                   gentle
                
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 fruit
                 of
                 this
                 spirit
                 a
                 consequent
                 of
                 this
                 annointing
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 uppermost
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 lies
                 highest
                 in
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 which
                 thou
                 liftest
                 up
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 this
                 ?
              
               
                 Hast
                 thou
                 ever
                 been
                 upon
                 serious
                 examination
                 ,
                 and
                 dost
                 thou
                 make
                 God
                 thine
                 end
                 ,
                 thy
                 happiness
                 ?
                 Canst
                 thou
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Whom
                   have
                   I
                   in
                   heaven
                   but
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 &
                 c
                 ?
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 not
                 thy
                 end
                 .
              
               
                 
                   And
                   then
                   for
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   dost
                   thou
                   close
                   with
                   him
                   ?
                
                 hast
                 thou
                 ever
                 believed
                 ?
                 rouled
                 thy self
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 by
                 faith
                 receiving
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 spirit
                 by
                 faith
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 oyl
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 
                   fountain
                   ,
                   a
                   cruse
                
                 that
                 will
                 never
                 fail
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   spring
                   springing
                   up
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                   Verse
                   5.
                   
                
                 
                   While
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   tarryed
                   they
                   all
                   slumbered
                   and
                   slept
                   .
                
              
               
                 THe
                 Coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 a
                 Bride-groom
                 to
                 take
                 his
                 Bride
                 who
                 cometh
                 with
                 the
                 Virgins
                 her
                 Companions
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 :
                 Now
                 these
                 solemnities
                 used
                 to
                 be
                 performed
                 at
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 :
                 but
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Prothesis
                 of
                 the
                 similitude
                 ,
                 it
                 seemeth
                 (
                 which
                 was
                 more
                 then
                 usuall
                 )
                 he
                 delayed
                 until
                 midnight
                 ,
                 he
                 came
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 time
                 expected
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 were
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 and
                 going
                 out
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 .
                 but
                 he
                 came
                 at
                 a
                 time
                 they
                 looked
                 not
                 for
                 him
                 :
                 when
                 their
                 waiting
                 was
                 at
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 they
                 fell
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 Cry
                 goeth
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 behold
                 he
                 cometh
                 .
                 You
                 have
                 heard
                 already
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 Here
                 we
                 have
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 the
                 delay
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 occasion
                 which
                 the
                 wickedness
                 of
                 some
                 and
                 the
                 weakness
                 of
                 others
                 took
                 from
                 hence
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 :
                 It
                 was
                 abused
                 for
                 an
                 occasion
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 .
                 A
                 double
                 Note
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 only
                 at
                 this
                 time
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   doth
                   delay
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 a
                 little
                 prove
                 it
                 by
                 some
                 Scriptures
                 parallel
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 then
                 open
                 the
                 terms
                 ,
                 confirm
                 it
                 by
                 Arguments
                 ,
                 and
                 apply
                 it
                 by
                 use
                 to
                 our selves
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 for
                 the
                 Scripture-proof
                 ,
                 take
                 that
                 place
                 where
                 our
                 Saviour
                 stirreth
                 up
                 his
                 disciples
                 to
                 watch
                 ,
                 they
                 knew
                 not
                 what
                 
                 hour
                 their
                 Lord
                 cometh
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 hereafter
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 will.
                 
                   Blessed
                   is
                   that
                   servant
                
                 which
                 being
                 set
                 over
                 the
                 houshold
                 
                   to
                   give
                   meat
                   in
                   due
                   season
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   found
                   so
                   doing
                   :
                
                 but
                 now
                 if
                 the
                 wicked
                 servant
                 say
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 
                   my
                   Lord
                   delayeth
                   his
                   coming
                
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   begin
                   to
                   beat
                   his
                   Fellow-servants
                   ,
                   and
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   with
                   the
                   drunken
                   ,
                
                 here
                 you
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 hence
                 this
                 wicked
                 servant
                 takes
                 encouragement
                 to
                 lay
                 the
                 reins
                 upon
                 the
                 neck
                 ,
                 &
                 to
                 run
                 to
                 all
                 maner
                 of
                 excess
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 same
                 you
                 repeated
                 by
                 Luke
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 shall
                 suffice
                 to
                 name
                 that
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 
                 add
                 but
                 one
                 Scripture-more
                 ,
                 which
                 happily
                 may
                 be
                 of
                 more
                 use
                 then
                 any
                 of
                 these
                 to
                 some
                 perceiving
                 judgements
                 ,
                 for
                 happily
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 bribed
                 judgement
                 of
                 some
                 wicked
                 persons
                 bribed
                 and
                 blinded
                 by
                 their
                 Lusts
                 ,
                 indeed
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 such
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 which
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 true
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 delay
                 is
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 measured
                 by
                 our
                 weakness
                 and
                 shortness
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 will
                 appear
                 :
                 yet
                 somewhat
                 there
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 in
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Thessalonians
                   ,
                   Let
                   no
                   man
                   deceive
                   you
                   by
                   any
                   means
                
                 ;
                 be
                 not
                 
                   quickly
                   removed
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   shaken
                   in
                
                 
                 mind
                 ,
                 or
                 troubled
                 ,
                 whether
                 by
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 Word
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 Letter
                 as
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Christ
                 
                   is
                   at
                   hand
                
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 :
                 
                   but
                   there
                   must
                   first
                   come
                   a
                   falling
                   away
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 which
                 is
                 fulfilled
                 in
                 the
                 great
                 Antichrist
                 the
                 Pope
                 who
                 sits
                 in
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 God
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Yet
                 the
                 other
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 the
                 Judge
                 standeth
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 .
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   Grudge
                   not
                   one
                   at
                
                 another
                 ,
                 complain
                 
                 not
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 
                   Judge
                   is
                   near
                   at
                   hand
                
                 ready
                 to
                 judge
                 you
                 all
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 So
                 sin
                 lyeth
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 to
                 be
                 near
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 no
                 contradiction
                 to
                 that
                 :
                 
                   that
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 
                 
                 
                   is
                   not
                   at
                   hand
                
                 :
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 day
                 
                   wherein
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   ,
                   wherein
                
                 
                 
                   he
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   world
                   in
                   righteousness
                   by
                   that
                   man
                   whom
                   he
                   hath
                   ordained
                   ,
                   whereof
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   assurance
                   to
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   in
                   that
                   he
                   raised
                   him
                   up
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   .
                
                 If
                 this
                 judging
                 which
                 is
                 near
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 temporal
                 Chastisement
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 lay
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 when
                 children
                 are
                 envying
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 quarrelling
                 and
                 grudging
                 one
                 at
                 another
                 ,
                 accusing
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 falling
                 out
                 one
                 should
                 move
                 them
                 to
                 forbear
                 ;
                 and
                 by
                 this
                 Argument
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 your
                 Father
                 is
                 at
                 door
                 with
                 a
                 rod
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 judge
                 you
                 all
                 :
                 So
                 he
                 
                   judgth
                   the
                   people
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   not
                   be
                   condemned
                   with
                   the
                   world
                   .
                
                 I
                 thought
                 good
                 to
                 speak
                 thus
                 far
                 ,
                 lest
                 that
                 seeming
                 
                 contradiction
                 might
                 trouble
                 any
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 proof
                 .
                 The
                 second
                 thing
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 terms
                 and
              
               
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   What
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   coming
                   ?
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 This
                 will
                 open
                 the
                 particle
                 of
                 time
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 verse
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   shall
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Heaven
                   be
                   likened
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 the
                 same
                 Key
                 will
                 open
                 both
                 .
                 
                   To
                   omit
                   then
                   any
                   other
                   opinion
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                
                 I
                 understand
                 it
                 either
                 
                   of
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   a
                   particular
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 which
                 is
                 no
                 sooner
                 separated
                 from
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 cometh
                 to
                 judgement
                 .
                 
                   Now
                   Christ
                
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 he
                 
                   cometh
                   to
                   put
                
                 the
                 sickle
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 ripe
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   cometh
                   to
                   gather
                   into
                   his
                   barn
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   be
                   wheat
                   ,
                
                 or
                 else
                 
                   to
                   burn
                
                 them
                 up
                 with
                 unquenchable
                 fire
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 And
                 rather
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   Judgement
                
                 ,
                 that
                 great
                 day
                 and
                 appearing
                 
                   of
                   our
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   our
                   life
                   ,
                   when
                   his
                   people
                   shall
                   appear
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   glory
                   :
                
                 
                 which
                 day
                 will
                 find
                 many
                 alive
                 who
                 shall
                 then
                 be
                 changed
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 day
                 will
                 find
                 doubtless
                 many
                 in
                 deep
                 
                   security
                   and
                   formality
                   to
                   have
                   their
                   work
                   to
                   do
                   .
                
                 And
                 for
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 then
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 raised
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 find
                 them
                 in
                 that
                 state
                 wherein
                 
                   they
                   lay
                   down
                   in
                   the
                   dust
                   ,
                
                 either
                 
                   of
                   faith
                
                 or
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 either
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 
                   shut
                   out
                
                 or
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage
                 .
                 And
                 methinks
                 this
                 doom
                 of
                 our
                 
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 which
                 is
                 parallel
                 to
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   23.
                   
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   you
                   workers
                   of
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   :
                
                 which
                 surely
                 doth
                 agree
                 to
                 
                   none
                   ,
                   except
                
                 it
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 
                   judgement
                   :
                   for
                   any
                   other
                   time
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   trouble
                   you
                   with
                   any
                   thing
                   about
                   :
                
                 And
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Now
                   for
                   the
                   delaying
                
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 more
                 backward
                 then
                 the
                 Church
                 to
                 this
                 union
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   they
                   go
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   ,
                
                 and
                 seem
                 forward
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 
                   delays
                   his
                   coming
                
                 ?
                 for
                 what
                 will
                 make
                 
                 more
                 hast
                 then
                 love
                 ?
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 bring
                 him
                 upon
                 Eagles
                 wings
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 riding
                 upon
                 the
                 clouds
                 ,
                 and
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 wind
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 understand
                 this
                 of
                 his
                 
                   delay
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                
                 ?
                 or
                 what
                 is
                 he
                 an
                 idol-Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 taken
                 up
                 in
                 a
                 journey
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 other
                 business
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 forget
                 his
                 spouse
                 ,
                 and
                 neglect
                 her
                 to
                 come
                 speedily
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 the
                 match
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 her
                 into
                 his
                 Fathers
                 house
                 ,
                 this
                 were
                 indeed
                 agreeable
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 finite
                 forgetful
                 Creature
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 
                   Yea
                   more
                   then
                   this
                   :
                   Is
                   he
                
                 not
                 said
                 to
                 
                   come
                   quickly
                
                 in
                 divers
                 places
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 stands
                 that
                 with
                 the
                 delay
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ?
                 See
                 that
                 place
                 in
                 Luke
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 of
                 the
                 unjust
                 judge
                 ,
                 overcome
                 with
                 the
                 widows
                 
                   importunity
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   neither
                   cared
                   for
                   God
                   ,
                   nor
                   regarded
                   man
                   :
                   yet
                
                 because
                 of
                 her
                 importunity
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 avenge
                 her
                 of
                 her
                 adversary
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 love
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 as
                 the
                 apple
                 of
                 his
                 
                 eye
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 most
                 just
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 faithful
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 doth
                 indeed
                 fear
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 his
                 adversary
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 being
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 name
                 ,
                 lest
                 he
                 should
                 reproach
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 reproach
                 with
                 ruin
                 fall
                 upon
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 besides
                 all
                 this
                 being
                 importuned
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 
                   souls
                   under
                   the
                   Altar
                
                 ,
                 crying
                 continually
                 ,
                 
                   how
                   long
                   Lord
                   ,
                   holy
                   and
                   true
                   ,
                   wilt
                   thou
                   not
                   avenge
                   our
                   blood
                   upon
                   the
                   inhabitants
                   of
                   the
                   Earth
                   :
                
                 why
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   shall
                   not
                   God
                   avenge
                   his
                   own
                   Children
                   which
                   cry
                   day
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   night
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   bear
                   long
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 with
                 their
                 
                   enemie
                   ,
                   I
                   tell
                   you
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   avenge
                   them
                   speedily
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   speedily
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   trice
                   ,
                   a
                   moment
                   ,
                
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                 quantulumcunque
                 how
                 
                   little
                   soever
                   ,
                   as
                   little
                   as
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   tarry
                   .
                   How
                   hang
                   these
                   things
                   together
                   ?
                
              
               
                 
                   For
                   the
                   clearing
                   of
                   this
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 necessary
                 to
                 say
                 something
                 :
                 And
                 first
                 I
                 will
                 shew
                 you
                 ,
                 in
                 what
                 
                   respect
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   said
                   to
                   delay
                   ,
                
                 or
                 it
                 is
                 denied
                 that
                 he
                 doth
                 delay
                 his
                 coming
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 short
                 ,
                 and
                 quickly
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 what
                 respect
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 argumentss
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Then
                 
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   said
                   to
                   delay
                   his
                   coming
                   in
                   respect
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   eternity
                   ,
                
                 wherein
                 all
                 the
                 differences
                 of
                 time
                 are
                 swallowed
                 up
                 and
                 appear
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 time
                 long
                 ,
                 or
                 short
                 in
                 eternity
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 prius
                 ,
                 or
                 posterius
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 in
                 this
                 argument
                 speaks
                 in
                 this
                 wise
                 ,
                 know
                 saith
                 he
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 mock
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 was
                 so
                 long
                 before
                 the
                 
                   promise
                   
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                
                 was
                 fulfilled
                 for
                 the
                 glorious
                 liberty
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Sons
                   of
                   God
                
                 from
                 under
                 their
                 iron
                 yokes
                 put
                 upon
                 them
                 by
                 their
                 persecutors
                 :
                 why
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   slack
                   ,
                   as
                   some
                   count
                   slackness
                
                 or
                 tardiness
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 who
                 reckon
                 it
                 according
                 to
                 Days
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 Months
                 ,
                 and
                 Years
                 ,
                 and
                 Ages
                 ,
                 :
                 no
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   thousand
                   years
                   are
                   but
                   as
                   one
                   day
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 eternity
                 doth
                 not
                 bid
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 
                   unjust
                   Steward
                
                 ,
                 sit
                 down
                 and
                 write
                 50
                 for
                 an
                 100
                 but
                 a
                 thousand
                 for
                 one
                 366000
                 for
                 one
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 thousand
                 years
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 in
                 
                 eternity
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 one
                 day
                 as
                 a
                 thousand
                 years
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 a
                 thousand
                 years
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 cannot
                 conceive
                 of
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 reach
                 to
                 eternity
                 .
                 Now
                 
                   if
                   Sentence
                   against
                   an
                   evil
                   doer
                
                 be
                 deferred
                 but
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 we
                 count
                 this
                 a
                 swift
                 witness
                 against
                 such
                 a
                 mans
                 sin
                 :
                 as
                 
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   thou
                   eatest
                   thereof
                   ,
                   thou
                   shalt
                
                 
                 
                   dye
                   the
                   death
                
                 :
                 but
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 thousand
                 years
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 with
                 God
                 :
                 So
                 that
                 though
                 to
                 us
                 poor
                 finite
                 Creatures
                 ,
                 who
                 number
                 actions
                 according
                 to
                 days
                 and
                 months
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 seem
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 God
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 :
                 for
                 all
                 
                   times
                   past
                   ,
                   present
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                
                 are
                 present
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 eternal
                 nunc
                 or
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 delay
                 
                 in
                 that
                 respect
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Yet
                 further
                 
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   delay
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   cometh
                   quickly
                   ,
                
                 suddenly
                 ,
                 very
                 speedily
                 
                   in
                   another
                   respect
                   :
                   Because
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   stay
                   longer
                   then
                   the
                   appointed
                   time
                   :
                
                 Hab.
                 2.
                 3.
                 
                   the
                   vision
                   is
                   for
                   an
                   appointed
                   time
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   not
                   tarry
                   :
                
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 properly
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 prefixed
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 keep
                 not
                 touch
                 ,
                 but
                 stay
                 longer
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 properly
                 delaying
                 .
                 Now
                 you
                 know
                 
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   day
                   appointed
                   ,
                   wherein
                   he
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   world
                   in
                   righteousness
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   by
                   the
                   man
                   whom
                   he
                   hath
                   ordained
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 
                   a
                   day
                   &
                   an
                   hour
                   which
                   no
                   man
                   knoweth
                
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 men
                 but
                 do
                 proclaim
                 their
                 vanity
                 in
                 guessing
                 at
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 times
                 and
                 seasons
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 meet
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 know
                 which
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 kept
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 
                   this
                   day
                
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 out-stay
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 day
                 longer
                 will
                 he
                 
                 stay
                 ;
                 but
                 come
                 quickly
                 ,
                 very
                 speedily
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 self
                 
                   same
                   day
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 
                   very
                   self
                   same
                   day
                   he
                   came
                   to
                   deliver
                   Israel
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   judge
                   their
                   Enemies
                   .
                
                 The
                 people
                 might
                 indeed
                 think
                 it
                 long
                 whiles
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 groaning
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 delayed
                 his
                 comin
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 the
                 day
                 appointed
                 before
                 had
                 
                 come
                 sooner
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 delivered
                 them
                 sooner
                 he
                 keeps
                 touch
                 to
                 a
                 day
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   He
                   doth
                   not
                   delay
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 omit
                 the
                 season
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 every
                 
                   thing
                   is
                   beautiful
                   in
                   its
                   season
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 season
                 to
                 suffer
                 the
                 
                   enemies
                   of
                   his
                   Church
                
                 to
                 ride
                 over
                 
                   their
                   heads
                
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 season
                 to
                 bring
                 them
                 under
                 their
                 feet
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 them
                 their
                 necks
                 to
                 trample
                 upon
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 season
                 to
                 permit
                 them
                 to
                 eat
                 up
                 his
                 people
                 as
                 they
                 eat
                 bread
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 make
                 themselves
                 drunk
                 with
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 season
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 blood
                 to
                 drink
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 worthy
                 .
                 You
                 know
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 
                 omit
                 his
                 season
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 never
                 have
                 another
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 lookt
                 upon
                 as
                 a
                 slack
                 negligent
                 person
                 ,
                 as
                 now
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 puts
                 off
                 his
                 gathering
                 of
                 harvest
                 from
                 Summer
                 to
                 winter
                 ,
                 so
                 to
                 
                   day
                   if
                   you
                   will
                   hear
                   his
                   voice
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 limited
                 ,
                 a
                 season
                 of
                 getting
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 omitted
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 off
                 by
                 delays
                 ,
                 we
                 shew
                 much
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 little
                 wisdom
                 to
                 think
                 we
                 shall
                 do
                 that
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 heart
                 to
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 men
                 think
                 God
                 is
                 slack
                 ,
                 when
                 indeed
                 he
                 is
                 onely
                 patient
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 season
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 most
                 opportunely
                 for
                 his
                 own
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 good
                 and
                 salvation
                 of
                 souls
                 ;
                 as
                 will
                 appeare
                 in
                 the
                 Arguments
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 anticipate
                 my self
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 He
                 doth
                 not
                 delay
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 men
                 may
                 count
                 delays
                 or
                 slackness
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   if
                   he
                   would
                   never
                   come
                   ,
                
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   judgement
                   is
                   not
                   speedily
                   executed
                   ,
                   ●ush
                   the
                   Lord
                   seeth
                   not
                   ,
                
                 he
                 regardeth
                 
                 not
                 what
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 he
                 watcheth
                 not
                 over
                 their
                 sin
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 bring
                 them
                 into
                 judgement
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 think
                 he
                 is
                 just
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 themselves
                 :
                 Why
                 ?
                 because
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 offended
                 ,
                 happily
                 except
                 they
                 take
                 revenge
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 moved
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 they
                 forget
                 it
                 afterwards
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 set
                 themselves
                 in
                 cold
                 blood
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 many
                 mens
                 malice
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 durable
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 tract
                 of
                 time
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 out
                 :
                 though
                 we
                 should
                 go
                 to
                 school
                 as
                 children
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 say
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 presently
                 ,
                 we
                 judge
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 measure
                 him
                 by
                 our
                 own
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 hold
                 his
                 hands
                 for
                 any
                 while
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 
                   fully
                   set
                   in
                   us
                   to
                   do
                   wickedly
                   ,
                
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 at
                 all
                 to
                 witness
                 against
                 our
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 or
                 formality
                 ,
                 and
                 luke-warmness
                 in
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
                 but
                 thus
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 delay
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Negative
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   then
                   for
                   the
                   Affirmative
                   ,
                   In
                   what
                   sense
                   he
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   delay
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 and
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   In
                   respect
                   of
                   the
                   long
                   time
                   between
                   his
                   first
                   and
                   second
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                 his
                 appearing
                 it
                 is
                 long
                 ,
                 enduring
                 many
                 ages
                 and
                 generations
                 ,
                 
                   many
                   believers
                   dying
                   in
                   faith
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   receiving
                   this
                   promise
                   of
                   his
                   second
                
                 
                 coming
                 ,
                 as
                 those
                 did
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 before
                 his
                 first
                 coming
                 ,
                 they
                 lookt
                 for
                 him
                 from
                 age
                 to
                 age
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   the
                   Prophets
                   searched
                   what
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   manner
                   of
                   sins
                   those
                   were
                   which
                   they
                   spake
                   of
                   ,
                
                 they
                 did
                 a
                 little
                 pierce
                 into
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 they
                 could
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 think
                 it
                 long
                 that
                 the
                 promise
                 made
                 to
                 Adam
                 so
                 many
                 ages
                 before
                 ,
                 should
                 yet
                 be
                 unfulfilled
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 the
                 second
                 time
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 long
                 between
                 1600
                 years
                 already
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 properly
                 a
                 delaying
                 ;
                 but
                 surely
                 his
                 delaying
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 determinations
                 who
                 hath
                 appointed
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 staies
                 not
                 a
                 jot
                 longer
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 appointed
                 it
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Counsel
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 will
                 with
                 admirable
                 wisdom
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 season
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Then
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 or
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   our
                   daies
                   are
                   short
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   reckon
                   upon
                   it
                   according
                   to
                   our
                   daies
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 many
                 daies
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 years
                 before
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 take
                 a
                 poor
                 weary
                 soul
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 because
                 he
                 is
                 poring
                 upon
                 the
                 daies
                 ,
                 and
                 upon
                 the
                 years
                 and
                 moneths
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 thinketh
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 tedious
                 the
                 delay
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 doth
                 meet
                 with
                 this
                 covertly
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Peter
                   ,
                   be
                   not
                   ignorant
                   of
                   this
                   one
                   thing
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   one
                   day
                   is
                   with
                   the
                   Lord
                   as
                   a
                   thousand
                   years
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   thousand
                   years
                   as
                   one
                   day
                
                 ;
                 
                 Alas
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 number
                 by
                 daies
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 short
                 and
                 nothing
                 ,
                 it
                 
                 will
                 seem
                 a
                 delay
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 eternity
                 ,
                 wherein
                 a
                 
                   thousand
                   years
                   are
                   but
                   as
                   a
                   day
                   ,
                
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 short
                 :
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 understood
                 by
                 the
                 opposition
                 it
                 hath
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 went
                 before
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 less
                 of
                 it
                 here
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   of
                   the
                   shortness
                   of
                   our
                   patience
                   ,
                
                 alas
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 short
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 doth
                 exhort
                 them
                 to
                 hold
                 out
                 against
                 persecutions
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   hold
                   fast
                   their
                   confidence
                   which
                   hath
                   recompence
                   of
                   reward
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 tedious
                 thus
                 to
                 run
                 through
                 fire
                 and
                 water
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 wave
                 upon
                 wave
                 ,
                 and
                 billow
                 upon
                 billow
                 ,
                 why
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 !
                 
                   But
                   you
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   patience
                   ,
                   that
                   when
                   you
                   have
                   done
                   his
                   will
                   you
                   might
                   receive
                   the
                   promise
                   ,
                
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 the
                 apearing
                 of
                 Christ
                 who
                 is
                 our
                 life
                 :
                 Alas
                 but
                 can
                 we
                 endure
                 it
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 long
                 !
                 No
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   yet
                   a
                   little
                   while
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   shall
                   come
                   will
                   come
                   ,
                   do
                   not
                   think
                   it
                   long
                   ,
                
                 
                 think
                 not
                 he
                 is
                 slack
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   tarry
                
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 a
                 hard
                 bondage
                 ,
                 groaning
                 as
                 the
                 Israelites
                 did
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 thinketh
                 
                 every
                 day
                 seven
                 until
                 he
                 be
                 delivered
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Prophet
                 exhorts
                 them
                 
                   to
                   wait
                   for
                   the
                   vision
                   which
                   was
                   for
                   an
                   appointed
                   time
                   ,
                   it
                   would
                   not
                   tarry
                   ,
                
                 by
                 the
                 medicine
                 you
                 may
                 gather
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 malady
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   was
                   impatience
                   under
                   their
                   bondage
                   and
                   trouble
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 you
                 find
                 so
                 many
                 sad
                 complaints
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   how
                   long
                   Lord
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   how
                   long
                   wilt
                   thou
                   forget
                   me
                   for
                   ever
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 souls
                 under
                 the
                 Altar
                 ,
                 
                   how
                   long
                   Lord
                   ,
                   holy
                   ,
                   and
                   true
                   ,
                   wilt
                   thou
                   not
                   avenge
                   our
                   blood
                   ?
                
                 And
                 so
                 under
                 spiritual
                 pressures
                 ,
                 suppose
                 temptations
                 from
                 without
                 ,
                 or
                 inward
                 pressures
                 ,
                 a
                 body
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 death
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   how
                   long
                   Lord
                   ,
                   how
                   long
                   ?
                
                 How
                 did
                 Job
                 long
                 for
                 death
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 such
                 wearisom
                 nights
                 ,
                 and
                 moneths
                 of
                 vanity
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 made
                 him
                 possess
                 
                 the
                 iniquities
                 of
                 his
                 youth
                 .
                 Well
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 also
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 ,
                 
                   according
                   to
                   our
                   apprehensions
                
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   In
                   respect
                   of
                   the
                   importunity
                   of
                   our
                   desires
                   ,
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 impatientcy
                 under
                 afflictions
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 an
                 impatiency
                 too
                 ,
                 and
                 might
                 be
                 a
                 branch
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 not
                 that
                 pressure
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 deeply
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 importunate
                 are
                 his
                 desires
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 as
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 a
                 looking
                 out
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 neck
                 or
                 head
                 stretched
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 looks
                 for
                 a
                 thing
                 stirring
                 up
                 himself
                 ,
                 stretcheth
                 out
                 his
                 neck
                 ,
                 lifteth
                 up
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 see
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 looking
                 many
                 a
                 wishly
                 look
                 after
                 the
                 thing
                 he
                 desires
                 ,
                 or
                 person
                 he
                 desires
                 .
                 The
                 proverb
                 is
                 true
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 
                   etiam
                   celeritas
                   in
                   desiderio
                   mora
                   est
                   ,
                
                 And
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 now
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 delay
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 most
                 swiftness
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 is
                 a
                 most
                 swift
                 witness
                 for
                 ,
                 or
                 against
                 such
                 a
                 person
                 ,
                 our
                 desires
                 run
                 before
                 it
                 usually
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 seemeth
                 to
                 
                 slack
                 and
                 come
                 behind
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   when
                   shall
                   I
                   come
                   and
                   appear
                   before
                   him
                   in
                   Sion
                   ,
                
                 Not
                 only
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   now
                   lettest
                   thou
                   thy
                   servant
                   depart
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                   but
                   ,
                   O
                   how
                   long
                   wilt
                   thou
                   thou
                   keep
                   me
                   prisoner
                   in
                   this
                   Tabernacle
                   of
                   clay
                   !
                
                 Now
                 in
                 all
                 these
                 respects
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Now
                   for
                   the
                   Arguments
                
                 .
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 First
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 .
                 
                   The
                   time
                   is
                   appointed
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   a
                   time
                   wherein
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 which
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 anticipate
                 ,
                 so
                 neither
                 will
                 he
                 stay
                 beyond
                 it
                 .
                 the
              
               
               
                 Second
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 excercise
                 his
                 peoples
                 patience
                 ,
                 to
                 inure
                 them
                 to
                 bear
                 ,
                 
                   patience
                   works
                   experience
                   ,
                   and
                   experience
                   hope
                   ,
                
                 the
                 richer
                 the
                 patience
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 richer
                 the
                 experience
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 nearer
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 full
                 assurance
                 of
                 hope
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 Now
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 patience
                 the
                 spirit
                 breathing
                 in
                 it
                 to
                 his
                 
                 people
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 it
                 groweth
                 ,
                 and
                 increaseth
                 with
                 the
                 increases
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 patience
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 their
                 greatest
                 exercises
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 much
                 pains
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 jewel
                 in
                 their
                 Crown
                 shine
                 gloriously
                 ,
                 Consider
                 the
                 patience
                 of
                 Job
                 ,
                 &c.
                 behold
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 
                   patience
                   and
                   faith
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                
                 and
                 in
                 another
                 place
                 it
                 is
                 ushered
                 in
                 with
                 a
                 Behold
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 ,
                 God
                 will
                 have
                 our
                 patience
                 have
                 its
                 perfect
                 work
                 ,
                 be
                 as
                 long
                 and
                 as
                 broad
                 as
                 the
                 tryals
                 are
                 ,
                 And
                 therefore
                 he
                 
                 delaies
                 his
                 coming
                 in
                 that
                 sense
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 this
                 waiting
                 for
                 the
                 
                   reward
                   after
                   we
                   have
                   done
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   harder
                
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   bringing
                   forth
                   fruit
                   with
                   patience
                   .
                
                 Another
                 ground
                 shall
                 be
                 ;
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   That
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   the
                   sufferings
                   of
                   Christ
                   may
                   be
                   filled
                   up
                   in
                   us
                   ,
                   the
                   Apostle
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   fill
                   up
                   in
                   his
                   body
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   the
                   sufferings
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 proportion
                 of
                 sufferings
                 ,
                 
                 for
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 undergo
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 in
                 his
                 body
                 filled
                 up
                 his
                 measure
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 not
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 more
                 righteous
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 people
                 being
                 so
                 nearly
                 united
                 to
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 they
                 and
                 he
                 make
                 one
                 Christ
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 sufferings
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 are
                 called
                 
                   the
                   sufferings
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 means
                 to
                 be
                 filled
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 filled
                 ,
                 because
                 
                   these
                   less
                   afflictions
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   but
                   for
                   a
                   moment
                   ,
                   they
                   work
                
                 out
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 not
                 meritoriously
                 
                   a
                   far
                   more
                   exceeding
                   ,
                   and
                   eternal
                   weight
                   of
                   glory
                   ,
                   he
                   was
                   made
                   perfect
                   through
                   sufferings
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   must
                   his
                
                 
                 
                   s●ns
                   which
                   he
                   bringeth
                   to
                   glory
                   be
                   made
                   perfect
                   through
                   sufferings
                   ,
                
                 and
                 drink
                 of
                 the
                 brook
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   so
                   lift
                   up
                   their
                   heads
                   ,
                   suffer
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   be
                   glorified
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                
                 now
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 
                   such
                   a
                   time
                
                 as
                 we
                 count
                 a
                 delaying
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 there
                 would
                 be
                 no
                 room
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   That
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   Christ
                   may
                   come
                   in
                   ,
                
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fulness
                 
                 
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   the
                   Apostle
                
                 cals
                 it
                 ,
                 both
                 of
                 Jews
                 and
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 several
                 members
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 make
                 up
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 compleat
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 be
                 wanting
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 of
                 its
                 perfection
                 wanting
                 ,
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 glorious
                 honour
                 he
                 
                 
                 puts
                 upon
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 dear
                 affections
                 he
                 sheweth
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 near
                 union
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 accounteth
                 himself
                 not
                 perfect
                 without
                 them
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 be
                 come
                 in
                 ;
                 so
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 answer
                 the
                 importunate
                 cry
                 of
                 the
                 souls
                 under
                 the
                 
                   Altar
                   receive
                   ,
                   how
                   long
                   Lord
                   holy
                   and
                   true
                   ?
                
                 dost
                 
                   thou
                   not
                   avenge
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   judge
                   our
                   enemies
                   ?
                   there
                   were
                   white
                   robes
                   given
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   was
                   said
                   to
                   them
                   they
                   should
                   rest
                   yet
                   for
                   a
                   little
                   season
                   until
                   their
                   fellow-servants
                   also
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   brethren
                   also
                   which
                   should
                   be
                   killed
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   ,
                   should
                   be
                   fulfilled
                   .
                
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 bid
                 many
                 guests
                 to
                 a
                 Feast
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 stay
                 until
                 they
                 all
                 come
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 together
                 .
                 As
                 Christ
                 is
                 imperfect
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 without
                 his
                 fulness
                 with
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 a
                 sort
                 without
                 its
                 body
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 desires
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 as
                 Job
                 speaks
                 ,
                 touching
                 
                 the
                 Resurrection
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   shalt
                   call
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   shall
                   answer
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 the
                 soul
                 may
                 desire
                 also
                 that
                 work
                 of
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 re-united
                 again
                 in
                 the
                 Resurrection
                 ,
                 a
                 pledge
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 earnest
                 whereof
                 they
                 have
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 not
                 onely
                 Christ
                 the
                 head
                 his
                 glorious
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 Enoch
                 and
                 Elias
                 .
                 Now
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 much
                 desire
                 happily
                 for
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 made
                 up
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 in
                 another
                 case
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   hath
                   provided
                   a
                   better
                   thing
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                
                 
                 
                   without
                   us
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   made
                   perfect
                   ,
                
                 so
                 they
                 without
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 made
                 so
                 compleatly
                 perfect
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 must
                 come
                 in
                 ,
                 that
                 day
                 shall
                 not
                 come
                 ,
                 until
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 one
                 soul
                 more
                 to
                 come
                 in
                 ,
                 which
                 belongs
                 to
                 his
                 fulness
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 fourth
                 .
                 
                   This
                   reason
                   indeed
                   onely
                   concerneth
                   the
                   great
                   day
                   of
                   Christ
                   his
                   coming
                   .
                
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   To
                   give
                   time
                   and
                   space
                   to
                   men
                   to
                   repent
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   work
                   out
                   their
                   salvation
                   in
                   ,
                   I
                   gave
                   her
                   space
                   to
                   repent
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 that
                 woman
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   she
                   repented
                   not
                
                 .
                 Whether
                 we
                 understand
                 this
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 particular
                 day
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 great
                 and
                 
                   general
                   day
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ;
                 Why
                 is
                 not
                 
                   Sentence
                   speedily
                   executed
                   upon
                   sinners
                
                 ?
                 Why
                 is
                 it
                 !
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 repent
                 ,
                 
                   despisest
                   thou
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   riches
                   of
                   his
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   long-suffering
                   to
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   knowing
                   the
                   goodness
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   his
                   long-suffering
                   hath
                   his
                   tendency
                
                 in
                 it
                 to
                 
                   lead
                   to
                   repentance
                
                 ,
                 
                 being
                 given
                 for
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 
                   Mora
                   sponsi
                   poenitentiae
                   tempus
                   est
                   :
                   Hilar
                   ▪
                   can
                   .
                
                 27.
                 
                 So
                 our
                 Annot.
                 So
                 that
                 this
                 will
                 leave
                 sinners
                 without
                 any
                 excuse
                 .
                 If
                 there
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 such
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 had
                 no
                 time
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 said
                 so
                 for
                 themselves
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 pretence
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   condemned
                   of
                   themselves
                
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 Saints
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   time
                
                 ,
                 and
                 space
                 
                   to
                   work
                   out
                   their
                   salvation
                   
                   with
                   fear
                   and
                   trembling
                   ,
                   to
                   work
                   it
                   out
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   Alas
                   they
                   must
                   be
                   converted
                   and
                   become
                   as
                   little
                   children
                   ,
                
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 cannot
                 
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 industry
                 ,
                 and
                 pains
                 required
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 this
                 meetness
                 for
                 heaven
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 delays
                 his
                 coming
                 :
                 As
                 for
                 instance
                 .
                 If
                 a
                 Bride-groom
                 too
                 soon
                 come
                 upon
                 his
                 spouse
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 knoweth
                 hath
                 a
                 house
                 full
                 of
                 filthiness
                 ,
                 and
                 nasty
                 places
                 to
                 trim
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 handsom
                 ,
                 and
                 her self
                 to
                 trim
                 ,
                 and
                 deck
                 and
                 adorn
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 stay
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 give
                 her
                 time
                 to
                 make
                 all
                 pure
                 ,
                 and
                 clean
                 ,
                 and
                 fit
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   then
                   he
                   cometh
                
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   That
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   sin
                   and
                   sinners
                   may
                   be
                   filled
                   up
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 Satan
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 sin
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 give
                 Canaan
                 a
                 type
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 
                   Israel
                   ,
                   because
                   the
                   iniquity
                   of
                   the
                   Amorites
                   was
                   not
                   yet
                   full
                   ,
                
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 give
                 them
                 Canaan
                 but
                 he
                 must
                 destroy
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 would
                 first
                 have
                 their
                 measure
                 full
                 ,
                 their
                 
                   Ephah
                   full
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   sink
                   them
                   with
                   a
                   talent
                   of
                   lead
                   .
                
                 So
                 here
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 Satans
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 upon
                 which
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 pour
                 out
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 his
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 tread
                 them
                 down
                 in
                 his
                 fury
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 stays
                 a
                 while
                 until
                 they
                 have
                 filled
                 up
                 their
                 measure
                 .
                 He
                 did
                 not
                 cast
                 the
                 Jews
                 out
                 of
                 sight
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 had
                 filled
                 up
                 their
                 measure
                 ,
                 
                   by
                   persecuting
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 wonderfully
                 filling
                 sin
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 quickly
                 fills
                 the
                 bag
                 to
                 the
                 mouth
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 sealed
                 they
                 persecuted
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 fill
                 up
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 their
                 sins
                 always
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 see
                 he
                 came
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Now
                   when
                   all
                   the
                   vessels
                   of
                   wrath
                   are
                   formed
                   ,
                
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 fitted
                 to
                 destruction
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   he
                   cometh
                
                 as
                 to
                 receive
                 
                   his
                   bride
                
                 ,
                 so
                 to
                 
                   slay
                   his
                   enemies
                   with
                   a
                   flaming
                   sword
                   ,
                
                 and
                 furious
                 indignation
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   would
                   not
                
                 
                 
                   close
                   with
                   him
                
                 .
                 This
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 
                   That
                   the
                   promises
                   may
                   be
                   fulfilled
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   yet
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   fulfilled
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 prophecy
                 of
                 
                   Babylons
                   falling
                
                 ,
                 the
                 tenth
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 even
                 Rome
                 ,
                 which
                 some
                 judicious
                 compute
                 to
                 be
                 just
                 the
                 tenth
                 part
                 of
                 what
                 formerly
                 it
                 was
                 .
                 The
                 ruine
                 of
                 Antichrist
                 ,
                 the
                 bringing
                 in
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 the
                 seed
                 of
                 Abraham
                 his
                 friend
                 ,
                 from
                 all
                 corners
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 whether
                 they
                 are
                 driven
                 through
                 his
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 fulfilling
                 those
                 many
                 glorious
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 spoken
                 of
                 the
                 
                   City
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   new
                   Jerusalem
                   which
                   cometh
                   down
                   from
                   heaven
                   ,
                
                 which
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 do
                 
                 expect
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 be
                 fulfilled
                 when
                 
                   Satan
                   shall
                   be
                   bound
                   for
                   a
                   thousand
                   years
                   ,
                
                 surely
                 a
                 tittle
                 of
                 this
                 word
                 shall
                 not
                 fall
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 not
                 
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 promise
                 ,
                 
                   heaven
                   and
                   earth
                   may
                   fall
                   ,
                   but
                   this
                   word
                   of
                   God
                   cannot
                   fall
                   ,
                
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 fulfilled
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 be
                 contented
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 without
                 his
                 fulness
                 until
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 that
                 fulness
                 until
                 then
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 for
                 this
                 cause
                 ,
                 his
                 coming
                 shall
                 
                 be
                 delayed
                 ,
                 he
                 came
                 once
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 with
                 much
                 readiness
                 ,
                 
                   Lo
                   I
                   come
                   ,
                   I
                   come
                   ,
                
                 though
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 to
                 lose
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 his
                 peace
                 ,
                 his
                 comfort
                 ,
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 his
                 father
                 ;
                 rather
                 then
                 the
                 prophesies
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 fulfilled
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 often
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   it
                   might
                   be
                   fulfilled
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 He
                 will
                 be
                 without
                 his
                 bride
                 in
                 fulness
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 without
                 him
                 in
                 fulness
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 until
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 prophesies
                 be
                 fulfilled
                 .
                 
                   O
                   how
                   he
                   glorifieth
                   his
                   word
                   above
                   all
                   his
                   Name
                   .
                
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 Happily
                 to
                 
                   edge
                   our
                   desires
                   after
                   the
                   day
                   ,
                
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 withholding
                 of
                 a
                 desirable
                 thing
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 doth
                 much
                 draw
                 out
                 the
                 desires
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 drawing
                 away
                 the
                 bait
                 from
                 the
                 fish
                 ,
                 draweth
                 it
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 truly
                 all
                 the
                 ways
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 with
                 us
                 are
                 little
                 enough
                 to
                 put
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 desire
                 
                   that
                   day
                
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 confirmation
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 before
                 it
                 was
                 said
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 seemed
                 long
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 
                   desired
                   it
                   importunately
                
                 :
                 Now
                 therefore
                 we
                 desire
                 it
                 because
                 it
                 seemeth
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 our
                 desires
                 after
                 his
                 appearing
                 
                   do
                   feed
                   themselves
                   ,
                   by
                   adding
                   this
                   oyl
                   to
                   the
                   flame
                   ,
                
                 even
                 the
                 length
                 of
                 the
                 tarrying
                 ,
                 which
                 doth
                 partly
                 arise
                 from
                 themselves
                 :
                 so
                 some
                 things
                 are
                 mutually
                 causes
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Ice
                 resolveth
                 it self
                 into
                 water
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 the
                 water
                 into
                 Ice
                 ;
                 the
                 vapours
                 ascending
                 into
                 Clowds
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Clowds
                 into
                 vapours
                 again
                 ,
                 after
                 they
                 are
                 emptyed
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 .
                 So
                 ▪
              
               
                 The
                 Use
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 shall
                 be
                 first
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 reproof
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   convince
                   us
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   in
                   abusing
                   this
                   truth
                   ,
                
                 which
                 nothing
                 is
                 more
                 
                 ordinary
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 they
                 dare
                 not
                 utter
                 it
                 with
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 they
                 speak
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   delays
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   therefore
                   they
                   begin
                   to
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   with
                   the
                   drunken
                   ,
                   to
                   beat
                   their
                   fellow-servants
                   ,
                
                 they
                 will
                 neither
                 work
                 themselves
                 ,
                 nor
                 let
                 others
                 work
                 that
                 would
                 ;
                 Mark
                 how
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 brands
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 calling
                 him
                 
                   an
                   evil
                   servant
                
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 a
                 delay
                 ,
                 to
                 work
                 such
                 a
                 carelesness
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 he
                 came
                 more
                 speedily
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 language
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   for
                   to
                   morrow
                   we
                   shall
                   dye
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                 whether
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 swift
                 witness
                 against
                 men
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 he
                 tarry
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 one
                 ;
                 
                   if
                   he
                   do
                   not
                   speedily
                   execute
                
                 the
                 Sentence
                 which
                 is
                 past
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 evil
                 doers
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   hearts
                   are
                   fully
                   set
                   in
                   them
                   to
                   do
                   wickedly
                
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 threaten
                 to
                 come
                 speedily
                 ,
                 and
                 avenge
                 himself
                 
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   us
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   for
                   to
                   morrow
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 forgetting
                 the
                 after-clap
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   after
                   death
                   cometh
                   judgement
                
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 then
                 pretend
                 brethren
                 this
                 for
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 the
                 fault
                 upon
                 God
                 as
                 Adam
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 Adam
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 do
                 .
                 Say
                 not
                 
                 then
                 ,
                 If
                 God
                 had
                 threatened
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 
                   Niniveh
                   ,
                   Yet
                   forty
                   days
                   and
                   Niniveh
                   shall
                   be
                   overthrown
                   ,
                   yet
                   forty
                   days
                   and
                   thou
                   shalt
                   come
                   to
                   judgement
                   ,
                
                 sinner
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 repented
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 :
                 no
                 :
                 but
                 as
                 Abraham
                 speaks
                 to
                 the
                 rich
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 parable
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   believe
                   Moses
                   and
                   the
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   believe
                   though
                   one
                   rose
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   .
                
                 So
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wilt
                 
                 not
                 repent
                 and
                 believe
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 do
                 tarry
                 a
                 while
                 ;
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 bold
                 to
                 say
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 not
                 repent
                 if
                 thou
                 shouldest
                 know
                 that
                 within
                 forty
                 days
                 ,
                 or
                 forty
                 hours
                 ,
                 thy
                 soul
                 should
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 thee
                 ,
                 the
                 fool
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 thought
                 he
                 had
                 many
                 years
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 goods
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 nourished
                 his
                 heart
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 slaughter
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 told
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   this
                   night
                   his
                   soul
                   should
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   him
                   ,
                
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 the
                 fool
                 had
                 so
                 much
                 wisdom
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 we
                 read
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 do
                 I
                 see
                 any
                 cause
                 to
                 think
                 it
                 .
                 
              
               
                 A
                 second
                 sort
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 reproved
                 or
                 convinced
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 are
                 
                 such
                 as
                 mock
                 at
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 prophecy
                 of
                 the
                 last
                 days
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   the
                   last
                   days
                   there
                   shall
                   come
                   scoffers
                   ,
                   walking
                   after
                   their
                   own
                   lusts
                   ,
                
                 saying
                 ,
                 where
                 is
                 the
                 promise
                 
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   for
                   since
                   the
                   fathers
                   fell
                   asleep
                   ,
                   all
                   things
                   continue
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   since
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   That
                   these
                   are
                   the
                   last
                   days
                   ,
                
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 no
                 o
                 her
                 
                 Argument
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   impudence
                   of
                   many
                   now
                   adays
                   denyinng
                   resur
                   ection
                   and
                   judgement
                   ,
                   and
                   any
                   such
                   things
                   as
                   these
                   are
                   ,
                
                 are
                 too
                 clear
                 a
                 proof
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 Observe
                 ,
                 
                   Where
                   is
                   the
                   promise
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 a
                 promise
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 the
                 Crown
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 
                   having
                   fought
                   their
                   fight
                   ,
                   and
                   finished
                   their
                   course
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 but
                 a
                 threatning
                 to
                 the
                 sinners
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   that
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   the
                   woman
                   shall
                   break
                   the
                   Serpents
                   head
                   .
                
                 Well
                 ,
                 you
                 tell
                 us
                 of
                 a
                 glorious
                 appearing
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 where
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 we
                 see
                 no
                 alteration
                 ,
                 all
                 things
                 continue
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 sign
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 coming
                 ,
                 O
                 what
                 wretched
                 Athiesm
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 
                 heart
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 presently
                 seize
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 make
                 a
                 mock
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 thinking
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 thing
                 ,
                 O
                 this
                 unbelief
                 is
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 all
                 departing
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 your
                 actions
                 proclaim
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 expect
                 not
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 you
                 rather
                 make
                 a
                 mock
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 make
                 so
                 light
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 horrid
                 sins
                 :
              
               
                 
                   Yea
                   some
                   that
                   seem
                   not
                   to
                   Question
                   his
                   coming
                
                 (
                 though
                 I
                 think
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 their
                 secret
                 unbelief
                 that
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 any
                 such
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 )
                 they
                 do
                 even
                 provoke
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   pluck
                   him
                   out
                   of
                   his
                   place
                   ,
                
                 they
                 challenge
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 heaven
                 that
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   him
                   make
                   speed
                   ,
                   and
                   hasten
                   his
                   work
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   see
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   counsel
                   of
                   the
                   holy
                   one
                   draw
                   nigh
                   and
                   come
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   know
                   it
                   ,
                
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 feel
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 fear
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 language
                 of
                 the
                 men
                 ,
                 that
                 declare
                 their
                 sin
                 like
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 heed
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 stout-hearted
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 set
                 God
                 at
                 defyance
                 ,
                 bid
                 him
                 do
                 his
                 worst
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 abide
                 all
                 that
                 cometh
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 part
                 with
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 wherein
                 they
                 walk
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 fain
                 see
                 who
                 shall
                 controul
                 them
                 ,
                 who
                 should
                 cut
                 their
                 Cart-ropes
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 Cords
                 
                   of
                   vanity
                   ,
                   wherewith
                   they
                   draw
                   iniquity
                   ,
                
                 and
                 toyl
                 ,
                 and
                 tear
                 themselves
                 like
                 horses
                 in
                 the
                 drudgery
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 Well
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 to
                 all
                 these
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 terrible
                 one
                 indeed
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 trembling
                 hearts
                 at
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   However
                   long
                   it
                   seems
                   to
                   stay
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   come
                   before
                   thou
                   art
                   ready
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                
                 and
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 gallantry
                 of
                 spirit
                 that
                 sinners
                 cloath
                 themselvs
                 with
                 ,
                 the
                 stoutest-hearted
                 sinner
                 that
                 heareth
                 this
                 word
                 when
                 
                   that
                   cometh
                   shall
                   quake
                   and
                   tremble
                   .
                
                 What
                 cared
                 Belshazzar
                 for
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 he
                 thought
                 it
                 was
                 nothing
                 ,
                 to
                 carouse
                 in
                 the
                 vessels
                 of
                 the
                 Sanctuary
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 with
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 words
                 writing
                 ,
                 what
                 an
                 Agony
                 it
                 wrought
                 him
                 into
                 ,
                 
                   Amos
                   5.
                   18.
                   
                   You
                   desire
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   do
                   not
                   know
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   darkness
                   and
                   not
                   light
                   ,
                
                 your
                 hearts
                 will
                 dye
                 within
                 you
                 like
                 stones
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 upon
                 you
                 :
                 Observe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 usually
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 the
                 most
                 stout-hearted
                 ,
                 in
                 setting
                 the
                 Lord
                 at
                 defiance
                 :
                 are
                 most
                 dejected
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 ;
                 I
                 ,
                 will
                 the
                 Atheist
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 were
                 true
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 day
                 would
                 ever
                 come
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 see
                 no
                 appearance
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Why
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 such
                 Atheists
                 ?
                 I
                 hope
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 such
                 here
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 own
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 the
                 living
                 
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 often
                 have
                 you
                 it
                 there
                 written
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   hath
                
                 
                 
                   appointed
                   a
                   day
                   wherein
                   he
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   world
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                   and
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   slack
                   as
                   men
                   count
                   slackness
                   ,
                   as
                   some
                   count
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   he
                   would
                   never
                   come
                
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 
                   your
                   judgement
                   lingers
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   damnation
                   slumbereth
                   not
                   ,
                
                 but
                 travels
                 as
                 fast
                 as
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 meet
                 you
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 seize
                 upon
                 you
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 send
                 such
                 a
                 hand
                 to
                 write
                 upon
                 the
                 wall
                 of
                 the
                 Taverns
                 ,
                 where
                 men
                 are
                 carouzing
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   mene
                   mene
                
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 
                   weighed
                   ,
                   &c.
                   this
                   night
                   shall
                   thy
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 Deut.
                 5.
                 5.
                 
                 He
                 that
                 believeth
                 not
                 these
                 things
                 is
                 an
                 
                   Atheist
                   ▪
                
                 indeed
                 ,
                 worse
                 then
                 the
                 Devil
                 himself
                 ,
                 who
                 
                   believeth
                   and
                   trembleth
                   ,
                   James
                
                 2.
                 19.
                 
              
               
                 
                   But
                   me
                   thinks
                   reason
                   it self
                   should
                   evince
                   it
                   ,
                
                 and
                 teach
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   first
                   Principle
                   of
                   all
                   things
                   made
                   himself
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   all
                   things
                   :
                   He
                
                 that
                 is
                 first
                 must
                 also
                 be
                 the
                 last
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 such
                 as
                 would
                 not
                 serve
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 honour
                 God
                 here
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 honour
                 himself
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 righteous
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 every
                 one
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 works
                 ;
                 Now
                 Sinners
                 do
                 not
                 receive
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 works
                 many
                 times
                 here
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 lively
                 and
                 grow
                 old
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 mighty
                 in
                 power
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   seed
                   are
                   established
                   before
                   them
                   ,
                
                 &c
                 As
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   their
                   houses
                   are
                   safe
                   from
                   fear
                   ,
                   neither
                   is
                   the
                   rod
                   of
                   God
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   no
                   changes
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   they
                   fear
                   not
                   God
                   ;
                   they
                   spend
                   their
                   days
                   in
                   wealth
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   go
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   grave
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 tedious
                 sickness
                 ,
                 
                 such
                 as
                 Job
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 encourage
                 themselves
                 in
                 their
                 evil
                 ways
                 ;
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 profit
                 is
                 there
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 pray
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 prosper
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 
                   the
                   Almighty
                
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 serve
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   Let
                   him
                   depart
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   for
                   we
                   desire
                   not
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   his
                   ways
                   ,
                
                 whereas
                 a
                 Job
                 ,
                 a
                 Paul
                 that
                 are
                 
                   upright
                   ,
                   fearing
                   God
                   ,
                   eschewing
                   evil
                   ,
                   exercising
                   themselves
                   to
                   keep
                   a
                   conscience
                   void
                   of
                   offence
                   toward
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   toward
                   men
                   :
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   plagued
                   every
                   morning
                   ;
                   God
                   shall
                   take
                   them
                   by
                   the
                   neck
                   and
                   shake
                   them
                   to
                   pieces
                   ,
                   and
                   pour
                   out
                   their
                   gall
                
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 and
                 break
                 them
                 
                 with
                 breach
                 upon
                 breach
                 .
                 Now
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 Sinners
                 were
                 not
                 reserved
                 to
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 and
                 destruction
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 he
                 brought
                 forth
                 to
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 how
                 would
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 righteous
                 and
                 just
                 ?
                 
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   righteous
                   thing
                   with
                   God
                   to
                   render
                   tribulation
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   trouble
                   you
                   ●but
                   to
                   you
                   that
                   are
                   troubled
                   ,
                   rest
                   with
                   us
                   .
                   Again
                   ,
                
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Remember
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   Thou
                   despis
                   〈…〉
                   the
                   riohes
                   and
                   long
                   suffering
                
                 
                 
                 
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   not
                   knowing
                   that
                   this
                   goodness
                   leads
                   thee
                   to
                   repentance
                   :
                
                 
                 
                   It
                   hath
                
                 a
                 tendency
                 thereto
                 ;
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 slack
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 
                   long-suffering
                   to
                   us
                
                 ,
                 not
                 willing
                 any
                 should
                 perish
                 ,
                 he
                 
                   waits
                   to
                   be
                   gracious
                
                 ;
                 
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 he
                 giveth
                 you
                 space
                 to
                 repent
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 tell
                 you
                 not
                 how
                 long
                 that
                 space
                 shall
                 continue
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   while
                   it
                   is
                   called
                   to
                   day
                   you
                   might
                   hearken
                   to
                   his
                   voice
                
                 ;
                 Now
                 instead
                 of
                 turning
                 to
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 ,
                 you
                 despise
                 this
                 his
                 patience
                 ;
                 let
                 him
                 wait
                 upon
                 whom
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ,
                 you
                 desire
                 him
                 not
                 to
                 wait
                 upon
                 you
                 ;
                 
                   but
                   let
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   come
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   see
                   it
                
                 ;
                 because
                 you
                 prosper
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   your
                   brests
                   are
                   full
                   of
                   milk
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   bones
                   watered
                   with
                   marrow
                   ,
                
                 
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Original
                 ;
                 you
                 make
                 a
                 scoff
                 at
                 the
                 judgements
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   mock
                   at
                   all
                   his
                   terrors
                
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 nothing
                 concerning
                 you
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 this
                 but
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 break
                 the
                 
                   yoke
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 and
                 his
                 Cords
                 of
                 obeisance
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Cords
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 
                 wherewith
                 he
                 draweth
                 sinners
                 towards
                 Repentance
                 ?
                 
                   it
                   followeth
                   in
                   the
                   text
                
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 men
                 
                   treasure
                   up
                   wrath
                   against
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   wrath
                   ,
                
                 after
                 their
                 own
                 hardness
                 and
                 
                   impenitent
                   heart
                
                 :
                 let
                 them
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 can
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 treasure
                 
                 up
                 wrath
                 against
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 
                   treasures
                   of
                   wrath
                
                 are
                 abundance
                 :
                 he
                 stores
                 up
                 treasures
                 as
                 we
                 do
                 sin
                 :
                 God
                 seals
                 up
                 such
                 mens
                 sins
                 among
                 his
                 treasures
                 indeed
                 ;
                 you
                 fill
                 up
                 many
                 bags
                 ,
                 and
                 apace
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 few
                 great
                 stones
                 will
                 fill
                 a
                 bag
                 over
                 little
                 stones
                 will
                 do
                 ;
                 nothing
                 heightens
                 your
                 sins
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 despising
                 the
                 goodness
                 ,
                 and
                 patience
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   forbearance
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   riches
                
                 and
                 treasures
                 of
                 goodness
                 and
                 long-suffering
                 ,
                 abused
                 and
                 perverted
                 to
                 a
                 wrong
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 encourage
                 your
                 hearts
                 to
                 strengthen
                 your
                 hands
                 to
                 sin
                 :
                 Swell
                 the
                 treasures
                 of
                 the
                 displeasure
                 which
                 hangs
                 over
                 your
                 heads
                 every
                 moment
                 .
                 
                   Ah
                   dear
                   friends
                
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 give
                 some
                 poor
                 hard-hearted
                 Sinner
                 a
                 trembling
                 heart
                 at
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 it
                 is
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 cases
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 what
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 Sinners
                 ?
                 you
                 heap
                 up
                 sin
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 gon
                 over
                 your
                 head
                 ,
                 I
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   al
                   ,
                   you
                   treasure
                
                 up
                 wrath
                 against
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ;
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 when
                 all
                 the
                 treasures
                 shall
                 be
                 broken
                 open
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Sluces
                
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   the
                   tyde
                   of
                   streaming
                   vengeance
                
                 shall
                 carry
                 away
                 poor
                 sinners
                 to
                 
                   that
                   bottomless
                   gulf
                
                 ;
                 O
                 who
                 may
                 abide
                 this
                 day
                 !
                 No
                 ,
              
               
                 Nor
                 do
                 not
                 think
                 ,
                 You
                 shall
                 have
                 worse
                 then
                 other
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 hope
                 not
                 so
                 bad
                 ;
                 you
                 never
                 yet
                 sinned
                 as
                 some
                 others
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 you
                 bless
                 God
                 you
                 are
                 no
                 Drunkards
                 ,
                 nor
                 Extortioners
                 ;
                 
                 you
                 never
                 sinned
                 as
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 nor
                 as
                 Gomorrhah
                 ;
                 suppose
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   Yet
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   more
                   :
                   tolerable
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   then
                   for
                   many
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                
                 who
                 shall
                 despise
                 this
                 long-suffering
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 goodness
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   of
                   that
                   servant
                
                 that
                 encourageth
                 himself
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 upon
                 his
                 Lord
                 his
                 delaying
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   come
                   in
                   a
                   day
                   when
                   he
                   looks
                   not
                   for
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   divide
                   him
                   asunder
                   :
                
                 
                 Either
                 rend
                 his
                 soul
                 from
                 his
                 body
                 whether
                 he
                 will
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   night
                   shall
                   thy
                   soul
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 Sinners
                 are
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 the●r
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 marvel
                 when
                 they
                 behold
                 
                   hell
                   from
                   beneath
                   moved
                   for
                   them
                   .
                
                 Or
                 else
                 he
                 will
                 separate
                 them
                 from
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Congregation
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   not
                   stand
                   in
                   the
                   Congregation
                   of
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                
                 though
                 here
                 they
                 were
                 
                 mixed
                 together
                 ;
                 Or
                 else
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 upon
                 him
                 the
                 most
                 exquisite
                 tormenting
                 evils
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 sawn
                 asunder
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 Agag
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 they
                 ,
                 Dan.
                 3.
                 29.
                 
                 So
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Evangelist
                   ,
                   And
                   give
                   him
                   his
                   portion
                   with
                   Hypocrites
                   ,
                
                 as
                 some
                 gloss
                 it
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 free-holders
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 the
                 lowest
                 place
                 they
                 have
                 ;
                 for
                 
                   simulata
                   sanctitas
                   duplex
                   iniquitas
                
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 shall
                 receive
                 double
                 ,
                 even
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 deeds
                 .
                 See
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 his
                 servants
                 in
                 name
                 and
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 may
                 commit
                 to
                 us
                 the
                 Stewards
                 office
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 our
                 own
                 end
                 (
                 a
                 sad
                 word
                 for
                 us
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 loose
                 ,
                 and
                 contentious
                 ,
                 and
                 ungodly
                 Ministers
                 )
                 and
                 yet
                 notwistanding
                 perish
                 with
                 deepest
                 destruction
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 despise
                 this
                 long-suffering
                 toward
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Again
                   ,
                   It
                   reproveth
                
                 such
                 as
                 of
                 prophaness
                 of
                 their
                 spirits
                 ,
                 upon
                 every
                 slight
                 occasion
                 will
                 be
                 calling
                 upon
                 God
                 
                   to
                   judge
                   them
                
                 ;
                 appealing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 nothing
                 more
                 ordinary
                 in
                 prophane
                 mens
                 mouths
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   judge
                   them
                
                 .
                 Yea
                 more
                 fearful
                 indeed
                 ,
                 so
                 fearful
                 that
                 I
                 hardly
                 think
                 the
                 Devil
                 himself
                 would
                 so
                 speak
                 ,
                 for
                 
                   they
                   believe
                   and
                   tremble
                   that
                   God
                   would
                   damn
                   them
                   :
                
                 calling
                 for
                 that
                 day
                 upon
                 every
                 little
                 vexation
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 suspect
                 them
                 or
                 censure
                 them
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 they
                 would
                 clear
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 use
                 such
                 fearful
                 imprecations
                 as
                 these
                 .
                 
                   Ah
                   ,
                   wo
                   be
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   say
                   ,
                   let
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   come
                   ,
                
                 what
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 take
                 such
                 men
                 at
                 their
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 his
                 long-suffering
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Well
                   judge
                   thee
                   I
                   will
                   ,
                   this
                   hour
                   thy
                   soul
                   shall
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 would
                 they
                 not
                 be
                 in
                 an
                 other
                 Note
                 ?
                 you
                 need
                 not
                 call
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 it
                 will
                 come
                 fast
                 enough
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   It
                   reproveth
                   such
                   as
                   out
                   of
                   a
                   conceit
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   
                   innocency
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   be
                   calling
                   for
                   that
                   day
                   :
                   Job
                
                 himself
                 was
                 blame-worthy
                 
                 that
                 he
                 presseth
                 so
                 much
                 upon
                 this
                 :
                 
                   O
                   that
                   I
                   might
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   where
                   I
                   might
                   find
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   might
                   come
                   even
                   to
                   his
                   seat
                   ,
                   I
                   would
                   order
                   my
                   cause
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   fill
                   my
                   mouth
                   with
                   arguments
                   :
                   I
                   would
                   hear
                   the
                   words
                   which
                   he
                   would
                   answer
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   understand
                   what
                   he
                   would
                   say
                   unto
                   me
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 again
                 
                   Chap.
                   13.
                   
                   Withdraw
                   thine
                   hand
                   far
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   not
                   thy
                   dread
                   make
                   me
                   afraid
                   ;
                   then
                   call
                   thou
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   answer
                   thee
                   :
                   charge
                
                 upon
                 me
                 what
                 thou
                 canst
                 of
                 wickedness
                 or
                 prophaness
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 clear
                 my self
                 ;
                 
                   or
                   let
                   me
                   speak
                   ,
                   and
                   answer
                   thou
                   me
                   :
                
                 let
                 me
                 be
                 the
                 Plaintiff
                 saying
                 out
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 thou
                 answer
                 me
                 ;
                 
                 justifie
                 thy
                 proceedings
                 with
                 me
                 .
                 Though
                 he
                 did
                 well
                 to
                 retain
                 his
                 integrity
                 ,
                 and
                 justifie
                 that
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 was
                 too
                 much
                 boldness
                 to
                 offer
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 judgement
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 earnestly
                 to
                 desire
                 that
                 day
                 .
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 !
                 when
                 he
                 shall
                 bring
                 to
                 light
                 the
                 depths
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 that
                 we
                 never
                 saw
                 ,
                 who
                 shall
                 stand
                 before
                 him
                 at
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 thus
                 to
                 lay
                 us
                 open
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 enter
                 into
                 judgement
                 with
                 us
                 indeed
                 ?
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   It
                   reproveth
                
                 another
                 sort
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 
                   their
                   Consciences
                   are
                   a
                   little
                   galled
                   ,
                   happily
                   by
                   the
                   Word
                   ,
                
                 or
                 some
                 other
                 way
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   cry
                   out
                   for
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 they
                 think
                 mans
                 judgement
                 and
                 mans
                 day
                 is
                 very
                 hard
                 and
                 harsh
                 ,
                 and
                 hope
                 to
                 be
                 relieved
                 by
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 doth
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 make
                 his
                 Ministers
                 sometimes
                 sons
                 of
                 thunder
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 he
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 thunders
                 ?
                 then
                 is
                 your
                 day
                 brethren
                 ,
                 so
                 dreadful
                 that
                 you
                 cannot
                 bear
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 while
                 he
                 sitteth
                 to
                 purge
                 as
                 a
                 refiners
                 fire
                 ,
                 you
                 be
                 scorched
                 with
                 that
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 you
                 cannot
                 abide
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 to
                 help
                 your selves
                 by
                 putting
                 yourselves
                 upon
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 a
                 fire
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 get
                 into
                 a
                 sinners
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 scorch
                 and
                 burn
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 the
                 soul
                 even
                 f●y
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 the
                 flaming
                 vengeance
                 wherewith
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   shall
                   be
                   clothed
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   appeareth
                
                 and
                 his
                 coming
                 is
                 ?
                 you
                 
                 think
                 we
                 handle
                 you
                 roughly
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 more
                 tender
                 usage
                 from
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 ;
                 O
                 he
                 is
                 more
                 merciful
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 bowels
                 ,
                 indeed
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 infinitely
                 more
                 merciful
                 :
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 infinitely
                 just
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 merciful
                 :
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 
                   Go
                   ye
                   Cursed
                
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                   Come
                   ye
                   blessed
                
                 ,
                 to
                 pronounce
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 handle
                 you
                 more
                 weightily
                 then
                 Creatures
                 can
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 not
                 
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ;
                 If
                 you
                 cannot
                 bear
                 the
                 smoke
                 of
                 the
                 ,
                 bottomless
                 pit
                 ,
                 over
                 which
                 you
                 are
                 held
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 mending
                 your
                 condition
                 to
                 leap
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 smoke
                 into
                 
                 the
                 fire
                 ?
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   fearful
                   thing
                   to
                   fall
                   into
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   the
                   living
                   God
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 reprove
                 such
                 as
                 would
                 hasten
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 can
                 have
                 no
                 hope
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 in
                 the
                 Evil
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   next
                   Vse
                   shall
                
                 be
                 then
                 
                   to
                   stir
                   us
                   up
                   every
                   one
                   to
                   wait
                   for
                   this
                
                 
                 
                   day
                   ,
                   this
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   specially
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   :
                   You
                
                 that
                 hope
                 for
                 mercy
                 in
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 prayeth
                 for
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Onesiphorus
                 ;
                 what
                 should
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   wait
                   for
                   it
                   ?
                   Yet
                
                 indeed
                 it
                 may
                 reach
                 the
                 Condition
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 whether
                 good
                 or
                 bad
                 .
                 
                   If
                   he
                   delay
                
                 
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   wait
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                
                 ;
                 Onely
                 the
                 waiting
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 somewhat
                 of
                 a
                 different
                 nature
                 ;
                 And
                 therefore
                 let
                 me
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 distinctly
                 to
                 the
                 waiting
                 
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   of
                   God
                   for
                   that
                   day
                   ,
                
                 wrerein
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 included
                 as
                 several
                 branches
                 of
                 this
                 duty
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   There
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   love
                   and
                   desire
                   to
                   this
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 and
                 this
                 presupposeth
                 that
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 good
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 cannot
                 love
                 or
                 desire
                 ,
                 or
                 will
                 any
                 thing
                 evil
                 under
                 the
                 formality
                 of
                 evil
                 ,
                 be
                 a
                 good
                 day
                 ,
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 transcendent
                 gladness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Bride
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 by
                 the
                 
                   Bridegroom
                   ,
                   presented
                   to
                   his
                   father
                   without
                   spot
                   or
                
                 
                 
                   wrinkle
                   or
                   any
                   such
                   thing
                
                 ;
                 when
                 there
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 any
                 estrangement
                 between
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 and
                 the
                 soul
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 never
                 any
                 withdrawing
                 ,
                 any
                 clouding
                 ,
                 any
                 disturbance
                 of
                 peace
                 any
                 more
                 :
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 good
                 day
                 ,
                 when
                 our
                 grace
                 shall
                 be
                 all
                 glory
                 ?
                 
                   then
                   shall
                   we
                   appear
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   glory
                   ?
                
                 And
                 therefore
                 Job
                 speaks
                 
                 after
                 this
                 manner
                 :
                 
                   I
                   know
                   that
                   my
                   redeemer
                   liveth
                   ,
                   &c.
                   in
                   my
                   flesh
                   I
                   shall
                   see
                   God
                   whom
                   I
                   shall
                   see
                   for
                   my self
                   ,
                   and
                   mine
                   eyes
                   shall
                   behold
                   ,
                
                 and
                 not
                 another
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 body
                 by
                 the
                 which
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 new
                 one
                 which
                 never
                 had
                 union
                 with
                 the
                 soul
                 before
                 ;
                 
                   though
                   my
                   reins
                   be
                   consumed
                   within
                   me
                   ,
                
                 so
                 we
                 read
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 though
                 inwards
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 outwards
                 are
                 consumed
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   I
                   shall
                   see
                   him
                
                 ;
                 but
                 though
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 Original
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 read
                 
                   without
                   ,
                   my
                   reins
                   are
                   consum'd
                   within
                   me
                   :
                
                 the
                 reins
                 are
                 the
                 
                   s
                   〈…〉
                
                 of
                 the
                 desires
                 ,
                 therefore
                 I
                 have
                 such
                 desires
                 after
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   even
                   my
                   reins
                
                 are
                 spent
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 consumed
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 going
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 indeed
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 every
                 Christian
                 that
                 can
                 desire
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 whereof
                 afterwards
                 .
                 But
                 then
                 Secondly
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   In
                   this
                   waiting
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   Act
                   of
                   faith
                   also
                   to
                   be
                   put
                   forth
                   ,
                   cast
                   not
                   away
                   your
                   confidence
                
                 that
                 believe
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 
                 it
                 is
                 certain
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 future
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 yet
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 said
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 believe
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 so
                 believe
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 make
                 hast
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 more
                 hast
                 then
                 is
                 meet
                 ,
                 
                   press
                   hard
                   forward
                   toward
                   the
                   Mark
                   ,
                
                 Phil.
                 3.
                 13.
                 14.
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 take
                 any
                 indirect
                 course
                 to
                 bring
                 our selves
                 to
                 it
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 sooner
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 by
                 a
                 dispatching
                 themselves
                 under
                 
                 a
                 temptation
                 when
                 faith
                 is
                 overwhelmed
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 by
                 such
                 cruel
                 macerating
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 to
                 beat
                 it
                 down
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 frame
                 of
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 quickly
                 be
                 dissolved
                 ;
                 though
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 weary
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 cannot
                 well
                 be
                 weary
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 faith
                 now
                 should
                 eye
                 that
                 glorious
                 liberty
                 of
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 maketh
                 it
                 present
                 :
                 
                   It
                   is
                   the
                   substance
                   of
                   things
                   hoped
                   for
                   :
                
                 it
                 giveth
                 it
                 a
                 being
                 already
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 also
                 is
                 implied
                 in
                 this
                 waiting
                 .
                 
                 And
                 then
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 this
                 waiting
                 brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 which
                 is
                 proper
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   patient
                   continuance
                   in
                   the
                   waiting
                   ,
                   a
                   patient
                   continuance
                   in
                   well-doing
                
                 the
                 Apostle
                 mentioneth
                 ,
                 there
                 should
                 
                 be
                 desires
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 fit
                 and
                 start
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Continuance
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 a
                 drawing
                 out
                 the
                 acting
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 believing
                 that
                 day
                 will
                 come
                 which
                 shall
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 all
                 our
                 fightings
                 without
                 ,
                 and
                 terrors
                 within
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   patience
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   done
                
                 
                 
                   all
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   receive
                   the
                
                 recompence
                 ,
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 whether
                 inward
                 ,
                 or
                 outward
                 ;
                 our
                 patience
                 is
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 very
                 sore
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 ravishment
                 with
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   then
                   we
                   would
                   have
                   no
                   delay
                   ,
                
                 but
                 in
                 
                   heaven
                   we
                   would
                
                 be
                 even
                 that
                 very
                 moment
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 holy
                 ,
                 flames
                 are
                 sweet
                 :
                 but
                 yet
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 see
                 it
                 good
                 for
                 Paul
                 to
                 continue
                 in
                 the
                 Body
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 must
                 yet
                 undergo
                 more
                 for
                 Christ
                 before
                 he
                 come
                 to
                 
                   raign
                   with
                   him
                
                 :
                 why
                 he
                 is
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 ought
                 we
                 to
                 wait
                 patiently
                 for
                 this
                 his
                 appearing
                 .
                 
                   The
                   Virgins
                   waited
                
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 forward
                 and
                 ready
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 patience
                 held
                 not
                 out
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 :
                 therefore
                 labour
                 for
                 this
                 .
                 But
                 then
              
               
                 
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   For
                   the
                   waiting
                   of
                   Sinners
                   .
                   Wait
                   for
                   this
                   day
                   ,
                   for
                   it
                   will
                   it
                   come
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   delayed
                   ,
                
                 and
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 soon
                 
                 it
                 will
                 come
                 upon
                 you
                 .
                 Now
                 your
                 waiting
                 must
                 be
                 of
                 another
                 sort
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 With
                 
                   fear
                   and
                   trembling
                
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 a
                 man
                 fears
                 he
                 expecteth
                 in
                 some
                 sort
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 what
                 he
                 hopeth
                 for
                 :
                 O
                 that
                 this
                 dreadful
                 sound
                 were
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 ears
                 of
                 Sinners
                 wherever
                 they
                 went
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 day
                 coming
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 pay
                 for
                 all
                 your
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 shall
                 pluck
                 your
                 sweet
                 morsels
                 out
                 of
                 your
                 belly
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 your
                 stolen
                 waters
                 ,
                 and
                 bread
                 eaten
                 in
                 secret
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 pleasant
                 and
                 sweet
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 into
                 the
                 poyson
                 of
                 Asps
                 .
                 O
                 do
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   are
                   at
                   an
                   agreement
                   with
                   hell
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   the
                   grave
                   :
                
                 for
                 alas
                 that
                 agreement
                 shall
                 
                 be
                 broken
                 ,
                 the
                 grave
                 shall
                 receive
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 reserve
                 you
                 for
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 give
                 you
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 hide
                 you
                 from
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Lamb
                   ,
                   hell
                
                 will
                 open
                 for
                 you
                 :
                 Faelix
                 trembled
                 ,
                 when
                 Paul
                 disputed
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 temperance
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 judgement
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 
                   Christs
                   coming
                
                 how
                 terrible
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 to
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 all
                 such
                 would
                 tremble
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 fear
                 it
                 ,
                 fear
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 coming
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 lingers
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   slack
                
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 order
                 hereto
                 you
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 
                   Article
                   of
                   our
                   faith
                
                 :
                 we
                 profess
                 the
                 
                   resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 
                   either
                   to
                   life
                   or
                   condemnation
                
                 :
                 and
                 thou
                 that
                 livest
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 canst
                 expect
                 
                 no
                 other
                 but
                 a
                 resurrection
                 to
                 Condemnation
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 !
                 men
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 this
                 ;
                 Devils
                 are
                 afraid
                 of
                 that
                 day
                 to
                 which
                 they
                 are
                 reserved
                 in
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 their
                 full
                 cup
                 given
                 them
                 to
                 drink
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 !
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 single
                 out
                 such
                 as
                 he
                 would
                 perswade
                 this
                 day
                 from
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   fly-from
                   this
                   wrath
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                
                 to
                 
                 make
                 ready
                 for
                 this
                 day
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 :
                 
                   wherewith
                   I
                   shall
                   wind
                   up
                   all
                   ,
                
                 I
                 shall
                 say
                 to
                 this
                 doctrine
                 .
                 
                   The
                   last
                   word
                   therefore
                   is
                   of
                
              
               
                 Exhortation
                 ,
                 since
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   doth
                   delay
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   That
                   we
                
                 
                 
                   would
                   make
                   good
                   use
                   of
                   the
                   time
                   :
                
                 he
                 giveth
                 us
                 time
                 and
                 space
                 to
                 repent
                 .
                 
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   God
                
                 they
                 have
                 need
                 to
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 this
                 time
                 :
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 work
                 enough
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 expect
                 to
                 be
                 glorified
                 with
                 him
                 ?
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 a
                 world
                 of
                 iniquity
                 
                 to
                 subdue
                 ?
                 how
                 far
                 are
                 we
                 from
                 being
                 as
                 little
                 children
                 in
                 malice
                 and
                 humility
                 ,
                 such
                 we
                 must
                 become
                 ,
                 our
                 Course
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 being
                 finished
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 will
                 adopt
                 us
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 we
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 are
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 meet
                 spouses
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 that
                 we
                 desire
                 his
                 coming
                 indeed
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 lay
                 out
                 all
                 your
                 might
                 to
                 prepare
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 ●luttish
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 let
                 it
                 lie
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 neglect
                 our
                 ornaments
                 ,
                 are
                 careless
                 ,
                 put
                 them
                 not
                 on
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 decking
                 our selves
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 love
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 2.
                 
                 
                   How
                   much
                   more
                   have
                   Sinners
                   to
                   do
                   ?
                
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   delays
                   his
                   coming
                
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 thee
                 :
                 how
                 many
                 years
                 hath
                 he
                 waited
                 upon
                 thee
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 thou
                 are
                 where
                 thou
                 wast
                 at
                 first
                 ?
                 
                   Ah
                   dear
                   friends
                
                 !
                 if
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 find
                 you
                 that
                 profess
                 his
                 name
                 in
                 your
                 blood
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 you
                 ?
                 
                   Will
                   you
                   have
                   time
                   to
                   repent
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   repent
                   not
                   ?
                
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 displeasure
                 :
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 better
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 had
                 never
                 had
                 such
                 warning
                 :
                 O
                 do
                 
                   not
                   despise
                   the
                   riches
                   of
                   his
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   long-sufferings
                   towards
                   you
                   :
                
                 O
                 consider
                 your
                 ways
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Condition
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 your
                 God
                 with
                 all
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 feignedly
                 close
                 with
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ;
                   get
                   oyl
                   into
                   your
                   Lamps
                   ,
                   and
                   into
                   your
                   vessels
                   ,
                
                 for
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 die
                 ,
                 why
                 should
                 that
                 day
                 come
                 upon
                 you
                 before
                 you
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 it
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   make
                   hast
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   this
                   day
                   warned
                   to
                   fly
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 speed
                 
                   to
                   haste
                   away
                   from
                   the
                   wrath
                   to
                   come
                   :
                
                 for
                 
                   judgement
                   lingers
                
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 stay
                 beyond
                 the
                 appointed
                 time
                 ,
                 even
                 your
                 own
                 appointed
                 time
                 ,
                 for
                 
                   the
                   number
                   of
                   your
                   moneths
                   are
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                
                 
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 stay
                 a
                 jot
                 longer
                 ;
                 now
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 know
                 whether
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 this
                 Sabbath
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 this
                 warning
                 the
                 last
                 :
                 therefore
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 opportunity
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 seize
                 but
                 upon
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 make
                 a
                 good
                 Vse
                 of
                 this
                 delay
                 !
                 And
                 O
                 bless
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 all
                 admire
                 his
                 goodness
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 doth
                 delay
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 time
                 and
                 space
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 to
                 work
                 out
                 our
                 salvation
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 until
                 all
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 
                   be
                   come
                
                 in
                 .
                 It
                 
                   is
                   his
                   long-suffering
                   ,
                   not
                   willing
                   we
                   should
                   perish
                   ,
                   but
                   come
                   to
                   repentance
                   .
                
                 
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 were
                 thus
                 wise
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 thus
                 consider
                 our
                 latter
                 end
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 
                   THEY
                   ALL
                   SLVMBRED
                   AND
                   SLEPT
                   .
                   Here
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   you
                   have
                   the
                   occasion
                   which
                   the
                   flesh
                   took
                
                 from
                 the
                 delay
                 or
                 carrying
                 
                 
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 
                   slumber
                   ,
                   and
                   sleep
                   all
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   both
                   wise
                   and
                   foolish
                   .
                
                 Some
                 have
                 understood
                 it
                 of
                 
                   the
                   sleep
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   al
                   dyed
                   ,
                   good
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 bad
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 cannot
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 true
                 ,
                 understand
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 which
                 way
                 you
                 will
                 ,
                 If
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 the
                 universal
                 judgement
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 true
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 shall
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 some
                 
                 shall
                 be
                 changed
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 understand
                 it
                 of
                 his
                 particular
                 coming
                 ,
                 to
                 summon
                 us
                 to
                 appear
                 before
                 him
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 less
                 true
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 the
                 summons
                 cometh
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 before
                 we
                 dye
                 .
                 Death
                 indeed
                 is
                 his
                 Messenger
                 ,
                 or
                 Serjeant
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 dead
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 fetch
                 them
                 ,
                 besides
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 usual
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 death
                 by
                 a
                 double
                 expression
                 ,
                 of
                 slumbring
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 sleeping
                 onely
                 .
                 Besides
                 this
                 slumbring
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 sleeping
                 here
                 ,
                 is
                 noted
                 as
                 a
                 failing
                 in
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 understand
                 it
                 aright
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 privation
                 of
                 that
                 watchfulness
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 injoyned
                 ,
                 and
                 wherewithall
                 is
                 wound
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 close
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 this
                 parable
                 he
                 sheweth
                 us
                 the
                 sad
                 inconveniences
                 of
                 
                   sleeping
                   and
                   slumbring
                
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 incidency
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 exhorts
                 us
                 to
                 watch
                 .
                 Now
                 sure
                 ,
                 to
                 dye
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 fault
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 an
                 appointment
                 of
                 God
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 to
                 submit
                 to
                 which
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 sin
                 .
                 Again
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 parable
                 there
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 some
                 time
                 for
                 the
                 getting
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 use
                 some
                 endeavours
                 to
                 get
                 it
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 be
                 indeeed
                 after
                 a
                 summons
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 little
                 time
                 which
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 think
                 to
                 improve
                 to
                 get
                 grace
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 prosper
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 after
                 death
                 ,
                 there
                 remaineth
                 nothing
                 but
                 judgement
                 .
                 The
                 particular
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 the
                 general
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   time
                
                 of
                 their
                 sleeping
                 is
                 considerable
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 it
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 
                   just
                   a
                   little
                   before
                   their
                   Lord
                   cometh
                   ,
                
                 the
                 L.
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 cry
                 that
                 wakened
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Behold
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   cometh
                
                 .
                 Whether
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 
                   his
                   last
                   and
                   general
                   coming
                
                 ,
                 &
                 so
                 understand
                 the
                 
                   ten
                   Virgins
                   collectively
                   for
                   al
                   the
                   visible
                   Church
                   ,
                   then
                   found
                   on
                   earth
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 considerable
                 
                   that
                   they
                   shall
                   generally
                   be
                   found
                   sleeping
                   ,
                
                 you
                 know
                 
                   how
                   the
                   Evangelist
                
                 setteth
                 forth
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 chapter
                 ,
                 wherein
                 the
                 
                   Disciples
                   ask
                   him
                   when
                   those
                   things
                   shall
                   be
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   shall
                   be
                   the
                   signs
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   .
                
                 When
                 Jerusalem
                 should
                 be
                 destroyed
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 would
                 come
                 gloriously
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 word
                 prevailing
                 
                 
                 over
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 suddainly
                 like
                 lightning
                 passing
                 from
                 one
                 end
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 understand
                 that
                 .
                 Or
                 whether
                 we
                 make
                 that
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 all
                 one
                 ;
                 It
                 should
                 seem
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 referred
                 to
                 the
                 answer
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 
                   third
                   ,
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   was
                   in
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   Noah
                   ,
                   they
                   were
                   eating
                   and
                   drinking
                   ,
                
                 and
                 never
                 minded
                 ,
                 were
                 careless
                 ,
                 and
                 asleep
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 in
                 a
                 flood
                 about
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   note
                   here
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   end
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   asleep
                   ,
                   alike
                   secure
                   and
                   drowsie
                   ,
                
                 and
                 as
                 little
                 look
                 for
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 until
                 all
                 be
                 on
                 a
                 flame
                 about
                 their
                 ears
                 .
                 And
                 Satans
                 letting
                 loose
                 after
                 
                 the
                 thousand
                 years
                 being
                 imprisoned
                 ,
                 seemeth
                 to
                 speak
                 sad
                 work
                 he
                 will
                 make
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 immediately
                 before
                 the
                 last
                 end
                 .
                 Or
                 if
                 we
                 understand
                 it
                 distributively
                 of
                 each
                 Saint
                 ,
                 as
                 sometimes
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 Scripture
                 the
                 H.
                 Ghost
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 collectively
                 and
                 distributively
                 
                 
                   draw
                   me
                   ,
                   we
                   wil
                   run
                   after
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 so
                 here
                 the
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   all
                   slumbred
                   and
                   slept
                
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 might
                 do
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 it
                 singly
                 ,
                 near
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 approach
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 or
                 separate
                 them
                 from
                 himself
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 .
                 I
                 say
                 it
                 is
                 alike
                 considerable
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 give
                 us
                 ground
                 of
                 a
                 note
                 of
                 observation
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 indeed
                 some
                 understand
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 beginning
                 
                   they
                   went
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   ,
                
                 by
                 a
                 Prolepsis
                 ,
                 or
                 Anticipation
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 not
                 go
                 forth
                 at
                 all
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 
                   until
                   after
                   the
                   cry
                   was
                   made
                   ,
                
                 but
                 I
                 cannot
                 see
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 They
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   Christians
                   are
                   very
                   apt
                   to
                   be
                   sleepy
                
                 in
                 the
                 beginnings
                 of
                 their
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 work
                 of
                 faith
                 which
                 indeed
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 :
                 but
                 methinks
                 that
                 doth
                 not
                 so
                 well
                 suit
                 with
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 first-love
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Scripture
                 often
                 mentioneth
                 ,
                 men
                 are
                 usually
                 most
                 forward
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 watchful
                 and
                 wakeful
                 then
                 .
                 Nor
                 do
                 I
                 know
                 any
                 inconvenience
                 but
                 
                 they
                 might
                 sleep
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 in
                 their
                 journey
                 going
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ;
                 and
                 methinks
                 the
                 tarrying
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 being
                 interposed
                 between
                 their
                 setting
                 forth
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 sleep
                 doth
                 plainly
                 argue
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 may
                 argue
                 from
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 argue
                 as
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 one
                 way
                 as
                 for
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 I
                 would
                 rather
                 take
                 it
                 thus
                 .
              
               
                 
                   And
                   however
                
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 with
                 particular
                 circumstance
                 be
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 too
                 much
                 strained
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 yet
                 remember
                 that
                 this
                 we
                 are
                 now
                 upon
                 is
                 the
                 
                   main
                   thing
                
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 understand
                 it
                 aright
                 ,
                 for
                 
                   this
                   sleeping
                   here
                   is
                   the
                   privation
                   of
                   that
                   watching
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   duty
                   so
                   often
                   and
                   so
                   much
                   pressed
                   upon
                   the
                   Disciples
                
                 
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 chapter
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 and
                 many
                 other
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 scope
                 by
                 our
                 Saviours
                 winding
                 up
                 all
                 in
                 that
                 
                   Exhortation
                   ,
                   therefore
                   watch
                   ,
                   for
                   ye
                   know
                   not
                   what
                   ●our
                   he
                   will
                   come
                   ,
                
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 and
                 wise
                 ,
                 both
                 were
                 too
                 foolish
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 tarryed
                 they
                 slept
                 ,
                 and
                 while
                 they
                 slept
                 he
                 came
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 prejudice
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 them
                 afterward
                 ,
                 likely
                 you
                 may
                 hear
                 more
                 fully
                 ;
                 therefore
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 
                   watch
                   .
                   Therefore
                
                 ,
                 this
                 if
                 I
                 do
                 insist
                 a
                 little
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 amiss
                 ,
                 it
                 being
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 .
              
               
                 
                   They
                   all
                   slumbred
                   and
                   slept
                
                 ,
                 here
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 amiss
                 for
                 the
                 further
                 opening
                 the
                 words
                 to
                 tell
                 you
                 
                   What
                   kind
                   of
                   sleep
                   this
                   is
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   degrees
                   of
                   it
                
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 kind
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 know
                 brethen
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 
                 not
                 speaking
                 of
                 a
                 bodily
                 sleep
                 ,
                 whether
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 or
                 extraordinary
                 ,
                 from
                 a
                 natural
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 supernatural
                 cause
                 such
                 deep
                 sleep
                 as
                 fell
                 upon
                 some
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Disciples
                 were
                 much
                 blamed
                 for
                 their
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 watched
                 ,
                 and
                 prayed
                 ;
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 their
                 natural
                 sleep
                 was
                 not
                 there
                 considered
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 an
                 effect
                 of
                 their
                 spiritual
                 sleep
                 ;
                 their
                 souls
                 were
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 thence
                 they
                 slept
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 praying
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 Christ
                 in
                 that
                 his
                 Agouy
                 :
                 but
                 we
                 are
                 now
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 a
                 
                   spiritual
                   sleep
                   ,
                   the
                   sleep
                   of
                   the
                   soul
                   .
                
                 Indeed
                 the
                 soul
                 considered
                 as
                 a
                 spiritual
                 being
                 ,
                 in
                 its
                 natural
                 capacity
                 ,
                 properly
                 never
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 body
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 never
                 weary
                 of
                 its
                 actings
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 body
                 is
                 ;
                 which
                 it
                 useth
                 as
                 its
                 instrument
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 never
                 groweth
                 old
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 never
                 groweth
                 sleepy
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 consider
                 the
                 soul
                 neither
                 in
                 a
                 natural
                 capacity
                 ,
                 onely
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 spiritual
                 being
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 supernatural
                 capacity
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 some
                 divine
                 qualities
                 put
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 acts
                 and
                 works
                 towards
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 towards
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 natural
                 Agents
                 act
                 by
                 their
                 qualities
                 ,
                 the
                 fire
                 by
                 its
                 heat
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 soul
                 by
                 its
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 its
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 its
                 humility
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 here
                 considering
                 not
                 a
                 naked
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 soul
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 either
                 in
                 reality
                 or
                 else
                 in
                 appearance
                 put
                 on
                 Christ
                 for
                 
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   holiness
                   ,
                   is
                   raised
                   up
                   from
                   that
                   death
                   in
                   sin
                   ,
                   to
                   a
                   li●e
                   of
                   grace
                   or
                   love
                   to
                   God.
                   Now
                   this
                   soul
                   so
                   considered
                
                 alas
                 sometimes
                 
                   it
                   fals
                   asleep
                
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 
                   kind
                   of
                   sleep
                
                 .
                 
              
               
                 
                   For
                   the
                   degrees
                   of
                   the
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 two
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 two
                 words
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 two
                 significations
                 ,
                 as
                 indeed
                 our
                 own
                 English
                 words
                 do
                 plainly
                 distinguish
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 to
                 slumber
                 ,
                 is
                 much
                 less
                 then
                 to
                 sleep
                 in
                 our
                 experience
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 slumber
                 ,
                 is
                 when
                 a
                 
                 man
                 onely
                 doth
                 nap
                 or
                 nod
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 fast
                 asleep
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 between
                 sleeping
                 and
                 waking
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 thing
                 waketh
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 awake
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 is
                 napping
                 again
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 so
                 fast
                 as
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 senses
                 altogether
                 sealed
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 ;
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 much
                 ado
                 to
                 wake
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 sleep
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   spiriritual
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 degrees
                 ,
                 a
                 napping
                 ,
                 and
                 nodding
                 ;
                 now
                 asleep
                 and
                 then
                 awake
                 again
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 neither
                 awake
                 nor
                 asleep
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 interruptions
                 successively
                 in
                 our
                 sleeping
                 and
                 waking
                 :
                 But
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 asleep
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 on
                 away
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 continueth
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 sleep
                 hath
                 seized
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 lockt
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 sealed
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 him
                 sure
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   which
                   what
                   it
                   is
                
                 ,
                 shall
                 farther
                 be
                 opened
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 ,
                 onely
                 here
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 Doctrinal
                 Observations
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 be
                 onely
                 these
                 two
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   which
                   are
                   wise
                   to
                   salvation
                   ,
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 foolish
                 
                 
                   formal
                   professors
                   are
                   lyable
                   to
                   slumber
                   ,
                   and
                   sleep
                   ,
                   the
                   best
                   men
                   and
                   women
                   are
                   lyable
                   to
                   it
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   That
                   the
                   Saints
                   may
                   fall
                   into
                   slumbering
                   and
                   sleeping
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                
                 
                 
                   had
                   most
                   need
                   to
                   be
                   awake
                   ,
                
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 .
                 Happily
                 I
                 may
                 handle
                 them
                 distinctly
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 see
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 too
                 tedious
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   best
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 
                   wise
                   to
                   salvation
                   ,
                   yet
                   may
                   slumber
                   and
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 I
                 think
                 there
                 needeth
                 not
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 confirmation
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 this
                 is
                 plainly
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 we
                 have
                 in
                 hand
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 Jonah
                 you
                 know
                 he
                 was
                 fast
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 side
                 of
                 the
                 ship
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 bodily
                 
                 sleep
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 was
                 an
                 effect
                 of
                 this
                 spiritual
                 sleep
                 that
                 was
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 graces
                 were
                 now
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 his
                 fear
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 against
                 whom
                 he
                 had
                 sinned
                 in
                 running
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 these
                 were
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 him
                 so
                 secure
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 a
                 storm
                 he
                 feared
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 drunkard
                 that
                 sleepeth
                 upon
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 a
                 Mast
                 ,
                 in
                 greatest
                 danger
                 ,
                 and
                 seeth
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 dreameth
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 thought
                 by
                 some
                 also
                 that
                 
                 Zachary
                 that
                 good
                 Prophet
                 who
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 visions
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 drowsie
                 and
                 sleepy
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 was
                 meet
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   mind
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                   his
                   body
                
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 no
                 question
                 made
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 men
                 then
                 alive
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 first
                 chosen
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 a
                 wilderness
                 
                 they
                 were
                 as
                 a
                 garden
                 inclosed
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 best
                 considered
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 find
                 how
                 often
                 our
                 Saviour
                 endeavours
                 to
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 watchfulness
                 ;
                 
                   What
                   I
                   say
                   to
                   you
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   to
                   all
                   ;
                   watch
                   ,
                   watch
                   and
                   pray
                   .
                
                 And
                 how
                 much
                 in
                 these
                 chapters
                 ,
                 surely
                 it
                 argues
                 they
                 were
                 lyable
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 prone
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 else
                 that
                 lesson
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 rung
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 their
                 ears
                 .
                 Or
                 would
                 David
                 have
                 come
                 over
                 so
                 often
                 with
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   quicken
                   me
                   O
                   Lord
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   word
                   ,
                   quicken
                   me
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   word
                
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 he
                 found
                 himself
                 going
                 ,
                 napping
                 and
                 nodding
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Christian
                   of
                   Christians
                   ,
                   the
                   flower
                   in
                   the
                   garden
                   inclosed
                   ,
                
                 there
                 were
                 three
                 Disciples
                 that
                 were
                 favourites
                 ,
                 it
                 seemeth
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 took
                 with
                 him
                 as
                 witnesses
                 of
                 his
                 transfiguration
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 to
                 his
                 passion
                 and
                 Agony
                 ;
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 these
                 favourites
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 watch
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   fall
                   asleep
                
                 ,
                 their
                 souls
                 were
                 asleep
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 their
                 
                 bodies
                 also
                 were
                 asleep
                 .
                 However
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 willing
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 flesh
                 is
                 weak
                 ;
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 in
                 part
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 unwilling
                 ;
                 else
                 if
                 perfect
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 kept
                 them
                 awake
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 willingness
                 ,
                 and
                 unwillingness
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 an
                 act
                 the
                 unwillingness
                 
                 may
                 prevail
                 against
                 the
                 willingness
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 :
                 Peter
                 should
                 be
                 
                   carryed
                   whether
                   he
                   would
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   sure
                   he
                   would
                
                 ;
                 there
                 his
                 willingness
                 prevailed
                 :
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 stand
                 any
                 longer
                 ,
                 onely
                 note
                 you
                 here
                 brethren
                 :
                 one
                 thing
                 farther
                 is
                 this
                 ;
                 that
                 they
                 fell
                 asleep
                 the
                 second
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 third
                 time
                 after
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 reproved
                 for
                 it
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 sharply
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   knew
                   not
                   what
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 fell
                 to
                 it
                 again
                 ;
                 if
                 these
                 were
                 so
                 apt
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 sure
                 then
                 much
                 more
                 such
                 poor
                 weaklings
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 one
                 further
                 enquire
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   this
                   slumbring
                   and
                   sleeping
                   is
                
                 ;
              
               
                 
                   By
                   slumber
                   and
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 I
                 understand
                 brethren
                 the
                 unbending
                 the
                 bow
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 as
                 sleep
                 is
                 a
                 cessation
                 of
                 the
                 animal
                 actions
                 of
                 a
                 
                 living
                 creature
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 obstructon
                 of
                 the
                 animal
                 spirits
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 vapours
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 other
                 cases
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 our
                 purpose
                 .
                 Slumbring
                 is
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 little
                 shorter
                 failing
                 ,
                 or
                 cessation
                 of
                 the
                 actions
                 of
                 a
                 living
                 creature
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 senses
                 are
                 binding
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 break
                 through
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 awaken
                 the
                 person
                 doth
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 double
                 
                 principle
                 in
                 man
                 ,
                 in
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 I
                 mean
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 corrupt
                 and
                 regenerate
                 part
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 flesh
                 and
                 spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   spirit
                   is
                   willing
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   flesh
                   is
                   weak
                   ;
                   the
                   flesh
                   lusteth
                   against
                   the
                   spirit
                   ,
                
                 and
                 the
                 spirit
                 against
                 the
                 
                   flesh
                   ;
                   this
                   flesh
                   ,
                   this
                   corrupt
                
                 part
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 unfitly
                 brethren
                 resemble
                 to
                 the
                 vapours
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 continually
                 arise
                 from
                 the
                 stomach
                 toward
                 the
                 head
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 Spirit
                 to
                 the
                 Nerves
                 ,
                 the
                 instruments
                 of
                 action
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   graces
                   of
                   the
                   spirit
                
                 are
                 the
                 
                   nerves
                   of
                   the
                   spirit
                
                 indeed
                 :
                 and
                 by
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 the
                 nerves
                 the
                 continual
                 supplies
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 animal
                 spirits
                 are
                 ,
                 is
                 communicated
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 parts
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 strengthening
                 of
                 all
                 graces
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 by
                 our
                 faith
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 being
                 so
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 slumbers
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   sleeps
                   ,
                   When
                   his
                   corrupt
                   part
                   doth
                   either
                   with
                   a
                   less
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   thicker
                   steam
                   of
                   lusts
                   seize
                   upon
                
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 
                   and
                   hinder
                   the
                   graces
                   of
                   the
                   spirit
                   from
                   doing
                   their
                   work
                   ,
                
                 from
                 acting
                 ,
                 
                   specially
                   that
                   grace
                   of
                   faith
                
                 which
                 indeed
                 doth
                 derive
                 from
                 the
                 
                   head
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   the
                   spirits
                   lively
                   influences
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 not
                 unfitly
                 is
                 corruption
                 compared
                 to
                 
                   wet
                   moorish
                   places
                
                 ,
                 a
                 moorish
                 
                   ●ennish
                   heart
                
                 that
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 such
                 corruption
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 body
                 full
                 of
                 such
                 humors
                 you
                 know
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 sleepy
                 then
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Well
                   then
                   to
                   bring
                   it
                   to
                   an
                   issue
                   ,
                   when
                   sin
                   so
                   fully
                   prevails
                   over
                   us
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   damp
                   the
                   graces
                   of
                   the
                   spirit
                   ,
                   either
                   for
                   a
                   shorter
                   time
                   ,
                
                 it
                 being
                 quickly
                 dispelled
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   slumbring
                   ,
                   or
                   for
                   a
                   longer
                   time
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   a
                   sleeping
                   ;
                   aliquando
                   bonus
                   dormit
                   at
                   Homerus
                   .
                
                 So
                 that
                 brethren
                 when
                 ever
                 we
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 act
                 any
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 for
                 an
                 act
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 a
                 slumbring
                 though
                 you
                 may
                 quickly
                 recover
                 your selves
                 ;
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 more
                 
                 acts
                 ,
                 or
                 continue
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 
                   sleep
                   .
                   Thomas
                   his
                   faith
                
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 his
                 unbelief
                 prevailed
                 much
                 ,
                 seized
                 upon
                 his
                 faith
                 ,
                 bound
                 it
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 
                   ignorance
                   and
                   blindness
                   prevailing
                   over
                   the
                   understanding
                   .
                
                 But
                 for
                 faith
                 ,
                 methinks
                 that
                 is
                 plain
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   the
                   son
                   of
                   man
                   cometh
                   ,
                
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 to
                 that
                 general
                 day
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 particular
                 day
                 of
                 avenging
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 
                   shall
                   be
                   find
                   faith
                   upon
                   the
                   earth
                   ?
                   faith
                   in
                   act
                
                 to
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 alas
                 people
                 will
                 be
                 asleep
                 ,
                 their
                 faith
                 surprized
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 another
                 
                 grace
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 prophesied
                 of
                 the
                 latter
                 times
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   many
                   shall
                   wax
                   cold
                   :
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   Eph●sus
                   had
                   lost
                   her
                   first
                   love
                   ,
                
                 she
                 was
                 fallen
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   active
                   grace
                
                 ,
                 faith
                 works
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   this
                   action
                   ceased
                
                 ;
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 man
                 asleep
                 ,
                 his
                 members
                 languish
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 hang
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 any
                 action
                 ,
                 so
                 their
                 
                   love
                   waxed
                   cold
                
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 when
                 instead
                 of
                 a
                 
                   holy
                   vigilancy
                
                 there
                 creepeth
                 a
                 security
                 on
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 main
                 ingredient
                 into
                 this
                 spiritual
                 sleep
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 virgins
                 here
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 secure
                 ,
                 they
                 looked
                 not
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 when
                 instead
                 of
                 a
                 
                   fervency
                   of
                   spirit
                   in
                   serving
                   God
                   :
                
                 a
                 deadness
                 ,
                 a
                 dulness
                 creepeth
                 upon
                 
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   pray
                
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 prayed
                 not
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 for
                 an
                 act
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 slumbering
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 lively
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 next
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 dead
                 again
                 ;
                 
                   this
                   is
                   slumbering
                   ,
                   napping
                   and
                   nodding
                   :
                
                 Now
                 they
                 can
                 act
                 their
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 cannot
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 can
                 avoid
                 this
                 sin
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 cannot
                 ;
                 but
                 are
                 overtaken
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 slumbring
                 :
                 and
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 
                   not
                   all
                   of
                   us
                   lyable
                   to
                   this
                   ?
                
                 Yea
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 these
                 things
                 seize
                 upon
                 us
                 more
                 violently
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   not
                   onely
                   offend
                   in
                   many
                
                 
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 continually
                 lying
                 secure
                 ,
                 continue
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 dull
                 listless
                 frame
                 ,
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 actings
                 or
                 strivings
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 or
                 love
                 ,
                 or
                 fervency
                 ,
                 or
                 wayting
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   is
                   sleeping
                
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 I
                 wish
                 we
                 had
                 not
                 too
                 general
                 ,
                 and
                 too
                 good
                 proof
                 of
                 it
                 by
                 our
                 own
                 experience
                 .
              
               
                 
                   You
                   have
                   had
                   already
                   in
                   this
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   discourse
                   ,
                   the
                   general
                   reason
                   of
                   this
                   sleepiness
                
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 respecting
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   seed
                   of
                   that
                   Poppy-seed
                
                 which
                 lays
                 us
                 so
                 often
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   filthy
                   heart
                   ,
                   streaming
                   continually
                   filthy
                   gross
                   vapours
                   ,
                
                 which
                 clog
                 and
                 seize
                 upon
                 our
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 them
                 prisoners
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 act
                 them
                 :
                 But
                 I
                 will
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 particularly
                 descend
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 some
                 cases
                 .
              
               
                 Not
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 
                   that
                   vindicative
                   hand
                   of
                   God
                
                 upon
                 some
                 ,
                 when
                 in
                 vindicative
                 justice
                 
                   he
                   sendeth
                   upon
                   men
                   a
                   spirit
                   of
                   slumber
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 hardly
                 think
                 that
                 is
                 competent
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 though
                 
                 to
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 ;
                 yet
                 those
                 are
                 not
                 they
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 mainly
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 in
                 this
                 discourse
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 other
                 causes
                 ,
                 And
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 A
                 cause
                 of
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 sloathfulness
                 it
                 casts
                 men
                 into
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 so
                 in
                 naturals
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 in
                 spirituals
                 ;
                 
                   a
                   sloathful
                
                 
                 man
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 labour
                 ,
                 the
                 vapours
                 gather
                 ,
                 and
                 becloud
                 ,
                 and
                 bemist
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 cannot
                 break
                 through
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 seize
                 upon
                 his
                 senses
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 him
                 prisoner
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 stirred
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   a
                   little
                   sleep
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   slumber
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   folding
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   hands
                   to
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 slothful
                 mans
                 guise
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 door
                 turns
                 upon
                 the
                 hinges
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 slothful
                 man
                 doth
                 
                 upon
                 his
                 bed
                 ,
                 Labour
                 and
                 pains
                 taking
                 ,
                 it
                 dispels
                 the
                 vapours
                 ,
                 scatters
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 clear
                 up
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 :
                 a
                 
                   sloathful
                   spirit
                
                 is
                 the
                 immediate
                 forerunner
                 of
                 
                   this
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   sloathful
                   in
                   business
                   ,
                   fervent
                   in
                   spirit
                   ,
                   serving
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 And
                 you
                 shall
                 finde
                 brethren
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 that
                 had
                 one
                 talent
                 given
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 improved
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 calls
                 him
                 a
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   sloathful
                   servant
                
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 his
                 soul
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 talent
                 laid
                 tosleep
                 in
                 a
                 Napkin
                 ;
                 well
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 cause
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 opportunities
                 in
                 our
                 hands
                 to
                 do
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                 exhorts
                 us
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 sloathful
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 idle
                 ,
                 shall
                 have
                 very
                 much
                 ado
                 to
                 
                   keep
                   himself
                   from
                   sleeping
                
                 ;
                 a
                 wonder
                 
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 all
                 asleep
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 so
                 many
                 opportunities
                 to
                 do
                 good
                 ,
                 such
                 talents
                 put
                 into-our
                 hands
                 ,
                 
                   some
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                   most
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 do
                 so
                 little
                 with
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Another
                   cause
                   of
                   sleeping
                   may
                   be
                   wearyness
                   ,
                
                 you
                 know
                 
                   the
                   sleep
                   of
                   the
                   labouring
                   man
                   is
                   sweet
                
                 ;
                 so
                 you
                 see
                 Sisera
                 ,
                 after
                 he
                 
                 was
                 toyled
                 and
                 spent
                 with
                 his
                 
                   fighting
                   and
                   flight
                
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 lye
                 down
                 to
                 sleep
                 presently
                 ▪
                 so
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 run
                 a
                 while
                 in
                 the
                 race
                 that
                 is
                 set
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 fought
                 against
                 our
                 corruptions
                 ,
                 toyled
                 hard
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 sit
                 down
                 when
                 weary
                 we
                 are
                 asleep
                 presently
                 ;
                 O
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   not
                   weary
                   of
                   well-doing
                
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 fall
                 asleep
                 !
                 this
                 we
                 find
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 
                   harased
                   and
                   persecuted
                   grievously
                   ,
                   their
                   faith
                   and
                   patience
                   ,
                
                 were
                 even
                 tyred
                 out
                 ,
                 alas
                 their
                 hands
                 therefore
                 were
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 knees
                 were
                 feeble
                 ,
                 their
                 members
                 began
                 to
                 
                   languish
                   ,
                   and
                   sleep
                   to
                   seize
                   upon
                   them
                   .
                
                 Sometimes
                 when
                 we
                 toyl
                 all
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 nothing
                 ,
                 we
                 spend
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 spent
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 weary
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 two
                 to
                 one
                 but
                 we
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ;
                 
                 That
                 is
                 another
                 cause
                 of
                 this
                 sleep
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Cause
                 may
                 be
                 
                   the
                   false
                   questions
                   which
                   men
                   make
                   ,
                   the
                   mistaking
                   of
                   things
                   ,
                   a
                   man
                   mistaking
                   the
                   day
                   for
                   the
                   night
                
                 ;
                 he
                 slumbers
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 thinketh
                 it
                 is
                 night
                 ;
                 or
                 the
                 day
                 is
                 not
                 at
                 hand
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 clear
                 I
                 think
                 in
                 the
                 present
                 case
                 ;
                 
                   What
                   made
                   the
                   virgins
                   thus
                   to
                   give
                   sleep
                   to
                   their
                   eys
                   ,
                   and
                   slumber
                   to
                   their
                   eye-lids
                   ?
                
                 they
                 thought
                 their
                 Lord
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 yet
                 ,
                 he
                 delayed
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 likely
                 they
                 thought
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 so
                 still
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 thought
                 they
                 might
                 sleep
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 atleast
                 they
                 might
                 think
                 ,
                 while
                 he
                 delayed
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 no
                 great
                 matter
                 whether
                 they
                 slept
                 or
                 waked
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 of
                 little
                 availment
                 to
                 
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 even
                 laid
                 them
                 down
                 formally
                 to
                 sleep
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   how
                   easily
                   are
                   we
                   lulled
                   asleep
                   with
                   such
                   mistakes
                   as
                   these
                   !
                
                 now
                 how
                 
                 false
                 was
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 while
                 he
                 tarryes
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   wayt
                   for
                   him
                
                 ;
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 
                   lights
                   burning
                
                 ,
                 our
                 
                   lamps
                   trimmed
                
                 ,
                 our
                 
                   ornaments
                   ready
                
                 ,
                 to
                 wait
                 for
                 him
                 until
                 he
                 come
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 paid
                 for
                 our
                 wayting
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 for
                 our
                 our
                 working
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 whenever
                 he
                 comes
                 :
                 this
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 cause
                 or
                 occasion
                 at
                 least
                 of
                 this
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 a
                 letting
                 down
                 our
                 fear
                 and
                 care
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 served
                 the
                 L.
                 continually
                 with
                 a
                 holy
                 trembling
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 cals
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 hardly
                 sleep
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 trembling
                 heart
                 ,
                 sleep
                 passeth
                 from
                 his
                 eys
                 ;
                 or
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 his
                 head
                 f●ll
                 of
                 cares
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 also
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 keep
                 him
                 waking
                 :
                 so
                 
                   Jacob
                   ,
                   his
                
                 
                 
                   sleep
                   departed
                   from
                   his
                   eys
                   :
                   O
                   the
                   care
                   he
                   had
                   of
                   Labans
                   sheep
                   !
                   he
                   slept
                   not
                   ,
                   Ah
                   how
                   far
                   short
                
                 are
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 
                   the
                   charge
                   of
                   the
                   slock
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   purchased
                   with
                   his
                   precious
                   blood
                   ,
                
                 for
                 we
                 sleep
                 ,
                 &
                 let
                 the
                 Wolves
                 come
                 ,
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 the
                 envious
                 man
                 sow
                 tares
                 .
                 Paul
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 watchful
                 a
                 man
                 washe
                 ,
                 how
                 diligent
                 ?
                 
                   he
                   warned
                   them
                
                 
                 
                   night
                   and
                   day
                   with
                   tears
                
                 ;
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   the
                   care
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   Churches
                   were
                   upon
                   him
                   .
                
                 Why
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 every
                 one
                 the
                 care
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ;
                 yea
                 and
                 of
                 one
                 anothers
                 ,
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 watch
                 over
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 &
                 tender
                 one
                 another
                 ;
                 to
                 walk
                 fearfully
                 lest
                 we
                 be
                 stumbling-blocks
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 hurt
                 one
                 another
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 our
                 brothers
                 keepers
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 this
                 care
                 upon
                 us
                 lively
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 keep
                 us
                 waking
                 :
                 
                   The
                   rich
                   mans
                   abundance
                   will
                   not
                   suffer
                   him
                   to
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 
                 he
                 is
                 afraid
                 of
                 losing
                 it
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 great
                 charge
                 about
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 walks
                 through
                 woods
                 and
                 dangerous
                 places
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 afraid
                 of
                 every
                 one
                 he
                 meeteth
                 ,
                 lest
                 he
                 be
                 robbed
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 hardly
                 sleep
                 :
                 
                   O
                   you
                   have
                   precious
                   souls
                   to
                   lose
                
                 brethren
                 !
                 And
                 some
                 of
                 you
                 have
                 grace
                 to
                 lose
                 ;
                 which
                 may
                 in
                 part
                 be
                 lost
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 looseable
                 ;
                 being
                 but
                 a
                 creature
                 depending
                 continually
                 upon
                 a
                 divine
                 supply
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   the
                   Ray
                   upon
                   the
                   Sun
                   :
                
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 now
                 such
                 a
                 care
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 keep
                 the
                 soul
                 awake
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 if
                 we
                 grow
                 confident
                 and
                 bold
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 fear
                 alway
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 then
                 falling
                 asleep
                 :
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 see
                 it
                 plainly
                 in
                 the
                 Disciples
                 that
                 went
                 with
                 Christ
                 into
                 the
                 garden
                 ,
                 to
                 behold
                 his
                 Agony
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 wonderfully
                 heavy
                 asleep
                 ;
                 the
                 soul
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 their
                 graces
                 were
                 not
                 upon
                 
                 the
                 wing
                 ,
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 if
                 you
                 mind
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 men
                 that
                 above
                 all
                 others
                 had
                 been
                 most
                 confident
                 and
                 secure
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 expressed
                 it
                 before
                 ;
                 Peter
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   though
                   all
                   men
                   should
                   deny
                   him
                   he
                   would
                   not
                   :
                
                 and
                 when
                 our
                 Saviour
                 told
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   should
                   deny
                   him
                
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 blinded
                 with
                 his
                 confidence
                 now
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 
                 would
                 not
                 believe
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 believed
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 own
                 folly
                 ;
                 he
                 said
                 he
                 would
                 rather
                 dye
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 deny
                 him
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 pinch
                 ,
                 he
                 falls
                 asleep
                 ;
                 
                   Ah
                   Peter
                   ,
                   sleepest
                   thou
                   ,
                   thou
                
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 men
                 ,
                 methinks
                 shouldst
                 have
                 waked
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 
                   wilt
                   thou
                   dye
                   with
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   cannot
                   wake
                   but
                   fall
                   asleep
                   ?
                
                 not
                 one
                 hour
                 wake
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 thou
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 confident
                 man
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 pinch
                 ,
                 
                   fall
                   asleep
                
                 ?
                 And
                 the
                 two
                 sons
                 of
                 Zebedeus
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 very
                 confident
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   would
                   sit
                   on
                   the
                   right
                   and
                   left
                   hand
                   of
                   Christ
                   in
                   his
                   kingdom
                   ,
                   Why
                   can
                   you
                   drink
                   of
                   the
                   cup
                   I
                   am
                   to
                   drink
                   of
                   ?
                   Yea
                
                 say
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   can
                   :
                   and
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   baptized
                   with
                   the
                   baptism
                   I
                   am
                   baptized
                   with
                   ?
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   could
                   .
                
                 Now
                 those
                 are
                 the
                 men
                 above
                 others
                 that
                 are
                 asleep
                 :
                 Who
                 can
                 tell
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 some
                 other
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 that
                 had
                 been
                 lower
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 walkt
                 more
                 tremblingly
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 waked
                 when
                 those
                 slept
                 ?
                 This
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 
                   Stupifying
                   the
                   head
                   ,
                   the
                   senses
                   ,
                   with
                   some
                   injury
                   ,
                
                 it
                 will
                 lay
                 a
                 man
                 asleep
                 ,
                 yea
                 more
                 then
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 into
                 a
                 swoun
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 feels
                 nothing
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 let
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 a
                 great
                 blow
                 upon
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 it
                 stonyeth
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 fals
                 asleep
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 feel
                 nothing
                 ;
                 now
                 his
                 senses
                 are
                 lockt
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 in
                 a
                 dead
                 sleep
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 a
                 great
                 sin
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 stupifies
                 a
                 mans
                 conscience
                 ,
                 it
                 
                   maketh
                   him
                   past
                   feeling
                
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 in
                 a
                 manner
                 ;
                 we
                 would
                 hardly
                 think
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 would
                 think
                 that
                 men
                 are
                 rather
                 apt
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 those
                 great
                 sins
                 ,
                 but
                 onely
                 of
                 an
                 ordinary
                 nature
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 slumber
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 great
                 sins
                 
                 would
                 rather
                 awaken
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 stir
                 mens
                 Consciences
                 ;
                 indeed
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 they
                 may
                 put
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 some
                 more
                 torment
                 a
                 little
                 at
                 present
                 ,
                 but
                 afterward
                 they
                 do
                 stupifie
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   deceitfulness
                   of
                   sin
                   maketh
                   hard
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 it
                 lye
                 unrepented
                 of
                 a
                 while
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 see
                 how
                 David
                 lay
                 in
                 a
                 dead
                 sleep
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 upon
                 that
                 his
                 fall
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Vriah
                 ,
                 all
                 his
                 senses
                 
                 closed
                 up
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 open
                 his
                 mouth
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   open
                   thou
                   my
                   lips
                   ,
                   and
                   my
                   mouth
                   shall
                   shew
                   forth
                   thy
                   praise
                   :
                
                 And
                 so
                 
                 
                   Jonah
                   his
                   sin
                
                 was
                 very
                 great
                 ,
                 
                   running
                   away
                   from
                   God
                   to
                   Tarshish
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   sent
                   him
                   to
                   Niniveh
                   ,
                
                 and
                 who
                 more
                 sleepy
                 then
                 he
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ?
                 
                   up
                   ,
                   why
                   sleepest
                   thou
                   ,
                   thou
                   sleeper
                   ,
                
                 said
                 they
                 ;
                 alas
                 the
                 poor
                 Mariners
                 lookt
                 upon
                 themselves
                 as
                 lost
                 men
                 ,
                 he
                 feared
                 nothing
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                   Conscience
                   asleep
                   ,
                   Soul
                   asleep
                   ,
                   Fear
                   asleep
                   ,
                
                 he
                 was
                 benummed
                 with
                 that
                 great
                 blow
                 he
                 had
                 given
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 more
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 and
                 heavy
                 then
                 natural
                 men
                 themselves
                 ;
                 their
                 Consciences
                 were
                 sooner
                 awaked
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 then
                 his
                 was
                 ,
                 a
                 fearful
                 condition
                 .
                 Now
                 be
                 not
                 mistaken
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   mean
                
                 not
                 by
                 great
                 sins
                 ,
                 only
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 gross
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 account
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 a
                 sin
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 
                   liking
                   of
                   it
                
                 ;
                 indeed
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 liking
                 or
                 love
                 to
                 a
                 greater
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 it
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 greater
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 less
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 it
                 very
                 great
                 ,
                 even
                 greater
                 then
                 the
                 act
                 of
                 another
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 for
                 the
                 act
                 is
                 greater
                 then
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 
                   Another
                   Cause
                   you
                   know
                   is
                   surfeting
                   and
                   drunkenness
                   ,
                   Excess
                   in
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   the
                   creatures
                   ,
                
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   loaden
                   bellies
                   ,
                   leaden
                   heels
                   ,
                   the
                   bellies
                   being
                   full
                   ,
                   the
                   bones
                   would
                   have
                   rest
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 so
                 in
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 the
                 soul
                 :
                 Lot
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 drunk
                 ,
                 he
                 fell
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 slept
                 so
                 deeply
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 daughters
                 played
                 the
                 
                 harlots
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 knew
                 nothing
                 neither
                 when
                 they
                 rose
                 ,
                 nor
                 when
                 they
                 lay
                 down
                 ;
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   drunkenness
                   of
                   the
                   mind
                
                 casts
                 men
                 asleep
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 
                   drunk
                   with
                   erroneous
                   principles
                   of
                   loosness
                   ,
                
                 it
                 casts
                 him
                 into
                 a
                 sleep
                 ,
                 presently
                 the
                 head
                 is
                 giddy
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 chiefly
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 drunk
                 with
                 passions
                 ,
                 or
                 drink
                 ,
                 or
                 surfet
                 of
                 the
                 delights
                 of
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 abusing
                 the
                 world
                 in
                 using
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 was
                 the
                 sleep
                 of
                 the
                 old
                 world
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 dreamed
                 of
                 the
                 flood
                 ,
                 they
                 believed
                 it
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 
                   Why
                   ?
                   they
                   eat
                   ,
                   they
                   drink
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   they
                   marryed
                   ,
                   they
                   gave
                   in
                   marriage
                   .
                
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 Copulative
                 between
                 the
                 words
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 call
                 an
                 Asyndeton
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 distance
                 of
                 time
                 between
                 one
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   made
                   it
                   their
                   work
                   and
                   business
                   to
                   give
                   themselves
                   to
                   these
                   things
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 when
                 Christ
                 shall
                 come
                 ;
                 
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   sleeping
                   then
                   surely
                   ,
                
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   day
                   came
                   upon
                   the
                   foolish
                   virgins
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   wise
                   too
                
                 unawares
                 ;
                 and
                 why
                 might
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 their
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 
                   Cause
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   they
                   thought
                   now
                   they
                   had
                   made
                   sure
                   of
                   the
                   main
                   work
                   ,
                
                 they
                 might
                 give
                 themselves
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 liberty
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 might
                 busie
                 themselves
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 were
                 excessively
                 
                 taken
                 up
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 cometh
                 unawares
                 .
                 Therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 giveth
                 this
                 caution
                 ,
                 
                   take
                   heed
                
                 
                 
                   your
                   hearts
                   at
                   any
                   time
                   be
                   not
                   overcharged
                   with
                   surfeting
                   and
                   drunkenness
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   cares
                   of
                   this
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   day
                   come
                   upon
                   you
                   at
                   unawares
                   .
                   Alas
                   men
                
                 are
                 too
                 busie
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 mind
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 wayt
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 drunk
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 drunk
                 with
                 delights
                 ,
                 with
                 
                   love
                   to
                   these
                   things
                
                 ,
                 care
                 about
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 more
                 then
                 their
                 load
                 as
                 we
                 say
                 of
                 men
                 drunk
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 sleep
                 .
                 I
                 wish
                 this
                 were
                 not
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 themselves
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 
                   Another
                   Cause
                
                 may
                 be
                 
                   the
                   company
                   of
                   sleepy
                   ones
                
                 ,
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 case
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 to
                 some
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 unlikely
                 but
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 wise
                 walking
                 together
                 ;
                 the
                 foolish
                 might
                 give
                 such
                 an
                 example
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wise
                 not
                 wise
                 enough
                 to
                 avoid
                 :
                 but
                 would
                 sleep
                 for
                 company
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 still
                 in
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 
                   because
                   iniquity
                   shall
                   abound
                   ,
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   many
                   shall
                   wax
                   cold
                   ,
                
                 some
                 
                 think
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 hinted
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 but
                 sure
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 examples
                 are
                 very
                 potent
                 ,
                 
                   plus
                   vivitur
                   exemplis
                
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 a
                 person
                 be
                 in
                 repute
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 name
                 or
                 renown
                 among
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 a
                 brother
                 or
                 a
                 sister
                 ,
                 whose
                 praise
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Churches
                 if
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 this
                 shall
                 grow
                 earthly
                 and
                 carnal
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 carnality
                 and
                 earthliness
                 ,
                 damp
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 a
                 deadness
                 upon
                 the
                 graces
                 ,
                 why
                 how
                 many
                 wil
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 they
                 may
                 sure
                 let
                 the
                 rayns
                 as
                 loose
                 as
                 they
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 may
                 seek
                 after
                 the
                 world
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 .
                 Peters
                 example
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 dissen
                 bled
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 force
                 it
                 had
                 ;
                 thou
                 compellest
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 to
                 live
                 as
                 as
                 do
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 example
                 he
                 did
                 it
                 when
                 the
                 Jews
                 came
                 down
                 from
                 Jerusalem
                 ;
                 therefore
                 David
                 complains
                 indeed
                 
                 of
                 the
                 example
                 of
                 wicked
                 
                   wo
                   is
                   me
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 And
                 so
                 Isaiah
                 complains
                 
                   w●
                   is
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   dwell
                   among
                   a
                   people
                   of
                   uncircumcised
                   lips
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   such
                   my self
                
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 help
                 it
                 forward
                 ,
                 but
                 indeed
                 the
                 examples
                 o
                 ▪
                 loose
                 ,
                 and
                 cold
                 ,
                 and
                 sleepy
                 Professors
                 are
                 
                   more
                   mischievous
                
                 ,
                 especially
                 
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 more
                 lively
                 ,
                 and
                 insensibly
                 decline
                 ,
                 and
                 decay
                 ,
                 because
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 less
                 suspicion
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 notable
                 quench-coals
                 indeed
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 another
                 ground
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 And
                 the
                 last
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 from
                 all
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   the
                   Lord
                   his
                   holy
                   spirit
                   is
                   grieved
                   by
                   all
                   these
                   ,
                
                 he
                 withdraweth
                 
                   his
                   spirit
                
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 
                   fall
                   fast
                   asleep
                
                 ,
                 and
                 alas
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 waked
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 dead
                 sleep
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 one
                 watching
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 one
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 Lethargical
                 distemper
                 apt
                 to
                 prevail
                 
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 hath
                 some
                 to
                 sit
                 by
                 him
                 to
                 keep
                 him
                 awake
                 ,
                 he
                 falls
                 asleep
                 ;
                 
                   and
                   such
                   pains
                   is
                   the
                   holy
                   Spirit
                   at
                   ,
                   sitting
                   up
                   with
                   us
                   to
                   keep
                   us
                   awake
                
                 ;
                 Now
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 depart
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 presently
                 deep
                 sleep
                 fals
                 upon
                 us
                 like
                 an
                 armed
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 cannot
                 resist
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Disciples
                 had
                 grieved
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
                 by
                 their
                 self-confidence
                 ,
                 nothing
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 leaveth
                 them
                 :
                 well
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 see
                 what
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 this
                 their
                 trusting
                 in
                 lyes
                 will
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 letteth
                 them
                 fall
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 woful
                 sleepy
                 and
                 drowsie
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   could
                   not
                   watch
                   one
                   hour
                   ,
                
                 they
                 fell
                 asleep
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 three
                 times
                 after
                 another
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 sharply
                 reproved
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 prickt
                 ,
                 and
                 provoked
                 to
                 awake
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Spirit
                   was
                   withdrawn
                   from
                   them
                
                 :
                 Thus
                 much
                 shall
                 serve
                 for
                 the
                 Arguments
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Use
                 then
                 brethren
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   May
                   it
                   not
                
                 
                 
                   serve
                   to
                   humble
                   us
                
                 ,
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 end
                 of
                 Gods
                 leaving
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 drowsie
                 frame
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 humbled
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 make
                 them
                 know
                 how
                 weak
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 but
                 depart
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 confident
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 ;
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 be
                 ashamed
                 of
                 our selves
                 ?
                 as
                 a
                 servant
                 when
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 about
                 his
                 business
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 reproved
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 confounded
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   wist
                   not
                   what
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 What
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 now
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 asleep
                 ?
                 now
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 to
                 exercise
                 your
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 pray
                 if
                 ever
                 you
                 will
                 pray
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 now
                 asleep
                 ?
                 
                   He
                   that
                   sleepeth
                   in
                   harvest
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   son
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   causeth
                   shame
                   to
                   himself
                   and
                   others
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 lazing
                 and
                 drowsing
                 upon
                 the
                 bed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 shameful
                 thing
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 lay
                 this
                 as
                 a
                 Plaister
                 upon
                 our
                 Souls
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   many
                   as
                   are
                   drowsie
                
                 ,
                 or
                 have
                 been
                 drowsie
                 ,
                 or
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 to
                 hold
                 the
                 
                   Plaister
                   on
                
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 smarting
                 plaister
                 ,
                 yet
                 better
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 have
                 some
                 smart
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 dye
                 of
                 the
                 Lethargy
                 ,
                 better
                 be
                 cupped
                 and
                 scarified
                 ,
                 and
                 anything
                 :
                 Ah
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 cures
                 sin
                 by
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 smarting
                 cure
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 curing
                 of
                 a
                 poysoned
                 wound
                 ,
                 with
                 more
                 poyson
                 ,
                 or
                 fetching
                 out
                 of
                 fire
                 with
                 more
                 fire
                 ,
                 wherein
                 the
                 severeness
                 of
                 the
                 Physician
                 appeareth
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 rather
                 we
                 should
                 smart
                 then
                 dye
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 be
                 
                   humbled
                   for
                   
                   what
                   we
                   have
                   done
                   ,
                
                 if
                 this
                 work
                 be
                 some
                 smart
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 our
                 many
                 sleepy
                 Sermons
                 ,
                 Prayers
                 ,
                 sloathfulness
                 ,
                 security
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 upon
                 our
                 beds
                 now
                 ,
                 this
                 very
                 day
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 souls
                 be
                 not
                 asleep
                 :
                 If
                 you
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 humble
                 you
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 humbled
                 his
                 own
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 your
                 care
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 not
                 onely
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   But
                   let
                   us
                   all
                   take
                   notice
                   of
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   humbled
                   for
                   our
                   great
                   proneness
                   to
                   slumber
                   ,
                   and
                   sleep
                   .
                   Water
                   the
                   root
                
                 brethren
                 :
                 If
                 we
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 lately
                 been
                 overtaken
                 ,
                 yet
                 remember
                 
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   root
                   within
                   us
                   ,
                
                 water
                 that
                 with
                 our
                 tears
                 ,
                 be
                 humbled
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 yea
                 labour
                 we
                 to
                 walk
                 continually
                 humble
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 the
                 sight
                 and
                 sense
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 how
                 apt
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 that
                 whatever
                 our
                 condition
                 is
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 
                   For
                   a
                   prosperous
                   state
                
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 rocking
                 ,
                 and
                 singing
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 how
                 quickly
                 did
                 the
                 Church
                 fall
                 asleep
                 in
                 Constantine
                 his
                 days
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 lap
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 child
                 in
                 the
                 mothers
                 lap
                 ,
                 
                   Outward
                   prosperity
                
                 ,
                 inward
                 prosperity
                 .
                 Was
                 not
                 David
                 slumbring
                 when
                 he
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 moved
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 
                 
                   Iob
                   ,
                   I
                   said
                   I
                   should
                   dye
                   in
                   my
                   nest
                
                 ;
                 what
                 not
                 onely
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 an
                 outward
                 flourishing
                 condition
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 such
                 a
                 strength
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 inable
                 him
                 to
                 do
                 much
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 walk
                 uprightly
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 fruitful
                 in
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   dye
                   in
                   my
                   nest
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   multiply
                   my
                   days
                   as
                   the
                   sand
                   ,
                
                 he
                 was
                 even
                 going
                 then
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 humbling
                 indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 putting
                 forth
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 unto
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 drop
                 asleep
                 !
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 natural
                 now
                 ,
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 Sun
                 shine
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 sweet
                 refreshings
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   musick
                   and
                   delightful
                   things
                
                 ,
                 which
                 do
                 mulcere
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 perswade
                 sleep
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 somewhat
                 to
                 keep
                 awake
                 .
                 But
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 now
                 that
                 an
                 ●our
                 of
                 trouble
                 and
                 affliction
                 (
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 great
                 as
                 to
                 stupifie
                 it
                 )
                 should
                 rather
                 
                 keep
                 a
                 man
                 awaking
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   holdst
                   me
                   waking
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   the
                   night
                
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 great
                 grief
                 ,
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 they
                 knew
                 now
                 their
                 Lord
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 depart
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 
                 entering
                 upon
                 his
                 agony
                 :
                 yet
                 alas
                 how
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 lumpish
                 were
                 they
                 ?
                 
                   they
                   fell
                   asleep
                
                 :
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 natural
                 cause
                 for
                 grief
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 body
                 heavy
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 rendered
                 as
                 a
                 reason
                 ;
                 
                   for
                   they
                   were
                   sad
                   ,
                   they
                   were
                   heavy
                   with
                   grief
                   .
                
                 
                 Yet
                 methinks
                 this
                 should
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 have
                 quickned
                 their
                 spirits
                 ;
                 But
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 even
                 so
                 prone
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 not
                 watch
                 with
                 us
                 continually
                 to
                 keep
                 us
                 awake
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 sleep
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 on
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 a
                 Mast
                 :
                 
                   Little
                   dream
                   men
                
                 !
                 And
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 Ionas
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 this
                 were
                 much
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 humble
                 us
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 inclination
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 slumber
                 ,
                 and
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 laziness
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 is
                 robbed
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 souls
                 much
                 of
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 profit
                 we
                 might
                 gain
                 ,
                 as
                 will
                 afterward
                 appear
                 .
              
               
                 A
                 little
                 further
                 to
                 amplifie
                 this
                 Use
                 :
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   matter
                   of
                   great
                   mourning
                   to
                   look
                   upon
                   the
                   sad
                   effects
                   of
                   mens
                   sleeping
                   among
                   us
                   ,
                
                 look
                 without
                 us
                 ,
                 look
                 within
                 us
                 ,
                 look
                 into
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 look
                 into
                 our
                 Families
                 ,
                 look
                 into
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 finde
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 generally
                 there
                 hath
                 been
                 a
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 O
                 
                 the
                 Lord
                 reprove
                 us
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 shame
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 his
                 own
                 Disciples
                 !
                 Is
                 not
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Vineyard
                 of
                 the
                 Lover-run
                 with
                 Weeds
                 ,
                 with
                 Nettles
                 ,
                 and
                 Hemlocks
                 ,
                 and
                 poysonous
                 weeds
                 which
                 do
                 even
                 kil
                 the
                 good
                 plants
                 ?
                 When
                 was
                 
                   the
                   face
                   of
                   this
                   field
                   ,
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   Christ
                   in
                   England
                   and
                   Ireland
                   ,
                
                 so
                 over-grown
                 with
                 such
                 weeds
                 ,
                 when
                 was
                 there
                 such
                 a
                 face
                 of
                 things
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 long
                 since
                 the
                 
                   Wilde-Boars
                   of
                   the
                   Wood
                
                 did
                 wast
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 would
                 have
                 pluckt
                 ,
                 and
                 rooted
                 it
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 laid
                 it
                 waste
                 ,
                 had
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 wounded
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 swarm
                 with
                 
                   little
                   Foxes
                
                 that
                 spoyl
                 the
                 Vines
                 ,
                 which
                 
                   have
                   tender
                   grapes
                
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 there
                 much
                 difference
                 between
                 plucking
                 up
                 a
                 Corn
                 field
                 by
                 
                 the
                 roots
                 ,
                 and
                 letting
                 it
                 be
                 over-grown
                 with
                 weeds
                 unto
                 chaoking
                 !
                 How
                 cometh
                 this
                 to
                 pass
                 ?
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 reason
                 is
                 because
                 we
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 
                   While
                   men
                   slept
                   the
                   enemy
                   did
                   this
                   :
                   Magistrates
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   the
                   keepers
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   his
                   Vineyard
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   slept
                
                 surely
                 ,
                 the
                 good
                 Lord
                 pardon
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 open
                 their
                 eys
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 
                   kept
                   the
                   Vineyard
                
                 ,
                 but
                 exposed
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 evil
                 man
                 to
                 do
                 what
                 he
                 would
                 in
                 it
                 :
                 they
                 have
                 drunk
                 in
                 that
                 unsound
                 principle
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   have
                   nothing
                   to
                   do
                   about
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 like
                 a
                 poyson
                 of
                 Poppy
                 or
                 Opium
                 ,
                 
                 hath
                 laid
                 them
                 fast
                 asleep
                 as
                 to
                 this
                 ;
                 if
                 God
                 had
                 not
                 watched
                 over
                 his
                 Vineyard
                 ,
                 better
                 then
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 the
                 charge
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 it
                 before
                 this
                 ?
                 Were
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 think
                 you
                 for
                 a
                 nursing
                 father
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 care
                 of
                 his
                 Charge
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 
                 let
                 any
                 one
                 who
                 would
                 come
                 into
                 the
                 Nursery
                 ,
                 go
                 in
                 and
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 what
                 poyson
                 he
                 would
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 it
                 when
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 whom
                 he
                 pleased
                 ;
                 would
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 discharge
                 of
                 his
                 duty
                 ?
                 this
                 
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 nursing
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 sure
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 Magistrates
                 are
                 
                   Nursing
                   fathers
                
                 ,
                 and
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 their
                 duty
                 as
                 much
                 to
                 hinder
                 the
                 poysoning
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   to
                   further
                   the
                   feeding
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 understand
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 kept
                 the
                 Vineyards
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 For
                 
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   slept
                   also
                   surely
                   ,
                
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 been
                 so
                 diligent
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 seen
                 afar
                 off
                 when
                 the
                 evil
                 hath
                 been
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 given
                 warning
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 did
                 Paul
                 warn
                 the
                 people
                 day
                 and
                 night
                 with
                 tears
                 !
                 for
                 he
                 knew
                 that
                 after
                 his
                 departure
                 
                 grievous
                 Wolves
                 would
                 come
                 in
                 ;
                 where
                 hath
                 there
                 been
                 almost
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 spirit
                 as
                 this
                 of
                 Paul
                 ?
                 doubtless
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 have
                 been
                 some
                 
                   who
                   have
                   stood
                   in
                   the
                   watch-Tower
                   ,
                
                 and
                 have
                 seen
                 
                   these
                   things
                   and
                   have
                   blown
                   the
                   Trumpet
                   .
                
                 O
                 but
                 there
                 hath
                 not
                 been
                 
                   that
                   tenderness
                   of
                   doing
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                
                 it
                 hath
                 not
                 been
                 done
                 in
                 that
                 lively
                 manner
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 if
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 more
                 mourning
                 in
                 secret
                 then
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 hear
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 otherwise
                 .
              
               
                 
                   And
                   have
                   not
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   been
                   to
                   blame
                   ,
                
                 are
                 not
                 they
                 
                   the
                   remembrancers
                   of
                   God
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   his
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   yea
                   that
                   make
                   mention
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ,
                 or
                 are
                 
                   his
                   remembrancers
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   not
                   they
                   slept
                   ,
                   while
                   men
                   slept
                   ,
                
                 the
                 enemy
                 hath
                 done
                 this
                 ,
                 Indeed
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 eye
                 the
                 miscarriages
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 impute
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 the
                 Churches
                 to
                 this
                 person
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 person
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 
                   male
                   administration
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   Magistracy
                   and
                   Ministry
                
                 ,
                 and
                 surely
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 excusable
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 we
                 forget
                 
                   to
                   smite
                   upon
                   our
                   thighs
                   ,
                   and
                   cry
                   out
                   ,
                   Ah
                   what
                   have
                   we
                   done
                   ?
                
                 that
                 the
                 Vineyard
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Iesus
                
                 is
                 thus
                 overgrown
                 with
                 weeds
                 ;
                 
                   have
                   we
                   not
                   given
                   the
                   Lord
                   rest
                   ?
                
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 us
                 give
                 him
                 no
                 rest
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 let
                 him
                 alone
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 even
                 wearyed
                 him
                 with
                 our
                 complaints
                 ,
                 our
                 sighs
                 ,
                 and
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 groans
                 ,
                 and
                 prayers
                 of
                 faith
                 ;
                 whence
                 doth
                 deliverance
                 come
                 usually
                 but
                 from
                 the
                 prayers
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 Princes
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 we
                 pray
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 are
                 affected
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 fall
                 asleep
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 the
                 Lord
                 rest
                 ,
                 
                   hath
                   not
                   he
                   the
                   hearts
                   of
                   Magistrates
                   in
                   his
                   hands
                   ,
                
                 and
                 cannot
                 he
                 turn
                 them
                 as
                 the
                 Rivers
                 of
                 water
                 ,
                 whithersoever
                 he
                 will
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 
                   hearts
                   of
                   Ministers
                
                 ,
                 can
                 
                 he
                 not
                 giue
                 them
                 such
                 a
                 spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 day
                 and
                 night
                 
                   to
                   warn
                   the
                   people
                   with
                   tears
                   :
                
                 O
                 surely
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 did
                 speak
                 less
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 then
                 sometimes
                 we
                 do
                 happily
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 do
                 better
                 .
                 But
                 then
                 the
                 
                   Prayers
                   of
                   Faith
                   are
                   wanting
                
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 despond
                 ;
                 our
                 hands
                 hang
                 down
                 when
                 our
                 hopes
                 are
                 not
                 lively
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 iniquity
                 abound
                 and
                 prevail
                 :
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 general
                 sleeping
                 among
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   sad
                   effects
                   in
                   our
                   own
                   Families
                   :
                
                 what
                 sad
                 work
                 is
                 there
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 
                   watching
                   ?
                   Parents
                   asleep
                   ,
                   Masters
                   asleep
                   ,
                
                 act
                 not
                 their
                 Faith
                 in
                 Prayer
                 :
                 for
                 their
                 in
                 a
                 relations
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 miscarry
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 manner
                 .
                 But
                 to
                 come
                 nearer
                 ,
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 
                   in
                   our
                   own
                   souls
                
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 strang
                 temper
                 are
                 we
                 in
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 !
                 O
                 how
                 doth
                 Corruption
                 grow
                 upon
                 us
                 as
                 pride
                 ,
                 and
                 passion
                 ,
                 and
                 Earthliness
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 ?
                 
                   we
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 but
                 though
                 we
                 
                   sleep
                   ,
                   Satan
                
                 never
                 sleepeth
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 doth
                 he
                 watch
                 such
                 an
                 opportunity
                 to
                 water
                 his
                 plants
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 asleep
                 ?
                 alas
                 ,
                 can
                 we
                 tell
                 how
                 often
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   have
                   lost
                   our
                   frame
                   of
                   heart
                   when
                   the
                   Lord
                   hath
                   humbled
                   ,
                   and
                   melted
                   ,
                   and
                   enlarged
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                
                 Our
                 Wine
                 is
                 quickly
                 turned
                 into
                 water
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 we
                 lost
                 it
                 :
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   were
                   asleep
                
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 what
                 sad
                 Lamentings
                 there
                 are
                 after
                 the
                 Lord
                 again
                 ,
                 till
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 our selves
                 ?
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 make
                 us
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 both
                 for
                 our
                 
                   own
                   souls
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   for
                   the
                   Churches
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 :
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 us
                 brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 now
                 and
                 
                   reprove
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   ask
                   us
                   ;
                   what
                   are
                   ye
                   all
                   asleep
                   ,
                   could
                   ye
                   not
                   watch
                   with
                   me
                   one
                   little
                   while
                   ?
                
                 How
                 comes
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 your
                 Churches
                 ,
                 your
                 Families
                 ,
                 your
                 hearts
                 are
                 
                   so
                   choakt
                   with
                   tares
                   and
                   weeds
                   ?
                
                 What
                 could
                 we
                 answer
                 him
                 ,
                 should
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 word
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 our selves
                 ?
                 well
                 the
                 Lord
                 affect
                 our
                 hearts
                 with
                 it
                 :
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Vse
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   next
                   use
                   of
                   the
                   point
                   shall
                   be
                   a
                   distinguishing
                   word
                   between
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   sleep
                   of
                   Formalists
                
                 ,
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 sleep
                 which
                 is
                 incident
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   people
                
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 
                   the
                   wise
                   Virgins
                   slept
                   their
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 and
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   theirs
                
                 :
                 and
                 however
                 in
                 the
                 expression
                 there
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 no
                 difference
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 difference
                 sure
                 between
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 this
                 may
                 trouble
                 some
                 poor
                 souls
                 ;
                 who
                 may
                 think
                 because
                 they
                 sleep
                 ,
                 therefore
                 
                   they
                   are
                
                 surely
                 of
                 the
                 
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 :
                 And
                 others
                 may
                 be
                 emboldned
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hands
                 strengthened
                 :
                 
                   What
                   the
                   best
                   sleep
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 therefore
                 though
                 this
                 be
                 my
                 Condition
                 ,
                 yet
                 all
                 
                   shall
                   be
                   well
                
                 :
                 I
                 would
                 therefore
                 add
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 or
                 two
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   Then
                   remember
                   this
                   :
                   Sinners
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   and
                   Hypocrites
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   their
                   hearts
                   are
                   asleep
                   ,
                
                 and
                 the
                 Saints
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   hearts
                   are
                   awake
                
                 ;
                 indeed
                 in
                 naturals
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 person
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 drop
                 asleep
                 ,
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 asleep
                 already
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 in
                 Spirituals
                 with
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 Judas
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 that
                 ever
                 he
                 was
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 discovered
                 his
                 covetousness
                 in
                 the
                 business
                 of
                 the
                 poor
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 unsound
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 dead
                 ,
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 
                   dead
                   sleep
                
                 that
                 is
                 upon
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 walkt
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 in
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 sometimes
                 will
                 do
                 in
                 a
                 strange
                 manner
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 asleep
                 ;
                 Now
                 Peter
                 he
                 he
                 fell
                 asleep
                 too
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 his
                 denial
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 awake
                 :
                 though
                 the
                 senses
                 were
                 closed
                 up
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 the
                 
                   Son
                   of
                   righteousness
                
                 broke
                 forth
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 lookt
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 he
                 presently
                 waked
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 
                   Church
                   ,
                   I
                   sleep
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   wakes
                
                 ;
                 in
                 the
                 deepest
                 sleep
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 
                 awake
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 divers
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 this
                 ;
                 Some
                 understand
                 it
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   sleep
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   wakes
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 as
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   seal
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   vital
                   spirits
                   ,
                   he
                   wakes
                   ,
                
                 or
                 else
                 taking
                 the
                 
                   Church
                   Collectively
                   ,
                   she
                   sleepeth
                
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                   heart
                   waketh
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 she
                 may
                 miscarry
                 in
                 some
                 lesser
                 matters
                 as
                 External
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 ,
                 the
                 fundamentals
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   heart
                   of
                   religion
                
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 she
                 never
                 fals
                 altogether
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 it
                 as
                 it
                 respects
                 particular
                 persons
                 as
                 wel
                 as
                 the
                 general
                 ,
                 as
                 doubtless
                 it
                 doth
                 :
                 
                   I
                   sleep
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   waketh
                   :
                   the
                   Church
                   was
                   Lazy
                   ,
                   and
                   drousie
                   ,
                   slumbred
                   and
                   slept
                   ,
                
                 but
                 yet
                 not
                 so
                 :
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 awake
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 a
                 dead
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 appear
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   Church
                   then
                   hath
                   a
                   Conscience
                   not
                   altogether
                   past
                   feeling
                   but
                   in
                   fome
                   measure
                   awakened
                   :
                   and
                   then
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   will
                   and
                   affections
                   not
                   altogether
                   lost
                   and
                   gone
                   in
                   such
                   a
                   Condition
                   .
                   1.
                   
                   Then
                
                 the
                 Conscience
                 that
                 hath
                 yet
                 some
                 stirring
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 will
                 appear
                 :
                 because
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   Church
                   here
                   knew
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   her
                   beloved
                   even
                   when
                   she
                   was
                   asleep
                   ,
                
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   called
                   to
                   her
                   my
                   love
                   ,
                   my
                   dove
                   ,
                   my
                   undefiled
                   open
                   to
                   me
                   :
                
                 She
                 now
                 
                   knew
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 so
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 drousie
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 the
                 hints
                 and
                 motions
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 alas
                 hath
                 not
                 power
                 to
                 obey
                 :
                 for
                 sleep
                 hath
                 so
                 overcome
                 them
                 ,
                 security
                 hath
                 so
                 seized
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 they
                 hear
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 me
                 thinks
                 in
                 that
                 very
                 business
                 of
                 Jehoshai
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 thought
                 strange
                 of
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 Conscience
                 was
                 awake
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 hear
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 in
                 Micah
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 thought
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 Prophets
                 of
                 Baal
                 were
                 false
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 from
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 Prophet
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 now
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 presently
                 ,
                 being
                 an
                 upright
                 hearted
                 man
                 also
                 ,
                 no
                 :
                 yet
                 if
                 you
                 read
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 he
                 went
                 with
                 Ahab
                 notwistanding
                 :
                 here
                 he
                 had
                 a
                 
                   Conscience
                   awake
                
                 plainly
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 obey
                 :
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 far
                 engaged
                 now
                 to
                 Ahab
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 affinity
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 word
                 was
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 honour
                 at
                 stake
                 :
                 and
                 though
                 Conscience
                 likely
                 might
                 check
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 thing
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 put
                 him
                 on
                 to
                 enquire
                 of
                 a
                 true
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 yet
                 those
                 Lusts
                 now
                 ,
                 love
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 honour
                 ,
                 and
                 carnal
                 interest
                 ,
                 and
                 affection
                 laid
                 him
                 asleep
                 ,
                 he
                 went
                 up
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 well
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 .
                 Can
                 we
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 set
                 our
                 seals
                 to
                 this
                 truth
                 ?
                 how
                 often
                 in
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 security
                 have
                 we
                 had
                 Convictions
                 and
                 Checks
                 ?
                 we
                 have
                 heard
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 Christ
                 :
                 
                   open
                   to
                   me
                   my
                   love
                
                 ,
                 let
                 my
                 word
                 have
                 roo●
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 this
                 thou
                 dost
                 is
                 not
                 pleasing
                 to
                 me
                 ;
                 O
                 
                   why
                   wilt
                   thou
                   shut
                   me
                   out
                   ,
                
                 &
                 deal
                 so
                 unkindly
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 &
                 yet
                 your
                 persons
                 asleep
                 ?
                 though
                 we
                 hear
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 we
                 heed
                 them
                 not
                 much
                 :
                 but
                 turn
                 upon
                 our
                 beds
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 door
                 upon
                 the
                 hinges
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 get
                 off
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Conscience
                 is
                 so
                 awake
                 usually
                 in
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 
                   tell
                   them
                   they
                   are
                   asleep
                
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 somewhat
                 secretly
                 whispering
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 ears
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 
                   right
                   way
                
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 slothful
                 or
                 sluggish
                 .
                 David
                 I
                 think
                 was
                 in
                 a
                 deep
                 
                   a
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 as
                 any
                 that
                 we
                 read
                 of
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 can
                 hardly
                 think
                 but
                 David
                 had
                 this
                 within
                 him
                 some
                 grudgings
                 and
                 misgivings
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 was
                 not
                 well
                 with
                 him
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 :
                 But
                 because
                 happily
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 common
                 to
                 
                   them
                   with
                   Hopocrites
                
                 except
                 they
                 be
                 very
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ,
                 indeed
                 ,
                 therefore
                 I
                 will
                 rather
                 insist
                 upon
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 I
                 say
                 usually
                 the
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 they
                 know
                 they
                 are
                 asleep
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 
                   asleep
                   ,
                   so
                   they
                   complain
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                
                 they
                 rest
                 not
                 ;
                 so
                 questionless
                 sinners
                 do
                 usually
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 disturbeth
                 them
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 to
                 complain
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 
                   I
                   sleep
                
                 saith
                 the
                 
                   Church
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   is
                   awake
                   ,
                
                 it
                 appeared
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 awake
                 indeed
                 ,
                 because
                 
                   she
                   complained
                
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 droufre
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 cannot
                 keep
                 his
                 eyes
                 open
                 ,
                 he
                 naps
                 and
                 nods
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 wakeneth
                 again
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 apprehend
                 himself
                 in
                 danger
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 any
                 pressing
                 business
                 upon
                 him
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 sleep
                 longer
                 it
                 is
                 unquietly
                 ,
                 his
                 mind
                 is
                 troubled
                 with
                 the
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 wakes
                 him
                 often
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 wouldshake
                 it
                 off
                 ,
                 but
                 cannot
                 :
                 
                   laboriosius
                   dormiunt
                   quam
                   vigilant
                
                 :
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 ●o
                 our
                 Annot.
                 So
                 the
                 
                   Conscience
                   ▪
                
                 might
                 then
                 when
                 
                   asleep
                   ,
                   lash
                   them
                
                 :
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 tel
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 amiss
                 ,
                 prick
                 them
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 Nowan
                 Hypocrite
                 will
                 hardly
                 complain
                 of
                 his
                 sleepiness
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 reality
                 ,
                 ●f
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 practice
                 that
                 may
                 ●et
                 him
                 off
                 with
                 men
                 to
                 be
                 whining
                 and
                 complaining
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 complain
                 happily
                 more
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 poor
                 Creature
                 that
                 sears
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 his
                 sleep
                 ,
                 O
                 it
                 lieth
                 like
                 lead
                 at
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 groans
                 under
                 it
                 !
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 Will
                 that
                 also
                 is
                 awake
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 sleepeth
                 :
                 It
                 was
                 so
                 with
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   the
                   thing
                   I
                   would
                   not
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   I
                   do
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 most
                 evident
                 in
                 their
                 
                   slumberings
                   ,
                   they
                
                 take
                 a
                 Nod
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 up
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 ●●ake
                 it
                 on
                 :
                 they
                 would
                 rather
                 be
                 doing
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 then
                 thus
                 lazing
                 and
                 sleeping
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 many
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 a
                 
                   formal
                   professor
                
                 ;
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 loveth
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 sleep
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 he
                 wake
                 usually
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 whether
                 lively
                 ,
                 or
                 dead
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 so
                 be
                 it
                 :
                 he
                 doth
                 his
                 task
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 heedeth
                 it
                 not
                 much
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 would
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 overtaken
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 against
                 his
                 will.
                 
              
               
                 Yet
                 2.
                 
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 fault
                 sometimes
                 in
                 part
                 too
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 great
                 a
                 part
                 is
                 hard
                 to
                 say
                 :
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 she
                 lies
                 sleeping
                 upon
                 her
                 bed
                 ,
                 it
                 appears
                 
                   her
                   Will
                
                 was
                 too
                 blame
                 :
                 for
                 she
                 did
                 as
                 
                   as
                   I
                   may
                   say
                
                 ,
                 set
                 her self
                 to
                 sleep
                 composed
                 her self
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 use
                 to
                 do
                 that
                 would
                 
                   sleep
                   ,
                   lye
                   down
                   ,
                   put
                   off
                   their
                   cloaths
                   ,
                   separate
                   themselves
                   from
                   thoughts
                
                 which
                 might
                 disturb
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   wink
                   with
                   the
                   eyes
                
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 sleep
                 :
                 so
                 the
                 Church
                 here
                 had
                 put
                 off
                 her
                 Clothes
                 ,
                 and
                 washed
                 her
                 
                   feet
                   ,
                   that
                
                 was
                 a
                 custom
                 in
                 the
                 
                   hot
                   Countries
                
                 .
                 before
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 upon
                 the
                 bed
                 :
                 Now
                 by
                 this
                 it
                 appears
                 that
                 she
                 was
                 
                   willing
                   to
                   sleep
                   :
                   yea
                
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 called
                 upon
                 her
                 to
                 arise
                 ,
                 see
                 how
                 many
                 frivolous
                 excuses
                 she
                 had
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 she
                 could
                 not
                 put
                 on
                 her
                 Clothes
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 not
                 defile
                 her
                 feet
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 defilement
                 to
                 her
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 :
                 Some
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 meant
                 of
                 some
                 declining
                 from
                 the
                 doctrine
                 of
                 Justification
                 
                 by
                 Christ
                 only
                 ,
                 
                   She
                   had
                   washed
                   her self
                
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 only
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 defiling
                 of
                 her
                 .
                 But
                 happily
                 it
                 is
                 only
                 accommodated
                 to
                 the
                 similitude
                 :
                 A
                 Boy
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 Ioth
                 to
                 rise
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 excuses
                 will
                 he
                 have
                 ;
                 he
                 wants
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 and
                 twenty
                 things
                 ;
                 so
                 very
                 ingenious
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 will
                 setteth
                 the
                 understanding
                 a
                 work
                 indeed
                 ,
                 to
                 find
                 out
                 excuses
                 :
                 so
                 the
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 how
                 loth
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 hypocrisy
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 :
                 when
                 God
                 had
                 roused
                 David
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 a
                 
                 mind
                 to
                 sleep
                 still
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 loth
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 confess
                 his
                 sin
                 :
                 but
                 God
                 would
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 alone
                 ,
                 prickt
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 sore
                 galled
                 and
                 wounded
                 ,
                 he
                 cryeth
                 out
                 
                   in
                   the
                   disquietness
                   of
                   his
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 would
                 not
                 up
                 :
                 I
                 say
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 
                   faulty
                   in
                   his
                   will
                
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 yet
                 afterward
                 usually
                 it
                 costs
                 them
                 heart
                 smart
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 the
                 Spouse
                 here
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 afterward
                 .
                 Now
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 his
                 will
                 is
                 fully
                 engaged
                 usually
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 some
                 Convictions
                 of
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Will
                 is
                 to
                 sin
                 :
                 
                   Yet
                   a
                   little
                   sleep
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   slumber
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   folding
                   of
                   the
                   hands
                   to
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 
                 he
                 striveth
                 not
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 yieldeth
                 up
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 against
                 them
                 who
                 would
                 awake
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 against
                 himself
                 for
                 sleeping
                 .
                 And
                 though
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 but
                 in
                 part
                 willing
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 may
                 at
                 present
                 not
                 take
                 it
                 so
                 well
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 be
                 throughly
                 awaked
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 should
                 rouse
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 yet
                 afterward
                 he
                 will
                 count
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 his
                 greatest
                 friend
                 :
                 well
                 then
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   Hypocrites
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   their
                   hearts
                   are
                   asleep
                
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 they
                 are
                 lively
                 ,
                 their
                 Wills
                 are
                 -
                 stirring
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 Saints
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 are
                 awake
                 more
                 or
                 less
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 
                   Hypocrites
                   hearts
                
                 be
                 asleep
                 So
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Hypocrites
                   sleep
                
                 when
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 through
                 sleep
                 ,
                 
                   senses
                   ,
                   and
                   heart
                
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ,
                 inward
                 and
                 outward
                 and
                 all
                 :
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 their
                 sleep
                 is
                 but
                 outward
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 somewhat
                 alive
                 within
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   God
                   abideth
                   within
                   them
                   ,
                
                 which
                 keepeth
                 them
                 from
                 such
                 a
                 deadly
                 sleep
                 .
                 Hypocrites
                 can
                 sleep
                 no
                 further
                 then
                 
                 they
                 were
                 awaked
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 do
                 usually
                 altogether
                 :
                 now
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 never
                 awaked
                 throughly
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 sleep
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 he
                 was
                 awaked
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 was
                 awaked
                 doth
                 not
                 fall
                 asleep
                 again
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Difference
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   one
                   sleepeth
                   not
                   ,
                   until
                   he
                   hath
                   gotten
                   the
                   main
                   work
                   in
                   some
                   measure
                   made
                   sure
                   ,
                
                 gotten
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 :
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 would
                 not
                 sleep
                 until
                 
                 they
                 had
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ;
                 then
                 happily
                 they
                 might
                 think
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 should
                 nap
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 that
                 Cruse
                 of
                 oyl
                 which
                 would
                 not
                 fail
                 ,
                 their
                 Lamps
                 would
                 not
                 go
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 ,
                 which
                 yet
                 was
                 dangerous
                 presumption
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgin
                
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 and
                 soundly
                 too
                 ,
                 though
                 she
                 had
                 no
                 oyl
                 at
                 all
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 :
                 
                   Ah
                   dear
                   friends
                
                 !
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 sign
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 can
                 fall
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 not
                 but
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 his
                 enemy
                 ,
                 and
                 before
                 he
                 awakes
                 ,
                 a
                 sword
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 his
                 bowels
                 ;
                 when
                 men
                 can
                 give
                 sleep
                 to
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 slumber
                 to
                 their
                 eye-lids
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 ,
                 be
                 as
                 deep
                 in
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 lazy
                 ,
                 and
                 listless
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 
                   Christ
                   in
                   them
                   the
                   hope
                   of
                   glory
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   gall
                   of
                   bitterness
                   and
                   bond
                   of
                   iniquity
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 indeed
                 .
                 Now
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 happily
                 may
                 at
                 the
                 beginnings
                 of
                 
                 grace
                 nap
                 and
                 nod
                 ,
                 and
                 happily
                 sometimes
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 say
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 think
                 ordinarily
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 :
                 for
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Scripture
                 all
                 along
                 ,
                 when
                 once
                 those
                 in
                 Acts
                 2.
                 and
                 the
                 Jaylor
                 were
                 awaked
                 ,
                 and
                 saw
                 where
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 their
                 blood
                 ,
                 did
                 they
                 sleep
                 again
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 had
                 some
                 assurance
                 of
                 their
                 Conditions
                 ?
                 No
                 :
                 O
                 they
                 run
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 as
                 men
                 in
                 a
                 trembling
                 frame
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   what
                   shall
                   we
                   do
                   ?
                   what
                   shall
                   we
                   do
                   ?
                   is
                   there
                   no
                   hope
                   for
                   us
                   ?
                   no
                   healing
                   by
                   this
                   Jesus
                   whom
                   we
                   wounded
                   ?
                   no
                   salvation
                   by
                   this
                   Jesus
                   whom
                   we
                   have
                   made
                   away
                   ?
                
                 and
                 usually
                 ,
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 I
                 do
                 think
                 that
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 weaker
                 it
                 is
                 when
                 it
                 struggles
                 for
                 life
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 all
                 other
                 things
                 )
                 and
                 hath
                 little
                 life
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 it
                 striveth
                 and
                 strugleth
                 so
                 strongly
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 nothing
                 but
                 life
                 ,
                 
                   morsus
                   morientium
                
                 :
                 so
                 when
                 life
                 is
                 little
                 and
                 weak
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 earnest
                 for
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 strengthening
                 it self
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 all
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 more
                 vigilant
                 and
                 lively
                 usually
                 then
                 
                   young
                   Christians
                
                 ;
                 their
                 life
                 is
                 little
                 and
                 young
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 young
                 Children
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 ▪
                 be
                 alway
                 at
                 the
                 breast
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 another
                 difference
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   though
                   both
                   their
                   sleeping
                   may
                   be
                   alike
                   dishonourable
                   to
                   Christ
                   among
                   men
                   who
                   take
                   notice
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   yet
                   the
                   one
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   dangerous
                   as
                   the
                   other
                   :
                
                 this
                 followeth
                 upon
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 indeed
                 rather
                 serve
                 as
                 to
                 prick
                 ,
                 to
                 stir
                 and
                 rouse
                 up
                 men
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   judge
                   of
                   our
                   sleeping
                
                 .
                 The
                 Hypocrite
                 maketh
                 as
                 glorious
                 a
                 profession
                 as
                 the
                 Saint
                 ,
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 active
                 ,
                 and
                 stirring
                 ,
                 and
                 vigilant
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 as
                 who
                 seemed
                 more
                 awake
                 then
                 Judas
                 when
                 he
                 pleadeth
                 for
                 the
                 
                 poor
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 God
                 knew
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 the
                 business
                 :
                 but
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   making
                
                 such
                 a
                 profession
                 now
                 when
                 they
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 to
                 the
                 dishonour
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 real
                 Saint
                 do
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 as
                 now
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 suppose
                 two
                 ,
                 
                   one
                   wise
                   ,
                   one
                   foolish
                
                 ,
                 they
                 fall
                 into
                 some
                 
                   giddy
                   opinion
                
                 of
                 the
                 times
                 ,
                 O
                 
                   let
                   him
                   that
                   thinketh
                   he
                   standeth
                   take
                   heed
                   lest
                   he
                   fall
                   !
                
                 or
                 else
                 both
                 grow
                 worldly
                 ,
                 covetous
                 ,
                 griping
                 ,
                 or
                 vain
                 ,
                 indeed
                 cast
                 off
                 the
                 ways
                 of
                 Gods
                 worship
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 Apostacy
                 of
                 our
                 times
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 alike
                 dishonourable
                 to
                 God
                 :
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 alike
                 dangerous
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 one
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 sleep
                 proveth
                 the
                 
                   sleep
                   of
                   death
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 did
                 ;
                 for
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 roused
                 with
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 Conscience
                 was
                 a
                 waked
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 yet
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 never
                 roused
                 up
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 sleep
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 dead-hearted
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 remained
                 :
                 
                   they
                   never
                   did
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   ,
                   that
                   Christ
                   might
                   give
                   them
                   life
                   :
                
                 the
                 one
                 when
                 he
                 waketh
                 ,
                 hath
                 
                 neither
                 oyl
                 nor
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 neither
                 reality
                 nor
                 profession
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 hath
                 both
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 Lamp
                 want
                 triming
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 that
                 
                   lively
                   expression
                
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 their
                 Conversations
                 as
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 light
                 needeth
                 
                   snuffing
                   ;
                   the
                
                 one
                 hath
                 the
                 root
                 under
                 ground
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 other
                 neither
                 root
                 ,
                 nor
                 branches
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 you
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 sleeping
                 of
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   third
                   Vse
                
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 If
                 so
                 be
                 the
                 
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 thus
                 sleep
                 ;
                 Then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 warning
                 word
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 
                   take
                   heed
                
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 avoid
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 fall
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 prove
                 bitterness
                 in
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 .
                 Do
                 you
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 lyable
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 to
                 sleep
                 ?
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 seed
                 within
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 those
                 Lusts
                 ,
                 such
                 foul
                 hearts
                 ,
                 which
                 with
                 their
                 steam
                 ,
                 are
                 in
                 danger
                 to
                 benight
                 you
                 every
                 morning
                 ,
                 every
                 day
                 :
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 this
                 ?
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 folly
                 ,
                 the
                 folly
                 of
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 to
                 sleep
                 ?
                 what
                 need
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 you
                 concerning
                 these
                 things
                 ?
                 will
                 not
                 you
                 avoid
                 that
                 which
                 you
                 judge
                 evil
                 ?
              
               
                 
                   But
                   because
                   we
                   have
                   to
                   do
                   with
                   poor
                   sleepy
                   Creatures
                   ,
                   whose
                   souls
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   are
                   roady
                   to
                   drop
                   asleep
                   ,
                   even
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   hearing
                   this
                   ,
                
                 let
                 me
                 a
                 little
                 sot
                 it
                 on
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 make
                 the
                 impression
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 bore
                 your
                 ears
                 ,
                 &
                 seal
                 instruction
                 to
                 all
                 our
                 hearts
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   consider
                   brethren
                
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   if
                   once
                   we
                   fall
                   asleep
                   ,
                   we
                   lose
                   our
                   
                   discerning
                   between
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 :
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 are
                 of
                 experience
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   have
                   their
                   fenses
                   exercised
                   to
                   discern
                   between
                
                 
                 
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                
                 :
                 you
                 may
                 happily
                 wake
                 in
                 your
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 your
                 eyes
                 are
                 shut
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 wonder
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 dash
                 your selves
                 to
                 pieces
                 upon
                 this
                 rock
                 of
                 offence
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 rock
                 of
                 offence
                 ,
                 this
                 stone
                 of
                 stumbling
                 ,
                 &c.
                 as
                 men
                 in
                 their
                 sleep
                 sometimes
                 will
                 get
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 climb
                 indeed
                 to
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 in
                 great
                 danger
                 of
                 breaking
                 their
                 necks
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 pitty
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 ?
                 O
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 Condition
                 of
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 sleepy
                 soul
                 ,
                 a
                 soul
                 in
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 :
                 
                   thou
                   wilt
                   be
                   ready
                   to
                   judge
                   evil
                   good
                   ;
                   and
                   good
                   evil
                   :
                   Jonah
                
                 his
                 soul
                 was
                 
                 asleep
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 of
                 his
                 laid
                 him
                 asleep
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 good
                 man
                 :
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 know
                 how
                 sadly
                 he
                 missed
                 it
                 ?
                 
                   I
                   do
                   well
                   to
                   be
                   angry
                   ,
                   yea
                   even
                   to
                   the
                   death
                   :
                
                 what
                 could
                 Gain
                 almost
                 have
                 said
                 worse
                 then
                 he
                 did
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 fit
                 ?
                 A
                 man
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 cannot
                 discern
                 light
                 from
                 darkness
                 ,
                 neither
                 of
                 tasts
                 ,
                 nor
                 smels
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 one
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 when
                 once
                 Peter
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 deny
                 and
                 forswear
                 the
                 Lord-Jesus
                 :
                 David
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 he
                 cannot
                 discern
                 between
                 the
                 chance
                 of
                 war
                 ▪
                 and
                 down-right
                 murther
                 ;
                 between
                 shewing
                 kindness
                 to
                 his
                 faithful
                 servant
                 ,
                 one
                 of
                 his
                 worthies
                 in
                 Israel
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 his
                 Neighbour
                 drunk
                 ,
                 a
                 sad
                 Condition
                 !
                 Asa
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 as
                 appears
                 clearly
                 a
                 little
                 before
                 ,
                 his
                 
                 saith
                 was
                 lively
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 could
                 relie
                 upon
                 God
                 for
                 the
                 ruin
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Ethiopians
                   ,
                   Lybians
                
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 he
                 relies
                 upon
                 Benhadad
                 ,
                 King
                 of
                 Syria
                 ;
                 to
                 help-him
                 against
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 even
                 Basha
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 sure
                 ,
                 that
                 forsakes
                 God
                 to
                 relie
                 upon
                 an
                 enemy
                 ,
                 and
                 takes
                 such
                 an
                 evil
                 Course
                 to
                 wish
                 him
                 to
                 break
                 his
                 Covenant
                 .
                 Then
                 the
                 Lord
                 sent
                 Hanani
                 ,
                 the
                 Prophet
                 telling
                 him
                 plainly
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 very
                 foolishly
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 bear
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 roused
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 sleep
                 ,
                 brought
                 to
                 repentance
                 :
                 Claps
                 the
                 Prophet
                 in
                 Prison
                 ,
                 oppresseth
                 the
                 people
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 will
                 a
                 man
                 stick
                 at
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cannot
                 discern
                 between
                 good
                 and
                 evil
                 :
                 where
                 the
                 senses
                 are
                 closed
                 ?
                 what
                 will
                 not
                 a
                 blind
                 man
                 run
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 good
                 man
                 also
                 ?
                 and
                 this
                 leads
                 to
                 a
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 When
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 once
                 asleep
                 ,
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   passages
                   between
                   head
                   and
                   heart
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   obstructed
                   ,
                   that
                   nothing
                   almost
                   that
                   he
                   heareth
                   will
                   awake
                   him
                   .
                
                 So
                 David
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 sadly
                 he
                 carryed
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 questionless
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 from
                 time
                 to
                 time
                 ,
                 or
                 likely
                 he
                 did
                 so
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 lay
                 in
                 that
                 condition
                 for
                 all
                 that
                 ,
                 alas
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 sunk
                 not
                 with
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 you
                 may
                 call
                 upon
                 a
                 sleepy
                 person
                 that
                 is
                 fast
                 ,
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 and
                 he
                 answers
                 not
                 :
                 or
                 if
                 it
                 move
                 him
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 or
                 stir
                 him
                 ,
                 alas
                 he
                 understands
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 heareth
                 a
                 sound
                 which
                 troubles
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 understands
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 returneth
                 to
                 his
                 rest
                 again
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 asleep
                 :
                 you
                 hear
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 if
                 you
                 heard
                 not
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 his
                 mind
                 taken
                 up
                 with
                 another
                 thing
                 ,
                 he
                 heareth
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 heedeth
                 not
                 :
                 so
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 asleep
                 goeth
                 from
                 Ordinance
                 to
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 from
                 Sermon
                 to
                 to
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 and
                 heareth
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 word
                 sticks
                 in
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 it
                 reacheth
                 not
                 the
                 heart
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 sad
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ?
                 Who
                 would
                 willingly
                 be
                 in
                 this
                 Condition
                 ,
                 that
                 knoweth
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 fellowship
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 heart-Communion
                 with
                 God
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ?
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Another
                 Motive
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   poor
                   service
                   God
                   is
                   like
                   to
                   have
                   from
                   us
                   then
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   asleep
                   :
                
                 some
                 indeed
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 so
                 poor
                 as
                 if
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 what
                 kind
                 of
                 service
                 will
                 that
                 man
                 do
                 his
                 Master
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 drop
                 asleep
                 every
                 step
                 he
                 goeth
                 ?
                 as
                 David
                 ,
                 what
                 service
                 did
                 he
                 do
                 the
                 Lord
                 while
                 he
                 lay
                 in
                 that
                 deep
                 sleep
                 ?
                 alas
                 ,
                 his
                 mouth
                 was
                 stopped
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 shew
                 forth
                 the
                 praise
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 had
                 opened
                 it
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 reason
                 is
                 plain
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   the
                   graces
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 within
                 us
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 the
                 habits
                 ;
                 yet
                 we
                 cannot
                 exercise
                 them
                 ;
                 A
                 man
                 asleep
                 hath
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 breatheth
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 Acts
                 can
                 he
                 do
                 which
                 may
                 advantage
                 himself
                 or
                 others
                 ?
                 how
                 can
                 a
                 man
                 pray
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cannot
                 act
                 his
                 faith
                 ,
                 nor
                 act
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 zeal
                 ,
                 and
                 fervency
                 of
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 are
                 a
                 sleep
                 ?
                 Ah
                 what
                 weak
                 service
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 from
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 !
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Another
                 Consideration
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 :
                 
                   the
                   unseasonableness
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                
                 ;
                 Every
                 thing
                 is
                 beautified
                 by
                 the
                 season
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 
                 out
                 of
                 season
                 it
                 is
                 uncomely
                 :
                 
                   It
                   is
                   not
                   a
                   walking
                   honestly
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 honestly
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   comely
                   ,
                   to
                   sleep
                
                 now
                 :
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 for
                 ●inners
                 
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   that
                   never
                   ●aw
                   the
                   day-star
                   appear
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   arise
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 lie
                 sleeping
                 now
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 something
                 
                   suitable
                   ;
                   for
                   they
                   that
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   sleep
                   in
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   drunk
                   are
                   drunk
                   in
                
                 
                 
                 
                   the
                   night
                   :
                   the
                   night
                
                 was
                 for
                 sleep
                 naturally
                 ,
                 and
                 ▪
                 therefore
                 man
                 goeth
                 forth
                 
                   to
                   labour
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   his
                   work
                   until
                   the
                   evening
                   .
                   So
                
                 in
                 
                 spirituals
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 most
                 unsuitable
                 to
                 sleep
                 in
                 the
                 day-time
                 :
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 believe
                 you
                 are
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 and
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   count
                   him
                   a
                   Drone
                
                 ,
                 a
                 Lusk
                 ,
                 or
                 Lurden
                 that
                 shall
                 sleep
                 in
                 the
                 day-time
                 ▪
                 It
                 was
                 David
                 his
                 fault
                 to
                 be
                 upon
                 the
                 bed
                 in
                 the
                 day-time
                 ▪
                 And
                 so
                 likely
                 Is●bosheth
                 except
                 the
                 Custom
                 of
                 the
                 place
                 ,
                 being
                 hot
                 might
                 excuse
                 it
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 in
                 finite
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 brought
                 thee
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 dark
                 night
                 ,
                 made
                 it
                 day
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 night
                 with
                 many
                 families
                 and
                 poor
                 souls
                 about
                 thee
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 make
                 it
                 ●ight
                 by
                 sleeping
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 unseasonable
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 for
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 darkness
                 to
                 sleep
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Consider
                   ,
                   It
                   is
                   the
                   time
                   wherein
                   you
                   are
                   called
                   upon
                   ,
                   to
                   act
                   for
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   your
                   own
                   souls
                   ;
                   It
                
                 is
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                   time
                   for
                   work
                
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 our
                 harvest
                 brethren
                 ,
                 wherein
                 should
                 lay
                 up
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 many
                 years
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 fool
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 said
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 
                   eternity
                   ;
                   treasure
                   up
                   grace
                   for
                   eternity
                   :
                
                 lay
                 up
                 a
                 good
                 foundation
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 richly
                 laden
                 are
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 over
                 others
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 made
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 live
                 :
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 ,
                 why
                 they
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 while
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 gathered
                 ?
                 
                   he
                   that
                   gathereth
                   in
                   Summer
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   wise
                   son
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   that
                   sleepeth
                   in
                   harvest
                   is
                   a
                   son
                   that
                   causeth
                   shame
                   :
                
                 there
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 opposed
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 :
                 
                   that
                   soul
                
                 will
                 cloth
                 himself
                 
                 with
                 shame
                 and
                 Confusion
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 sleepeth
                 in
                 
                   harvest
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   labour
                   :
                
                 wherefore
                 doth
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 tarry
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 give
                 you
                 space
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   work
                   out
                   your
                   salvation
                
                 in
                 :
                 and
                 instead
                 of
                 working
                 ,
                 shall
                 we
                 sleep
                 out
                 this
                 time
                 ?
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 Comfortable
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ?
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 if
                 instead
                 of
                 labouring
                 in
                 the
                 vineyard
                 ,
                 we
                 sleep
                 all
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ?
                 what
                 account
                 shall
                 we
                 make
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 recompence
                 ?
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Yet
                   more
                   unseasonable
                   it
                   is
                   also
                   :
                
                 If
                 you
                 consider
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   usually
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   this
                   falling
                   asleep
                   is
                   after
                   a
                   good
                   while
                   converse
                   ,
                   and
                   walking
                   with
                
                 God
                 ,
                 then
                 men
                 fall
                 a
                 napping
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   wise
                   virgins
                   they
                   had
                   their
                   oyl
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                   their
                   Lamps
                
                 burning
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 provided
                 for
                 the
                 main
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 likely
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 the
                 nearer
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 their
                 journeys
                 end
                 :
                 for
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 some
                 good
                 competent
                 time
                 sure
                 ,
                 before
                 
                 they
                 would
                 conclude
                 that
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 tarried
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 lay
                 aside
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ;
                 Remember
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 knowing
                 
                 
                   the
                   season
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   now
                   it
                   is
                   high
                   time
                   for
                   you
                   to
                   awake
                   ,
                   for
                   now
                   is
                   your
                   salvation
                   nearer
                   then
                   when
                   you
                   believed
                   :
                
                 Now
                 is
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   to
                   awake
                   out
                   of
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 now
                 is
                 
                   salvation
                   nearer
                
                 .
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 this
                 ?
                 the
                 meaning
                 is
                 ,
                 now
                 is
                 
                   the
                   most
                   unseasonable
                
                 
                 time
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 to
                 be
                 asleep
                 :
                 
                   now
                   you
                   should
                   press
                   hard
                   forward
                   :
                
                 now
                 just
                 at
                 your
                 journies
                 end
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Traveller
                 :
                 or
                 a
                 man
                 in
                 a
                 race
                 ,
                 holds
                 up
                 his
                 head
                 all
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 speed
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 near
                 the
                 journies
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 goal
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 he
                 should
                 sit
                 down
                 and
                 sleep
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 unseasonable
                 ,
                 and
                 utterly
                 unsafe
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 expect
                 to
                 obtain
                 by
                 his
                 running
                 :
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 sure
                 you
                 would
                 obtain
                 ,
                 else
                 why
                 did
                 you
                 run
                 :
                 if
                 you
                 expected
                 not
                 a
                 reward
                 ?
                 Now
                 may
                 I
                 not
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   you
                   did
                   many
                   of
                   you
                   run
                   well
                   :
                
                 but
                 who
                 hindred
                 you
                 ?
                 how
                 came
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 you
                 dropt
                 asleep
                 ?
                 or
                 are
                 you
                 inclining
                 to
                 it
                 ?
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 safe
                 at
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 your
                 
                   race
                   ,
                   the
                   night
                   is
                   past
                   ,
                   the
                   day
                   is
                   come
                   ,
                
                 or
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 this
                 ignorance
                 :
                 for
                 our
                 life
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 vision
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 may
                 well
                 be
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 to
                 day
                 :
                 well
                 this
                 day
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 nearer
                 ,
                 then
                 when
                 you
                 began
                 to
                 believe
                 :
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 that
                 Phrase
                 ,
                 as
                 such
                 a
                 King
                 reigned
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 began
                 to
                 raign
                 ,
                 ordinarily
                 in
                 Scripture
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 utterly
                 unseasonable
                 ,
                 therefore
                 let
                 me
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 prevail
                 with
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   it
                
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Consideration
                 shal
                 be
                 this
                 
                   that
                   while
                   you
                   lay
                   your selves
                   to
                   sleco
                   ,
                   you
                   lose
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Christ
                   ,
                   you
                   lose
                   their
                   presence
                   :
                
                 
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 open
                 to
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   he
                   cometh
                   in
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   father
                   ,
                   and
                   Holy
                   Spirit
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                
                 and
                 they
                 bring
                 their
                 dainties
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 abundantly
                 refresh
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 his
                 love
                 which
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 the
                 soul
                 doth
                 give
                 him
                 entertainment
                 ,
                 and
                 followeth
                 to
                 improve
                 its
                 Communion
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 s●ay
                 ▪
                 but
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 sleep
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 then
                 tarry
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 takes
                 his
                 leave
                 ,
                 and
                 leaveth
                 us
                 sleeping
                 ;
                 and
                 alas
                 before
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 lost
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 not
                 where
                 to
                 find
                 him
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 Sampsons
                 case
                 ,
                 alas
                 his
                 strength
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 
                 God
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 departed
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 as
                 as
                 another
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 lies
                 down
                 upon
                 Dalilahs
                 lap
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 fals
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 was
                 robbed
                 of
                 his
                 strength
                 ,
                 God
                 was
                 departed
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 he
                 had
                 many
                 forewarnings
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 was
                 bewitched
                 with
                 a
                 Lust
                 ,
                 it
                 did
                 so
                 imprison
                 his
                 reason
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 see
                 what
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 wist
                 not
                 that
                 God
                 was
                 departed
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 went
                 thinking
                 to
                 shake
                 himself
                 as
                 at
                 other
                 times
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 his
                 
                   strength
                   was
                   gone
                
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 a
                 Dalilah
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 
                   sive
                   to
                   one
                
                 ,
                 but
                 sooner
                 ,
                 or
                 later
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 lull
                 him
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 can
                 but
                 get
                 him
                 asleep
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 easie
                 to
                 get
                 away
                 the
                 Lords
                 presence
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 know
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 untill
                 afterward
                 .
              
               
                 Sixtly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Argument
                 shal
                 be
                 not
                 only
                 that
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 when
                 
                 we
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 we
                 not
                 only
                 lose
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 presence
                 
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   then
                   shall
                   keep
                   him
                   out
                   also
                   ,
                   the
                   senses
                   are
                   locke
                   up
                   .
                
                 A
                 Servant
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 Master
                 cometh
                 home
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 knock
                 long
                 enough
                 before
                 he
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 why
                 ?
                 alas
                 he
                 is
                 asleep
                 ,
                 herein
                 indeed
                 is
                 the
                 exceeding
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 we
                 grieve
                 him
                 by
                 our
                 slighting
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 Communications
                 of
                 himself
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 abide
                 no
                 longer
                 ,
                 yet
                 his
                 
                   heart
                   yearns
                
                 toward
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Love
                 perswadeth
                 him
                 to
                 return
                 again
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 try
                 again
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 let
                 him
                 in
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 are
                 asleep
                 :
                 
                   Behold
                   I
                   stand
                   at
                   the
                   door
                   ,
                   and
                   knock
                   :
                
                 it
                 is
                 wonderful
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 so
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 long
                 doth
                 he
                 stand
                 at
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 by
                 a
                 sleepy
                 spirit
                 grieved
                 him
                 away
                 ?
                 how
                 long
                 doth
                 he
                 tarry
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 open
                 ?
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Case
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Church
                   ,
                   I
                   sleep
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   waketh
                   :
                   open
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   my
                   love
                   ,
                   my
                   dove
                   ,
                   my
                   undesiled
                   :
                
                 how
                 sweet
                 compellations
                 he
                 useth
                 ?
                 though
                 thou
                 hast
                 shut
                 me
                 out
                 like
                 a
                 
                   kind
                   love
                   ,
                   yet
                   my
                   love
                   open
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   my
                   Locks
                   are
                   wet
                   with
                   the
                   dew
                   of
                   the
                   night
                
                 ;
                 much
                 he
                 endures
                 before
                 we
                 open
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 ,
                 when
                 she
                 knew
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 voice
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 hath
                 many
                 excuses
                 :
                 
                   I
                   have
                   put
                   off
                   my
                   Coat
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 and
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 he
                 stays
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 unkind
                 dealing
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 when
                 by
                 his
                 word
                 he
                 knocks
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 sinketh
                 not
                 ,
                 any
                 further
                 then
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 dyeth
                 :
                 
                   knocks
                   by
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                
                 and
                 by
                 rods
                 ,
                 and
                 afflictions
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 keep
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 sixth
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Seventhly
                   ,
                   When
                   we
                   fall
                   asleep
                   ,
                   we
                   little
                   know
                   how
                   longwe
                   shall
                   lie
                   in
                   that
                   Condition
                   ,
                
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 when
                 David
                 fell
                 into
                 that
                 sleep
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 did
                 he
                 lie
                 in
                 it
                 ▪
                 nine
                 months
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 lain
                 nine
                 years
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 taken
                 a
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 course
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   So
                   the
                   Patriarchs
                
                 ;
                 how
                 
                 long
                 did
                 they
                 lie
                 in
                 their
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Consciences
                 neve●
                 awaked
                 until
                 their
                 affliction
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 clear
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 the
                 Canticles
                 ;
                 how
                 long
                 did
                 he
                 call
                 ,
                 and
                 call
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 wait
                 upon
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 she
                 is
                 not
                 awaked
                 ?
                 a
                 little
                 stirred
                 she
                 is
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 lies
                 down
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 half
                 awaked
                 ,
                 until
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 pressed
                 to
                 come
                 nearer
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 his
                 hand
                 in
                 at
                 the
                 hole-of
                 the
                 Lock
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 at
                 last
                 she
                 got
                 off
                 her
                 bed
                 with
                 much
                 ado
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 He
                 was
                 fain
                 to
                 come
                 nearer
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 with
                 
                   some
                   inward
                   touch
                
                 and
                 
                   offer
                   of
                   his
                   grace
                
                 offering
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 hand
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 bolts
                 wherewith
                 her
                 heart
                 was
                 bolted
                 against
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 then
                 she
                 waked
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 before
                 ;
                 
                   you
                   see
                   these
                   virgins
                   here
                   slept
                   until
                   the
                   Cry
                   came
                   ,
                
                 and
                 how
                 long
                 they
                 slept
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 tell
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 long
                 without
                 Communion
                 and
                 Fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 ;
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 long
                 under
                 weakness
                 and
                 inability
                 to
                 exercise
                 our
                 graces
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 but
                 poor
                 weak
                 service
                 :
                 so
                 long
                 to
                 keep
                 out
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 do
                 we
                 know
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 throughly
                 to
                 awake
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 never
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 until
                 our
                 dying
                 day
                 ?
                 what
                 a
                 
                   sad
                   end
                
                 would
                 that
                 be
                 !
              
               
                 
                   Eighthly
                   ,
                   Remember
                
                 this
                 brethren
                 ;
                 
                   though
                   you
                   may
                   think
                   of
                   case
                   in
                   such
                   a
                   Condition
                   of
                   sleeping
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   no
                   case
                   to
                   you
                   ,
                   but
                   trouble
                   :
                
                 for
                 usually
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 r●ason
                 we
                 unbend
                 our
                 bows
                 ,
                 loose
                 the
                 Cords
                 ?
                 we
                 think
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 ease
                 ,
                 take
                 on
                 more
                 easily
                 and
                 fairly
                 for
                 heaven
                 then
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 main
                 part
                 of
                 our
                 work
                 is
                 done
                 :
                 we
                 have
                 gotten
                 the
                 oyl
                 in
                 our
                 vessels
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 little
                 assurance
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 therefore
                 now
                 we
                 may
                 take
                 our
                 ease
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 fall
                 
                   asleep
                   ;
                   believe
                
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 
                   little
                   case
                
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 consider
                 these
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 While
                 you
                 are
                 in
                 that
                 sleep
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 believers
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   will
                   not
                   have
                   ease
                
                 :
                 what
                 distempered
                 sleeps
                 do
                 men
                 sleep
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 continual
                 fear
                 ?
                 or
                 that
                 should
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 hazard
                 their
                 lives
                 :
                 is
                 their
                 sleep
                 sweet
                 ordinarily
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 his
                 sleep
                 is
                 terrified
                 with
                 dreams
                 ,
                 how
                 unquiet
                 is
                 he
                 ?
                 truly
                 a
                 believer
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 sleepeth
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 somewhat
                 like
                 :
                 now
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 doth
                 ,
                 he
                 sleepeth
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 :
                 that
                 is
                 first
                 asleep
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 was
                 awake
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 may
                 take
                 more
                 pleasure
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 he
                 is
                 off
                 from
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 stone
                 from
                 its
                 center
                 ,
                 like
                 an
                 Iron
                 pluckt
                 from
                 the
                 Loadstone
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 yet
                 a
                 ●ingering
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 rest
                 until
                 it
                 return
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 quiet
                 altogether
                 ;
                 therefore
                 of
                 all
                 men
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 the
                 veriest
                 fools
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 give
                 way
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 or
                 lie
                 
                 down
                 upon
                 the
                 lap
                 of
                 sinful
                 delights
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ;
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 still
                 principle
                 within
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 kept
                 awake
                 ;
                 a
                 seed
                 of
                 God
                 which
                 still
                 interrupteth
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 cannot
                 take
                 their
                 fill
                 of
                 delight
                 ,
                 nor
                 rest
                 in
                 sin
                 ;
                 therefore
                 to
                 them
                 
                   it
                   is
                   returning
                   to
                   folly
                   ,
                   when
                   once
                   peace
                   is
                   spoken
                   to
                   them
                   .
                
                 I
                 appeal
                 to
                 the
                 experiences
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 whether
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 sleepy
                 frame
                 ,
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 security
                 hath
                 seized
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 departed
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 have
                 that
                 rest
                 and
                 quiet
                 in
                 their
                 spirits
                 :
                 
                   it
                   is
                   an
                   uncomfortable
                   condition
                   to
                   them
                   .
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Because
                 usually
                 when
                 his
                 people
                 are
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 Condition
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 sain
                 to
                 take
                 some
                 
                   violent
                   course
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   more
                
                 then
                 he
                 
                   would
                   to
                   awake
                   them
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 not
                 only
                 their
                 sleep
                 is
                 troublesom
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 awaking
                 is
                 also
                 
                   sad
                   to
                   them
                   .
                   Here
                
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 
                   Cry
                   made
                   ,
                   whether
                   it
                   be
                   by
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   the
                   word
                   lifted
                   up
                   ,
                   terrible
                
                 threatnings
                 !
                 
                   Or
                   whether
                
                 the
                 
                   voice
                   of
                   his
                
                 rod
                 which
                 cryeth
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 terrible
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 still
                 voice
                 happily
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 something
                 that
                 will
                 make
                 
                   both
                   our
                   ears
                   to
                   tingle
                
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 Elias
                 
                 case
                 ;
                 poor
                 man
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 a
                 Lust
                 had
                 so
                 besotted
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   carnal
                   affection
                   to
                   his
                   Children
                
                 ;
                 he
                 honoured
                 them
                 above
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 love
                 devoured
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 eat
                 up
                 his
                 zeal
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   warns
                
                 him
                 ,
                 sendeth
                 a
                 Prophet
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 tels
                 him
                 what
                 he
                 was
                 like
                 to
                 trust
                 to
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 set
                 his
                 Conscience
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 work
                 before
                 :
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 to
                 
                   reprove
                   them
                
                 :
                 But
                 if
                 nothing
                 else
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 awake
                 him
                 throughly
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   then
                   ?
                   I
                   will
                   do
                   a
                   thing
                   that
                   shall
                   make
                   both
                   the
                   ears
                   of
                   him
                   that
                   heareth
                   it
                   ,
                   tingle
                
                 ;
                 It
                 shall
                 awaken
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 awaken
                 others
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   boring
                
                 of
                 the
                 ear
                 may
                 cost
                 us
                 something
                 he
                 will
                 give
                 us
                 an
                 alarm
                 ,
                 a
                 strong
                 one
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 not
                 beat
                 up
                 our
                 Quarters
                 ,
                 where
                 we
                 lie
                 lurking
                 .
                 And
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 souldiers
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 this
                 Condition
                 ,
                 hath
                 it
                 been
                 comfortable
                 to
                 you
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 beaten
                 up
                 ?
                 I
                 think
                 not
                 ,
                 sure
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 hurrying
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 terrour
                 is
                 upon
                 every
                 man
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 surprized
                 !
                 So
                 nothing
                 else
                 would
                 do
                 to
                 the
                 Brethren
                 of
                 Joseph
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 God
                 brought
                 them
                 into
                 that
                 distraction
                 they
                 were
                 never
                 awaked
                 until
                 now
                 .
                 If
                 men
                 
                 will
                 not
                 awake
                 with
                 calling
                 ,
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 shake
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 them
                 more
                 hardly
                 .
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   cals
                
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   have
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   the
                   Turtle
                   ,
                   the
                   joyful
                   sound
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   among
                   you
                   :
                
                 If
                 we
                 awake
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   what
                   will
                   he
                   do
                   ?
                   he
                   will
                   take
                   you
                   by
                   the
                   Neck
                   ,
                   and
                   shake
                   you
                   awake
                   :
                
                 and
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lords
                 shakings
                 are
                 terrible
                 shakings
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 shake
                 the
                 soul
                 into
                 a
                 trembling
                 and
                 astonishment
                 .
                 What
                 was
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 followed
                 
                   Jonah
                   with
                   a
                   storm
                   ?
                   he
                   was
                   asleep
                   ,
                   his
                   Conscience
                
                 and
                 Soul
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 no
                 easie
                 means
                 would
                 awake
                 him
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 was
                 fain
                 to
                 let
                 loose
                 his
                 hand
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 a
                 terrible
                 tempest
                 to
                 awake
                 him
                 ;
                 sure
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 comfortable
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Afterwards
                 ,
                 It
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 quietness
                 nor
                 rest
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 the
                 Disciples
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 slept
                 ,
                 their
                 sleep
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 
                 reproofs
                 :
                 how
                 were
                 they
                 ashamed
                 of
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 ?
                 
                   they
                   wist
                   not
                   what
                   to
                   answer
                   him
                   ,
                
                 were
                 fain
                 to
                 hang
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 disqu●eting
                 to
                 a
                 mans
                 spirit
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 covered
                 with
                 shame
                 and
                 confusion
                 ;
                 O
                 when
                 shall
                 he
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 upbraid
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 his
                 slothfulness
                 !
                 
                   What
                   ,
                   is
                   this
                   thy
                   love
                   to
                   me
                   now
                   ?
                   is
                   this
                   thy
                   kindness
                   to
                   thy
                   friend
                   ?
                   is
                   this
                   thy
                   faith
                   and
                   zeal
                
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 fallen
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 slept
                 so
                 long
                 as
                 thou
                 hast
                 done
                 ?
                 
                   was
                   my
                   Love
                   and
                   my
                   Communion
                   no
                   more
                   worth
                   ?
                
                 is
                 this
                 the
                 esteem
                 thou
                 puttest
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 
                   will
                   you
                   have
                   a
                   word
                   to
                   say
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   now
                   in
                   such
                   a
                   case
                   ?
                
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 confusion
                 to
                 us
                 ?
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 bear
                 the
                 shame
                 ,
                 and
                 reproof
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 sleeping
                 fit
                 upon
                 our
                 backs
                 all
                 our
                 days
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 can
                 it
                 chuse
                 but
                 be
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 distraction
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 awaked
                 ,
                 and
                 slept
                 out
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 then
                 that
                 now
                 Christ
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 our
                 work
                 to
                 do
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 our
                 Lamps
                 to
                 trim
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 distraction
                 to
                 us
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 escape
                 the
                 destruction
                 of
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 servant
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 house
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 ,
                 sleepeth
                 away
                 his
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 tidings
                 come
                 ,
                 his
                 Master
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 house
                 is
                 unready
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 hurry
                 and
                 confusion
                 and
                 distraction
                 is
                 he
                 in
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 fruit
                 hath
                 he
                 then
                 of
                 his
                 sleeping
                 ?
                 it
                 ends
                 in
                 bitterness
                 ,
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 and
                 disease
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 tender
                 our
                 peace
                 ,
                 our
                 Comfort
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 sleeping
                 .
              
               
                 Alas
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 should
                 we
                 do
                 to
                 keep
                 our selves
                 from
                 this
                 sleeping
                 ▪
                 since
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 dangerous
                 ?
                 I
                 shall
                 propound
                 a
                 few
                 〈◊〉
                 to
                 you
                 .
              
               
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   the
                   beginnings
                   of
                   declinings
                   .
                   Aristotle
                   reports
                   ,
                   the
                   Lyons
                   of
                   Syria
                
                 bring
                 forth
                 the
                 first
                 year
                 five
                 whelps
                 ,
                 the
                 next
                 ,
                 four
                 ,
                 the
                 next
                 ,
                 three
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 on
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 barrenness
                 ;
                 like
                 Mandrobulus
                 in
                 Lucian
                 ,
                 who
                 offered
                 to
                 his
                 god
                 the
                 first
                 year
                 gold
                 ,
                 the
                 second
                 ,
                 silver
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 third
                 ,
                 nothing
                 ;
                 See
                 Trap
                 upon
                 Mat.
                 24.
                 13.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 would
                 avoid
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 slumbering
                 ,
                 of
                 heaviness
                 ,
                 of
                 any
                 thing
                 inclining
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 Do
                 you
                 not
                 mind
                 whether
                 
                   your
                   Love
                
                 be
                 as
                 hot
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 as
                 fervent
                 as
                 heretofore
                 ?
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 rebatement
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   fear
                   it
                   ;
                   you
                   are
                   going
                   to
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 Observe
                 your selves
                 brethren
                 ,
                 Is
                 not
                 your
                 
                   Love
                   grown
                
                 much
                 colder
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   iniquity
                   doth
                   abound
                
                 ?
                 so
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 prejudices
                 so
                 many
                 ,
                 
                   love
                   is
                   eaten
                
                 
                 out
                 !
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 help
                 you
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 beginning
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   composing
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   setling
                   your selves
                   too
                   easily
                   ,
                   this
                
                 will
                 provoke
                 to
                 sleep
                 ;
                 O
                 
                   do
                   not
                   put
                   off
                   your
                   Garments
                   ,
                
                 with
                 the
                 spouse
                 !
                 Men
                 that
                 would
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 will
                 hardly
                 put
                 off
                 their
                 Clothes
                 ,
                 nor
                 lay
                 themselves
                 upon
                 a
                 bed
                 .
                 Not
                 as
                 if
                 Saints
                 did
                 lose
                 the
                 
                   habits
                   of
                   holiness
                
                 or
                 grace
                 ;
                 But
                 the
                 Acts
                 ,
                 the
                 outward
                 garments
                 they
                 may
                 say
                 aside
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 setle
                 themselves
                 to
                 sleep
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 vain
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 hope
                 to
                 be
                 kept
                 waking
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 :
                 
                   O
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   loving
                   ease
                   ,
                   wo
                   be
                   to
                   the
                   n
                   that
                   are
                   at
                   ease
                   in
                
                 Sion
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 !
                 If
                 you
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 
                   acquainted
                   with
                   the
                   times
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   your
                   own
                   hearts
                
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 enough
                 to
                 exercise
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Keep
                   in
                   Action
                   ;
                   acts
                
                 dispel
                 the
                 vapors
                 which
                 perswade
                 sleep
                 :
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   time
                   shall
                   come
                
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 our
                 
                   graces
                   continually
                   in
                   act
                
                 ;
                 why
                 should
                 we
                 not
                 breath
                 after
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   even
                   upon
                   earth
                
                 :
                 get
                 as
                 near
                 to
                 it
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   putting
                   off
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 that
                 seemeth
                 ●ere
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 immediate
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 Virgins
                 slumber
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ;
                 while
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 tarryed
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 thought
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 time
                 enough
                 likely
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 take
                 a
                 nap
                 〈…〉
                 unbend
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 avoid
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 keep
                 fresh
                 that
                 upon
                 our
                 spirits
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   appearing
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   a
                   love
                   of
                   that
                   appearing
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                   a
                   fear
                
                 of
                 an
                 unsuitableness
                 to
                 that
                 appearing
                 when
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 ;
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 once
                 attain
                 to
                 Jobs
                 pitch
                 
                   to
                   wait
                   for
                   our
                   change
                   every
                   day
                   ;
                   all
                   the
                   dayes
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   our
                   appointed
                   time
                
                 !
                 I
                 doubt
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 can
                 scarce
                 say
                 that
                 we
                 ●ait
                 for
                 it
                 any
                 day
                 ,
                 we
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 we
                 
                 sleep
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 present
                 which
                 must
                 affect
                 us
                 ,
                 such
                 is
                 our
                 Constitution
                 :
                 things
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 certain
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 desirable
                 on
                 the
                 one
                 hand
                 ,
                 or
                 never
                 so
                 dreadful
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   they
                   affect
                   not
                
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 be
                 present
                 ,
                 some
                 way
                 ,
                 or
                 other
                 ;
                 present
                 in
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 
                   expectations
                   ,
                   present
                
                 to
                 our
                 
                   faith
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   evidence
                   of
                   things
                   hoped
                   for
                   :
                
                 as
                 once
                 King
                 James
                 said
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 Preacheth
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 hell
                 were
                 at
                 his
                 back
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 swallow
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 keep
                 a
                 man
                 awake
                 ;
                 either
                 the
                 
                   joy
                   of
                   heaven
                
                 set
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 continually
                 present
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 Or
                 else
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   terrors
                   of
                   everlasting
                   burnings
                
                 ,
                 the
                 immediate
                 Consequent
                 of
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 O
                 who
                 can
                 sleep
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 fresh
                 upon
                 his
                 spirit
                 !
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   Pride
                   and
                   self-confidence
                   ;
                   You
                   see
                
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   hath
                   laid
                   the
                   very
                   Watchmen
                   ,
                
                 themselves
                 
                   asleep
                   ,
                   the
                   three
                   chief
                   ,
                   Apostles
                   .
                   If
                   Sampson
                
                 had
                 not
                 rested
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 strength
                 ,
                 would
                 he
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 warnings
                 ,
                 have
                 committed
                 himself
                 again
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Lap
                 of
                 his
                 Dalilah
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 In
                 the
                 next
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   excess
                   in
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   lawful
                   things
                   :
                
                 O
                 saith
                 our
                 
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   take
                   heed
                   your
                   hearts
                   be
                   over-charged
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   surfetting
                
                 ,
                 or
                 drunkenness
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   the
                   cares
                   of
                   this
                   life
                
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 quickly
                 lay
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 sleep
                 !
                 
                   You
                   know
                   the
                   thorny
                   ground
                   went
                   far
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 though
                 it
                 endured
                 Persecution
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Cup
                 of
                 trembling
                 could
                 not
                 carry
                 away
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Cup
                   of
                   delights
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   it
                   laid
                   them
                   asleep
                   ;
                   the
                   Sun
                
                 did
                 not
                 burn
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                 
                   thorn
                   choakt
                   them
                   :
                   Licitis
                   perimus
                   juvenes
                   ,
                   the
                   time
                   is
                   short
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   is
                   rowled
                   up
                
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Mariner
                 near
                 his
                 port
                 
                   rowleth
                   up
                   his
                   sails
                
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 a
                 piece
                 of
                 cloth
                 rowled
                 up
                 ;
                 one
                 turn
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 turned
                 into
                 the
                 grave
                 ;
                 
                   What
                   then
                   ?
                   It
                   remaineth
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   that
                   buy
                   ,
                   be
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   possessed
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   have
                   inheritances
                   by
                   Lot
                
                 also
                 ,
                 be
                 as
                 
                   if
                   they
                   enjoyed
                   them
                   not
                   ;
                   they
                   that
                   have
                   wives
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   none
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   fashion
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Scheme
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Mathematick
                   figure
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   passeth
                   away
                   .
                
                 Was
                 it
                 not
                 this
                 which
                 cast
                 Solomon
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 sleep
                 ?
                 He
                 offended
                 by
                 women
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 wisest
                 King.
                 
                   So
                   Mat.
                   24.
                   37.
                   
                   They
                   eat
                   ,
                   they
                   they
                   drank
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 observe
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 word
                 used
                 most
                 properly
                 of
                 beasts
                 ,
                 living
                 sensually
                 in
                 the
                 delights
                 of
                 the
                 slesh
                 ;
                 they
                 feed
                 themselves
                 without
                 fear
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 Jude
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   out
                   of
                   measure
                
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 
                   time
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   season
                   for
                   all
                   things
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                   make
                   not
                   provision
                   for
                   the
                   slesh
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 O
                 that
                 there
                 were
                 
                 
                 more
                 sobriety
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 moderation
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 appearing
                 among
                 us
                 :
                 there
                 would
                 not
                 
                   be
                   so
                   much
                   sleeping
                
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   any
                   sin
                   unrepented
                   of
                   ,
                   of
                   continuing
                   in
                   it
                
                 ;
                 for
                 surely
                 
                   that
                   will
                   damp
                
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 cast
                 it
                 into
                 a
                 sleepe
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 cafe
                 of
                 
                   Jonas
                   ,
                   David
                
                 ,
                 the
                 brethren
                 of
                 Joseph
                 :
                 O
                 specially
                 of
                 such
                 sins
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   stupifie
                   ,
                   and
                   seal
                   ,
                   and
                   harden
                   ,
                   sins
                
                 of
                 a
                 high
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 light
                 ,
                 against
                 mercy
                 with
                 a
                 high
                 hand
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 dangerous
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Be
                   often
                   stirring
                   up
                   your selves
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 to
                 
                   Timothy
                   ,
                   stir
                   up
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   God
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   thee
                   ,
                   the
                   gift
                   in
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 as
                 fire
                 under
                 the
                 ashes
                 ;
                 A
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 drousie
                 ,
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 shake
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 Sampson
                 did
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 
                   carnal
                   mind
                
                 in
                 
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 death
                 ,
                 it
                 deadens
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 good
                 within
                 us
                 ;
                 And
                 except
                 we
                 do
                 often
                 stir
                 up
                 our selves
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 keep
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 some
                 quickning
                 Considerations
                 ,
                 to
                 press
                 them
                 home
                 ,
                 to
                 hold
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 ,
                 do
                 what
                 we
                 can
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 sleep
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 slumber
                 :
                 And
                 beg
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   O
                   quicken
                   me
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   word
                   !
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 
                   life
                   is
                   his
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   all
                   quickning
                   and
                   renewing
                   grace
                   is
                   his
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 lye
                 much
                 before
                 him
                 for
                 this
                 mercy
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 sleep
                 indeed
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Use
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   next
                   Vse
                   of
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   shall
                   be
                   an
                   awakening
                   word
                   .
                
                 It
                 
                 may
                 be
                 brethren
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 that
                 have
                 this
                 word
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   are
                   asleep
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   need
                   to
                   be
                   shaken
                   ,
                   and
                   O
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   would
                   even
                   do
                   it
                   for
                   us
                   !
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 our
                 word
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 dyeth
                 in
                 the
                 Ear
                 ,
                 and
                 goeth
                 no
                 further
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 bullet
                 whose
                 force
                 is
                 spent
                 dyeth
                 ,
                 reacheth
                 not
                 the
                 mark
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 add
                 an
                 Almighty
                 force
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 do
                 nothing
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 shall
                 endeavour
                 alittle
                 this
                 work
                 by
                 offering
                 some
                 considerations
                 to
                 you
                 .
                 
                   You
                   that
                   lye
                   upon
                   your
                   beds
                   .
                
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Remember
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 
                   that
                   if
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   come
                   ,
                   while
                   you
                   are
                   in
                   this
                   sleep
                   ,
                   you
                   will
                   be
                   found
                   unready
                   ,
                
                 what
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 a
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 will
                 put
                 your
                 hearts
                 into
                 frame
                 ,
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 with
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 :
                 One
                 of
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 will
                 befal
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   either
                   your
                   works
                
                 will
                 be
                 quite
                 undone
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 have
                 your
                 
                   grace
                   to
                   get
                
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 should
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 ,
                 or
                 never
                 ;
                 Or
                 else
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 get
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 its
                 brightness
                 ,
                 and
                 lustre
                 ,
                 as
                 Ornaments
                 upon
                 you
                 ;
                 ready
                 to
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 either
                 
                   your
                   Lamps
                   will
                   be
                   out
                   ,
                   or
                   else
                   they
                   will
                   be
                   to
                   trim
                   ,
                   when
                   you
                   should
                   enter
                
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 inforce
                 
                 this
                 Argument
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 own
                 exhortation
                 !
                 
                   Luke
                   12.
                   35.
                   
                   Stand
                   ready
                   therefore
                   ,
                   with
                   your
                   loyns
                   girded
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   Lamps
                   burning
                   ,
                   wayting
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   be
                   ready
                   ?
                
                 Do
                 you
                 think
                 this
                 can
                 be
                 comfortable
                 to
                 you
                 ?
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Do
                   but
                   consider
                   seriously
                   ,
                   what
                   danger
                   we
                   are
                   in
                   when
                   we
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 when
                 we
                 give
                 sleep
                 to
                 our
                 eys
                 ,
                 and
                 settle
                 our selves
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 strive
                 not
                 against
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Philistims
                   will
                   be
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 upon
                 poor
                 
                   Sampson
                   ;
                   If
                   Satan
                
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 hearts
                 can
                 but
                 sing
                 us
                 asleep
                 ,
                 then
                 
                 the
                 
                   Philistims
                   are
                   upon
                   us
                
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 sadly
                 they
                 destroyed
                 him
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 what
                 danger
                 Saul
                 was
                 in
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ;
                 David
                 might
                 have
                 taken
                 his
                 life
                 from
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 Sisera
                 by
                 a
                 poor
                 woman
                 perished
                 ,
                 when
                 asleep
                 .
                 And
                 
                 so
                 Ishbosh●th
                 ,
                 when
                 asleep
                 .
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 devil
                 never
                 lulls
                 us
                 asleep
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 some
                 desperate
                 design
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 cannot
                 do
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 awake
                 .
                 What
                 danger
                 were
                 the
                 Disciples
                 in
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 sleeping
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 
                 prayed
                 ?
                 they
                 were
                 just
                 entring
                 upon
                 the
                 pikes
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 were
                 asleep
                 ;
                 and
                 see
                 what
                 fearful
                 work
                 there
                 was
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 scattered
                 from
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 Peter
                 ,
                 how
                 fearfully
                 he
                 denyed
                 him
                 !
                 Could
                 Satan
                 think
                 you
                 ever
                 have
                 brought
                 Lot
                 to
                 that
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 fast
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 ?
                 It
                 was
                 strange
                 
                   sleepiness
                   in
                   him
                   to
                   drink
                   so
                   much
                   of
                   the
                   wine
                
                 ;
                 Excess
                 overthrew
                 him
                 .
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 there
                 were
                 
                   an
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   one
                
                 ;
                 If
                 it
                 might
                 be
                 tolerable
                 at
                 any
                 other
                 time
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 at
                 this
                 :
                 
                   for
                   hell
                   is
                   broke
                   loose
                   ,
                   the
                   devil
                   is
                   come
                   down
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   great
                   wrath
                   ,
                   because
                   his
                   time
                   is
                   short
                   :
                
                 O
                 how
                 he
                 hunts
                 after
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 so
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 drowned
                 as
                 poor
                 creatures
                 asleep
                 !
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Then
                   God
                   usually
                   doth
                   for
                   sake
                   a
                   soul
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   fall
                   asleep
                
                 ;
                 As
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Canticles
                   her
                   beloved
                   was
                   gone
                
                 ,
                 he
                 wayted
                 upon
                 her
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 she
                 would
                 not
                 awake
                 ;
                 when
                 she
                 got
                 up
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 gone
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 case
                 was
                 Saul
                 in
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   God
                   had
                   forsaken
                   him
                
                 ,
                 answered
                 him
                 not
                 by
                 Vrim
                 ,
                 or
                 Thummim
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   Philistims
                   were
                   upon
                   him
                
                 ,
                 it
                 made
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 wits
                 almost
                 !
                 
                   Ah
                   dear
                   friends
                
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 being
                 provoked
                 by
                 our
                 unkindness
                 ,
                 giving
                 our selves
                 
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 do
                 let
                 loose
                 sin
                 ,
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 lust
                 upon
                 us
                 to
                 worry
                 us
                 .
                 And
                 himself
                 depart
                 ,
                 and
                 stand
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 what
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 will
                 be
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 sad
                 ,
                 thou
                 cryest
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 ;
                 but
                 is
                 as
                 one
                 asleep
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 wast
                 as
                 one
                 asleep
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 will
                 you
                 do
                 in
                 this
                 day
                 !
              
               
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Then
                   he
                   is
                   least
                   able
                   to
                   act
                   grace
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   hath
                   most
                   need
                   of
                   it
                
                 ;
                 because
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 withdrawn
                 from
                 him
                 :
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 departed
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 resist
                 a
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 strength
                 .
                 A
                 weak
                 woman
                 may
                 drive
                 a
                 nayl
                 through
                 the
                 Temples
                 of
                 a
                 most
                 valiant
                 General
                 then
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 advantage
                 hath
                 Satan
                 against
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 sin
                 against
                 us
                 !
                 The
                 least
                 temptation
                 then
                 ,
                 〈◊〉
                 too
                 hard
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 strength
                 to
                 resist
                 ,
                 come
                 what
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 naked
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 thrust
                 ;
                 And
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 stays
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 shall
                 not
                 reach
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 how
                 quickly
                 would
                 he
                 give
                 such
                 sleeping
                 souls
                 their
                 deadly
                 wound
                 !
              
               
                 3
                 ,
                 Consider
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 
                   how
                   we
                   put
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                
                 to
                 prick
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 lest
                 we
                 should
                 lye
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   sleep
                   the
                   sleep
                   of
                   death
                
                 .
                 They
                 say
                 the
                 Eagle
                 will
                 prick
                 and
                 beat
                 her
                 yong
                 ones
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Nest
                 ;
                 else
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 lazy
                 and
                 sleep
                 there
                 .
                 Well
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 If
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 sweetness
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 gall
                 and
                 
                   vinegar
                   must
                   :
                   awakened
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   ,
                   for
                   sure
                   we
                   cannot
                   go
                   to
                   heaven
                   in
                   a
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 terrible
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 put
                 him
                 to
                 it
                 thus
                 
                   to
                   teach
                   us
                   by
                   terrible
                   things
                   in
                   righteousness
                   and
                   mercy
                   ?
                
                 It
                 is
                 
                 faithfulness
                 and
                 mercy
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 pains
                 with
                 us
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 but
                 add
                 this
                 only
                 .
              
               
                 
                   When
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   shall
                   deal
                   thus
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                
                 that
                 now
                 are
                 so
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   may
                   sleep
                   then
                   ;
                   if
                   we
                   could
                
                 there
                 will
                 come
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 upon
                 us
                 surely
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 not
                 in
                 tender
                 compassions
                 awaken
                 us
                 before
                 hand
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 bitter
                 ironical
                 reproof
                 ,
                 the
                 Disciples
                 had
                 need
                 of
                 such
                 sharpness
                 in
                 the
                 reproof
                 ,
                 for
                 milder
                 words
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 :
                 
                   sleep
                   on
                   now
                   ,
                   saith
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   enough
                   ,
                
                 what
                 did
                 our
                 Saviour
                 allow
                 them
                 to
                 sleep
                 ?
                 surely
                 nothing
                 less
                 ,
                 
                 specially
                 all
                 this
                 time
                 ;
                 for
                 that
                 his
                 next
                 words
                 are
                 ,
                 
                   arise
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   go
                   hence
                   ,
                   behold
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   at
                   hand
                   ,
                   who
                   betray
                   me
                   ,
                
                 why
                 then
                 they
                 could
                 ,
                 have
                 little
                 list
                 or
                 leasure
                 to
                 sleep
                 ;
                 but
                 our
                 Saviour
                 doth
                 with
                 a
                 holy
                 mocking
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 
                   Well
                   ,
                   you
                   have
                   been
                   sleeping
                   all
                
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 now
                 
                   take
                   your
                   rest
                
                 ,
                 now
                 
                   sleep
                   if
                   you
                   can
                   ,
                   now
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   your
                   hearts
                   so
                   full
                   of
                   cares
                   and
                   fears
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   sobeset
                   with
                   temptations
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   little
                   list
                   to
                   sleep
                   .
                
                 A
                 righteous
                 hand
                 upon
                 them
                 for
                 their
                 sluggishness
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 ,
                 
                   rejoyce
                   O
                   young
                   man
                   in
                   thy
                   youth
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                   and
                   let
                   thine
                   heart
                   chear
                   thee
                   ,
                   but
                   remember
                
                 
                 
                   for
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   bring
                   thee
                   to
                   judgement
                   .
                
                 Well
                 brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 light
                 as
                 you
                 may
                 make
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   that
                   love
                   sleep
                
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 your selves
                 to
                 security
                 ,
                 when
                 this
                 day
                 cometh
                 upon
                 you
                 
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 your
                 hearts
                 
                   ach
                   .
                   The
                   Lord
                
                 perswade
                 us
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 I
                 
                   desire
                   not
                   the
                   woful
                   day
                
                 to
                 any
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 escape
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 Another
                 Vse
                 of
                 the
                 Point
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 kept
                 through
                 the
                 Almighty
                 grace
                 from
                 this
                 sleeping
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 others
                 are
                 sleeping
                 about
                 thee
                 ,
                 one
                 in
                 this
                 corner
                 ,
                 another
                 in
                 that
                 ,
                 thou
                 
                   art
                   lively
                
                 ,
                 thy
                 graces
                 are
                 kept
                 in
                 vigor
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   sweet
                   communion
                   with
                   Christ
                   maintained
                   :
                   O
                   how
                   much
                   ,
                   how
                   infinitly
                   art
                   thou
                   engaged
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ?
                   magnifie
                   his
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 How
                 many
                 considerations
                 here
                 ,
                 might
                 be
                 heaped
                 up
                 ,
                 to
                 heigthen
                 your
                 prayses
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   high
                   prayses
                   of
                   God
                   might
                   be
                   in
                   your
                   hearts
                   and
                   ,
                   mouths
                   .
                
                 As
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 To
                 consider
                 ;
                 
                   It
                   s
                   meerly
                   free
                   mercy
                   that
                   maketh
                   this
                   difference
                
                 between
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 most
                 sluggish
                 Professor
                 ,
                 most
                 slothful
                 sleepy
                 Professor
                 .
                 For
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 improved
                 the
                 grace
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 received
                 ,
                 better
                 then
                 others
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 others
                 have
                 received
                 more
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 walked
                 as
                 diligently
                 as
                 thy self
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 left
                 to
                 some
                 fearful
                 fall
                 ,
                 to
                 stupifie
                 ,
                 or
                 deaden
                 them
                 asleep
                 .
                 O
                 magnifie
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 thus
                 far
                 kept
                 again
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 consider
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   much
                   misery
                   and
                   sin
                   ,
                   thou
                   dost
                   hereby
                   avoid
                   ?
                
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 unspeakable
                 !
                 for
                 what
                 sin
                 ,
                 what
                 temptation
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 with
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 drousie
                 condition
                 ?
                 As
                 Lot
                 in
                 his
                 sleep
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 he
                 not
                 do
                 ?
                 the
                 soul
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 security
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 he
                 not
                 do
                 ?
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 now
                 the
                 soul
                 abhors
                 the
                 thought
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 hadst
                 been
                 left
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 sleep
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 wel
                 as
                 others
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 fearful
                 example
                 of
                 
                   many
                   apostatizing
                   Professors
                   in
                   these
                   days
                   ,
                
                 that
                 have
                 walked
                 very
                 strictly
                 before
                 ,
                 which
                 surely
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 minister
                 matter
                 of
                 
                   holy
                   fear
                
                 and
                 trembling
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 so
                 of
                 great
                 
                   prayses
                   to
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 And
                 then
                 the
                 misery
                 to
                 awaken
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 us
                 to
                 those
                 distractions
                 ,
                 which
                 have
                 been
                 already
                 spoken
                 to
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 To
                 consider
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   great
                   advantage
                   thou
                   hast
                   now
                   above
                   many
                   others
                   .
                   Thou
                
                 hast
                 the
                 
                   presence
                   of
                   God
                   which
                   others
                   want
                   ,
                   thou
                
                 hast
                 
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   his
                   countenance
                   ,
                   thou
                
                 hast
                 many
                 a
                 
                   sweet
                   communion
                   with
                   him
                
                 ,
                 which
                 
                   others
                   want
                
                 ,
                 being
                 left
                 to
                 this
                 sleepy
                 condition
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 have
                 slept
                 away
                 their
                 harvest
                 ;
                 thou
                 art
                 kept
                 awake
                 to
                 gather
                 in
                 the
                 Summer
                 .
                 
                   O
                   how
                   rich
                   in
                   grace
                
                 may
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 grow
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 but
                 know
                 his
                 season
                 and
                 opportunity
                 !
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 these
                 great
                 matters
                 
                   of
                   praise
                
                 ?
              
               
                 Again
                 in
                 the
                 next
                 place
                 ;
                 then
                 brethren
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 so
                 apt
                 to
                 
                 
                   sleep
                   ;
                   Let
                   us
                   consider
                   one
                   another
                   ,
                   to
                   provoke
                   ,
                   to
                   stir
                   up
                   ,
                   suffer
                   not
                   one
                   another
                   to
                   sleep
                   :
                
                 Indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 defective
                 in
                 this
                 duty
                 of
                 love
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 we
                 our selves
                 are
                 asleep
                 .
                 O
                 be
                 ye
                 followers
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 full
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 was
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 and
                 findeth
                 them
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ;
                 what
                 doth
                 he
                 do
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 alone
                 ,
                 or
                 refuse
                 Communion
                 with
                 them
                 ?
                 no
                 :
                 he
                 stirreth
                 them
                 up
                 ,
                 giveth
                 them
                 a
                 reproof
                 to
                 provoke
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 Peter
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 otherwise
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 so
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 let
                 Jonas
                 ,
                 or
                 David
                 go
                 in
                 their
                 Conditions
                 ,
                 but
                 sendeth
                 a
                 Prophet
                 to
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 sendeth
                 a
                 storm
                 after
                 the
                 other
                 to
                 awake
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 cometh
                 himself
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 the
                 Canticles
                 ,
                 see
                 how
                 he
                 cals
                 upon
                 her
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 cometh
                 nearer
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   Brethren
                
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 might
                 be
                 counted
                 worthy
                 this
                 day
                 to
                 speak
                 one
                 word
                 home
                 to
                 some
                 poor
                 sleeping
                 soul
                 to
                 awaken
                 you
                 ;
                 either
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 terror
                 !
                 I
                 have
                 spoken
                 both
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 you
                 remember
                 this
                 as
                 a
                 duty
                 ?
                 Doubtless
                 we
                 have
                 occasions
                 before
                 us
                 every
                 where
                 ;
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 know
                 many
                 lazy
                 ,
                 sleepy
                 Christians
                 ?
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 judge
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 ?
                 where
                 are
                 our
                 bowels
                 towards
                 them
                 ?
                 why
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 shake
                 them
                 ,
                 do
                 our
                 endeavour
                 ,
                 would
                 we
                 not
                 be
                 sorry
                 to
                 see
                 them
                 
                   forsaken
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 altogether
                 as
                 to
                 their
                 sense
                 ,
                 and
                 sadly
                 lamenting
                 after
                 him
                 ?
                 would
                 we
                 not
                 be
                 sorry
                 to
                 see
                 them
                 battered
                 and
                 bruised
                 with
                 the
                 temptations
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 sleepy
                 condition
                 ?
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 in
                 danger
                 ?
                 shall
                 we
                 see
                 them
                 lie
                 as
                 a
                 prey
                 just
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 Devils
                 mouth
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 endeavour
                 to
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 remove
                 that
                 drowfie
                 frame
                 from
                 them
                 ?
                 the
                 Lord
                 help
                 us
                 brethren
                 
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   more
                   wakeful
                
                 among
                 us
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 believe
                 some
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 magnified
                 his
                 grace
                 towards
                 exceedingly
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 can
                 you
                 improve
                 your
                 mercy
                 better
                 then
                 thus
                 ;
                 
                   by
                   stirring
                   up
                   others
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   enjoy
                
                 the
                 same
                 sweetness
                 in
                 Communion
                 ,
                 and
                 close
                 fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 your selves
                 do
                 !
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Use
                 also
                 .
              
               
               
                 Vse
                 7.
                 
                 Then
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   be
                   tender
                   in
                   judging
                   one
                   anothers
                   Condition
                
                 ;
                 
                 judge
                 not
                 a
                 mans
                 state
                 by
                 the
                 present
                 frame
                 that
                 is
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   Come
                   into
                   a
                   Garden
                   in
                   Winter
                   ,
                
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 appearance
                 of
                 any
                 flowers
                 ,
                 the
                 roots
                 are
                 within
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 shall
                 we
                 conclude
                 therefore
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 none
                 ?
                 no
                 ;
                 so
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 sleeping
                 habit
                 of
                 grace
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 in
                 act
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 act
                 it
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 .
                 As
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 (
                 though
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 folly
                 for
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 to
                 sleep
                 )
                 yet
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 without
                 great
                 wrong
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 call
                 them
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 vast
                 difference
                 between
                 them
                 .
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 have
                 made
                 a
                 judgment
                 of
                 David
                 in
                 his
                 backsliding
                 ;
                 what
                 would
                 he
                 have
                 thought
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 or
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 so
                 heavy
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 that
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 after
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 reproved
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 stirred
                 up
                 ,
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 judged
                 likely
                 ;
                 O
                 sure
                 it
                 would
                 prove
                 a
                 deadly
                 Lethargy
                 ,
                 or
                 there
                 were
                 scarce
                 any
                 hope
                 concerning
                 them
                 !
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 reproved
                 them
                 sharply
                 ,
                 yet
                 some
                 sugar
                 he
                 mixed
                 with
                 the
                 vinegar
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Spirit
                   indeed
                   is
                   willing
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Flesh
                   is
                   weak
                
                 ;
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 unsaint
                 them
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 
                 their
                 sleepiness
                 ;
                 no
                 more
                 should
                 we
                 ;
                 And
                 indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 difficulty
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 to
                 distinguish
                 between
                 a
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 death
                 in
                 sin
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 suspend
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 exceeding
                 tender
                 in
                 judging
                 .
                 Physicians
                 themselves
                 have
                 much
                 ado
                 sometimes
                 to
                 discern
                 whether
                 there
                 be
                 life
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 much
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 appears
                 there
                 is
                 life
                 ,
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 tender
                 in
                 judging
                 ,
                 leave
                 it
                 to
                 him
                 who
                 can
                 discern
                 whether
                 the
                 life
                 be
                 within
                 them
                 yea
                 ,
                 or
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 A
                 word
                 of
                 Comfort
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 alas
                 find
                 themselves
                 very
                 apt
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 shake
                 themselves
                 with
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 lie
                 down
                 upon
                 the
                 lap
                 of
                 a
                 Dalilah
                 again
                 :
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 can
                 be
                 alive
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 having
                 hearts
                 so
                 desperately
                 sleepy
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 lost
                 the
                 
                   sweet
                   smelling
                   presence
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   many
                   times
                   by
                   their
                   sleeping
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 slept
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 keep
                 themselves
                 awake
                 ;
                 
                   his
                   smiles
                
                 have
                 been
                 many
                 times
                 turned
                 into
                 sharp
                 rebukes
                 ,
                 their
                 honey
                 into
                 gall
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 
                   by
                   terrible
                   things
                   in
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   
                   they
                   have
                   been
                   awaked
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 sleeping
                 again
                 :
                 sometimes
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 confounded
                 and
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 had
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 rebuked
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 asleep
                 again
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 can
                 I
                 think
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 Condition
                 as
                 this
                 !
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 the
                 Closets
                 of
                 some
                 poor
                 Creatures
                 ,
                 can
                 bear
                 witness
                 to
                 many
                 a
                 sad
                 complaint
                 of
                 this
                 kind
                 .
                 Well
                 I
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 ,
              
               
                 Far
                 be
                 it
                 from
                 me
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 sow
                 pillows
                 under
                 any
                 mans
                 Arm-holes
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 bed
                 for
                 any
                 to
                 sleep
                 upon
                 :
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 forbid
                 ,
                 there
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 heart
                 so
                 wicked
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 an
                 use
                 of
                 what
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 such
                 poor
                 discouraged
                 souls
                 !
                 
                   We
                   are
                
                 in
                 a
                 strait
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   cannot
                
                 give
                 a
                 Saint
                 their
                 portion
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 wicked
                 are
                 
                   snatching
                   at
                   that
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 wicked
                 their
                 portion
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 catching
                 at
                 that
                 ;
                 specially
                 discouraged
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 times
                 applying
                 all
                 to
                 themselves
                 that
                 never
                 was
                 intended
                 for
                 them
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 any
                 
                   dare
                   abuse
                
                 it
                 ,
                 be
                 it
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 I
                 must
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 refreshing
                 to
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 even
                 wear●ed
                 with
                 a
                 lazy
                 sleepy
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 remember
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   That
                   it
                   is
                   possible
                   for
                   a
                   man
                   or
                   woman
                   that
                   is
                   truly
                   in
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   yet
                   to
                   be
                   overtaken
                   with
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 Conclusion
                 without
                 any
                 good
                 premises
                 ,
                 that
                 sure
                 thou
                 art
                 no
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 no
                 wise
                 Virgin
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 art
                 so
                 often
                 slumbering
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ;
                 As
                 carnally
                 secure
                 Creatures
                 do
                 deceive
                 themselves
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 concluding
                 because
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 slept
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 
                 though
                 they
                 sleep
                 ;
                 so
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 do
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 deceive
                 themselves
                 by
                 a
                 like
                 false
                 reasoning
                 ,
                 concluding
                 
                   they
                   are
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 certainly
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 sleep
                 .
                 All
                 are
                 not
                 wise
                 that
                 were
                 asleep
                 ,
                 for
                 some
                 were
                 foolish
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 carnal
                 creature
                 may
                 sleep
                 the
                 sleep
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 all
                 were
                 not
                 foolish
                 that
                 were
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 a
                 wise
                 Virgin
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 overtaken
                 with
                 sleep
                 :
                 they
                 both
                 agree
                 in
                 ▪
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 or
                 slumbering
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 common
                 both
                 to
                 wise
                 and
                 foolish
                 ,
                 therefore
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 make
                 it
                 a
                 distinguishing
                 ,
                 or
                 differencing
                 
                   note
                   of
                   thy
                   Condition
                
                 which
                 is
                 common
                 to
                 both
                 sorts
                 ;
                 Only
                 the
                 degrees
                 and
                 circumstances
                 ,
                 the
                 antecedents
                 and
                 concomitants
                 of
                 this
                 sleep
                 ,
                 are
                 those
                 which
                 distinguish
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 hope
                 ,
                 remember
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   wise
                
                 if
                 they
                 
                   sleep
                   ,
                   usually
                
                 get
                 oyl
                 into
                 their
                 vessels
                 first
                 ,
                 they
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 sleep
                 by
                 candle-light
                 ,
                 they
                 suffer
                 not
                 their
                 Lamps
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   sleep
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   
                   hearts
                   weak
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 Well
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 possible
                 though
                 thou
                 sleep
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 be
                 a
                 wise
                 virgin
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   How
                   knowest
                   thou
                   ,
                   thou
                   sleepest
                   ?
                
                 and
                 how
                 cometh
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 burthen
                 to
                 thee
                 ?
                 Thou
                 complainest
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 such
                 onely
                 we
                 speak
                 brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 such
                 as
                 yield
                 not
                 up
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 love
                 not
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 tedious
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 whence
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 Surely
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 because
                 thy
                 heart
                 is
                 awake
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 spouse
                 saith
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 total
                 sleep
                 :
                 O
                 thou
                 hast
                 cause
                 to
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 kept
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 thy
                 heart
                 awake
                 ,
                 that
                 sleep
                 hath
                 not
                 seized
                 upon
                 all
                 ;
                 If
                 once
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 asleep
                 all
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 therefore
                 be
                 thankful
                 for
                 that
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 any
                 thing
                 kept
                 awake
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   Will
                   ,
                   thy
                   Affections
                
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 I
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 could
                 see
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 awake
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ,
                 but
                 my
                 hear
                 sure
                 is
                 asleep
                 ,
                 my
                 confidence
                 doth
                 not
                 much
                 trouble
                 me
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 my
                 will
                 hath
                 been
                 to
                 blame
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 have
                 even
                 setled
                 my self
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 thrown
                 my self
                 upon
                 my
                 bed
                 of
                 security
                 ,
                 shut
                 the
                 windows
                 ,
                 winked
                 with
                 my
                 eys
                 ,
                 put
                 off
                 my
                 cloaths
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 slighted
                 and
                 neglected
                 those
                 acts
                 of
                 holiness
                 from
                 time
                 to
                 time
                 ,
                 of
                 worship
                 ,
                 or
                 which
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 my
                 garments
                 upon
                 me
                 ;
                 therefore
                 sure
                 I
                 am
                 willing
                 to
                 sleep
                 :
                 yea
                 more
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 often
                 stirred
                 and
                 moved
                 by
                 his
                 spirit
                 to
                 awake
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 have
                 drowsed
                 and
                 turned
                 like
                 a
                 door
                 upon
                 the
                 hinges
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 sluggard
                 ready
                 to
                 cry
                 
                   a
                   little
                   sleep
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   slumber
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   folding
                   of
                   the
                   hands
                   to
                   sleep
                   .
                
                 O
                 sure
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 asleep
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 my self
                 !
                 I
                 I
                 cannot
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   sleep
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   waketh
                
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 do
                 ?
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 however
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thy
                 Will
                 hath
                 been
                 in
                 fault
                 ,
                 and
                 asleep
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 awaken
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 part
                 ,
                 how
                 comest
                 thou
                 to
                 be
                 thus
                 sensible
                 of
                 thy
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 slugg
                 shness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 mean
                 all
                 those
                 sad
                 and
                 lamentable
                 moanes
                 thou
                 makest
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 secret
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 I
                 hope
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 with
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 Are
                 we
                 not
                 then
                 sensible
                 ?
                 O
                 sure
                 the
                 Will
                 is
                 not
                 altogether
                 asleep
                 !
                 yea
                 the
                 prevailing
                 part
                 is
                 awake
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Remember
                 this
                 for
                 thy
                 comfort
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 see
                 clearly
                 ,
                 as
                 happily
                 under
                 distemper
                 ,
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 ,
                 neither
                 thy
                 heart
                 be
                 asleep
                 ,
                 or
                 awake
                 
                   yet
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   knoweth
                   it
                   ,
                
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 acknowledge
                 it
                 ;
                 
                 O
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 strict
                 to
                 mark
                 what
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 if
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 spark
                 in
                 much
                 smoak
                 ,
                 or
                 under
                 much
                 ashes
                 ,
                 when
                 to
                 all
                 mens
                 thinking
                 the
                 life
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 he
                 seeth
                 there
                 is
                 somewhat
                 alive
                 ,
                 and
                 awake
                 
                 within
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   Seed
                   of
                   God
                
                 within
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ;
                 If
                 ever
                 in
                 any
                 example
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 men
                 had
                 slept
                 ,
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ;
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 so
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 that
                 notable
                 example
                 ,
                 that
                 being
                 so
                 often
                 shakt
                 with
                 such
                 sharp
                 ,
                 and
                 shameful
                 rebukes
                 ;
                 yet
                 they
                 
                 should
                 forth
                 with
                 be
                 asleep
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 〈…〉
                 heeded
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 yet
                 at
                 last
                 when
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 themselves
                 and
                 could
                 sleep
                 no
                 longer
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 enemies
                 were
                 upon
                 them
                 :
                 Now
                 
                   sleep
                   if
                   you
                   can
                
                 ,
                 lest
                 this
                 should
                 too
                 sorely
                 assail
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 slept
                 so
                 soundly
                 under
                 such
                 awaking
                 means
                 as
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 of
                 to
                 much
                 grief
                 .
                 O
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   spirit
                   indeed
                   is
                   willing
                   but
                   the
                   flesh
                   is
                   weak
                   !
                
                 he
                 knew
                 their
                 Consciences
                 would
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 load
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 Satan
                 would
                 help
                 forward
                 their
                 overwhelming
                 grief
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   wist
                   not
                   what
                   to
                   say
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                
                 nor
                 for
                 themselves
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 himself
                 letteth
                 them
                 know
                 that
                 there
                 was
                 some
                 willingness
                 within
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 spirit
                 was
                 willing
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 flesh
                 was
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 took
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   accepted
                   according
                   to
                   what
                   they
                   had
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   according
                   to
                   what
                   they
                   had
                   not
                   ,
                
                 where
                 there
                 
                 is
                 a
                 willing
                 mind
                 .
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 comfort
                 indeed
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 Master
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 father
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 as
                 both
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 little
                 willingness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 sincerity
                 in
                 his
                 peoples
                 hearts
                 not
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 themselves
                 could
                 not
                 say
                 so
                 ,
                 he
                 puts
                 an
                 answer
                 into
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 to
                 Satans
                 accusing
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 smitings
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 plea
                 in
                 their
                 mouths
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 prevail
                 with
                 him
                 for
                 pity
                 ,
                 and
                 sparing
                 of
                 them
                 !
              
               
                 Remember
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 sleep
                 and
                 slumber
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 woful
                 interruptions
                 are
                 in
                 thy
                 service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 yet
                 remember
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 he
                 hath
                 served
                 without
                 any
                 such
                 slumbrings
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 imperfections
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 
                   thine
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   render
                   unto
                   man
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   do
                   acknowledge
                   to
                   God
                   he
                   hath
                   sinned
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 
                   freely
                   ,
                   feelingly
                   ,
                   faithfully
                   acknowledge
                
                 
                 it
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 duty
                 for
                 the
                 Disciples
                 to
                 pray
                 ,
                 when
                 our
                 Saviour
                 prayed
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 asleep
                 !
                 if
                 now
                 their
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 salvation
                 had
                 depended
                 upon
                 themselves
                 ,
                 where
                 had
                 it
                 been
                 ?
                 or
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 had
                 slept
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 ,
                 where
                 had
                 it
                 been
                 ?
                 but
                 he
                 was
                 wrestling
                 ,
                 and
                 praying
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 them
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 he
                 never
                 was
                 heavy
                 in
                 his
                 prayers
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 fell
                 asleep
                 ,
                 nor
                 slumbred
                 neither
                 ,
                 with
                 this
                 spiritual
                 slumber
                 ,
                 he
                 fulfilled
                 all
                 righteousness
                 to
                 a
                 tittle
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 remember
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   must
                   
                   be
                   the
                   ground
                   of
                   our
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   comfort
                   ,
                
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 in
                 your selves
                 .
                 And
                 magnifie
                 this
                 rich
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 laid
                 up
                 for
                 such
                 poor
                 sleeping
                 sinners
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 watchful
                 Ordinance
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Another
                 word
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 in
                 thy
                 sleep
                 thou
                 art
                 in
                 great
                 danger
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 which
                 indeed
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 alarm
                 us
                 continually
                 ;
                 
                   yet
                   if
                   we
                   do
                   strive
                   and
                   stir
                   up
                   our selves
                   ,
                
                 a●d
                 yet
                 are
                 overcome
                 ,
                 though
                 sore
                 against
                 our
                 wills
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 are
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 some
                 deadly
                 blow
                 ,
                 are
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 feeble
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 least
                 temptation
                 may
                 smite
                 us
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 dreadful
                 temptations
                 ;
                 and
                 without
                 all
                 question
                 ,
                 Satan
                 never
                 lulls
                 us
                 asleep
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 design
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 our
                 life
                 ,
                 our
                 
                   God
                   ,
                   our
                   Christ
                   ,
                   our
                   peace
                   ,
                   our
                   comfort
                   ,
                   our
                   strength
                   from
                   us
                   ;
                   Yea
                   to
                   smite
                   us
                   to
                   the
                   ground
                   at
                   once
                   ,
                   and
                   smite
                   us
                   no
                   more
                   .
                
                 As
                 
                 Abishai
                 said
                 to
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   he
                   begged
                   he
                   might
                   have
                   leave
                   ,
                
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Devil
                 even
                 beg
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 fain
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 leave
                 to
                 smite
                 us
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 moved
                 the
                 Lord
                 against
                 Job
                 ,
                 so
                 continually
                 
                   this
                   accuser
                
                 ,
                 and
                 enemy
                 whose
                 work
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 devour
                 !
                 O
                 when
                 he
                 findeth
                 such
                 a
                 prey
                 ,
                 how
                 edged
                 is
                 his
                 appetite
                 ,
                 but
                 remember
                 
                   this
                   for
                   thy
                   comfort
                
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   surely
                   Satan
                   will
                   smite
                   me
                   to
                   the
                   heart
                   at
                   one
                   time
                   or
                   another
                   ,
                
                 poor
                 trembling
                 soul
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   keepeth
                   Israel
                   ,
                   and
                   watcheth
                   them
                   ,
                   he
                   never
                   slumbreth
                   nor
                   sleepeth
                   !
                
                 Indeed
                 
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 slept
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 think
                 he
                 doth
                 when
                 he
                 with-holds
                 from
                 us
                 his
                 quickening
                 ,
                 or
                 comforting
                 presence
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 apt
                 to
                 cry
                 out
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 to
                 awake
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 never
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 he
                 watcheth
                 and
                 wards
                 many
                 a
                 secret
                 thrust
                 ,
                 and
                 blow
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 asleep
                 ,
                 poor
                 creatures
                 we
                 cannot
                 be
                 aware
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 thou
                 mayest
                 grieve
                 him
                 by
                 a
                 sloathful
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 may
                 make
                 thee
                 smart
                 other
                 ways
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 surely
                 he
                 wi●l
                 not
                 give
                 up
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 dear
                 Saints
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 of
                 his
                 dear
                 dear
                 
                   Son
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   Satan
                
                 ;
                 No
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 bought
                 at
                 too
                 dear
                 a
                 rate
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Again
                 ,
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 comfort
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 a
                 
                   child
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   to
                   do
                   with
                   such
                   a
                   Christ
                   ,
                   such
                   a
                   Bridegroom
                   ,
                   the
                   wise
                   Virgins
                   belong
                   to
                   ,
                
                 are
                 espoused
                 to
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   when
                   they
                   do
                   sleep
                   ,
                   is
                   willing
                   to
                   take
                   so
                   much
                   pains
                   to
                   awaken
                   them
                   !
                
                 This
                 indeed
                 it
                 should
                 grieve
                 us
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ;
                 
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   put
                   him
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 weak
                 one
                 neither
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   willing
                   to
                   be
                   at
                   suh
                   pains
                   ,
                   with
                   us
                   ;
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   awake
                   us
                
                 .
                 How
                 long
                 doth
                 he
                 stand
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 and
                 knock
                 ,
                 before
                 
                 they
                 will
                 open
                 ,
                 they
                 lye
                 asleep
                 still
                 ,
                 he
                 cals
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 sweetest
                 compellations
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   love
                   ,
                   my
                   dove
                   ,
                   my
                   undefiled
                   ,
                   O
                   thou
                   dear
                   and
                   precious
                   soul
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   I
                   thy
                   dear
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   It
                   is
                   I
                   whom
                   thy
                   soul
                   loveth
                   ,
                   wilt
                   thou
                   rise
                   ,
                   and
                   open
                   to
                   me
                   !
                   I
                   am
                   wet
                   with
                   the
                   dew
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   canst
                   thou
                   finde
                   in
                   thy
                   heart
                   to
                   put
                   me
                   to
                   stand
                   without
                   ,
                   and
                   indu●e
                   the
                   cold
                   and
                   the
                   injuries
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   and
                   weather
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   me
                   out
                   of
                   thy
                   heart
                   the
                   place
                   which
                   I
                   have
                   chosen
                   for
                   my
                   habitation
                   ,
                   and
                   wherein
                   is
                   all
                   my
                   delight
                   ?
                
                 O
                 what
                 workings
                 of
                 his
                 bowels
                 are
                 here
                 ,
                 one
                 would
                 think
                 this
                 were
                 enough
                 to
                 awaken
                 !
                 No
                 ,
                 yet
                 she
                 shifts
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 excuses
                 ,
                 and
                 very
                 frivolous
                 ones
                 ,
                 as
                 people
                 will
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 very
                 willing
                 of
                 a
                 thing
                 ;
                 Well
                 ,
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   might
                   have
                   been
                   justly
                   grieved
                
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 depart
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 her
                 sleeping
                 .
                 No
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   came
                   nearer
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   his
                   hand
                   in
                   at
                   the
                   hole
                   of
                   the
                   door
                   ,
                
                 Poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 he
                 s
                 〈…〉
                 eth
                 that
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 willing
                 ,
                 the
                 flesh
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   So
                   far
                   as
                   carnal
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   weak
                   ,
                
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 maketh
                 us
                 weak
                 and
                 nothing
                 else
                 will
                 do
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 
                   fain
                   to
                   come
                   and
                   take
                   her
                   by
                   the
                   heart
                   ,
                
                 to
                 touch
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 begin
                 to
                 unbolt
                 the
                 door
                 himself
                 :
                 
                   he
                   cometh
                   in
                   some
                   nearer
                   ,
                   sweeter
                   ,
                   powerful
                   breathings
                   of
                   his
                   spirit
                   within
                   ,
                
                 that
                 now
                 she
                 is
                 overcome
                 and
                 riseth
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   would
                   never
                   let
                   her
                   alone
                   ,
                   until
                   he
                   had
                   awaked
                   her
                   .
                
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 his
                 course
                 ,
                 he
                 continually
                 holds
                 with
                 poor
                 souls
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 condition
                 ,
                 ●onnot
                 many
                 a
                 soul
                 in
                 this
                 Congregation
                 ,
                 seal
                 to
                 this
                 truth
                 !
                 I
                 believe
                 they
                 can
                 brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 happily
                 have
                 not
                 known
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 meet
                 the
                 spouse
                 should
                 smart
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 her
                 wretched
                 sleepiness
                 ,
                 for
                 her
                 slighting
                 of
                 his
                 call
                 ,
                 and
                 shutting
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 meet
                 she
                 should
                 now
                 ,
                 when
                 awake
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 finde
                 him
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 it
                 cost
                 her
                 something
                 ;
                 and
                 infinite
                 rich
                 mercy
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 ever
                 be
                 found
                 of
                 her
                 again
                 :
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 more
                 grief
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 behold
                 his
                 poor
                 spouse
                 going
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 mourning
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 her
                 to
                 follow
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 that
                 was
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 his
                 pains
                 :
                 and
                 after
                 all
                 this
                 love
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 himself
                 awake
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 if
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 awake
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 sometimes
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 he
                 holdeth
                 out
                 
                   will
                   not
                   awaken
                
                 ?
                 why
                 then
                 happily
                 he
                 seeth
                 it
                 necessary
                 
                   to
                   follow
                   Jonas
                   with
                   a
                   storm
                   ,
                
                 put
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 this
                 was
                 any
                 delight
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ,
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 cry
                 of
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 or
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 deep
                 wherein
                 they
                 sink
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Dungeon
                 
                 where
                 he
                 casts
                 them
                 to
                 awake
                 them
                 :
                 Surely
                 no
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 David
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 heavy
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 
                   his
                   bones
                   must
                   be
                   broken
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Is
                 this
                 any
                 delight
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 no
                 :
                 surely
                 brethren
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 his
                 pains
                 which
                 we
                 put
                 him
                 to
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 he
                 should
                 lose
                 our
                 souls
                 :
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 much
                 pains
                 to
                 awaken
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 And
                 lastly
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 now
                 thou
                 art
                 heavy
                 ,
                 and
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 and
                 napping
                 ,
                 at
                 every
                 turn
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 thou
                 wast
                 more
                 diligent
                 more
                 wakeful
                 ,
                 couldst
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 more
                 instance
                 and
                 intention
                 of
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 ,
                 thou
                 recountest
                 that
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 happy
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 sadness
                 and
                 misery
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 lost
                 that
                 frame
                 of
                 heart
                 !
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 far
                 art
                 thou
                 from
                 it
                 !
                 Well
                 ,
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   he
                   doth
                   remember
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   thy
                   ●spousals
                   ,
                   the
                   kindness
                   of
                   thy
                   youth
                   ,
                
                 which
                 some
                 expound
                 of
                 their
                 kindness
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 
                 wilderness
                 ;
                 which
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 divers
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 more
                 considerable
                 ;
                 
                   When
                   thou
                   followedst
                   me
                   in
                   the
                   wilderness
                   ,
                
                 how
                 did
                 they
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 
                   with
                   murmurings
                   and
                   rebellion
                   every
                   foot
                
                 almost
                 ,
                 yet
                 God
                 remembreth
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   even
                   the
                   love
                   and
                   affection
                   shewed
                   in
                   following
                   him
                   through
                   such
                   an
                   uncouth
                   place
                   .
                
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 depth
                 of
                 bowels
                 are
                 here
                 
                   to
                   cover
                   ,
                   and
                   forget
                   all
                   their
                   rebellion
                   ,
                
                 and
                 to
                 remember
                 their
                 love
                 !
                 or
                 else
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   remember
                   the
                   love
                   ,
                   I
                   shewed
                   to
                   thee
                   then
                
                 ;
                 however
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 great
                 love
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 shew
                 then
                 in
                 
                   giving
                   a
                   heart
                   to
                   love
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   follow
                   hard
                   after
                   him
                   ,
                
                 not
                 to
                 
                   slumber
                   and
                   sleep
                   ,
                   for
                   love
                   will
                   keep
                   awake
                   ,
                
                 it
                 being
                 full
                 of
                 solicitous
                 fear
                 ?
                 
                   Who
                   are
                   we
                   saith
                
                 
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   have
                   a
                   heart
                   to
                   offer
                   so
                   willingly
                   ?
                
                 The
                 Lord
                 will
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 which
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 present
                 sense
                 of
                 thy
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 sloathfulness
                 hath
                 blotted
                 out
                 of
                 thy
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 before
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 
                   One
                   more
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 this
                 .
                 
                   He
                   will
                   likely
                   by
                   this
                   heaviness
                   ,
                   and
                   sloathfulness
                   of
                   thine
                   ,
                   take
                   occasion
                   to
                   do
                   thee
                   good
                   by
                   it
                   ,
                   cure
                   and
                   heal
                   thee
                   :
                
                 for
                 will
                 not
                 the
                 shame
                 and
                 sorrow
                 which
                 he
                 casts
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 for
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 keep
                 him
                 more
                 awake
                 for
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ?
                 When
                 once
                 they
                 were
                 awaked
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 little
                 list
                 to
                 sleep
                 afterward
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 happily
                 ,
                 hereby
                 he
                 would
                 heal
                 the
                 pride
                 and
                 self-confidence
                 which
                 thou
                 art
                 full
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 which
                 nothing
                 more
                 grieveth
                 him
                 I
                 know
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 count
                 it
                 the
                 greatest
                 favor
                 ,
                 and
                 wouldst
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 undergo
                 some
                 smart
                 ;
                 yea
                 much
                 ,
                 so
                 be
                 thou
                 mightst
                 be
                 delivered
                 from
                 those
                 grieving
                 
                 evils
                 of
                 thine
                 own
                 soul
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 that
                 heavenly
                 Physician
                 ,
                 to
                 cure
                 sleep
                 with
                 sleep
                 ,
                 poyson
                 with
                 poyson
                 ,
                 sin
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 matter
                 of
                 sadness
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 him
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 grieve
                 himself
                 so
                 much
                 with
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 
                   And
                   for
                   the
                   general
                   condition
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   It
                   is
                   matter
                   of
                   mourning
                   indeed
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   general
                   sleeping
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   sad
                   effects
                   of
                   it
                   every
                   where
                   ;
                   Magistrates
                   ,
                   Ministers
                   and
                   People
                   ,
                   they
                   all
                   sleep
                   ;
                   and
                   let
                   the
                   envious
                   man
                   do
                   what
                   he
                   will
                   in
                   many
                   places
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   the
                   comfort
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   that
                   keepeth
                   Israel
                   never
                   slumbreth
                   nor
                   sleepeth
                   .
                   By
                   this
                   means
                   our
                   temptations
                   are
                   increased
                   indeed
                   ,
                   for
                   false
                   .
                   Teachers
                
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 shrewd
                 one
                 too
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   how
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   asleep
                   .
                
                 Yet
                 remember
                 he
                 that
                 permitteth
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 sleepeth
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 !
                 
                   If
                   the
                   Lord
                   had
                   not
                   kept
                   the
                   Vineyard
                   ,
                
                 better
                 then
                 men
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 long
                 ago
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 Wilderness
                 and
                 desolation
                 .
                 Doth
                 he
                 not
                 see
                 the
                 designs
                 of
                 Satan
                 and
                 Antichrist
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 their
                 fetches
                 and
                 slights
                 to
                 wind
                 in
                 themselves
                 at
                 the
                 back
                 door
                 ?
                 and
                 
                   doth
                   he
                   not
                   laugh
                   them
                   to
                   scorn
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   shall
                   have
                   them
                   in
                   derision
                   ?
                
                 If
                 men
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 the
                 little
                 Foxes
                 that
                 spoyl
                 the
                 grapes
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 time
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 finde
                 it
                 most
                 fearful
                 to
                 fall
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 God.
                 
                   He
                   hath
                   long
                   since
                
                 
                 
                   set
                   the
                   bounds
                   of
                   the
                   sea
                   ,
                   which
                   check
                   the
                   prowd
                   waves
                   thereof
                   ,
                
                 though
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 wonder
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 beholds
                 the
                 mighty
                 mountains
                 ,
                 and
                 swelling
                 surges
                 of
                 the
                 sea
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 should
                 not
                 overflow
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 poor
                 light
                 loose
                 sand
                 ,
                 and
                 plain
                 ground
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 a
                 check
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   hitherto
                   shall
                   ye
                   go
                   and
                   no
                   farther
                   .
                
                 Can
                 we
                 sufficiently
                 wonder
                 that
                 the
                 earth
                 should
                 be
                 founded
                 upon
                 nothing
                 but
                 onely
                 his
                 word
                 of
                 command
                 ?
                 Well
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   hath
                   said
                   he
                   will
                   make
                   manifest
                   their
                   folly
                   to
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   shall
                   proceed
                   no
                   farther
                
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 seem
                 to
                 sleep
                 sometime
                 ;
                 because
                 his
                 
                 people
                 give
                 him
                 rest
                 concerning
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 yet
                 surely
                 he
                 doth
                 
                   wake
                   ,
                   he
                   never
                   slumbers
                   nor
                   sleepeth
                   ,
                
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 permit
                 these
                 things
                 further
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 work
                 his
                 own
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 peoples
                 good
                 out
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 
                   give
                   him
                   no
                   rest
                   ,
                   you
                   that
                   are
                   his
                   remembrancers
                   ,
                   keep
                   not
                   silence
                   until
                   the
                   Lord
                   make
                   it
                   appear
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   that
                   he
                   did
                   not
                   slumber
                   nor
                   sleep
                   ,
                   until
                   he
                   awake
                   as
                   a
                   Gyant
                   refreshed
                   with
                   wine
                   ,
                   and
                   speak
                   ,
                   and
                   command
                   all
                   these
                   tongues
                   that
                   speak
                   lyes
                   in
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   into
                   an
                   everlasting
                   silence
                   !
                
                 Amen
                 .
              
               
               
                 The
                 next
                 Doctrine
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 :
                 
              
               
                 
                   We
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   sleep
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   had
                   most
                   need
                   to
                   be
                   awake
                   .
                
                 This
                 is
                 raised
                 from
                 the
                 
                   circumstance
                   of
                   time
                
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 season
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 call
                 an
                 unseasonable
                 time
                 a
                 season
                 ;
                 
                   when
                   they-slept
                
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 just
                 before
                 the
                 cry
                 came
                 ,
                 which
                 summoned
                 them
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 wakened
                 them
                 at
                 once
                 .
                 The
                 Proposition
                 is
                 universal
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 the
                 subject
                 is
                 universal
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 predicate
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 subject
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 the
                 real
                 Saints
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 the
                 Text
                 it self
                 proveth
                 it
                 beyond
                 contradiction
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 comprehensive
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   foolish
                   they
                   slept
                
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 question
                 would
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 specially
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 Parable
                 plainly
                 holds
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   all
                   slumbred
                   and
                   slept
                
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 it
                 actually
                 ,
                 sure
                 there
                 was
                 an
                 aptitude
                 ,
                 a
                 disposition
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 I
                 know
                 none
                 can
                 plead
                 exemption
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 can
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 come
                 under
                 the
                 notion
                 of
                 foolish
                 or
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 difficulty
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 all
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 worth
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 prove
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 universality
                 of
                 the
                 Predicate
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 wake
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 whensoever
                 they
                 had
                 more
                 need
                 to
                 awake
                 ,
                 then
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 .
                 This
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 to
                 prove
                 better
                 ,
                 then
                 by
                 an
                 Induction
                 of
                 particulars
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 one
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 like
                 aptitude
                 found
                 of
                 their
                 sleeping
                 at
                 all
                 other
                 times
                 of
                 need
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 conclude
                 it
                 so
                 general
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 awake
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 this
                 time
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 hardly
                 any
                 will
                 question
                 it
                 :
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 be
                 sleeping
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 making
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 stand
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 their
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 Is
                 to
                 be
                 sleeping
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 greatest
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 :
                 the
                 carnal
                 mind
                 indeed
                 will
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 sing
                 a
                 requiem
                 to
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 matter
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 have
                 but
                 a
                 warning
                 a
                 little
                 before
                 he
                 come
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 time
                 to
                 trim
                 our
                 Lamps
                 before
                 he
                 come
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 be
                 found
                 sleeping
                 ;
                 but
                 surely
                 brethren
                 the
                 spiritual
                 part
                 will
                 judge
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 waking
                 at
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 race
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 eternal
                 life
                 ;
                 Now
                 
                 
                   is
                   high
                   time
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   awake
                   ,
                   your
                   salvation
                   is
                   nearer
                   .
                
                 If
                 ever
                 there
                 be
                 need
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 ornaments
                 on
                 ,
                 our
                 graces
                 in
                 a
                 
                 lively
                 frame
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 in
                 act
                 ;
                 then
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 men
                 would
                 run
                 in
                 a
                 race
                 ,
                 towards
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 spur
                 hardest
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 needful
                 time
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 acting
                 grace
                 of
                 spending
                 grace
                 ,
                 of
                 using
                 all
                 you
                 have
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 exercise
                 enough
                 likely
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 then
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 graces
                 to
                 trim
                 and
                 fu●bish
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 if
                 we
                 sleep
                 :
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 sleep
                 in
                 a
                 most
                 needful
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 yet
                 apt
                 to
                 brethren
                 :
                 how
                 many
                 do
                 we
                 see
                 growing
                 more
                 heavy
                 ,
                 and
                 dull
                 ,
                 less
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 vigour
                 ,
                 and
                 power
                 to
                 act
                 their
                 graces
                 then
                 before
                 ?
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Again
                 ,
                 another
                 time
                 
                   of
                   greatest
                   need
                   to
                   be
                   awake
                   ,
                   is
                   when
                   there
                   are
                   the
                   choicest
                   communications
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   the
                   soul
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 awake
                 and
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 them
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 sure
                 will
                 conclude
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 greatest
                 need
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 we
                 sleep
                 out
                 such
                 a
                 season
                 as
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   what
                   may
                   we
                   lose
                
                 !
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 have
                 opportunity
                 to
                 have
                 again
                 while
                 we
                 live
                 :
                 So
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 beheld
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 took
                 up
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 those
                 three
                 favourites
                 to
                 pray
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 well
                 he
                 was
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 prayed
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   fashion
                   of
                   his
                   countenance
                   was
                   altered
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   rayment
                   was
                   white
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   glistering
                   ,
                   and
                   two
                   men
                   ;
                   Elias
                   and
                   Moses
                   talked
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   but
                   Peter
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   were
                   heavy
                   with
                   sleep
                   ,
                   and
                   when
                   they
                   were
                   awake
                   ,
                   they
                   saw
                   his
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 But
                 how
                 much
                 of
                 this
                 fight
                 did
                 they
                 lose
                 before
                 they
                 were
                 awake
                 ?
                 O
                 Prayer
                 is
                 a
                 special
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 doth
                 the
                 heart
                 drowse
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 should
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 !
                 and
                 when
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 usually
                 reveal
                 more
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 ;
                 when
                 doth
                 he
                 usually
                 make
                 more
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 by
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 or
                 company
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 their
                 praying
                 ?
                 therefore
                 if
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 they
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 see
                 brethren
                 ,
                 they
                 themselves
                 were
                 asleep
                 that
                 were
                 the
                 choice
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 they
                 lost
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 like
                 to
                 recover
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 like
                 to
                 see
                 such
                 a
                 sight
                 again
                 :
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 again
                 .
                 And
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 ordinary
                 experience
                 teacheth
                 us
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 I
                 believe
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 special
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 grace
                 wherein
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 Crucifyed
                 ,
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 his
                 loveliness
                 and
                 glory
                 ;
                 there
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 most
                 apt
                 to
                 he
                 asleep
                 and
                 drowsie
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 ado
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 any
                 thing
                 .
                 How
                 many
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 in
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 get
                 but
                 off
                 the
                 legs
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 lively
                 enough
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 most
                 need
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   After
                   the
                   greatest
                   discoveries
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   a
                   soul
                   ,
                
                 after
                 the
                 
                   most
                   melting
                   ,
                   warming
                   Communion
                   ,
                   and
                   fellowship
                   with
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 As
                 now
                 after
                 this
                 tranfiguration
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 seen
                 this
                 glory
                 passing
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 this
                 should
                 have
                 ravished
                 them
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 have
                 kept
                 them
                 awake
                 ;
                 Yea
                 ,
                 after
                 they
                 had
                 the
                 Supper
                 in
                 the
                 iustitution
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 question
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 presence
                 answerable
                 to
                 the
                 Institution
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 the
                 Institutor
                 ;
                 as
                 when
                 himself
                 was
                 
                   baptized
                   ,
                   the
                   Spirit
                   came
                   upon
                   him
                
                 ;
                 O
                 sure
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 bodily
                 presence
                 were
                 there
                 ,
                 the
                 spiritual
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 wanting
                 !
                 he
                 would
                 exalt
                 that
                 
                   New
                   Testament-Ordinance
                
                 ,
                 or
                 seal
                 above
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 likely
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Disciples
                 might
                 even
                 take
                 notice
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   leaving
                   the
                   one
                   ,
                
                 and
                 taking
                 up
                 the
                 other
                 instead
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 At
                 the
                 Dedication
                 of
                 the
                 Tabernacle
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 
                   filled
                   them
                
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 cannot
                 believe
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 wonderful
                 ,
                 glorious
                 presence
                 at
                 the
                 Dedication
                 of
                 this
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 call
                 it
                 so
                 ;
                 well
                 then
                 ,
                 after
                 such
                 discoveries
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 brethren
                 such
                 warnings
                 ,
                 to
                 lie
                 down
                 and
                 sleep
                 ,
                 how
                 dangerous
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 catch
                 cold
                 after
                 such
                 a
                 heat
                 ?
                 how
                 will
                 it
                 grieve
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 see
                 so
                 much
                 grace
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 vain
                 upon
                 us
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 sleeping
                 so
                 quickly
                 again
                 ?
                 And
                 it
                 appears
                 ,
                 that
                 Peter
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 Love
                 ,
                 and
                 faith
                 much
                 heigthned
                 ,
                 but
                 here
                 was
                 the
                 mistake
                 he
                 rested
                 too
                 much
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 upon
                 what
                 he
                 had
                 received
                 :
                 O
                 saith
                 ,
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   though
                   all
                   men
                   forsake
                   thee
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   deny
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 &
                 c
                 !
                 Yet
                 alas
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 prayed
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 there
                 in
                 his
                 agony
                 in
                 the
                 Garden
                 ,
                 he
                 fals
                 asleep
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 :
                 so
                 dead
                 asleep
                 ,
                 nothing
                 would
                 keep
                 him
                 waking
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 prone
                 are
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 men
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 wake
                 !
                 after
                 the
                 richest
                 discoveries
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 most
                 lively
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 the
                 grace
                 we
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 to
                 return
                 love
                 for
                 love
                 ,
                 even
                 then
                 ,
                 we
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 as
                 eminent
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 did
                 it
                 ,
                 sure
                 then
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 apt
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 And
                 if
                 
                   they
                   ,
                   then
                
                 ,
                 surely
                 then
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 it
                 now
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Another
                 time
                 of
                 great
                 need
                 of
                 waking
                 for
                 the
                 
                   Saint
                   is
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   ,
                   when
                   that
                   cometh
                   upon
                   them
                
                 ;
                 If
                 ever
                 Soldiers
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   the
                   enemy
                   is
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 besieged
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 swallow
                 them
                 up
                 .
                 
                   What
                   need
                
                 had
                 Sampson
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 awake
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   the
                   Philistins
                
                 
                 
                 
                   were
                   upon
                   him
                
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 had
                 experience
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 securely
                 he
                 slept
                 ?
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 
                   Disciples
                   ,
                   it
                   was
                   the
                   hour
                   and
                   power
                   of
                   darkness
                
                 that
                 now
                 was
                 come
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 ever
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 now
                 was
                 the
                 time
                 .
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 also
                 warns
                 them
                 of
                 their
                 danger
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   watch
                   ,
                   and
                   pray
                   ,
                   lest
                
                 
                 
                   ye
                   enter
                   into
                   temptation
                
                 ;
                 you
                 never
                 were
                 in
                 such
                 danger
                 as
                 now
                 ;
                 you
                 are
                 beset
                 with
                 temptations
                 ,
                 will
                 you
                 be
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 
                   reproach
                   for
                   my
                   names
                   sake
                
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 ;
                 your
                 enemies
                 are
                 ev●n
                 upon
                 you
                 already
                 ,
                 re●dy
                 to
                 apprehend
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 this
                 danger
                 ,
                 they
                 slept
                 most
                 securely
                 ;
                 surely
                 no
                 man
                 will
                 deny
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   is
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   dreadfullest
                   times
                
                 to
                 watch
                 ,
                 or
                 be
                 awake
                 ;
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 found
                 it
                 by
                 sad
                 experience
                 ?
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 had
                 exercises
                 of
                 faith
                 in
                 such
                 an
                 hour
                 ?
                 for
                 all
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 our
                 Patience
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   submission
                   to
                   his
                   will
                   ,
                   exercise
                
                 for
                 all
                 
                   our
                   love
                
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 graces
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 needful
                 time
                 then
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 ready
                 at
                 hand
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 not
                 ,
                 how
                 sadly
                 should
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 foyled
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 dishonoured
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 hath
                 it
                 not
                 been
                 so
                 with
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 in
                 such
                 an
                 hour
                 ?
                 we
                 have
                 fallen
                 ,
                 been
                 wounded
                 ,
                 wounded
                 his
                 Name
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 own
                 names
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 were
                 asleep
                 ?
                 sure
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 needful
                 time
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 truly
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 doth
                 
                   an
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                
                 come
                 upon
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 findeth
                 them
                 waking
                 ,
                 standing
                 with
                 
                   loins
                   girt
                   with
                   strength
                
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 it
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 usually
                 most
                 sleepy
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   After
                   we
                   have
                   fallen
                   by
                   our
                   former
                   sleeping
                   ,
                   then
                
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 need
                 of
                 being
                 awake
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 deceitfulness
                 of
                 sin
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 that
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 presently
                 repented
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 confessed
                 ,
                 it
                 hardens
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 long
                 we
                 continue
                 in
                 a
                 grieving
                 condition
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 usually
                 after
                 falling
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 long
                 we
                 should
                 sleep
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 left
                 to
                 this
                 
                   sleeping
                   evil
                
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 .
                 Peter
                 had
                 his
                 fall
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 he
                 quickly
                 to
                 have
                 repented
                 !
                 but
                 poor
                 soul
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 instead
                 of
                 repenting
                 ,
                 he
                 acts
                 the
                 same
                 sin
                 over
                 ,
                 and
                 over
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 fearful
                 manner
                 ;
                 If
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 awake
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 committed
                 that
                 sin
                 likely
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 then
                 awake
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 then
                 repeated
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 goeth
                 on
                 ,
                 being
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 ;
                 Ah
                 it
                 was
                 high
                 time
                 to
                 awake
                 him
                 !
                 for
                 who
                 knoweth
                 what
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 not
                 lookt
                 upon
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 David
                 ,
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 he
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 awaked
                 after
                 his
                 adultery
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 
                 hard
                 heart
                 might
                 not
                 have
                 been
                 more
                 hardened
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 soul
                 exposed
                 to
                 more
                 thrusts
                 and
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 Gods
                 Name
                 more
                 dishonoured
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 fast
                 asleep
                 !
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 Jonah
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 avoided
                 that
                 sad
                 distemper
                 of
                 madness
                 and
                 passion
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 awake
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 seemeth
                 though
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 in
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 throughly
                 awaked
                 from
                 his
                 former
                 sleep
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 former
                 rebellion
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 rebels
                 yet
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   after
                   sin
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 asleep
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 sad
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 consider
                 what
                 a
                 frame
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 Gods
                 own
                 people
                 will
                 be
                 in
                 sometimes
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 guil
                 there
                 is
                 ?
                 as
                 in
                 David
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 confess
                 their
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 God
                 hath
                 discovered
                 their
                 folly
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 cloak
                 ,
                 and
                 shift
                 ,
                 and
                 excuse
                 ,
                 and
                 nestle
                 themselves
                 to
                 sleep
                 again
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 little
                 awaked
                 ;
                 O
                 when
                 had
                 they
                 more
                 need
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 to
                 rouse
                 themselves
                 ?
                 for
                 when
                 are
                 they
                 more
                 exposed
                 to
                 the
                 rage
                 of
                 Satan
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 then
                 they
                 sleep
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Another
                 time
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 greatest
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   a
                   comfort
                   and
                   refreshing
                   to
                   others
                   in
                   their
                   troubles
                   and
                   sorrows
                   .
                
                 Surely
                 our
                 Saviour
                 took
                 his
                 Disciples
                 up
                 into
                 the
                 garden
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 pray
                 with
                 him
                 and
                 
                   for
                   themselves
                
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 with
                 them
                 
                 praying
                 ,
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 a
                 little
                 comfort
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 therefore
                 he
                 came
                 still
                 ,
                 after
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 strongly
                 wrestling
                 ,
                 a
                 while
                 striving
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 an
                 agony
                 ,
                 to
                 them
                 he
                 came
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 refreshed
                 himself
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 Apostles
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 comfort
                 
                 to
                 see
                 his
                 Children
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 to
                 walk
                 stedfastly
                 with
                 God
                 and
                 keep
                 the
                 faith
                 ;
                 
                   now
                   we
                   live
                   ,
                   if
                   ye
                   stand
                   fast
                
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 Christ
                 at
                 this
                 time
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 all
                 comfort
                 forsakes
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   cometh
                   again
                   ,
                   and
                   again
                   ,
                   and
                   findeth
                   them
                   sleeping
                
                 ;
                 he
                 sweat
                 that
                 bloody
                 sweat
                 ,
                 and
                 instead
                 of
                 wiping
                 it
                 away
                 ,
                 they
                 laid
                 more
                 load
                 upon
                 him
                 to
                 increase
                 it
                 .
                 
                   O
                   miserable
                   Companions
                
                 in
                 affliction
                 were
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   miserable
                   Comforters
                   were
                   they
                
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 asleep
                 .
                 Truly
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   we
                   should
                   comfort
                   one
                   another
                   with
                   the
                   comforts
                   we
                   have
                   had
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 we
                 have
                 them
                 to
                 seek
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 ;
                 Or
                 when
                 by
                 our
                 
                   lively
                   conversation
                
                 ;
                 and
                 standing
                 fast
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 established
                 ●n
                 the
                 
                   present
                   truth
                
                 ,
                 in
                 these
                 backsliding
                 days
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 comfort
                 
                 and
                 joy
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 Christ
                 hath
                 set
                 over
                 us
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 foot
                 sliding
                 ,
                 into
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 false
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 another
                 great
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 hope
                 enough
                 hath
                 been
                 said
                 ,
                 many
                 more
                 particulars
                 might
                 be
                 produced
                 ;
                 I
                 doubt
                 not
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 like
                 ,
                 in
                 other
                 cases
                 of
                 greatest
                 need
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 fall
                 asleep
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Reasons
                   are
                   from
                   the
                   desperate
                   deceitfulness
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   hearts
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   cunning
                   ,
                   and
                   malice
                   of
                   Satan
                   ,
                
                 to
                 do
                 us
                 most
                 hurt
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 
                   First
                   Application
                   ,
                   Then
                
                 sure
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 thing
                 as
                 perfection
                 
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 thus
                 prone
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ;
                 yea
                 rather
                 it
                 argues
                 great
                 imperfection
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 so
                 untoward
                 ,
                 and
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 worst
                 frame
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 
                 should
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 .
                 To
                 be
                 out
                 of
                 frame
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 sleeping
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 argues
                 imperfection
                 ,
                 and
                 weakness
                 ,
                 and
                 weariness
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Angels
                 are
                 
                   called
                   Watchers
                
                 ,
                 wherein
                 they
                 approach
                 nearer
                 to
                 the
                 glorious
                 perfection
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   never
                   slumbreth
                   ,
                   nor
                   sleepeth
                
                 ;
                 but
                 to
                 be
                 out
                 of
                 frame
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 of
                 
                 all
                 other
                 times
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 ●rame
                 ,
                 sheweth
                 we
                 are
                 far
                 from
                 perfection
                 ;
                 that
                 Corruption
                 is
                 strong
                 and
                 cunning
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Devil
                 without
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 how
                 to
                 improve
                 it
                 to
                 our
                 great
                 disadvantage
                 ,
                 either
                 unbefitting
                 us
                 for
                 
                   doing
                   good
                
                 when
                 opportunity
                 is
                 offered
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 
                   receiving
                   Good
                
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 most
                 widely
                 opened
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 should
                 be
                 matter
                 of
                 
                   deep
                   humiliation
                   to
                   us
                   all
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   so
                   apt
                   to
                   sleep
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   most
                   need
                   to
                   be
                   awake
                   .
                
                 The
                 other
                 
                 Doctrine
                 gave
                 us
                 a
                 
                   humbling
                   word
                
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   this
                   much
                   more
                
                 :
                 If
                 we
                 consider
                 these
                 
                   two
                   things
                
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   more
                   grace
                   we
                   have
                   received
                   ,
                   the
                   worse
                   we
                   grow
                   ,
                   turn
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   Christ
                   into
                   wantonness
                
                 ;
                 for
                 usually
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 awaked
                 out
                 of
                 its
                 dead
                 sleep
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   how
                   hard
                   it
                   followeth
                
                 
                 
                   after
                   God
                
                 ,
                 it
                 giveth
                 no
                 sleep
                 to
                 its
                 eyes
                 ,
                 nor
                 slumber
                 to
                 his
                 eye-lids
                 !
                 until
                 he
                 find
                 out
                 a
                 place
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   an
                   habitation
                   for
                   the
                   mighty
                   God
                   of
                
                 Jacob
                 
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                   .
                   Well
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 done
                 something
                 for
                 that
                 poor
                 soul
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 opened
                 his
                 eyes
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 
                   want
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 touched
                 his
                 heart
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 he
                 
                 followeth
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 but
                 follow
                 him
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 unspeakable
                 mercy
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 done
                 much
                 more
                 for
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 hath
                 poured
                 upon
                 it
                 his
                 
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   given
                   the
                   oyl
                   of
                   gladness
                   ,
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 it
                 should
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ;
                 the
                 
                   more
                   engagements
                   of
                   Love
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   lays
                   upon
                   the
                   soul
                   ,
                   the
                   more
                   li●tless
                   ,
                   the
                   more
                   lazy
                
                 it
                 should
                 grow
                 ?
                 The
                 Apostle
                 took
                 it
                 unkindly
                 ,
                 and
                 well
                 he
                 might
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   more
                   he
                   loved
                   them
                   ,
                   the
                   less
                   he
                
                 
                 
                   was
                   beloved
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 could
                 not
                 but
                 shame
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 any
                 ingenuity
                 ;
                 and
                 may
                 not
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 take
                 it
                 as
                 unkindly
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 
                   loveth
                   us
                
                 ,
                 the
                 less
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 
                   loved
                   of
                   us
                
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 love
                 groweth
                 hottest
                 ,
                 our
                 love
                 should
                 grow
                 coldest
                 !
                 O
                 for
                 a
                 spiritual
                 ingenuity
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 lie
                 down
                 in
                 shame
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 continually
                 for
                 this
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 ungodly
                 hearts
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 how
                 unkind
                 ,
                 may
                 poor
                 creatures
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 received
                 greatest
                 kindness
                 from
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   Paul
                   labored
                   more
                   abundantly
                   ,
                   because
                   grace
                   bad
                   more
                   abounded
                   toward
                   him
                   ,
                   then
                   others
                   .
                
                 We
                 are
                 prone
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 left
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 grace
                 we
                 
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 listless
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 which
                 ariseth
                 no●
                 from
                 the
                 
                   nature
                   of
                   grace
                
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 self-confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 resting
                 in
                 our
                 receivings
                 ,
                 which
                 lays
                 us
                 fast
                 asleep
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 one
                 talent
                 ,
                 improveth
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 ten
                 ,
                 lays
                 it
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   What
                   a
                   shame
                
                 is
                 it
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 most
                 
                   need
                   to
                   act
                   our
                   grace
                
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 
                   least
                   use
                   of
                   it
                
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 was
                 grace
                 given
                 us
                 for
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 action
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 lie
                 idle
                 ,
                 and
                 rust
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 using
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 exercise
                 it
                 for
                 
                   his
                   glory
                
                 ,
                 our
                 own
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 good
                 ;
                 Now
                 how
                 do
                 we
                 fall
                 short
                 of
                 these
                 ends
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 cannot
                 use
                 it
                 in
                 our
                 greatest
                 need
                 ,
                 is
                 in
                 those
                 times
                 before
                 mentioned
                 ;
                 how
                 would
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 or
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 such
                 need
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 sence
                 and
                 use
                 his
                 hands
                 exactly
                 to
                 defend
                 himself
                 ,
                 or
                 offend
                 his
                 enemy
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 it
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 life
                 is
                 in
                 danger
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   none
                   of
                   the
                   men
                   of
                   might
                   find
                   their
                   hands
                   .
                
                 A
                 man
                 is
                 very
                 rational
                 at
                 all
                 other
                 times
                 ,
                 only
                 
                 at
                 a
                 pinch
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 need
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 child
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 shame
                 .
                 The
                 Saints
                 that
                 have
                 received
                 much
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 should
                 act
                 strongly
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 shame
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 temptation
                 cometh
                 ,
                 or
                 when
                 any
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 occasion
                 to
                 exercise
                 
                 their
                 grace
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 Children
                 sleeping
                 in
                 their
                 Cradles
                 ,
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 ,
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   learn
                   never
                   to
                   trust
                   our
                   hearts
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   highest
                   frame
                   ,
                   most
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   most
                   enlarged
                
                 ;
                 
                 Alas
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 a
                 deceitful
                 Bow
                 ,
                 it
                 seemeth
                 firm
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 come
                 to
                 draw
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 need
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 draw
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 deceive
                 you
                 ,
                 fall
                 asunder
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   that
                   trustoth
                   in
                   his
                   own
                   heart
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   fool
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 ;
                 and
                 who
                 more
                 likely
                 to
                 know
                 then
                 
                 he
                 ,
                 who
                 beside
                 the
                 Spirit
                 whereby
                 he
                 spake
                 ,
                 had
                 had
                 experience
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 that
                 self-confidence
                 and
                 security
                 had
                 been
                 ?
                 how
                 fatal
                 it
                 had
                 proved
                 to
                 himself
                 ?
                 be
                 sure
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 time
                 more
                 then
                 another
                 that
                 we
                 need
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 be
                 present
                 ,
                 or
                 graces
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 act
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 asleep
                 ;
                 our
                 corrupt
                 part
                 will
                 cloud
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 bear
                 them
                 down
                 .
                 Do
                 but
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 
                   to
                   watch
                   one
                   hour
                   with
                   Christ
                   in
                   an
                   holy
                   duty
                   ,
                
                 as
                 prayer
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 strange
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 
                   our
                   hearts
                   will
                   be
                   less
                   present
                   then
                   ,
                
                 then
                 at
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 ;
                 Let
                 the
                 duty
                 be
                 done
                 ,
                 or
                 before
                 it
                 begin
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 troubled
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 stream
                 of
                 vain
                 ,
                 and
                 impertinent
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 
                   sinful
                   thoughts
                
                 ,
                 but
                 once
                 go
                 about
                 
                   this
                   duty
                
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 do
                 they
                 thrust
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 lively
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 (
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 need
                 )
                 are
                 the
                 affections
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 dull
                 ,
                 and
                 flat
                 are
                 they
                 then
                 ?
                 
                   therefore
                   trust
                   not
                   any
                   frame
                   you
                   have
                   at
                   any
                   time
                   received
                
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 it
                 will
                 prove
                 a
                 broken
                 reed
                 ,
                 even
                 grace
                 it self
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 lean
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 fail
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 pierce
                 you
                 also
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 we
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   ply
                   the
                   Throne
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   to
                   sit
                   down
                   by
                   the
                   fountain
                   ,
                   and
                   fulness
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   quickning
                   influence
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   even
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   .
                   David
                
                 did
                 even
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 frame
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 penning
                 the
                 119.
                 
                 Psalm
                 :
                 when
                 do
                 we
                 find
                 more
                 flaming
                 affections
                 towards
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Law
                 ,
                 and
                 Worship
                 ,
                 so
                 strong
                 as
                 to
                 break
                 through
                 all
                 oppositions
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 Corruption
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 how
                 sensible
                 was
                 he
                 of
                 his
                 falling
                 flat
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 rapture
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   quicken
                   thou
                   me
                   ,
                   quicken
                   thou
                   me
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   Word
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ;
                 alas
                 this
                 vigor
                 will
                 not
                 continue
                 ,
                 except
                 thou
                 supply
                 it
                 with
                 continual
                 refreshing
                 ,
                 and
                 renewing
                 of
                 strength
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   that
                   thou
                   wouldst
                   keep
                   this
                   upon
                   the
                   imagination
                   of
                   the
                   thoughts
                
                 
                 
                 
                   of
                   their
                   hearts
                   for
                   ever
                
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 knew
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 a
                 like
                 occasion
                 for
                 a
                 
                   free
                   spirit
                   in
                   the
                   service
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 and
                 his
                 Temple
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 .
                 
                   O
                   therefore
                   ply
                   the
                   throne
                   of
                   grace
                
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   live
                   by
                   the
                   faith
                   of
                   the
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   :
                   Faith
                
                 will
                 draw
                 water
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 wels
                 of
                 salvation
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 we
                 
                   to
                   keep
                   in
                   with
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   lest
                   he
                   leave
                   us
                   in
                   a
                   time
                   of
                   need
                   !
                
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 aprrehend
                 a
                 danger
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   coming
                
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 soul
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 awake
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 what
                 mean
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 for
                 the
                 
                   presence
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   Spirit
                
                 ?
                 but
                 brethren
                 ,
                 he
                 deals
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 deal
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 If
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 calm
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 our
                 ordinary
                 waking
                 we
                 slight
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 sit
                 loose
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 time
                 of
                 greatest
                 need
                 he
                 may
                 justly
                 stand
                 at
                 a
                 distance
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 what
                 our
                 own
                 strength
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 can
                 we
                 do
                 without
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 therefore
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 grieving
                 this
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 
                   that
                   Spirit
                   that
                   watcheth
                   with
                   us
                   to
                   keep
                   us
                   awake
                   ,
                
                 lest
                 if
                 he
                 withdraw
                 ,
                 we
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 when
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 times
                 we
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Fifthly
                   ,
                   Then
                
                 what
                 have
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 
                   bless
                   him
                   for
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   rejoyce
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   for
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   kept
                   them
                   awake
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   specially
                   in
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   need
                   ?
                   it
                   is
                   double
                   ,
                   and
                   treble
                   mercy
                   .
                
                 You
                 heard
                 before
                 it
                 is
                 
                   matter
                   of
                   great
                   praises
                   to
                   be
                   kept
                   awake
                   ordinarily
                   .
                
                 But
                 in
                 an
                 
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   to
                   be
                   kept
                   awake
                   ,
                   watching
                   and
                   praying
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 when
                 others
                 have
                 entred
                 into
                 
                   temptation
                   ,
                   thou
                
                 hast
                 been
                 delivered
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 mercy
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 whence
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 so
                 highly
                 favour
                 thee
                 more
                 then
                 others
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ?
                 So
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 sometimes
                 been
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   transfigured
                   before
                   us
                
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 others
                 have
                 been
                 asleep
                 ,
                 have
                 seen
                 nothing
                 of
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 or
                 very
                 little
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 kept
                 awake
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 tell
                 how
                 to
                 set
                 a
                 price
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 mercy
                 as
                 this
                 ?
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 loss
                 would
                 it
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 hadst
                 slept
                 away
                 such
                 a
                 season
                 as
                 others
                 have
                 done
                 ?
                 that
                 haply
                 thou
                 mightest
                 never
                 have
                 seen
                 again
                 ?
                 what
                 had
                 the
                 Disciples
                 lost
                 ,
                 if
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 had
                 suffered
                 them
                 to
                 sleep
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 of
                 
                   his
                   transfiguration
                   ?
                   somewhat
                
                 they
                 saw
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 that
                 they
                 saw
                 they
                 might
                 gather
                 the
                 better
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 lost
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 lost
                 something
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 by
                 sleeping
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 but
                 hath
                 he
                 awaked
                 thee
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 rest
                 ?
                 Oh
                 that
                 
                 God
                 would
                 help
                 to
                 prize
                 our
                 mercies
                 ,
                 to
                 bless
                 and
                 magnifie
                 him
                 for
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 last
                 place
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   we
                   find
                   our selves
                   growing
                   secure
                   ,
                   and
                   slumbring
                   and
                   sleeping
                   ,
                   suspect
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   hour
                   of
                   great
                
                 
                 
                   need
                   to
                   watch
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   awake
                   ,
                   at
                   hand
                   .
                
                 Either
                 
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   our
                   appearing
                
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 greatest
                 need
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 Satan
                 can
                 but
                 get
                 us
                 asleep
                 against
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 in
                 likelihood
                 we
                 may
                 set
                 in
                 a
                 cloud
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 be
                 dishonour
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 discomfort
                 to
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 
                   some
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   is
                   coming
                   ,
                
                 and
                 his
                 design
                 is
                 now
                 to
                 lull
                 us
                 asleep
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 the
                 more
                 deeply
                 wound
                 us
                 ,
                 take
                 his
                 
                   aim
                   better
                
                 ,
                 where
                 to
                 hit
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 to
                 smite
                 us
                 once
                 for
                 all
                 .
                 O
                 suspect
                 ,
                 if
                 
                   Dalilah
                   spread
                   her
                   lap
                   for
                   us
                
                 ;
                 If
                 the
                 
                   delights
                   of
                   the
                   world
                
                 do
                 open
                 their
                 bosom
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 lye
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 begin
                 to
                 sing
                 sweetly
                 in
                 
                 our
                 ears
                 ,
                 and
                 charm
                 us
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   take
                   heed
                   ,
                   rouse
                   up
                   your selves
                   with
                   Sampson
                   ,
                
                 before
                 hand
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 it
                 afterward
                 still
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 was
                 taken
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   being
                   departed
                   from
                   him
                   ,
                
                 a
                 sad
                 end
                 of
                 his
                 sleeping
                 .
                 But
                 suspect
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 design
                 in
                 hand
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 aym
                 is
                 to
                 get
                 away
                 God
                 and
                 Christ
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   our
                   peace
                   ,
                   our
                   holy
                   frame
                
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 
                   the
                   Philistims
                   upon
                   us
                
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 glorious
                 manifestation
                 of
                 God
                 towards
                 us
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 about
                 to
                 cause
                 his
                 glory
                 to
                 pass
                 by
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 envious
                 man
                 and
                 our
                 wretched
                 hearts
                 would
                 sain
                 rob
                 us
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 therefore
                 suspect
                 our selves
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 finde
                 we
                 are
                 growing
                 thus
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 neer
                 at
                 hand
                 for
                 our
                 waking
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 exceeding
                 apt
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 wake
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   6.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                
              
               
                 IN
                 this
                 Verse
                 we
                 have
                 Christ
                 his
                 preparatory
                 to
                 his
                 coming
                 .
                 In
                 the
                 next
                 verse
                 ,
                 Its
                 influence
                 upon
                 those
                 unprepared
                 virgins
                 ,
                 towards
                 a
                 preparation
                 of
                 themselves
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 own
                 meeting
                 of
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 In
                 this
                 preparation
                 you
                 have
                 1.
                 
                 A
                 cry
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 laid
                 down
                 ,
                 first
                 in
                 general
                 ,
                 or
                 first
                 it
                 is
                 declared
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   cry
                   .
                   2.
                   〈◊〉
                   what
                   this
                   cry
                   was
                   ;
                   Behold
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   cometh
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 
                   And
                   then
                   the
                   season
                
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 place
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 
                   at
                   midnight
                   .
                   A
                   Cry
                
                 was
                 made
                 at
                 his
                 first
                 coming
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 forerunner
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 was
                 John
                 the
                 Baptist
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 was
                 
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   one
                   crying
                   in
                   the
                   wilderness
                   ,
                
                 an
                 earnest
                 ,
                 
                 zealous
                 ,
                 loud
                 speaking
                 ,
                 
                   prepare
                   ye
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 And
                 now
                 at
                 his
                 last
                 coming
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 like
                 preparation
                 of
                 his
                 way
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   Cry
                   made
                   .
                   Calvin
                
                 thinketh
                 the
                 Cry
                 here
                 is
                 put
                 metaphorically
                 for
                 the
                 suddeness
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 understood
                 so
                 ,
                 because
                 when
                 any
                 great
                 thing
                 cometh
                 upon
                 a
                 people
                 suddenly
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 a
                 stir
                 ,
                 a
                 tumult
                 ,
                 it
                 discomposeth
                 them
                 .
                 Or
                 as
                 Children
                 ,
                 or
                 Scholars
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 all
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 their
                 sport
                 ,
                 their
                 Father
                 or
                 Master
                 cometh
                 upon
                 them
                 suddenly
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 stir
                 there
                 is
                 ,
                 an
                 out-cry
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Master
                   is
                   coming
                   ,
                   the
                   Father
                   is
                   coming
                   !
                
                 Or
                 when
                 an
                 Enemy
                 surprizeth
                 a
                 place
                 ,
                 cometh
                 suddenly
                 ,
                 
                   beateth
                   up
                   their
                   Quarters
                
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 
                   Cry
                   ;
                   O
                   horse
                   ,
                   horse
                   ,
                   arm
                   ,
                   arm
                   ,
                
                 they
                 are
                 here
                 upon
                 us
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 Reason
                 thus
                 to
                 understand
                 it
                 of
                 the
                 suddenness
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 the
                 Effect
                 being
                 put
                 for
                 the
                 Cause
                 ;
                 because
                 before
                 the
                 suddenness
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 in
                 the
                 season
                 plainly
                 ,
                 as
                 hereafter
                 shall
                 appear
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   came
                   at
                   midnight
                
                 .
                 I
                 rather
                 therefore
                 take
                 this
                 for
                 a
                 Cry
                 by
                 some
                 
                   messenger
                   of
                
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 
                   fore-runner
                   of
                   his
                   Sons
                   appearing
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   coming
                   to
                   his
                   people
                
                 ,
                 either
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 marriage
                 ,
                 or
                 shut
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 marriage
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Doctrine
                 briefly
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   fore-runner
                   of
                   the
                   coming
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   Cry.
                   At
                   midnight
                   a
                   Cry
                   was
                   made
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 likely
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 spoken
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 accommadation
                 to
                 the
                 Prothesis
                 
                 of
                 the
                 similitude
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 Marriages
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 was
                 coming
                 ,
                 likely
                 there
                 was
                 some
                 messenger
                 going
                 before
                 ,
                 to
                 prepare
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 with
                 the
                 Bride
                 ,
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 that
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 no
                 confusion
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 ,
                 so
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 of
                 the
                 similitude
                 ,
                 the
                 professors
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 unready
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 :
                 And
                 therefore
                 
                   this
                   fore-runner
                   goeth
                   before
                
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 warning
                 that
                 they
                 prepare
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 That
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Text
                   it self
                
                 is
                 so
                 express
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 it
                 not
                 very
                 needful
                 to
                 prove
                 it
                 further
                 by
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 but
                 shew
                 you
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 course
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 comings
                 to
                 send
                 some
                 messenger
                 before
                 him
                 to
                 prepare
                 his
                 way
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 way
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 ;
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 particular
                 Judgments
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 the
                 old
                 world
                 ,
                 he
                 sent
                 his
                 
                   harbinger
                   Noah
                
                 ,
                 a
                 Preacher
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 blow
                 of
                 the
                 workmen
                 upon
                 the
                 Ark
                 was
                 a
                 Cry
                 ,
                 and
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 a
                 
                 dreadful
                 sound
                 in
                 the
                 ears
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 he
                 being
                 the
                 warning
                 ;
                 the
                 Ark
                 must
                 be
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 an
                 hundred
                 and
                 twenty
                 years
                 in
                 building
                 ,
                 the
                 report
                 of
                 it
                 then
                 might
                 go
                 over
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 in
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 .
                 Was
                 not
                 
                   Lot
                   sent
                
                 to
                 Sodom
                 before
                 their
                 ruin
                 ,
                 Jonah
                 to
                 Niniveh
                 ,
                 crying
                 yet
                 fourty
                 days
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 overthrown
                 ;
                 But
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 stand
                 upon
                 this
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 is
                 suitable
                 to
                 his
                 former
                 proceedings
                 in
                 coming
                 to
                 judge
                 any
                 people
                 ,
                 or
                 deliver
                 his
                 own
                 among
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 destroy
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 
                   effect
                   of
                   this
                   coming
                   of
                   his
                   .
                
              
               
                 Only
                 here
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 note
                 something
                 
                   concerning
                   this
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 dwell
                 upon
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 having
                 dispatched
                 the
                 main
                 things
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 already
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 2.
                 
                 Something
                 touching
                 this
                 Cry
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 3.
                 
                 Something
                 concerning
                 them
                 both
                 ,
                 relatively
                 considered
                 ,
                 one
                 respecting
                 the
                 other
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 substance
                 of
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 
                   either
                   it
                   is
                   his
                   coming
                   at
                   last
                   to
                   judge
                   the
                
                 world
                 ,
                 to
                 gather
                 the
                 Saints
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 carry
                 them
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage
                 as
                 one
                 spouse
                 ,
                 topresent
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 the
                 purchase
                 of
                 his
                 dearest
                 blood
                 which
                 we
                 must
                 surely
                 understand
                 here
                 to
                 be
                 principally
                 meant
                 .
                 And
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 a
                 particular
                 soul
                 ,
                 or
                 people
                 to
                 gather
                 them
                 
                   either
                   to
                   the
                   spirits
                   of
                   just
                   men
                   made
                   perfect
                   ,
                   the
                   assembly
                   of
                   the
                   first-born
                   ,
                   the
                   general
                   assembly
                   ,
                
                 or
                 else
                 to
                 
                 separate
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 congregation
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 ;
                 here
                 indeed
                 
                 they
                 live
                 mixed
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 Psalm
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 the
                 
                   sinners
                   shall
                   not
                   stand
                   in
                   the
                   congregation
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                
                 ;
                 but
                 then
                 the
                 wheat
                 goeth
                 one
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Chaff
                 another
                 ,
                 the
                 Gorn
                 one
                 way
                 ,
                 the
                 Tares
                 another
                 ,
                 the
                 good
                 fish
                 in
                 the
                 Net
                 one
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 weeds
                 ,
                 and
                 trash
                 drawn
                 in
                 the
                 Net
                 another
                 way
                 .
                 Before
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 might
                 be
                 counted
                 wise
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 by
                 many
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   ,
                   yea
                
                 happily
                 the
                 only
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 difference
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 it
                 open
                 to
                 the
                 view
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 which
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   Cry
                
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 noted
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 force
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 imports
                 a
                 strong
                 voice
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 voice
                 happily
                 as
                 would
                 
                   Stentora
                   vincere
                
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 still
                 voice
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 loud
                 voice
                 ;
                 a
                 Cry
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 voice
                 is
                 lifted
                 up
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 throat
                 is
                 extended
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 persons
                 are
                 hard
                 of
                 hearing
                 ,
                 
                   Isa
                   .
                   58.
                   1.
                   
                   Cry
                   with
                   the
                   throat
                
                 ;
                 Or
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 extended
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 distance
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   Cry
                
                 
                 made
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 ordinary
                 voice
                 or
                 warning
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 
                   loud
                   Cry
                
                 ,
                 a
                 shrill
                 sound
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 
                   fore-runner
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 his
                 coming
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   this
                   Cry
                   is
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 subject
                 of
                 a
                 further
                 enquiry
                 ?
                 Why
                 ?
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 understand
                 it
                 according
                 ,
                 or
                 suitable
                 to
                 our
                 exposition
                 of
                 the
                 coming
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 .
              
               
                 If
                 we
                 take
                 his
                 coming
                 here
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 
                   his
                   general
                   coming
                   to
                   judge
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   then
                
                 the
                 Cry
                 may
                 be
                 one
                 of
                 these
                 two
                 ,
                 and
                 both
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 fore-runners
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 more
                 immediate
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   preaching
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   their
                   sound
                   is
                   gone
                   forth
                   into
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   The
                   Gospel
                
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 
                 must
                 first
                 be
                 preached
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 World
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 shall
                 the
                 
                   end
                   be
                
                 ;
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 for
                 a
                 witness
                 to
                 all
                 Nations
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 
                   sound
                   ,
                
                 ,
                 a
                 Cry
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 substance
                 of
                 the
                 Cry
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   behold
                   he
                   cometh
                   ,
                   go
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   ;
                   he
                
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 purchased
                 with
                 his
                 precious
                 blood
                 a
                 
                   peculiar
                   people
                
                 to
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 spouse
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 shall
                 believe
                 in
                 his
                 name
                 .
                 Therefore
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 ,
                 make
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 fetch
                 his
                 Bride
                 ,
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 number
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   Cry
                
                 is
                 to
                 go
                 
                   forth
                   into
                   all
                   the
                   world
                
                 ,
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 further
                 off
                 .
                 But
                 ,
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   voice
                   of
                   the
                   Archangel
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   Lord
                   himself
                   shall
                   deseend
                   from
                   heaven
                   with
                   a
                   shout
                   ,
                   with
                   a
                   shout
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Archangel
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   the
                   Trump
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   dead
                   in
                   Christ
                   shall
                   rise
                   first
                
                 ;
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   a
                   shout
                   ,
                   Beza
                
                 saith
                 it
                 is
                 taken
                 from
                 Seamen
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 who
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 pulling
                 an
                 Anchor
                 ,
                 or
                 Cable
                 ,
                 with
                 one
                 voice
                 cry
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 pull
                 together
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 a
                 Hertamen
                 ,
                 stirring
                 up
                 one
                 another
                 to
                 pull
                 ;
                 so
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 shout
                 happily
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 or
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 company
                 which
                 come
                 with
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   crying
                   out
                   ,
                   O
                   he
                   is
                   coming
                   ,
                   make
                   ready
                   for
                   him
                
                 ;
                 or
                 what
                 ever
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 some
                 shout
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 the
                 shout
                 of
                 men
                 ready
                 to
                 set
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 destroy
                 their
                 
                   enemies
                   .
                   The
                   Archangel
                   is
                   chief
                   ,
                
                 there
                 being
                 orders
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 among
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 cry
                 before
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 instead
                 of
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 Calvin
                 maketh
                 this
                 exposition
                 .
                 The
                 Trumpet
                 also
                 whatever
                 it
                 be
                 sounds
                 ,
                 to
                 sound
                 forth
                 the
                 majesty
                 of
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 i●
                 is
                 the
                 loudest
                 sound
                 that
                 is
                 made
                 with
                 instruments
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 ,
                 and
                 used
                 much
                 in
                 Israel
                 in
                 the
                 gathering
                 together
                 their
                 holy
                 ,
                 and
                 civil
                 ,
                 and
                 martial-Assemblies
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 preparation
                 to
                 
                   warn
                   .
                   Well
                   ,
                   this
                
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 Cry
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 will
                 ring
                 of
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 dead
                 in
                 their
                 graves
                 shall
                 hear
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   grave
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                 Not
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 dead
                 ,
                 nor
                 be
                 quickned
                 by
                 any
                 vertue
                 of
                 a
                 Creature
                 ,
                 as
                 this
                 Cry
                 is
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Christ
                 then
                 going
                 forth
                 ,
                 and
                 raising
                 them
                 up
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 hear
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 they
                 are
                 raised
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   trumpet
                   Calvin
                
                 mentioneth
                 
                 unto
                 the
                 Corinthians
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 metaphorical
                 ,
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 the
                 Angel
                 ,
                 the
                 loud
                 Cry
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 be
                 by
                 the
                 Angel
                 formed
                 ;
                 As
                 a
                 General
                 by
                 Trumpet
                 cals
                 together
                 his
                 Army
                 ,
                 so
                 God
                 will
                 cite
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 his
                 Tribunal
                 ;
                 or
                 as
                 at
                 Mount
                 Sinai
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 giving
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 one
                 people
                 were
                 called
                 together
                 with
                 a
                 
                 loud
                 noise
                 ,
                 or
                 trumpets
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 more
                 when
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 shall
                 be
                 called
                 together
                 ,
                 the
                 Majesty
                 and
                 terror
                 of
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 If
                 we
                 take
                 it
                 here
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   his
                   particular
                   coming
                
                 to
                 particular
                 souls
                 ,
                 to
                 gather
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 in
                 part
                 before
                 that
                 day
                 ;
                 which
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 that
                 it
                 can
                 be
                 excluded
                 from
                 being
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 his
                 meaning
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 voice
                 ,
                 the
                 cry
                 ,
                 is
                 otherwise
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 meant
                 of
                 the
                 warning
                 words
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 giveth
                 his
                 people
                 by
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 every
                 
                 where
                 in
                 his
                 Churches
                 :
                 specially
                 indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 voyce
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Messengers
                 of
                 Christ
                 ever
                 since
                 his
                 first
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   come
                   quickly
                   ,
                   his
                   last
                   and
                   general
                   coming
                
                 will
                 be
                 quickly
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 us
                 particularly
                 will
                 be
                 —
                 quickly
                 .
                 Now
                 the
                 importunity
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 call
                 upon
                 us
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 to
                 prepare
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 our
                 souls
                 by
                 death
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 receive
                 our
                 doom
                 for
                 our
                 everlasting
                 state
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   may
                   be
                   meant
                   ,
                   cry
                   aloud
                   ,
                   spare
                   not
                   ,
                   lift
                   up
                   thy
                   voyce
                   .
                
                 Or
                 else
                 ,
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Happily
                   some
                   Afflictions
                
                 ,
                 God
                 opens
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 some
                 rod
                 ,
                 some
                 heavy
                 visitation
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   rod
                   cryeth
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   in
                   that
                   place
                   of
                   Micah
                   ,
                
                 
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 the
                 affliction
                 ,
                 the
                 sickness
                 ,
                 or
                 stroke
                 whereby
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 men
                 away
                 ,
                 this
                 cryeth
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 repent
                 :
                 O
                 prepare
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 coming
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 now
                 even
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 ;
                 therefore
                 go
                 forth
                 now
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 Hilarian
                 chid
                 his
                 soul
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   egredere
                   O
                   anima
                   ,
                   egredere
                
                 .
                 Sometimes
                 the
                 Lord
                 sendeth
                 a
                 long
                 and
                 a
                 loud
                 cry
                 ,
                 a
                 grievous
                 ,
                 and
                 heavy
                 visitation
                 upon
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 yea
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 dear
                 children
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 known
                 some
                 ,
                 the
                 Cry
                 hath
                 been
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   coming
                   ,
                   go
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   ,
                   make
                   ready
                
                 ;
                 Or
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 stroke
                 that
                 he
                 removeth
                 again
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 go
                 hence
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 recover
                 strength
                 again
                 :
                 yet
                 the
                 Cry
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   Behold
                   he
                   cometh
                   ,
                   go
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   ,
                
                 for
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 death
                 be
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 cup
                 of
                 affliction
                 we
                 drink
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Then
                 for
                 the
                 relative
                 consideration
                 of
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 whereof
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 warning
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 considered
                 ,
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 immediate
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 no
                 time
                 of
                 preparation
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 seemeth
                 not
                 to
                 suit
                 with
                 the
                 parable
                 here
                 .
                 It
                 seemeth
                 by
                 the
                 parable
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 insist
                 so
                 much
                 upon
                 these
                 particulars
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 there
                 was
                 some
                 time
                 between
                 the
                 cry
                 and
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 time
                 between
                 the
                 Harbinger
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 his
                 Lord
                 ,
                 whose
                 way
                 he
                 prepareth
                 ;
                 because
                 the
                 Virgins
                 here
                 seem
                 to
                 have
                 some
                 time
                 to
                 trim
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 by
                 the
                 parable
                 they
                 had
                 some
                 time
                 to
                 trifle
                 away
                 ,
                 in
                 buying
                 ,
                 or
                 going
                 to
                 assay
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 press
                 ,
                 or
                 urge
                 too
                 much
                 ,
                 onely
                 sure
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 being
                 found
                 asleep
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 warning
                 ,
                 had
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 heart
                 given
                 them
                 to
                 prepare
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 ,
                 If
                 we
                 understand
                 it
                 of
                 them
                 which
                 shall
                 be
                 found
                 alive
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 remember
                 this
                 :
                 Some
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 need
                 some
                 preparation
                 too
                 .
                 Some
                 may
                 
                 be
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 will
                 need
                 some
                 preparation
                 .
                 Now
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 Christ
                 then
                 coming
                 with
                 his
                 Trumpet
                 ,
                 
                 
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   alive
                   ,
                   shall
                   not
                   prevent
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   asleep
                   ,
                
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   But
                   the
                   dead
                   in
                   Christ
                   shall
                   rise
                   first
                   ,
                
                 and
                 what
                 time
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 determine
                 :
                 Or
                 whether
                 they
                 shall
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 be
                 changed
                 ,
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 alive
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 made
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 glory
                 ?
                 Or
                 whether
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 time
                 for
                 the
                 working
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 their
                 Lamps
                 want
                 trimming
                 ,
                 their
                 graces
                 want
                 furbishing
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 it
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 by
                 the
                 cry
                 then
                 you
                 understand
                 the
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 may
                 have
                 time
                 enough
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 time
                 between
                 the
                 cry
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 his
                 own
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 it
                 seemeth
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 much
                 ;
                 but
                 how
                 much
                 ,
                 or
                 how
                 little
                 we
                 cannot
                 say
                 :
                 If
                 the
                 cry
                 be
                 the
                 sickness
                 ,
                 or
                 messenger
                 of
                 death
                 which
                 is
                 sent
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 usually
                 some
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 very
                 much
                 given
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 more
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 less
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 were
                 the
                 word
                 importunately
                 prest
                 ,
                 an
                 awakening
                 word
                 ,
                 to
                 rouze
                 the
                 poor
                 secure
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 or
                 less
                 time
                 between
                 this
                 cry
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 his
                 taking
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 but
                 some
                 time
                 it
                 seems
                 there
                 is
                 for
                 their
                 trimming
                 of
                 their
                 Lamps
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 Explication
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Arguments
                   now
                   ,
                   wherefore
                   there
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   cry
                   before
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   .
                
              
               
                 The
                 great
                 reason
                 is
                 clear
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ;
                 
                   It
                   is
                   because
                   men
                   are
                   asleep
                   ,
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                
                 both
                 
                   real
                   Saints
                
                 and
                 formalists
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 deep
                 asleep
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 cometh
                 a
                 cry
                 to
                 awake
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 ordinary
                 voyce
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Cry.
                 
                   Some
                   Boanerges
                   ,
                   a
                   son
                   of
                   thunder
                
                 ;
                 to
                 raise
                 poor
                 sleepy
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 take
                 them
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 .
                 Let
                 not
                 men
                 think
                 ,
                 though
                 now
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 stil
                 voyce
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 can
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 sleep
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Sermon-proof
                 .
                 If
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 awaken
                 ,
                 he
                 vvill
                 have
                 another
                 cry
                 that
                 shall
                 avvaken
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   roar
                   upon
                   them
                   out
                   of
                   heaven
                   ,
                   thunder
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                
                 but
                 he
                 vvill
                 vvaken
                 them
                 .
                 While
                 men
                 are
                 asleep
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 in
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 judgement
                 ,
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 to
                 acquit
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 condemn
                 them
                 :
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 
                 
                   their
                   Ornaments
                   are
                   laid
                   aside
                   ,
                   their
                   Lamps
                   want
                   trimming
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Text
                 hath
                 it
                 there
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 awaked
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 the
                 infinite
                 ,
                 and
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 manifested
                 therein
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 in
                 gathering
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 called
                 for
                 in
                 some
                 f●ame
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 truly
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 take
                 comfort
                 in
                 our
                 meeting
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 would
                 he
                 have
                 any
                 glory
                 in
                 our
                 departure
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 usually
                 he
                 doth
                 awake
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 stir
                 up
                 their
                 graces
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 shine
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 active
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 gather
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 if
                 he
                 come
                 in
                 judgement
                 ,
                 as
                 against
                 these
                 
                   foolish
                   virgins
                
                 ,
                 to
                 blow
                 out
                 their
                 Lamps
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 be
                 awake
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Consciences
                 opened
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 Conscience
                 of
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 is
                 a
                 little
                 rouzed
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 fearful
                 pre-apprehensions
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 Christ
                 !
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 sentence
                 of
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 except
                 their
                 Consciences
                 were
                 rouzed
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 oftentimes
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 alway
                 ,
                 awaken
                 the
                 Conscience
                 ;
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 never
                 awake
                 ,
                 but
                 alway
                 asleep
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Conscience
                 hath
                 been
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 awaked
                 ,
                 
                   ut
                   sentiat
                   se
                   mori
                
                 ;
                 It
                 never
                 troubled
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   virgins
                
                 ,
                 though
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 they
                 slept
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 dyed
                 in
                 that
                 sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 as
                 certainly
                 perished
                 ;
                 but
                 not
                 so
                 sensibly
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 severely
                 ,
                 as
                 knowing
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 God
                 which
                 belong
                 to
                 them
                 before
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 have
                 them
                 to
                 lie
                 down
                 in
                 the
                 confusion
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 folly
                 ,
                 in
                 resting
                 themselves
                 contented
                 with
                 a
                 profession
                 ,
                 without
                 the
                 possession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 without
                 this
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 .
              
               
                 Another
                 ground
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   the
                   Majesty
                   of
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 that
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 more
                 reverence
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   awe
                   of
                   his
                   Majesty
                
                 ,
                 
                 therefore
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 Messenger
                 going
                 before
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 as
                 Princes
                 use
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 and
                 happily
                 in
                 their
                 Marriages
                 of
                 great
                 persons
                 ,
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 some
                 such
                 thing
                 ,
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 he
                 cometh
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 one
                 piece
                 of
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   the
                   Arch-Angel
                   ,
                   the
                   Trumpet
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 cry
                 that
                 goeth
                 before
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 for
                 his
                 honour
                 and
                 Majesty
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 Messengers
                 he
                 sends
                 Either
                 Afflictions
                 ,
                 or
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 all
                 their
                 Message
                 almost
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 is
                 
                   to
                   prepare
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   to
                   fit
                   them
                   for
                   that
                   appearing
                   .
                
              
               
               
                 
                   To
                   render
                   hypocrites
                   inexcusable
                
                 ,
                 since
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 cry
                 going
                 before
                 them
                 to
                 awaken
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 sleep
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 them
                 awork
                 
                 to
                 get
                 their
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   oyl
                   in
                   their
                   vessels
                
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 said
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 taken
                 asleep
                 ;
                 why
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 had
                 any
                 warning
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 as
                 others
                 did
                 :
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 awaked
                 ,
                 rouzed
                 by
                 this
                 cry
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 get
                 this
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
                 they
                 slept
                 away
                 their
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Gospel
                   must
                   be
                   preached
                   for
                   a
                   witness
                   to
                   all
                   Nations
                
                 ;
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 can
                 have
                 no
                 cloak
                 for
                 their
                 sin
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 unreadiness
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 ●ord
                 will
                 manage
                 his
                 affairs
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 every
                 mouth
                 may
                 be
                 stoped
                 ,
                 and
                 confess
                 before
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   none
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   may
                   be
                   ●left
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 sendeth
                 a
                 Cry
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 none
                 that
                 are
                 unfit
                 for
                 entrance
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 shall
                 enter
                 into
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   no
                   soul
                   shall
                   go
                   to
                   heaven
                   in
                   a
                   sleep
                
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 nor
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 will
                 he
                 wait
                 upon
                 any
                 ;
                 now
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 
                   of
                   waiting
                   to
                   be
                   gracious
                
                 to
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 then
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 recompence
                 ,
                 either
                 love
                 or
                 displeasure
                 :
                 ●e
                 will
                 not
                 tarry
                 then
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   those
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                   went
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   to
                   the
                   supper
                   of
                   the
                   Lamb
                   ,
                   into
                   the
                   marriage
                   ,
                   those
                   that
                   had
                   their
                   Lamps
                   trimmed
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   door
                   was
                   shut
                
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Saints
                 themselves
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 ready
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 then
                 stay
                 ;
                 love
                 is
                 impatient
                 of
                 delay
                 ,
                 then
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 lose
                 any
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 long-suffering
                 ,
                 and
                 patient
                 ,
                 long
                 before
                 he
                 cometh
                 ;
                 for
                 that
                 very
                 end
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 his
                 perish
                 :
                 so
                 also
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 reason
                 doth
                 he
                 thus
                 warn
                 them
                 by
                 a
                 Voyce
                 ,
                 a
                 Cry
                 ,
                 to
                 rouze
                 them
                 ,
                 awake
                 them
                 ,
                 lest
                 if
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 found
                 unready
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 miss
                 of
                 entring
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 :
              
               
                 Then
                 brethren
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 the
                 goodness
                 and
                 
                   tenderness
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 people
                 ,
                 in
                 awakening
                 them
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 
                 may
                 be
                 it
                 may
                 disease
                 them
                 a
                 little
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 cry
                 in
                 their
                 ears
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 suffer
                 them
                 to
                 sleep
                 when
                 they
                 would
                 nestle
                 themselves
                 upon
                 their
                 pillow
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 loath
                 to
                 leave
                 them
                 behind
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 lose
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 rouzeth
                 them
                 :
                 
                   If
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   had
                   left
                   his
                   Church
                
                 in
                 Cant.
                 5.
                 
                 Or
                 his
                 Disciples
                 
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 gone
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
                 their
                 condition
                 had
                 been
                 sad
                 .
                 If
                 death
                 had
                 come
                 upon
                 poor
                 David
                 ,
                 while
                 under
                 that
                 guilt
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Vriah
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 so
                 deep
                 a
                 sleep
                 ,
                 how
                 sad
                 had
                 his
                 condition
                 been
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 Jonas
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 had
                 been
                 his
                 grave
                 ,
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 the
                 Whale
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 awaked
                 out
                 of
                 that
                 sleep
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 he
                 had
                 miscarryed
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 he
                 had
                 suffered
                 great
                 loss
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 tenderness
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 them
                 sleep
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 rouzeth
                 them
                 up
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 How
                 easie
                 should
                 this
                 make
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 should
                 it
                 sweeten
                 the
                 severest
                 of
                 Gods
                 dealings
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 awake
                 us
                 ?
                 Suppose
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 dreadful
                 sound
                 in
                 our
                 ears
                 ,
                 when
                 nothing
                 else
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   terrors
                   of
                   God
                   displayed
                   ,
                   and
                   set
                   in
                   battle
                   array
                   against
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                   God
                   writeth
                   bitter
                   things
                   against
                   us
                   ,
                
                 and
                 all
                 little
                 enough
                 
                   to
                   awaken
                   us
                
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 secure
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ;
                 
                   It
                   must
                   be
                   the
                   lowder
                   voyce
                   of
                   the
                   rod
                   that
                   must
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                   if
                   other
                   means
                   will
                   not
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   seemeth
                
                 
                 
                   not
                   joyons
                   ,
                   but
                   grievous
                   at
                   present
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   brings
                   forth
                   the
                   peaceable
                   fruits
                   of
                   righteousness
                   .
                   O!
                   the
                   end
                   will
                   be
                   sweet
                   ,
                
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 thereby
                 shall
                 be
                 awaked
                 ,
                 and
                 kept
                 awake
                 ,
                 and
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 would
                 
                 not
                 for
                 a
                 world
                 that
                 day
                 should
                 come
                 upon
                 them
                 and
                 finde
                 them
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 frame
                 ,
                 so
                 heavy
                 ;
                 so
                 listless
                 ,
                 so
                 untoward
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 to
                 shake
                 it
                 off
                 ;
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 give
                 the
                 Lord
                 leave
                 to
                 shake
                 it
                 off
                 ,
                 bear
                 then
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 loud
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 offensive
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 awaken
                 thee
                 :
                 O
                 why
                 shouldst
                 not
                 thou
                 bear
                 it
                 thankfully
                 and
                 chearfully
                 ?
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 Cry
                 going
                 before
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 
                   Then
                   brethren
                   see
                   whether
                   or
                   no
                   you
                   have
                   not
                   had
                   this
                   Cry
                   in
                   part
                   sounding
                   in
                   your
                   cars
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   use
                   you
                   have
                   made
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   hath
                   it
                   awaked
                   you
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   ?
                   The
                   Gospel
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 the
                 voyce
                 of
                 the
                 watchmen
                 ,
                 that
                 continually
                 stir
                 you
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 tell
                 you
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 coming
                 ,
                 is
                 at
                 hand
                 ;
                 If
                 not
                 the
                 general
                 ,
                 yet
                 your
                 particular
                 day
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 our
                 souls
                 particularly
                 cannot
                 be
                 far
                 off
                 :
                 
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   daily
                   cry
                   in
                   our
                   ears
                
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 cry
                 lowder
                 ,
                 and
                 lift
                 up
                 our
                 voyce
                 with
                 more
                 affection
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 ;
                 but
                 as
                 such
                 poor
                 worms
                 are
                 able
                 ,
                 we
                 cry
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   messengers
                   sent
                   before
                   his
                   face
                   ,
                   the
                   Cry
                   is
                   ,
                   behold
                   he
                   cometh
                   ,
                   go
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   :
                   Now
                   brethren
                   where
                   are
                   you
                   ?
                   Are
                   you
                   upon
                   your
                   beds
                   still
                   ?
                   How
                   many
                   have
                   been
                   awaked
                   by
                   this
                   awakening
                   word
                   ,
                   the
                   terrors
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   
                   against
                   them
                   that
                   sleep
                   ?
                   Have
                   you
                   done
                   any
                   thing
                   to
                   your
                   further
                   sitting
                   for
                   heaven
                   ?
                
                 Can
                 you
                 with
                 comfort
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 knocks
                 ?
                 Surely
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 made
                 use
                 of
                 this
                 Cry
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 made
                 ;
                 Ah
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 are
                 sleeping
                 as
                 deeply
                 as
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 yet
                 dream
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 but
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 night
                 their
                 souls
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 them
                 !
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   how
                   should
                   this
                   stir
                   us
                   up
                   every
                   one
                   to
                   attend
                   to
                   the
                   cry
                   that
                   is
                   made
                   ,
                
                 and
                 obey
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 cry
                 made
                 in
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   is
                   our
                   preaching
                   ,
                   to
                   awaken
                   you
                   .
                
                 Look
                 not
                 upon
                 Sermons
                 only
                 as
                 the
                 affectionate
                 discourse
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 that
                 wisheth
                 well
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 but
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 as
                 the
                 
                   warning
                   word
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Cry
                 that
                 goeth
                 before
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 afterwards
                 himself
                 w●ll
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 speedily
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 soon
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 findeth
                 you
                 then
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 will
                 go
                 with
                 you
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 speak
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 rattle
                 you
                 up
                 a
                 little
                 poor
                 sleepy
                 souls
                 ,
                 
                   both
                   wise
                   and
                   foolish
                   virgins
                
                 ,
                 not
                 that
                 I
                 desire
                 the
                 grief
                 of
                 yours
                 or
                 mine
                 own
                 soul
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 I
                 make
                 you
                 sorry
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 must
                 make
                 me
                 glad
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 made
                 sorry
                 by
                 me
                 ?
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 :
                 Yet
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 hope
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 be
                 contented
                 rather
                 to
                 be
                 shaken
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 sleep
                 my self
                 ,
                 then
                 be
                 found
                 sleeping
                 at
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 so
                 had
                 I
                 rather
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 with
                 you
                 :
                 how
                 shall
                 I
                 bespeak
                 your
                 poor
                 souls
                 this
                 day
                 ?
                 I
                 would
                 fain
                 prevail
                 with
                 one
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 shake
                 off
                 this
                 drowsiness
                 and
                 sloath
                 ,
                 and
                 sleepiness
                 that
                 is
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   arise
                   ,
                   arise
                
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 souls
                 sake
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 peace
                 sake
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 tender
                 your
                 comfort
                 ,
                 now
                 you
                 hear
                 the
                 Cry
                 going
                 before
                 him
                 ;
                 think
                 with
                 your selves
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 
                   Can
                   you
                   look
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   in
                   the
                   face
                   with
                   such
                   a
                   frame
                   of
                   heart
                   as
                   you
                   have
                   every
                   day
                   ?
                   O
                   arise
                   ,
                   arise
                   ,
                   will
                   such
                   sleepy
                   souls
                   be
                   fit
                   to
                   sing
                   Allelujahs
                   to
                   eternity
                   to
                   God
                   ?
                   O
                   arise
                   ,
                   arise
                   Deborah
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   sing
                   praises
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   awake
                   then
                   that
                   sleepest
                   ,
                   you
                   cannot
                   else
                   be
                   fit
                   for
                   heaven
                   :
                
                 this
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Consider
                 secondly
                 ,
                 If
                 this
                 Cry
                 will
                 not
                 awaken
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   a
                   more
                   dreadful
                   sound
                   in
                   your
                   ears
                   ,
                
                 haply
                 ere
                 long
                 some
                 sad
                 blow
                 or
                 affliction
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 in
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   Elihu
                
                 saith
                 
                   God
                   speaks
                   once
                   ,
                   yea
                   twice
                   ,
                   but
                   man
                   regardeth
                   it
                   not
                
                 ;
                 often
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 no
                 purpose
                 ;
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 
                 
                   Why
                   then
                   he
                   chasteneth
                   him
                   with
                   pain
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   multitude
                   of
                   his
                   bones
                   with
                   strong
                   pain
                   ,
                   and
                   openeth
                   his
                   ear
                   ,
                   and
                   seals
                   instruction
                   to
                   〈…〉
                   ●oring
                   of
                   his
                   ear
                   costs
                   him
                   something
                
                 ;
                 Why
                 will
                 you
                 put
                 
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 it
                 to
                 speak
                 lowder
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 terribly
                 to
                 you
                 ?
                 for
                 if
                 you
                 belong
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 awaked
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 awaked
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 some
                 way
                 or
                 other
                 ;
                 and
                 
                   if
                   this
                   will
                   not
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Death
                   shall
                   do
                   it
                
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 sad
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 go
                 on
                 securely
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 behold
                 his
                 unfitness
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 until
                 just
                 he
                 be
                 upon
                 him
                 ?
                 but
                 if
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Sure
                   I
                   am
                   the
                   everlasting
                   burnings
                   will
                   awake
                   you
                   sinners
                   ,
                
                 if
                 you
                 never
                 wake
                 until
                 then
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 Lord
                 forbid
                 you
                 should
                 have
                 hearts
                 so
                 desperately
                 hardened
                 from
                 his
                 fear
                 ,
                 as
                 never
                 to
                 awake
                 until
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 remedy
                 ,
                 no
                 providing
                 for
                 your
                 eternal
                 state
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 
                   arise
                   ,
                   arise
                
                 as
                 those
                 Virgins
                 did
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 but
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 arose
                 ,
                 their
                 Consciences
                 were
                 awaked
                 ,
                 and
                 somewhat
                 they
                 did
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 fell
                 short
                 ;
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 you
                 then
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 rise
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 sleep
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 Cry
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 the
                 trumpet
                 sound
                 lowder
                 and
                 lowder
                 ;
                 you
                 look
                 at
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   the
                   horse
                   that
                   rusheth
                   into
                   the
                   battail
                   ,
                
                 looketh
                 at
                 fear
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 fear
                 to
                 
                 others
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 mocking
                 at
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 
                   your
                   precious
                   souls
                   lye
                   at
                   the
                   stake
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 as
                 you
                 love
                 them
                 ,
                 beg
                 of
                 God
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 tremble
                 at
                 this
                 his
                 Cry
                 which
                 is
                 going
                 out
                 before
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   how
                   did
                   all
                   the
                   Congregation
                   tremble
                   when
                   the
                   Lord
                   sounded
                
                 
                 
                   upon
                   Mount-Sinai
                   at
                   the
                   giving
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ?
                
                 do
                 but
                 think
                 how
                 terrible
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 avenge
                 himself
                 upon
                 sinners
                 that
                 
                   violated
                   this
                   Law
                
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 found
                 in
                 him
                 !
                 O
                 this
                 will
                 surely
                 awaken
                 you
                 when
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 little
                 list
                 to
                 sleep
                 
                 or
                 rest
                 any
                 more
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 you
                 rather
                 to
                 hear
                 this
                 Cry
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 sounding
                 in
                 your
                 ears
                 continually
                 ;
                 
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   recover
                   strength
                   before
                   you
                   go
                   hence
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   no
                   more
                   seen
                   ,
                   that
                   with
                   the
                   wise
                   Virgins
                   ,
                   having
                   your
                   Lamps
                   trimmed
                   ,
                   you
                   may
                   go
                   in
                   with
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   into
                   the
                   Marriage
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   FOR
                   THE
                   SEASON
                
                 of
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 its
                 preparation
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   at
                   Midnight
                
                 ;
                 a
                 time
                 later
                 then
                 they
                 thought
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 sooner
                 then
                 they
                 expected
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 spoken
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 accommodation
                 to
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 other
                 was
                 before
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   fell
                   asleep
                
                 ,
                 the
                 Virgins
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 deepest
                 of
                 their
                 sleep
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 cometh
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 raised
                 up
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 .
                 Note
                 from
                 hence
                 .
              
               
               
                 
                   That
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   his
                   coming
                   to
                   many
                   poor
                   souls
                   will
                   be
                   at
                   Midnight
                   ,
                   Or
                   his
                   coming
                   ordinarily
                   is
                   at
                   Midnight
                   .
                
                 What
                 this
                 coming
                 
                 is
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 before
                 .
                 
                   All
                   the
                   difficulty
                   here
                   is
                   to
                   understand
                   what
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   Midnight
                   .
                
                 Some
                 have
                 taken
                 it
                 properly
                 for
                 the
                 Midnight
                 ,
                 that
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 natural
                 day
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 farthest
                 off
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 darkest
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 ;
                 and
                 Jerom
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 report
                 it
                 for
                 an
                 A.
                 ●radition
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   Christ
                   should
                   come
                   at
                   Midnight
                   ,
                
                 and
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 first
                 in
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 nature
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 hour
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 day
                 was
                 pitched
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 was
                 
                   the
                   even
                   of
                   the
                   Passover
                
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   Primitive
                   Churches
                   did
                   watch
                   constantly
                   yearly
                   that
                   night
                   ,
                
                 expecting
                 it
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 they
                 knew
                 not
                 the
                 year
                 ,
                 but
                 every
                 year
                 stood
                 upon
                 the
                 watch
                 at
                 the
                 same
                 time
                 ;
                 but
                 methinks
                 the
                 year
                 is
                 first
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 be
                 known
                 before
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 day
                 before
                 the
                 hour
                 ;
                 but
                 surely
                 this
                 was
                 vain
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 mistake
                 of
                 theirs
                 ,
                 
                 for
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   of
                   that
                   day
                   and
                   hour
                   knoweth
                   no
                   man.
                   
                
              
               
                 Therefore
                 we
                 shall
                 understand
                 it
                 here
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 Accommodation
                 to
                 the
                 Parable
                 ;
                 and
                 first
                 then
                 
                   at
                   Midnight
                   siguratively
                
                 may
                 import
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 
                   an
                   unknown
                   time
                
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 revealed
                 before
                 hand
                 
                   at
                   what
                   time
                   he
                   would
                   come
                
                 ;
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   the
                   good
                   man
                   had
                   known
                   when
                   the
                   thief
                   would
                   have
                   come
                   ,
                   he
                   would
                   have
                   kept
                   his
                   house
                   from
                   being
                   broken
                   ;
                   of
                   that
                   day
                   and
                   hour
                   knoweth
                   no
                   man
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 speaking
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 in
                 general
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 
                 secret
                 thing
                 ,
                 belonging
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 keepeth
                 it
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 saith
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 of
                 the
                 Acts.
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 particular
                 
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 known
                 to
                 men
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ;
                 indeed
                 Hezekiah
                 his
                 case
                 was
                 extraordinary
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 limits
                 set
                 him
                 so
                 long
                 before
                 ,
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 number
                 of
                 his
                 days
                 so
                 long
                 before
                 hand
                 ,
                 else
                 ordinarily
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 or
                 very
                 little
                 before
                 they
                 depart
                 ,
                 or
                 be
                 called
                 for
                 .
                 As
                 these
                 Virgins
                 here
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 asleep
                 ;
                 alas
                 they
                 knew
                 not
                 what
                 time
                 it
                 was
                 that
                 the
                 Alarm
                 came
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Midnight
                   is
                   usually
                   the
                   most
                   unknown
                   time
                   ,
                
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 a
                 time
                 wherein
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 most
                 unknown
                 ,
                 for
                 to
                 that
                 indeed
                 the
                 ignorance
                 is
                 rather
                 to
                 be
                 referred
                 ,
                 though
                 persons
                 asleep
                 at
                 midnight
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 evil
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 surprize
                 them
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   midst
                   of
                   a
                   mans
                   life
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   time
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   
                   Christ
                   is
                   not
                   looked
                   for
                   :
                
                 Now
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 for
                 though
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 known
                 the
                 time
                 ;
                 yet
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 waited
                 ,
                 and
                 expected
                 every
                 hour
                 when
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 come
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 was
                 uncertain
                 ,
                 looked
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 
                   in
                   a
                   day
                   he
                   looked
                   not
                   for
                   him
                   ,
                
                 Luke
                 12.
                 46.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 likely
                 they
                 had
                 looked
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 waiting
                 was
                 wearyed
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 with
                 their
                 oyl
                 ,
                 and
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 thought
                 it
                 long
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 their
                 opinions
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ;
                 Well
                 ,
                 now
                 their
                 watchful
                 eys
                 were
                 sealed
                 up
                 with
                 sleep
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 came
                 later
                 then
                 their
                 expectations
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 came
                 sooner
                 then
                 their
                 expectations
                 also
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 were
                 surprized
                 by
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 were
                 aware
                 ,
                 just
                 as
                 a
                 servant
                 that
                 hath
                 in
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 expected
                 his
                 Masters
                 coming
                 home
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 good
                 while
                 waited
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 giveth
                 over
                 looking
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 his
                 Master
                 cometh
                 after
                 his
                 waiting
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 before
                 it
                 too
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 at
                 his
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 before
                 he
                 awakes
                 again
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 his
                 waiting
                 for
                 his
                 Master
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 :
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 beginning
                 when
                 the
                 impressions
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 are
                 strong
                 and
                 fresh
                 ,
                 he
                 expecteth
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Christ
                 his
                 coming
                 hath
                 it
                 much
                 in
                 his
                 eye
                 ;
                 but
                 after
                 awhile
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 seeth
                 he
                 cometh
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 letteth
                 down
                 the
                 watch
                 ,
                 and
                 groweth
                 more
                 remiss
                 by
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 that
                 sleep
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 renew
                 his
                 watching
                 likely
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 upon
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 A
                 little
                 more
                 particularly
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 beating
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   cometh
                   at
                   the
                   midnight
                   of
                   mens
                   lives
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 their
                 lives
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 neither
                 hoped
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 feared
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 expectation
                 of
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 doth
                 diversly
                 affect
                 men
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 different
                 conditions
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 habitually
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 actually
                 ready
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 his
                 grace
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 grace
                 doth
                 not
                 lye
                 sleeping
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 act
                 ,
                 and
                 lively
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 affection
                 flaming
                 towards
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 eye
                 upon
                 the
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 
                   will
                   act
                   his
                   hope
                   for
                   that
                   day
                   ,
                   look
                   for
                   it
                   with
                   hope
                   ,
                
                 and
                 with
                 desire
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 expecteth
                 then
                 
                   a
                   Crown
                   of
                   glory
                   ,
                   a
                   fulness
                   of
                   joy
                   unspeakable
                   ,
                   everlasting
                   bosom-communion
                   with
                
                 
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ;
                   knowing
                   also
                   ,
                   that
                   while
                   he
                   is
                   present
                   in
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   absent
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 his
                 looking
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                 is
                 I
                 say
                 with
                 hope
                 and
                 desire
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 raigning
                 ,
                 the
                 accomplishment
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   peace
                   shall
                   bruise
                   Satan
                   perfectly
                   under
                   his
                   feet
                   ,
                
                 with
                 whose
                 temptations
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 even
                 wearyed
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 a
                 labouring
                 man
                 
                   longs
                   for
                   the
                   shadow
                   of
                   the
                   evening
                   ,
                
                 so
                 doth
                 he
                 desire
                 it
                 :
                 Now
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 this
                 grace
                 of
                 hope
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 but
                 while
                 he
                 is
                 asleep
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   hope
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   act
                   when
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   ,
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   stretch
                   forth
                   the
                   neck
                
                 as
                 one
                 earnestly
                 expecting
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   lift
                   up
                   his
                   head
                   because
                   his
                   redemption
                   draweth
                   near
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   salvation
                   is
                   nearer
                   now
                   then
                   it
                   was
                   when
                   he
                   believed
                   ,
                
                 alas
                 his
                 hope
                 is
                 asleep
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 
                   A
                   woman
                   espoused
                
                 expecting
                 her
                 Husband
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 Marry
                 her
                 ,
                 desires
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 falls
                 asleep
                 ,
                 then
                 her
                 desires
                 and
                 hopes
                 cease
                 ,
                 looks
                 not
                 for
                 him
                 all
                 that
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 that
                 time
                 he
                 cometh
                 .
              
               
                 
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   they
                   fear
                   it
                   not
                   neither
                   ,
                
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 their
                 expectation
                 ceaseth
                 ;
                 as
                 prisoners
                 ,
                 they
                 fear
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Judge
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 dreadful
                 sound
                 in
                 their
                 ears
                 ,
                 and
                 fear
                 exceedingly
                 when
                 the
                 Judge
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 deliver
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 tormentors
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 execution
                 ,
                 Sentence
                 being
                 past
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 fall
                 asleep
                 now
                 ,
                 their
                 fear
                 ceaseth
                 if
                 their
                 sleep
                 be
                 fast
                 ;
                 so
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 dwells
                 in
                 a
                 place
                 of
                 danger
                 for
                 robbers
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 expect
                 them
                 and
                 fear
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 if
                 after
                 a
                 while
                 of
                 waking
                 ,
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 falls
                 asleep
                 ,
                 he
                 fears
                 them
                 not
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 awake
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   an
                   hour
                   he
                   thinketh
                   not
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                
                 Luke
                 12.
                 
                 So
                 wicked
                 ▪
                 
                 men
                 and
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 conscious
                 to
                 their
                 conditions
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 hath
                 his
                 Conscience
                 inlightned
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 why
                 then
                 surely
                 there
                 cannot
                 but
                 be
                 a
                 fearful
                 expectation
                 of
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 judge
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 once
                 they
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 those
                 impressions
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 wear
                 off
                 by
                 degrees
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 fear
                 not
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 as
                 much
                 cause
                 as
                 ever
                 they
                 had
                 ;
                 so
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 Midnight
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 not
                 expected
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Arguments
                 whereby
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 confirmed
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   for
                   his
                   own
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 to
                 come
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 
                   unknown
                   .
                   The
                   glory
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   is
                   to
                   conceal
                   a
                   thing
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   Kings
                   is
                   to
                   search
                   out
                   a
                   matter
                
                 ;
                 here
                 is
                 an
                 opposition
                 of
                 persons
                 and
                 actions
                 ;
                 the
                 persons
                 opposed
                 are
                 Kings
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   God
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   the
                   King
                   of
                   Kings
                   ;
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   Kings
                   ,
                
                 is
                 to
                 search
                 out
                 a
                 matter
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 men
                 
                 of
                 poor
                 ,
                 shallow
                 apprehensions
                 ,
                 and
                 little
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 search
                 to
                 finde
                 out
                 a
                 matter
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 he
                 is
                 an
                 infinite
                 unsearchable
                 wise
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 his
                 honour
                 to
                 keep
                 some
                 things
                 secret
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 admired
                 ,
                 reverenced
                 ,
                 adored
                 ,
                 his
                 unsearchableness
                 acknowledged
                 .
                 No
                 further
                 then
                 he
                 pleased
                 ,
                 were
                 the
                 mysteries
                 of
                 himself
                 and
                 his
                 so●
                 revealed
                 to
                 the
                 ages
                 before
                 ,
                 nor
                 now
                 at
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 much
                 he
                 hath
                 reserved
                 for
                 another
                 time
                 and
                 place
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 his
                 own
                 secret
                 ,
                 which
                 belongs
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 kept
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 his
                 honour
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 .
                 And
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Therefore
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 so
                 suddainly
                 and
                 unexpectedly
                 ,
                 as
                 
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 at
                 Midnight
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 ,
                 yea
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   men
                   might
                   learn
                   to
                   watch
                   ,
                
                 to
                 be
                 alway
                 ready
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 abundantly
                 proved
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 many
                 exhortations
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 to
                 watch
                 ,
                 inforced
                 by
                 this
                 very
                 Argument
                 ;
                 
                   therefore
                   also
                   be
                   ye
                
                 
                 
                   ready
                   ,
                   for
                   in
                   such
                   an
                   hour
                   as
                   ye
                   think
                   not
                   ,
                   the
                   son
                   of
                   man
                   cometh
                   ,
                   even
                   as
                   a
                   thief
                   in
                   the
                   night
                   .
                
                 In
                 the
                 foregoing
                 Verse
                 :
                 
                   Behold
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   come
                   as
                   a
                   thief
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   blessed
                   is
                   he
                   that
                   watcheth
                   ,
                   and
                   keepeth
                   his
                   garments
                   ,
                   lest
                   he
                   be
                   found
                   naked
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   see
                   his
                   shame
                   .
                
                 Whether
                 this
                 be
                 understood
                 of
                 his
                 last
                 coming
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 being
                 suddain
                 ,
                 unexpected
                 ,
                 uncertain
                 ,
                 it
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 to
                 watch
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 Use
                 which
                 our
                 Saviour
                 maketh
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 thirteenth
                 verse
                 of
                 this
                 Chapter
                 ?
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 Epistle
                 to
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 
                   Sardis
                   ,
                   If
                   therefore
                   thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   watch
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   come
                   on
                   thee
                   as
                   a
                   thief
                   .
                
                 The
                 reason
                 why
                 he
                 tells
                 us
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 
                 like
                 a
                 thief
                 ,
                 suddainly
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 least
                 suspected
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 deter
                 men
                 from
                 sleeping
                 and
                 security
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 they
                 lye
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 suddain
                 surprisal
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 watch
                 and
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 unexpected
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 reason
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 wherefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 keepeth
                 it
                 secret
                 and
                 uncertain
                 when
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   men
                   might
                   watch
                
                 .
                 As
                 Caesar
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 let
                 his
                 souldiers
                 know
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 removal
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 Onset
                 ,
                 
                   scil
                   .
                   Vt
                   paratum
                   ,
                   &
                   intentum
                   momentis
                   omnibus
                   quo
                   vellet
                   state
                   educeret
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 
                   the
                   Captain
                   of
                   our
                   salvation
                
                 ,
                 he
                 letteth
                 not
                 us
                 know
                 when
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 
                 expect
                 it
                 alway
                 .
                 If
                 men
                 should
                 know
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 would
                 come
                 to
                 call
                 for
                 them
                 but
                 sixteen
                 years
                 hence
                 ,
                 or
                 six
                 years
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 
                 bold
                 would
                 they
                 make
                 with
                 him
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 and
                 spend
                 five
                 of
                 the
                 six
                 in
                 vanity
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 corruption
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 that
                 very
                 thing
                 which
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 who
                 well
                 knew
                 the
                 constitutions
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 might
                 be
                 the
                 most
                 likely
                 Argument
                 for
                 watchfulness
                 ,
                 lays
                 down
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   the
                   uncertainty
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   unexpectedness
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                
                 if
                 men
                 sleep
                 ,
                 surprizing
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 will
                 make
                 bold
                 ,
                 and
                 venture
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 that
                 he
                 seldom
                 cometh
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 findeth
                 him
                 watching
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   To
                   make
                   his
                   coming
                   like
                   an
                   evil
                   snare
                   to
                   sinners
                   ,
                   to
                   hypocrites
                   .
                
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   Luke
                   ,
                   take
                   heed
                   your
                   hearts
                   be
                   not
                   over-charged
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   cares
                   of
                   this
                   world
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   and
                   that
                   day
                   come
                   upon
                   you
                   as
                   a
                   snare
                
                 ;
                 A
                 snare
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 suddainly
                 
                 and
                 unavoidably
                 seizeth
                 upon
                 the
                 poor
                 beast
                 or
                 bird
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   are
                   taken
                   in
                   an
                   evil
                   snare
                   ,
                
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 brought
                 to
                 ruine
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 ,
                 it
                 cometh
                 on
                 them
                 like
                 a
                 snare
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 Net
                 ,
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   snares
                   rained
                   from
                   Heaven
                
                 ,
                 no
                 avoyding
                 them
                 ;
                 or
                 
                 else
                 as
                 a
                 snare
                 hid
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 think
                 nothing
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 beasts
                 are
                 at
                 their
                 prey
                 ,
                 and
                 delighting
                 themselves
                 in
                 that
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 are
                 aware
                 the
                 foot
                 or
                 neck
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 snare
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 breaking
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 strong
                 a
                 snare
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Then
                 usually
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 sinners
                 are
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 after
                 their
                 awaking
                 ,
                 and
                 stirring
                 up
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ;
                 sinners
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 setled
                 upon
                 their
                 Lees
                 in
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 sleep
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   foolish
                   virgins
                   never
                   〈…〉
                   d
                   a
                   heart
                   awake
                   towards
                   God
                
                 ;
                 their
                 heart
                 never
                 answered
                 that
                 Call
                 ,
                 
                   Awake
                   thou
                   that
                   sleepest
                
                 ,
                 their
                 eys
                 indeed
                 were
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 walk●
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 as
                 men
                 may
                 do
                 when
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 asleep
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   had
                   their
                   Lamps
                
                 ,
                 some
                 shew
                 ,
                 some
                 formality
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 when
                 this
                 day
                 surprizeth
                 them
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 their
                 form
                 perisheth
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 will
                 stand
                 them
                 in
                 no
                 stead
                 ,
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 nick
                 of
                 time
                 wherein
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 surprize
                 hyporrites
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 them
                 their
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
                 .
                 
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   that
                   sleep
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 they
                 are
                 unready
                 when
                 the
                 Cry
                 cometh
                 ,
                 but
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 this
                 humble
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 the
                 Ladder
                 but
                 humility
                 ?
                 when
                 will
                 the
                 ●oul
                 be
                 fittest
                 to
                 e●alt
                 Christ
                 but
                 then
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 when
                 their
                 Lamps
                 are
                 trimmed
                 up
                 again
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 shine
                 more
                 bright
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 then
                 also
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 them
                 .
              
               
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 Application
                 ,
                 this
                 may
                 inform
                 us
                 how
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 pass
                 so
                 many
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 their
                 plots
                 and
                 purposes
                 
                 are
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 hope
                 in
                 their
                 death
                 ;
                 surely
                 every
                 man
                 would
                 be
                 happy
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 time
                 enough
                 to
                 look
                 after
                 that
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 nothing
                 else
                 to
                 do
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 compast
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 Land
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 House
                 ,
                 gotten
                 such
                 an
                 inheritance
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 would
                 lay
                 down
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 prepare
                 for
                 heaven
                 !
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 milk
                 of
                 their
                 breasts
                 ,
                 and
                 marrow
                 of
                 their
                 bones
                 ,
                 they
                 lay
                 out
                 upon
                 their
                 youthful
                 Lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 their
                 old
                 age
                 time
                 enough
                 to
                 mind
                 those
                 serious
                 things
                 ;
                 But
                 the
                 day
                 cometh
                 upon
                 them
                 at
                 unawares
                 ,
                 and
                 snatcheth
                 them
                 away
                 in
                 his
                 wrathful
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 their
                 endeavours
                 for
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 plucks
                 them
                 away
                 from
                 their
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 knoweth
                 them
                 no
                 more
                 .
                 
                   Go
                   to
                   ,
                   ye
                   that
                   say
                   ,
                   we
                   will
                   go
                   to
                   such
                   a
                   City
                   ,
                   and
                   buy
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   sell
                   ,
                   and
                   get
                   gain
                
                 ;
                 whereas
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 womb
                 of
                 a
                 day
                 ;
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 many
                 perish
                 from
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 cut
                 off
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 reach
                 their
                 expectations
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 remedilesly
                 perish
                 .
                 This
                 day
                 cometh
                 upon
                 them
                 as
                 a
                 snare
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 sitting
                 like
                 so
                 many
                 Birds
                 ,
                 pluming
                 themselves
                 ,
                 feeding
                 ,
                 and
                 sporting
                 ,
                 and
                 singing
                 ,
                 it
                 cometh
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 carryed
                 away
                 to
                 their
                 place
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 !
                 what
                 sottish
                 ,
                 stupid
                 ,
                 and
                 strange
                 presumption
                 possesseth
                 poor
                 sinners
                 hearts
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 of
                 the
                 Counsel
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 knew
                 the
                 number
                 of
                 their
                 Moneths
                 before
                 hand
                 ,
                 as
                 Hezekiah
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 might
                 make
                 bold
                 to
                 lavish
                 out
                 week
                 after
                 week
                 upon
                 their
                 lusts
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 whether
                 this
                 night
                 the
                 snare
                 will
                 come
                 upon
                 you
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 Sinners
                 could
                 but
                 lay
                 these
                 things
                 to
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 not
                 perish
                 like
                 
                   Beasts
                   overtaken
                   i●
                   an
                   evil
                   snare
                   :
                
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Reproof
                 of
                 the
                 boldness
                 of
                 some
                 ,
                 who
                 
                 take
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 wanton
                 wits
                 have
                 dared
                 to
                 sport
                 themselves
                 in
                 so
                 serious
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 foretell
                 the
                 year
                 ,
                 one
                 placing
                 it
                 upon
                 1533.
                 others
                 upon
                 1657.
                 
                 
                   Alsted
                   .
                   Chronol
                   .
                   1494.
                   
                   Pi●us
                   Mirandula
                
                 ;
                 upon
                 1905.
                 
                 
                   Nicol.
                   Cusanus
                
                 ,
                 upon
                 1700.
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 ;
                 See
                 Trap
                 upon
                 Mat.
                 24.
                 36.
                 
                 Many
                 whereof
                 time
                 hath
                 already
                 refuted
                 ,
                 the
                 grounds
                 are
                 weak
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 above
                 what
                 is
                 written
                 ,
                 
                 
                   vain
                   man
                   would
                   be
                   wise
                
                 ,
                 and
                 herein
                 he
                 sheweth
                 himself
                 a
                 wild
                 
                 
                   Asses
                   Colt
                
                 indeed
                 ,
                 to
                 pry
                 into
                 the
                 secret
                 which
                 God
                 hath
                 kept
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ;
                 
                   no
                   ,
                   no
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 unknown
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 hour
                 ,
                 the
                 longer
                 ,
                 or
                 shorter
                 time
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 limiting
                 of
                 it
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 least
                 suspect
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 but
                 
                 enough
                 of
                 that
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 teach
                 us
                 further
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   when
                   we
                   least
                   expect
                   it
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   likely
                   to
                   be
                   nearest
                   to
                   us
                
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 startling
                 word
                 to
                 all
                 poor
                 sleeping
                 sinners
                 ;
                 you
                 put
                 away
                 the
                 evil
                 day
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 far
                 from
                 you
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 nearer
                 to
                 you
                 than
                 then
                 ;
                 never
                 are
                 men
                 usually
                 more
                 unfit
                 for
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 then
                 when
                 they
                 put
                 it
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 is
                 it
                 usually
                 more
                 near
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 observed
                 in
                 nature
                 ,
                 that
                 usually
                 before
                 an
                 Earthquaeke
                 cometh
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 men
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 calm
                 ;
                 the
                 air
                 is
                 quiet
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wind
                 lies
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 great
                 rain
                 fals
                 .
                 When
                 was
                 the
                 
                   Old
                   World
                
                 more
                 near
                 destruction
                 by
                 that
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 then
                 when
                 they
                 thought
                 least
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 put
                 it
                 farthest
                 off
                 ,
                 were
                 most
                 secure
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 observed
                 ,
                 the
                 Flood
                 came
                 in
                 the
                 Spring-time
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 began
                 to
                 renew
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 as
                 fair
                 ,
                 a
                 hopeful
                 ,
                 a
                 fruitful
                 year
                 as
                 before
                 ;
                 though
                 there
                 was
                 one
                 doubting
                 Noah
                 among
                 them
                 that
                 dreamed
                 of
                 a
                 dry
                 winter
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 most
                 secure
                 ,
                 most
                 deeply
                 secure
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Flood
                 came
                 ;
                 when
                 things
                 were
                 in
                 their
                 prime
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hopes
                 of
                 corn
                 ,
                 and
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 flower
                 ,
                 the
                 Flood
                 came
                 ,
                 and
                 swept
                 them
                 away
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 arose
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 fairer
                 ground
                 of
                 hope
                 ?
                 of
                 a
                 fair
                 day
                 doubtless
                 they
                 expected
                 it
                 :
                 they
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 nearest
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 Laish
                 ,
                 secure
                 before
                 ruin
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Agag
                   ;
                   so
                
                 when
                 they
                 
                   cry
                   peace
                   ,
                   peace
                
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 shall
                 do
                 well
                 ,
                 God
                 proclaims
                 war
                 against
                 them
                 by
                 his
                 Messengers
                 .
                 Think
                 of
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 with
                 your selves
                 ;
                 how
                 stand
                 your
                 hearts
                 affected
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 this
                 day
                 ?
                 are
                 you
                 not
                 secure
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 wait
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ?
                 the
                 less
                 you
                 fear
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 cause
                 you
                 have
                 to
                 fear
                 it
                 ;
                 or
                 the
                 less
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 desire
                 ,
                 and
                 waiting
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 cause
                 we
                 have
                 to
                 fear
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 usually
                 seizeth
                 upon
                 men
                 at
                 midnight
                 .
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 midnight
                 with
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ?
                 dost
                 not
                 thou
                 sleep
                 thy
                 fast
                 ,
                 thy
                 
                   dead
                   sleep
                
                 ?
                 nothing
                 will
                 awake
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 makest
                 a
                 mock
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 
                 things
                 :
                 The
                 Lord
                 give
                 you
                 but
                 an
                 eye
                 to
                 see
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 snare
                 is
                 even
                 coming
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 nearest
                 to
                 such
                 persons
                 of
                 all
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Terror
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 all
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 formalists
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 all
                 sinners
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 surprize
                 you
                 and
                 come
                 upon
                 you
                 at
                 unawares
                 .
                 What
                 maketh
                 death
                 so
                 terrible
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 judgement
                 which
                 followeth
                 it
                 ?
                 so
                 that
                 let
                 a
                 sinner
                 have
                 warning
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 terrible
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 upon
                 a
                 sudden
                 and
                 unexpected
                 this
                 exceedingly
                 addeth
                 to
                 the
                 terror
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 amazeth
                 ,
                 astonisheth
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 terror
                 must
                 it
                 needs
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 old
                 world
                 !
                 that
                 when
                 their
                 hopes
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 spring
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 verdure
                 ,
                 then
                 all
                 on
                 a
                 sudden
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 on
                 a
                 flood
                 ,
                 the
                 fountains
                 of
                 the
                 deep
                 and
                 the
                 clouds
                 above
                 conspired
                 to
                 swallow
                 them
                 up
                 ;
                 And
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 ,
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 as
                 great
                 an
                 astonishment
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 world
                 at
                 the
                 end
                 shall
                 look
                 for
                 nothing
                 less
                 ,
                 and
                 before
                 they
                 are
                 aware
                 the
                 world
                 shall
                 be
                 on
                 a
                 flame
                 about
                 their
                 ears
                 ?
                 O
                 then
                 
                   the
                   sinners
                
                 in
                 Sion
                 
                   will
                   be
                   afraid
                   ,
                   and
                   fearfulness
                   will
                   surprize
                   the
                   hypocrite
                   !
                
                 put
                 
                 as
                 good
                 a
                 face
                 upon
                 it
                 now
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 .
                 How
                 terrible
                 is
                 a
                 sudden
                 storm
                 upon
                 the
                 poor
                 Mariners
                 ?
                 which
                 they
                 never
                 lookt
                 for
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 inveloped
                 in
                 darkness
                 ;
                 the
                 clouds
                 and
                 seas
                 seem
                 to
                 come
                 together
                 .
                 How
                 terrible
                 was
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Gideon
                 upon
                 the
                 Midiani●es
                 
                 on
                 a
                 sudden
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 when
                 all
                 asleep
                 likely
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 and
                 hear
                 so
                 many
                 Trumpets
                 blowing
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 pitchers
                 clattering
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 !
                 such
                 a
                 
                   cry
                   ,
                   the
                   sword
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   and
                   of
                   Gideon
                   ,
                
                 all
                 on
                 a
                 sudden
                 !
                 O
                 how
                 terrible
                 it
                 was
                 ,
                 it
                 put
                 them
                 besides
                 themselves
                 ,
                 they
                 knew
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 they
                 thrust
                 
                   their
                   swords
                   in
                   one
                   anothers
                   bowels
                   !
                
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 had
                 but
                 hearts
                 to
                 believe
                 how
                 terrible
                 a
                 day
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 overtake
                 us
                 as
                 a
                 snare
                 .
                 Yea
                 surely
                 it
                 will
                 have
                 somewhat
                 of
                 amazement
                 ,
                 terror
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 that
                 shal
                 be
                 found
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 with
                 whom
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 midnight
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 security
                 ;
                 And
                 though
                 they
                 may
                 avoid
                 the
                 ruine
                 and
                 destruction
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 share
                 in
                 the
                 distraction
                 and
                 terror
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 poor
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 poor
                 formalists
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 amazing
                 terror
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 never
                 recover
                 themselves
                 ,
                 but
                 perish
                 for
                 ever
                 by
                 it
                 .
              
               
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   knowing
                   the
                   terror
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   we
                   perswade
                   men
                   to
                   this
                
                 
                 watching
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 intended
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 .
                 And
                 concerning
                 which
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 somewhat
                 already
                 ,
                 having
                 spoken
                 so
                 largely
                 to
                 the
                 Privation
                 or
                 defect
                 of
                 this
                 watching
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 of
                 the
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 Nor
                 do
                 I
                 intend
                 to
                 insist
                 largely
                 upon
                 this
                 watching
                 here
                 ,
                 only
                 here
                 I
                 suppose
                 it
                 most
                 naturally
                 falls
                 into
                 this
                 main
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 .
                 Watching
                 here
                 ,
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 diligent
                 taking
                 heed
                 to
                 our selves
                 
                   that
                   that
                   day
                   come
                   not
                   upon
                   us
                   at
                   unawares
                
                 ;
                 As
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 watcheth
                 against
                 an
                 enemy
                 is
                 surprized
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 diligent
                 heed
                 :
                 so
                 our
                 
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   take
                   heed
                   to
                   your selves
                   that
                   that
                   day
                   come
                   not
                   upon
                   you
                   as
                   a
                   snare
                   ,
                
                 so
                 take
                 heed
                 to
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                   flock
                   over
                   which
                   the
                   Lord
                   hath
                   made
                   you
                   overseers
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 Watch
                 therefore
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 for
                 after
                 my
                 departure
                 
                   grievous
                   wolves
                   will
                   enter
                
                 .
                 As
                 a
                 party
                 of
                 soldiers
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 they
                 would
                 take
                 diligent
                 heed
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 be
                 surprized
                 by
                 their
                 enemy
                 ,
                 they
                 watch
                 ,
                 they
                 express
                 it
                 that
                 way
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 
                   then
                   ,
                   The
                   Exhortation
                
                 is
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   take
                   diligent
                   heed
                   to
                   our selves
                   ,
                   lest
                   we
                   be
                   surprized
                   by
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 when
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 determined
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 take
                 not
                 diligent
                 heed
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 come
                 upon
                 us
                 unawares
                 .
              
               
                 You
                 have
                 had
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Motives
                 to
                 press
                 this
                 duty
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Caution
                 against
                 sleeping
                 ;
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 remember
                 ,
                 how
                 you
                 cannot
                 be
                 too
                 often
                 put
                 in
                 mind
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 surely
                 our
                 Saviour
                 cometh
                 over
                 with
                 it
                 so
                 often
                 ,
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 the
                 
                   danger
                   you
                   are
                   in
                
                 while
                 you
                 sleep
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 will
                 rather
                 take
                 up
                 a
                 Consideration
                 or
                 two
                 from
                 hence
                 .
              
               
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   the
                   difficulty
                   of
                   the
                   duty
                   ,
                   so
                   continually
                
                 to
                 take
                 so
                 
                   diligent
                   heed
                   ;
                   If
                   the
                   good
                   man
                   had
                   known
                   what
                   hour
                   the
                   thief
                   would
                   have
                   come
                   ,
                
                 he
                 might
                 more
                 easily
                 have
                 watched
                 to
                 have
                 prevented
                 him
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 easie
                 to
                 hold
                 out
                 such
                 a
                 watch
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 then
                 constantly
                 ,
                 now
                 every
                 hour
                 being
                 in
                 danger
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 hour
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 difficult
                 ;
                 which
                 should
                 not
                 discourage
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 whet
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 double
                 
                   diligence
                   .
                   Jam
                   per
                   periculum
                   anim●
                   Alexandri
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 an
                 easie
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Christian
                 as
                 many
                 are
                 ,
                 
                   lazy
                   droans
                   ,
                   listless
                   ,
                   sleepy
                
                 Professors
                 ,
                 that
                 alas
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 would
                 scarce
                 ever
                 be
                 found
                 upon
                 their
                 watch
                 ,
                 when
                 ever
                 he
                 should
                 come
                 ;
                 But
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 
                   great
                   difficulty
                
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 will
                 
                   work
                   all
                   your
                   faculties
                
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ,
                 to
                 watch
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   dreadfulness
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 surprized
                 would
                 you
                 have
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 find
                 you
                 with
                 your
                 ornaments
                 laid
                 aside
                 ,
                 find
                 you
                 naked
                 ?
                 how
                 will
                 you
                 hold
                 up
                 your
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 ?
                 either
                 you
                 will
                 perish
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 (
                 and
                 I
                 doubt
                 that
                 will
                 prove
                 the
                 portion
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 )
                 or
                 else
                 you
                 will
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 must
                 run
                 through
                 fear
                 ,
                 through
                 some
                 shame
                 ,
                 confusion
                 ,
                 distraction
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 are
                 taken
                 unawares
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 you
                 
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   but
                   of
                   the
                   day
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   that
                   that
                   day
                   should
                   not
                   take
                   you
                   at
                   unawares
                   ,
                   1
                   Thes
                   .
                
                 5.
                 5.
                 
                 And
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   give
                   not
                   God
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   his
                   dispensations
                   ,
                
                 which
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 watch
                 .
              
               
                 
                   What
                   then
                   should
                   we
                   do
                
                 ?
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 things
                 specially
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 this
                 Parable
                 ,
                 which
                 our
                 Saviour
                 thus
                 applyeth
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 both
                 by
                 their
                 sleeping
                 suffered
                 such
                 loss
                 ;
                 the
                 one
                 lost
                 all
                 their
                 precious
                 souls
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 not
                 being
                 able
                 to
                 recover
                 them
                 ;
                 the
                 other
                 lost
                 their
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   sweet
                   peace
                
                 ,
                 and
                 quiet
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 much
                 coniusion
                 in
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 being
                 in
                 a
                 hurry
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 ;
                 when
                 it
                 should
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 ,
                 should
                 have
                 nothing
                 else
                 to
                 do
                 but
                 to
                 dye
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 this
                 watching
                 being
                 opposed
                 to
                 both
                 their
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   conceive
                
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 things
                 specially
                 in
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   That
                   you
                   be
                   sure
                   to
                   have
                   your
                   oyl
                   in
                   your
                   vessels
                   ready
                   ,
                
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 grace
                 in
                 our
                 
                   hearts
                   .
                   Take
                   heed
                   to
                   your selves
                   diligently
                   then
                   in
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   that
                   you
                   give
                   not
                   sleep
                   to
                   your
                   eys
                   ,
                   nor
                   slumber
                   to
                   your
                   eye-lids
                
                 ;
                 give
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 nor
                 your
                 souls
                 rest
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 have
                 this
                 Communication
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 your
                 poor
                 souls
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 poor
                 hearts
                 that
                 hear
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 dram
                 of
                 grace
                 ?
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 long
                 had
                 a
                 name
                 to
                 be
                 Christians
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 all
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 What
                 do
                 you
                 mean
                 ?
                 can
                 you
                 dye
                 comfortably
                 ,
                 hopefully
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 have
                 grace
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 this
                 oyl
                 ,
                 this
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 dwelling
                 in
                 you
                 ?
                 will
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 enable
                 you
                 to
                 lift
                 up
                 your
                 faces
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 righteousness
                 and
                 holiness
                 made
                 over
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 imputed
                 unto
                 you
                 as
                 an
                 Inner
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Outward
                   Garment
                
                 ,
                 or
                 Cloathing
                 ?
                 I
                 have
                 hope
                 of
                 you
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 prove
                 
                   Foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 careless
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 regard
                 whether
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 to
                 have
                 
                 grace
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 ;
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 such
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 tell
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 his
                 Condition
                 is
                 next
                 to
                 desperate
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 smite
                 such
                 sinners
                 hearts
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 care
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 come
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 you
                 will
                 care
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 vein
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 will
                 ake
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 trifled
                 away
                 your
                 time
                 ,
                 your
                 day
                 you
                 had
                 to
                 get
                 grace
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 you
                 have
                 none
                 ;
                 Do
                 you
                 think
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 without
                 grace
                 ?
                 must
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 
                   wedding
                   garment
                
                 to
                 his
                 Supper
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 must
                 not
                 there
                 much
                 more
                 be
                 a
                 
                   wedding
                   Garment
                
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 come
                 into
                 that
                 nearest
                 
                 Fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 for
                 ever
                 ?
                 Do
                 poor
                 sinners
                 eat
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 judgement
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 come
                 without
                 grace
                 to
                 the
                 Supper
                 ?
                 O
                 brethren
                 !
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 he
                 will
                 endure
                 you
                 to
                 enter
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 grace
                 to
                 sit
                 with
                 him
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 to
                 eternity
                 ?
                 No
                 :
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Sinners
                   shall
                   not
                   stand
                   in
                   the
                   Congregation
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   upright
                
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 perswade
                 you
                 !
                 How
                 far
                 are
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 from
                 the
                 Apostles
                 temper
                 !
                 
                   he
                   counted
                   all
                   things
                   dung
                   and
                   dross
                   ,
                
                 not
                 worthy
                 his
                 thoughts
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 being
                 found
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 we
                 count
                 these
                 things
                 dung
                 and
                 dross
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ?
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 surely
                 men
                 would
                 lay
                 out
                 some
                 of
                 their
                 care
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 their
                 thoughts
                 some
                 of
                 their
                 time
                 for
                 the
                 getting
                 Christ
                 and
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   We
                   must
                   labour
                   also
                   to
                   have
                   our
                   graces
                   ,
                   to
                   get
                   and
                   keep
                   our
                   graces
                   in
                   act
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   lively
                   frame
                   ,
                
                 our
                 hearts
                 flaming
                 towards
                 the
                 Lord
                 continually
                 ;
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 they
                 slept
                 ,
                 and
                 while
                 they
                 slept
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 watch
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 had
                 grace
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 kept
                 it
                 not
                 in
                 use
                 ,
                 in
                 exercise
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 underwent
                 much
                 inconvenience
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 exhorts
                 us
                 to
                 
                   watch
                   ,
                   to
                   take
                   diligent
                   heed
                   ,
                
                 that
                 we
                 run
                 not
                 the
                 like
                 hazard
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 than
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 :
                 Therefore
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 your
                 
                   graces
                   lively
                
                 :
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 think
                 with
                 our selves
                 often
                 when
                 we
                 find
                 a
                 listless
                 f●ame
                 growing
                 upon
                 us
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 would
                 my
                 Condition
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 should
                 come
                 this
                 day
                 to
                 my
                 poor
                 soul
                 ?
                 
                   Labour
                   to
                   keep
                   your
                   faith
                
                 lively
                 ,
                 
                   your
                   Love
                
                 lively
                 ,
                 so
                 your
                 humility
                 and
                 self-abasing
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 exalt
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 do
                 this
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 poor
                 ,
                 imperfect
                 creatures
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 can
                 we
                 be
                 alway
                 acting
                 our
                 graces
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 likely
                 we
                 should
                 keep
                 them
                 alway
                 in
                 act
                 ?
                 that
                 is
                 enough
                 for
                 Angels
                 ,
                 and
                 glorified
                 Saints
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 therefore
                 called
                 watchers
                 .
              
               
               
                 I
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 required
                 we
                 should
                 always
                 be
                 acting
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 nothing
                 else
                 ;
                 then
                 we
                 should
                 neither
                 sleep
                 ,
                 nor
                 follow
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 callings
                 ,
                 which
                 require
                 the
                 intention
                 of
                 the
                 mind
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 labour
                 of
                 the
                 hand
                 ,
                 therefore
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 meaning
                 ,
                 nor
                 indeed
                 were
                 we
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 our
                 spirits
                 would
                 fail
                 us
                 .
                 But
                 how
                 then
                 ?
              
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   must
                   be
                   acting
                   our
                   graces
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   called
                   to
                   act
                   them
                   ,
                
                 when
                 ever
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 Mephibosheth
                 eats
                 bread
                 continually
                 at
                 Davids
                 table
                 ;
                 not
                 that
                 he
                 did
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 eat
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 
                 intermission
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 meal-times
                 he
                 did
                 eat
                 continually
                 .
                 Note
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 upon
                 all
                 occasions
                 we
                 act
                 our
                 graces
                 ,
                 upon
                 every
                 temptation
                 wherewith
                 we
                 are
                 assaulted
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 act
                 our
                 faith
                 ,
                 upon
                 every
                 tryal
                 our
                 patience
                 ,
                 upon
                 every
                 manifestation
                 of
                 himself
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 act
                 our
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 thank-fulness
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 specially
                 in
                 our
                 drawings
                 nigh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 our
                 graces
                 in
                 act
                 ;
                 which
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 sar
                 short
                 do
                 we
                 fall
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 our
                 daily
                 performances
                 ,
                 prayers
                 ,
                 publike
                 ,
                 secret
                 ;
                 So
                 ,
                 meditating
                 ,
                 reading
                 ,
                 hearing
                 ,
                 receiving
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 them
                 bright
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 exercise
                 them
                 at
                 these
                 times
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 now
                 renew
                 our
                 repentance
                 ,
                 in
                 washing
                 
                 
                   our
                   hands
                   in
                   innocency
                
                 ,
                 as
                 clean
                 as
                 if
                 washed
                 in
                 innocency
                 it self
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 so
                 compass
                 the
                 Altar
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 How
                 should
                 we
                 as
                 Jacob
                 his
                 family
                 ,
                 besides
                 putting
                 away
                 their
                 Idols
                 ,
                 change
                 their
                 garments
                 also
                 !
                 we
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 cloathed
                 with
                 another
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 another
                 frame
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 before
                 him
                 
                 upon
                 these
                 occasions
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 concerning
                 the
                 Steward
                 ,
                 which
                 specially
                 concerneth
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   Blessed
                   is
                   that
                   servant
                   ,
                   whom
                   his
                   Master
                   shall
                   sind
                   so
                   doing
                   ,
                   giving
                   every
                   one
                   their
                   portion
                   in
                   due
                   season
                
                 ;
                 A
                 slothful
                 servant
                 is
                 a
                 wicked
                 servant
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 receiveth
                 grace
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 improveth
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 
                 stirreth
                 not
                 up
                 himself
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
                 upon
                 special
                 occasions
                 ;
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 on
                 foot
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   oporte●
                   Episcopum
                   concionari
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 one
                 eminent
                 in
                 his
                 time
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 given
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 all
                 believing
                 people
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 habits
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 giveth
                 it
                 them
                 as
                 a
                 stock
                 to
                 trade
                 with
                 ,
                 as
                 principles
                 to
                 act
                 for
                 him
                 in
                 their
                 places
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   blessed
                   is
                   that
                   servant
                   whom
                   his
                   Lord
                   shall
                   find
                   so
                   doing
                
                 ;
                 he
                 saith
                 not
                 ,
                 whom
                 his
                 Lord
                 
                 ●hall
                 find
                 with
                 grace
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   so
                   doing
                   ;
                   acting
                   his
                   grace
                   .
                
                 Ah
                 blessed
                 souls
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 shall
                 find
                 praying
                 ,
                 keeping
                 up
                 those
                 duties
                 in
                 a
                 lively
                 manner
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 shall
                 find
                 receiving
                 the
                 
                   sealing
                   Ordinances
                
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 
                   wedding
                   Garment
                
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 a
                 lively
                 frame
                 of
                 spirit
                 fit
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 
                   You
                   have
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Christ
                   dwelling
                   in
                   you
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   be
                   his
                   ,
                
                 and
                 will
                 you
                 let
                 such
                 a
                 precious
                 principle
                 lie
                 idle
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 given
                 to
                 
                   mortifie
                   ,
                   to
                   sanctifie
                   ;
                   O
                   blessed
                   soul
                   that
                   shall
                   be
                   found
                   so
                   doing
                   ,
                   even
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   to
                   mortifie
                   the
                   deeds
                   of
                   the
                   Flesh
                
                 ;
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                 nothing
                 will
                 keep
                 us
                 more
                 awake
                 ,
                 then
                 action
                 will
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 found
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 comfortable
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 the
                 acting
                 of
                 your
                 graces
                 ,
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Labour
                   to
                   love
                   his
                   appearing
                   so
                   ,
                   as
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   wait
                   for
                   it
                
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 if
                 we
                 love
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 apt
                 to
                 put
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 it
                 far
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 labour
                 either
                 to
                 love
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 fear
                 it
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 thy
                 Condition
                 ;
                 if
                 thy
                 Calling
                 and
                 Election
                 be
                 made
                 sure
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   thou
                   knowest
                   the
                   things
                   freely
                   given
                   thee
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 then
                 be
                 ashamed
                 that
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 should
                 lie
                 so
                 near
                 thee
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   not
                   to
                   desire
                   to
                   be
                   dissolved
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   with
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 renew
                 these
                 desires
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 ,
                 nothing
                 but
                 the
                 greater
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 here
                 ;
                 indeed
                 action
                 for
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 honour
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 high
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 great
                 weight
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 methinks
                 the
                 burthen
                 of
                 sins
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 groan
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 methinks
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 an
                 eye
                 upon
                 the
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
                 ,
                 the
                 joy
                 that
                 is
                 set
                 before
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 full
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 there
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 greater
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 knowing
                 you
                 are
                 absent
                 ;
                 now
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 desire
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 groaning
                 ,
                 surely
                 that
                 day
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 upon
                 them
                 so
                 unexpectedly
                 and
                 terribly
                 .
              
               
                 If
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 this
                 assurance
                 brethren
                 ,
                 methinks
                 then
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 should
                 hold
                 us
                 in
                 such
                 bondage
                 all
                 our
                 lives-long
                 ,
                 it
                 should
                 so
                 keep
                 us
                 awake
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 have
                 little
                 mind
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 labour
                 to
                 keep
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 fresh
                 ▪
                 our
                 own
                 Condition
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   working
                   to
                   make
                   our
                   calling
                   and
                   election
                   sure
                   ,
                
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 found
                 doing
                 ;
                 and
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 poor
                 soul
                 trembling
                 ,
                 that
                 thus
                 follows
                 hard
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 day
                 come
                 upon
                 him
                 before
                 he
                 have
                 this
                 assurance
                 ,
                 yet
                 shall
                 it
                 be
                 more
                 comfortable
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 had
                 more
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 fals
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 lap
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 overtaken
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   7.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
               
                 IN
                 the
                 former
                 Verse
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 preparative
                 Cry
                 ,
                 
                   behold
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   cometh
                
                 ;
                 In
                 this
                 Verse
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 effect
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 general
                 to
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 both
                 wise
                 and
                 foolish
                 ;
                 then
                 when
                 that
                 cry
                 was
                 made
                 ,
                 that
                 dreadful
                 sound
                 was
                 made
                 in
                 their
                 ears
                 ,
                 it
                 startled
                 them
                 ,
                 rowsed
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 arose
                 from
                 their
                 bed
                 of
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 ;
                 all
                 those
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 those
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 speaking
                 of
                 ,
                 all
                 those
                 that
                 slept
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 wise
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 foolish
                 ,
                 and
                 foolish
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 wise
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 generally
                 taken
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 further
                 plain
                 ;
                 because
                 afterward
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 divide
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   the
                   foolish
                   said
                   unto
                   the
                   wise
                
                 ;
                 while
                 they
                 were
                 both
                 asleep
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 could
                 not
                 speak
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 other
                 hear
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 rowsed
                 ,
                 they
                 universally
                 particle
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   all
                   arose
                   ,
                   and
                   trimmed
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 It
                 hath
                 influence
                 upon
                 both
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 Predicate
                 .
                 
                   The
                   words
                
                 are
                 a
                 plain
                 Proposition
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   Subject
                
                 is
                 the
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   universality
                
                 of
                 the
                 Subject
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   of
                   them
                
                 ,
                 those
                 Virgins
                 that
                 were
                 asleep
                 before
                 .
                 That
                 which
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 is
                 double
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   arose
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   trimmed
                   their
                   Lamps
                   .
                
                 And
                 we
                 have
                 also
                 
                   the
                   time
                   when
                
                 they
                 did
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   ,
                   then
                   when
                   the
                   Cry
                   came
                   ,
                
                 they
                 heeded
                 not
                 what
                 Condition
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 in
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 things
                 mainly
                 noteworthy
                 in
                 the
                 verse
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 two
                 sorts
                 of
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 which
                 divide
                 this
                 universal
                 ;
                 
                   all
                   those
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 wise
                 and
                 foolish
                 ;
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 were
                 Virgins
                 in
                 deed
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 in
                 profession
                 and
                 appearance
                 such
                 ;
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 considerable
                 concerning
                 them
                 both
                 .
                 That
                 the
                 Hypocrite
                 should
                 ever
                 arise
                 out
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 deep
                 sleep
                 ,
                 considering
                 that
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 never
                 awake
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 matter
                 worth
                 our
                 noting
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 that
                 had
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 a
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 even
                 now
                 wearing
                 out
                 ,
                 yet
                 should
                 be
                 trimming
                 of
                 it
                 up
                 for
                 heaven
                 ;
                 On
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 observable
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 hath
                 his
                 Lamp
                 to
                 trim
                 now
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Cry
                 is
                 come
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 summoned
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 near
                 at
                 hand
                 .
                 Accordingly
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 take
                 up
                 a
                 double
                 Observation
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 .
              
               
               
                 
                   That
                   an
                   Hypocrite
                   ,
                   a
                   formal
                   Professor
                   may
                   go
                   very
                   far
                   towards
                
                 
                 
                   heaven
                   and
                   salvation
                
                 .
                 And
                 I
                 think
                 this
                 droppeth
                 like
                 honey
                 from
                 the
                 comb
                 ,
                 without
                 crushing
                 ,
                 or
                 wrong
                 to
                 the
                 Text.
                 
              
               
                 
                   That
                   a
                   Child
                   of
                   God
                   may
                   have
                   his
                   Lamp
                   to
                   trim
                   when
                   he
                   should
                
                 
                 
                   use
                   it
                
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 first
                 of
                 these
                 ,
                 A
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 very
                 far
                 ,
                 his
                 Profession
                 may
                 carry
                 him
                 a
                 great
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fall
                 short
                 at
                 last
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 pluck
                 away
                 the
                 vizard
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 but
                 letteth
                 them
                 proceed
                 ;
                 he
                 could
                 have
                 discovered
                 them
                 when
                 he
                 pleased
                 :
                 they
                 take
                 up
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ;
                 more
                 then
                 many
                 will
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 hardly
                 stir
                 a
                 foot
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 continue
                 so
                 doing
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 tarried
                 so
                 long
                 beyond
                 their
                 expectation
                 ;
                 then
                 indeed
                 they
                 fell
                 asleep
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 rowsed
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 trimmed
                 their
                 Lamps
                 .
                 All
                 these
                 put
                 together
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 will
                 make
                 it
                 appear
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 short
                 :
                 
                   A
                   Doctrine
                
                 never
                 more
                 need
                 for
                 to
                 be
                 pressed
                 then
                 now
                 :
                 And
                 therefore
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 not
                 very
                 long
                 since
                 much
                 concerning
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 able
                 to
                 speak
                 ,
                 and
                 better
                 for
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 me
                 also
                 put
                 you
                 in
                 remembrance
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 open
                 all
                 our
                 eyes
                 in
                 a
                 thing
                 so
                 nearly
                 concerning
                 us
                 all
                 .
                 I
                 shall
                 therefore
                 propose
                 what
                 I
                 have
                 to
                 say
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 proof
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 in
                 several
                 heads
                 or
                 degrees
                 whereto
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 reach
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 all
                 understanding
                 in
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 much
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 much
                 light
                 ,
                 a
                 head
                 full
                 of
                 notion
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 necessarily
                 imported
                 in
                 the
                 Lamps
                 which
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 had
                 .
                 Some
                 have
                 thought
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 dead
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 flame
                 ,
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 nor
                 heat
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 see
                 no
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 which
                 argues
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 before
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 think
                 this
                 will
                 hardly
                 be
                 denied
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 
                   Hypocrite
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   man
                   of
                   much
                   knowledge
                
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ?
                 were
                 they
                 not
                 men
                 of
                 much
                 knowledge
                 and
                 understanding
                 ,
                 able
                 to
                 teach
                 others
                 ?
                 they
                 had
                 Moses's
                 Chair
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 men
                 of
                 
                 
                 great
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 our
                 Saviour
                 brands
                 them
                 for
                 Hypocrites
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 an
                 aëry
                 religion
                 that
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 head
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 to
                 them
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 concession
                 ,
                 yielding
                 to
                 them
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 but
                 shewing
                 them
                 where
                 they
                 fell
                 short
                 ;
                 
                   thou
                   art
                   a
                   Jew
                   ,
                   and
                   restest
                   in
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   makest
                   thy
                   boast
                   of
                   God
                   :
                
                 as
                 
                 we
                 do
                 now
                 ,
                 make
                 our
                 boast
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 Christians
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 bear
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 accounted
                 otherwise
                 ;
                 
                   and
                   knowest
                   his
                   will
                   ,
                   and
                   approvest
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   more
                   excellent
                   ,
                   being
                   instructed
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 their
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 light
                 within
                 them
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Testimonies
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 their
                 light
                 from
                 thence
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 well
                 grown
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 confident
                 
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   guides
                   to
                   the
                   blind
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 had
                 no
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 blind
                 themselves
                 ;
                 
                   a
                   light
                   to
                   them
                   which
                   are
                   in
                   darkness
                   ,
                   an
                   instructer
                   of
                   the
                   foolish
                   ,
                   a
                   teacher
                   of
                   Babes
                   .
                
                 And
                 not
                 only
                 he
                 is
                 confident
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Apostle
                 yieldeth
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   had
                   the
                   form
                   of
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   in
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 reasons
                 
                   ex
                   concessis
                   ;
                   thou
                   which
                   teachest
                   another
                   ,
                   teachest
                   thou
                   not self
                   ?
                
                 &c.
                 We
                 glory
                 in
                 these
                 days
                 ,
                 as
                 much
                 in
                 our
                 light
                 as
                 ever
                 they
                 did
                 ;
                 never
                 such
                 times
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 though
                 for
                 my
                 part
                 I
                 cannot
                 see
                 but
                 much
                 that
                 passeth
                 for
                 light
                 ,
                 is
                 gross
                 darkness
                 ;
                 but
                 suppose
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 light
                 enough
                 ,
                 a
                 shining
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 but
                 a
                 foolish
                 Virgin
                 ;
                 
                   surgunt
                   indocti
                   ,
                   &
                   rapiunt
                   coelum
                   ,
                   &
                   nos
                   cum
                   doctrinis
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 I
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 where
                 a
                 people
                 are
                 void
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 needs
                 perish
                 ;
                 
                   God
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   merciful
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                
                 Isa
                 .
                 27.
                 
                 
                   He
                   hath
                   a
                   controversie
                   ,
                   because
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   knowledge
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                
                 ,
                 Hos
                 .
                 4.
                 
                   and
                   where
                   no
                   vision
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   people
                   perish
                
                 ;
                 they
                 perish
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 which
                 cometh
                 by
                 vision
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 knowledge
                 alone
                 will
                 stand
                 them
                 instead
                 ;
                 the
                 Devils
                 are
                 called
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 and
                 that
                 for
                 their
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 for
                 their
                 malice
                 ;
                 thou
                 mayst
                 have
                 enough
                 then
                 to
                 light
                 thy
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 have
                 no
                 Oyl
                 in
                 thy
                 vessel
                 ;
                 remember
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 A
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 have
                 not
                 only
                 
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   but
                   his
                   affections
                   may
                   be
                   stirred
                   also
                
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 warmed
                 in
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 before
                 it
                 be
                 extinguished
                 ;
                 there
                 was
                 heat
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 light
                 .
                 Some
                 have
                 light
                 without
                 heat
                 ,
                 such
                 are
                 meer
                 notions
                 ;
                 others
                 have
                 heat
                 without
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 good
                 so
                 far
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Hypocrite
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 heat
                 and
                 affection
                 
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 a
                 foolish
                 Virgin
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 .
                 Let
                 me
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 some
                 affections
                 ,
                 among
                 many
                 others
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 may
                 have
                 .
                 As
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   They
                   may
                   have
                   sorrow
                   for
                   sin
                   ,
                
                 being
                 convinced
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 it
                 exposeth
                 them
                 unto
                 ;
                 How
                 doth
                 Darius
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 signed
                 the
                 Decree
                 against
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 kingdom
                 lay
                 at
                 stake
                 ,
                 his
                 people
                 would
                 rebel
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 executed
                 not
                 the
                 Decree
                 ,
                 he
                 laboured
                 to
                 deliver
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 sorry
                 for
                 what
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 rest
                 ,
                 nor
                 sleep
                 that
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 early
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 cometh
                 with
                 a
                 lamentable
                 tone
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 
                   O
                   Daniel
                   ,
                   servant
                   of
                   the
                   living
                   God
                   ,
                   art
                   thou
                   yet
                   alive
                   ?
                
                 There
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 bondage
                 to
                 fear
                 ,
                 or
                 witnessing
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 condemned
                 state
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 succeeded
                 with
                 a
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Adoption
                 :
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 your
                 Consciences
                 so
                 galled
                 sometimes
                 with
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 cannot
                 rest
                 ,
                 but
                 cry
                 out
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 O
                 sin
                 ,
                 sin
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 bitter
                 thing
                 is
                 sin
                 ;
                 yea
                 so
                 far
                 may
                 this
                 sorrow
                 prevail
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 make
                 you
                 vomit
                 up
                 your
                 sweet
                 morsel
                 ,
                 make
                 you
                 make
                 restitution
                 with
                 Judas
                 ;
                 God
                 may
                 so
                 fire
                 the
                 Coal
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 hold
                 it
                 in
                 your
                 bosom
                 any
                 longer
                 :
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 Gods
                 wrath
                 upon
                 Judas
                 ,
                 even
                 melted
                 his
                 pieces
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 too
                 hot
                 for
                 him
                 to
                 hold
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 but
                 a
                 Judas
                 still
                 :
                 And
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 much
                 ,
                 a
                 strong
                 effect
                 of
                 those
                 troubles
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   There
                   may
                   be
                   some
                   desires
                
                 ,
                 and
                 seemingly
                 earnest
                 desires
                 after
                 things
                 really
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 bring
                 to
                 salvation
                 :
                 as
                 those
                 there
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 John
                 ,
                 were
                 they
                 not
                 much
                 affected
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 they
                 cried
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   evermore
                   give
                   us
                   of
                   this
                   bread
                   ?
                
                 As
                 very
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 Balaam
                 was
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 wishings
                 and
                 wouldings
                 :
                 
                   O
                   that
                   I
                   might
                   die
                   the
                   death
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 
                   O
                   how
                   beautiful
                   are
                   his
                   Tabernacles
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 he
                 
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 desires
                 to
                 enjoy
                 that
                 communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 Ordinances
                 :
                 how
                 beautiful
                 are
                 they
                 ?
                 And
                 the
                 
                   young
                   man
                
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 had
                 he
                 not
                 good
                 desires
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 said
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 loved
                 him
                 for
                 that
                 good
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 with
                 that
                 special
                 love
                 of
                 pitty
                 to
                 save
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 read
                 of
                 ?
                 his
                 desires
                 carried
                 him
                 out
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 never
                 reach
                 heaven
                 ;
                 I
                 doubt
                 not
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 this
                 day
                 have
                 sometimes
                 some
                 good
                 desires
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 go
                 well
                 with
                 your
                 souls
                 ;
                 you
                 may
                 cry
                 out
                 sometimes
                 with
                 the
                 
                 multitude
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   evermore
                   give
                   us
                   this
                   bread
                   ,
                
                 you
                 would
                 be
                 loath
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 the
                 Ordinance
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 ;
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 could
                 lay
                 it
                 to
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 There
                 may
                 be
                 also
                 some
                 hope
                 ,
                 we
                 read
                 often
                 in
                 Job
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 
                 hope
                 of
                 the
                 Hypocrite
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 certainly
                 an
                 hope
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 be
                 at
                 so
                 much
                 pains
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 is
                 at
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 shall
                 hear
                 afterward
                 ;
                 would
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 have
                 done
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 a
                 hope
                 ?
                 when
                 hope
                 expireth
                 ,
                 all
                 endeavour
                 giveth
                 up
                 the
                 ghost
                 with
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 There
                 may
                 be
                 also
                 
                   a
                   joy
                   and
                   delight
                   in
                   holy
                   things
                   ,
                
                 as
                 those
                 that
                 kindled
                 a
                 fire
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 
                 Text
                 ;
                 
                   They
                   walk
                   in
                   the
                   sparks
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   fire
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   delight
                   themselves
                   in
                   it
                
                 .
                 And
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Galathians
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 pluckt
                 out
                 their
                 eyes
                 for
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 ordinary
                 rapture
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 did
                 they
                 apostatize
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 And
                 is
                 is
                 not
                 sad
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 in
                 our
                 days
                 many
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 instruments
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 dear
                 to
                 them
                 as
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 come
                 to
                 with
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 cast
                 off
                 all
                 ?
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 think
                 brethren
                 ,
                 of
                 such
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 cases
                 ?
                 According
                 to
                 the
                 hope
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 joy
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 hope
                 be
                 sound
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 joy
                 ;
                 if
                 
                 the
                 hope
                 be
                 false
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 the
                 joy
                 which
                 springs
                 from
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 hinders
                 it
                 not
                 haply
                 ,
                 doth
                 not
                 damp
                 ,
                 and
                 overcast
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 Satan
                 endeavours
                 to
                 water
                 such
                 a
                 plant
                 as
                 that
                 is
                 !
                 for
                 what
                 more
                 available
                 to
                 lay
                 a
                 soul
                 asleep
                 then
                 this
                 ?
                 
                   he
                   hath
                   joy
                   in
                   holy
                   things
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 an
                 high
                 attainment
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   take
                   delight
                   in
                   approaching
                   to
                   God.
                
                 And
                 we
                 read
                 in
                 Heb.
                 6.
                 that
                 such
                 as
                 fall
                 
                 away
                 ,
                 
                   may
                   have
                   a
                   taste
                   of
                   the
                   joy
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   come
                
                 ;
                 such
                 a
                 
                   temporary
                   faith
                
                 ,
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 it
                 doth
                 convince
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 us
                 things
                 worth
                 the
                 rejoycing
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 false
                 hope
                 of
                 a
                 title
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 matter
                 ;
                 it
                 will
                 raise
                 the
                 spirit
                 to
                 rejoyce
                 ;
                 Well
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 ordinary
                 pitch
                 of
                 affections
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 but
                 a
                 Hypocrite
                 ;
                 the
                 stony
                 ground
                 received
                 the
                 word
                 with
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 rejoyced
                 in
                 
                   John
                   Baptists
                   light
                   for
                   a
                   season
                   ;
                   Thou
                   art
                   unto
                   them
                
                 
                 
                   as
                   one
                   that
                   hath
                   a
                   pleasant
                   voice
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 There
                 may
                 not
                 onely
                 be
                 those
                 affections
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 fervor
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 a
                 mans
                 affections
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 boyled
                 up
                 
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 height
                 :
                 
                   Zeal
                   for
                   God
                
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 much
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 Jehu
                 his
                 case
                 ,
                 how
                 hot
                 and
                 zealous
                 was
                 he
                 for
                 God
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 Judas
                 
                 seemed
                 very
                 zealous
                 of
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 had
                 the
                 box
                 of
                 oyntment
                 spilled
                 .
                 Ananias
                 and
                 Saphira
                 seemed
                 to
                 have
                 more
                 heat
                 of
                 love
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 sell
                 their
                 possessions
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 the
                 forwardest
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 what
                 became
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 may
                 we
                 brethren
                 .
                 Not
                 but
                 that
                 zeal
                 is
                 exceedingly
                 to
                 be
                 commended
                 ,
                 and
                 lukewarmness
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 loathsom
                 temper
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 spue
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ;
                 yet
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 fire
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 of
                 Gods
                 kindling
                 .
                 The
                 false
                 Apostles
                 did
                 zealously
                 affect
                 those
                 Christians
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 Apostle
                 writeth
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 seemed
                 to
                 be
                 men
                 of
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 warm
                 affections
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 were
                 but
                 false
                 Apostles
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 it
                 enviously
                 ,
                 to
                 work
                 the
                 Apostle
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 so
                 to
                 hinder
                 this
                 work
                 among
                 them
                 .
                 Well
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 more
                 forward
                 then
                 others
                 are
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 heat
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 but
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 but
                 hypocrites
                 ▪
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   An
                   hypocrite
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   be
                   careful
                   in
                   avoiding
                   much
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 an
                 imperfect
                 will
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 overcome
                 by
                 an
                 interest
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 Herod
                 and
                 Darius
                 had
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 wretches
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 so
                 properly
                 hypocrites
                 ;
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 they
                 surely
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 forgo
                 their
                 Idolatry
                 and
                 gross
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   Simon
                   Magus
                
                 left
                 his
                 Sorceries
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 virgins
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 
                 called
                 virgins
                 ,
                 though
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 likely
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 build
                 much
                 upon
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 unclean
                 spirit
                 may
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 enter
                 again
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 forsake
                 his
                 gross
                 pollutions
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 return
                 to
                 that
                 folly
                 again
                 ,
                 wallowing
                 in
                 them
                 as
                 the
                 swine
                 and
                 the
                 dog
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 second
                 of
                 Peter
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 
                 escaping
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 a
                 returning
                 to
                 them
                 again
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 stole
                 ,
                 stealeth
                 no
                 more
                 :
                 I
                 was
                 a
                 drunkard
                 may
                 some
                 one
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 I
                 thank
                 the
                 Lord
                 I
                 am
                 none
                 ;
                 I
                 was
                 a
                 filthy
                 wretch
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 I
                 am
                 filthy
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 very
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 all
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 but
                 hypocrisie
                 ▪
                 a
                 profession
                 and
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 we
                 may
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   An
                   hypocrite
                   may
                   have
                   conflict
                   within
                   himself
                   concerning
                   sins
                   ,
                   that
                   others
                   can
                   take
                   no
                   notice
                   of
                   ,
                
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 former
                 ;
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 inward
                 ▪
                 regretion
                 and
                 re
                 〈…〉
                 ctan●y
                 against
                 our
                 secret
                 evils
                 ;
                 the
                 Conscience
                 being
                 inlightened
                 and
                 di
                 〈…〉
                 ng
                 ,
                 ●hose
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 should
                 be
                 abandoned
                 ;
                 this
                 pride
                 of
                 
                 heart
                 is
                 loathsom
                 against
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 quarrels
                 with
                 the
                 Affections
                 and
                 Will
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 sin
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 keep
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 busle
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 may
                 mistake
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 lusting
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 against
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 spirit
                 against
                 the
                 flesh
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 proveth
                 nothing
                 so
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 They
                 may
                 also
                 do
                 much
                 ,
                 many
                 duties
                 &
                 services
                 ,
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 action
                 ,
                 not
                 Napkin
                 up
                 their
                 Talent
                 ,
                 but
                 act
                 ,
                 and
                 act
                 much
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 virgins
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 went
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 appears
                 ,
                 step
                 for
                 step
                 .
                 Did
                 not
                 Judas
                 act
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 following
                 Christ
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 going
                 forth
                 to
                 preach
                 the
                 Gospel
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 rest
                 ?
                 did
                 not
                 Jehu
                 act
                 in
                 an
                 high
                 manner
                 for
                 God
                 ?
                 
                   Come
                   and
                   see
                   my
                   zeal
                   for
                   God
                   ,
                
                 he
                 did
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 many
                 would
                 
                 do
                 .
                 And
                 did
                 not
                 Joash
                 reform
                 much
                 in
                 Jehoiadah●
                 time
                 ?
                 he
                 was
                 zealous
                 for
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 blamed
                 〈◊〉
                 Priests
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 so
                 forward
                 as
                 himself
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 what
                 〈…〉
                 d
                 he
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ?
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 fearful
                 examples
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 times
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 diligent
                 Christians
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 seemed
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 how
                 went
                 they
                 out
                 ?
                 yea
                 truly
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 one
                 thing
                 more
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 doing
                 ,
                 very
                 great
                 self-denying
                 actions
                 :
                 Was
                 not
                 that
                 a
                 self-denying
                 action
                 of
                 Rehoboam
                 ,
                 and
                 far
                 greater
                 then
                 this
                 of
                 Jehu
                 ?
                 
                 he
                 had
                 an
                 Army
                 ready
                 to
                 fight
                 with
                 Israel
                 when
                 they
                 revolted
                 ,
                 180000
                 fighting
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 came
                 and
                 told
                 him
                 it
                 was
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 bid
                 him
                 cease
                 ,
                 he
                 obeys
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 kingdom
                 lay
                 at
                 the
                 stake
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 so
                 fair
                 a
                 posture
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 Rehoboam
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 that
                 forsook
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 
                 his
                 God
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 though
                 before
                 he
                 made
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 
                   An
                   hypocrite
                   may
                   have
                   the
                   assisting
                   ,
                   inlarging
                   presence
                   of
                   God
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   service
                   .
                
                 They
                 had
                 preached
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 his
                 presence
                 had
                 been
                 with
                 them
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 cast
                 out
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 Saul
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 had
                 another
                 spirit
                 
                 given
                 him
                 from
                 that
                 day
                 forward
                 ,
                 a
                 spirit
                 to
                 gift
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 government
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 God
                 had
                 rejected
                 him
                 and
                 his
                 service
                 ,
                 the
                 spirit
                 departed
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 evil
                 spirit
                 vexed
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 a
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 but
                 a
                 Saul
                 ,
                 a
                 
                 wretch
                 ;
                 many
                 a
                 Minister
                 that
                 preacheth
                 your
                 souls
                 to
                 heaven
                 and
                 salvation
                 ,
                 may
                 perish
                 himself
                 :
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 great
                 gifts
                 given
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 of
                 Christ
                 his
                 presence
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 exercises
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 perish
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 .
                 As
                 the
                 Nurse
                 ,
                 though
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 eats
                 
                 dainty
                 fare
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 her
                 own
                 sake
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 sake
                 of
                 the
                 great
                 mans
                 child
                 whom
                 she
                 nurseth
                 :
                 So
                 may
                 it
                 be
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 prevent
                 us
                 with
                 his
                 loving
                 kindness
                 .
                 And
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 Christians
                 ,
                 God
                 may
                 give
                 you
                 a
                 gift
                 of
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 a
                 gift
                 in
                 conferring
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 eminent
                 therein
                 ,
                 God
                 may
                 assist
                 you
                 much
                 therein
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 his
                 peoples
                 sakes
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 build
                 up
                 thereby
                 ,
                 refresh
                 thereby
                 ,
                 your selves
                 may
                 perish
                 notwithstanding
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 fa●
                 that
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 ?
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   may
                   hold
                   out
                   very
                   long
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 prove
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 saddest
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 you
                 see
                 plainly
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 had
                 well
                 nigh
                 gone
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Cry
                 came
                 they
                 were
                 found
                 with
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 indeed
                 in
                 a
                 sleeping
                 condition
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 as
                 forward
                 as
                 they
                 for
                 externals
                 ,
                 had
                 not
                 their
                 Lamps
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 strange
                 to
                 〈…〉
                 der
                 that
                 Judas
                 should
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 rotten
                 creature
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 should
                 follow
                 him
                 so
                 far
                 ;
                 many
                 of
                 his
                 Disciples
                 were
                 quickly
                 offended
                 at
                 him
                 and
                 went
                 backward
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 walked
                 with
                 him
                 again
                 ,
                 but
                 Judas
                 went
                 far
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 may
                 think
                 the
                 better
                 of
                 our selves
                 for
                 our
                 continuance
                 so
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 ways
                 of
                 God
                 ▪
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 right
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 it
                 hold
                 o●t
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ▪
                 Hypocrites
                 may
                 hold
                 until
                 they
                 come
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 within
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 p●ice
                 of
                 the
                 Goal
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 tyre
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 up
                 :
                 Joash
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 did
                 he
                 continue
                 following
                 God
                 ?
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 long
                 passion
                 ,
                 considering
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 a
                 new
                 nature
                 in
                 it
                 that
                 was
                 the
                 principle
                 ▪
                 a
                 torrent
                 without
                 a
                 Spring
                 to
                 feed
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 run
                 very
                 long
                 indeed
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 :
                 do
                 but
                 consider
                 under
                 this
                 head
                 two
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   They
                   may
                   continue
                   and
                   weather
                   out
                   a
                   persecution
                   ,
                
                 endure
                 the
                 storm
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 perish
                 in
                 a
                 calm
                 ;
                 may
                 have
                 indured
                 persecution
                 for
                 Christ
                 his
                 sake
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 and
                 cause
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 fall
                 short
                 :
                 
                 as
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 the
                 third
                 sort
                 of
                 ground
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 scorched
                 with
                 the
                 Sun
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 up
                 ,
                 but
                 continued
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 brought
                 not
                 forth
                 fruit
                 to
                 perfection
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Thorns
                 choaked
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 not
                 only
                 withers
                 like
                 the
                 Bull-Rush
                 ,
                 before
                 other
                 hearts
                 ,
                 but
                 sometimes
                 like
                 a
                 tree
                 ,
                 he
                 continueth
                 and
                 abideth
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 Job
                 8.
                 17.
                 
                 And
                 that
                 Alexander
                 that
                 indured
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 hazarded
                 his
                 life
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 Act.
                 19.
                 32.
                 is
                 thought
                 by
                 some
                 to
                 be
                 that
                 Alexander
                 which
                 did
                 him
                 much
                 evil
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 he
                 complains
                 2
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 14.
                 
                 And
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 too
                 much
                 sad
                 testimony
                 
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 indured
                 much
                 affliction
                 and
                 persecution
                 from
                 the
                 opposers
                 of
                 Gods
                 people
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 have
                 turned
                 their
                 backs
                 upon
                 that
                 truth
                 for
                 which
                 they
                 suffered
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Consider
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 continue
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 as
                 though
                 they
                 fall
                 asleep
                 with
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 rise
                 again
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 deeply
                 seized
                 on
                 by
                 security
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 that
                 then
                 an
                 hypocrites
                 profession
                 should
                 come
                 altogether
                 to
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 never
                 open
                 his
                 eye
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 after
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 Cry
                 awaketh
                 them
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 bestir
                 themselves
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 to
                 trim
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ;
                 their
                 Consciences
                 had
                 been
                 awaked
                 before
                 ,
                 though
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 never
                 throughly
                 awaked
                 ;
                 Some
                 Will
                 and
                 Affections
                 they
                 ●ad
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 through
                 ,
                 and
                 prevailing
                 against
                 the
                 ●lesh
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 awake
                 ,
                 fals
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 holds
                 out
                 to
                 be
                 awaking
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 trimming
                 up
                 their
                 Lamps
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 none
                 were
                 more
                 likely
                 ,
                 nor
                 fairer
                 for
                 heaven
                 then
                 they
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 find
                 upon
                 the
                 tryal
                 ,
                 alas
                 they
                 were
                 going
                 out
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 continue
                 
                   through
                   changes
                   of
                   times
                   ,
                   through
                   changes
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   hearts
                   ,
                
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 
                   sleeping
                   fits
                
                 ,
                 and
                 rise
                 again
                 out
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 s●ir
                 up
                 our selves
                 ,
                 
                   trim
                   our
                   Lamps
                
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 prove
                 but
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 a
                 foolish
                 Virgin
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 carry
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   that
                   the
                   Saints
                   have
                   a
                   good
                   esteem
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                
                 yea
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 searching
                 of
                 Gods
                 people
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 have
                 a
                 more
                 piercing
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 see
                 further
                 into
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 then
                 others
                 can
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 case
                 may
                 stand
                 ;
                 but
                 indeed
                 some
                 hypocrisie
                 is
                 of
                 so
                 fine
                 a
                 thread
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 doth
                 
                   e●
                   fingere
                   aciem
                   oculorum
                
                 ,
                 some
                 Hypocrites
                 are
                 double
                 and
                 treble
                 guilt
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 easily
                 discerned
                 to
                 be
                 copper
                 ,
                 until
                 it
                 come
                 to
                 wear
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 holds
                 long
                 ;
                 the
                 Disciples
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 even
                 he
                 that
                 lay
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 discern
                 who
                 was
                 the
                 Traitor
                 by
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 appeared
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 as
                 good
                 thoughts
                 of
                 Judas
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 had
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 their
                 simplicity
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 proved
                 but
                 a
                 
                   Judas
                   ,
                   he
                   walked
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   ate
                   the
                   Passover
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   the
                   Supper
                   with
                
                 
                 
                   them
                   .
                   Thus
                   we
                   may
                   have
                   a
                   name
                   to
                   be
                   alive
                
                 among
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 but
                 dead
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 that
                 Church
                 in
                 the
                 Revelations
                 .
                 
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 walked
                 hand
                 in
                 hand
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 they
                 pass
                 for
                 all
                 alike
                 ;
                 and
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 so
                 much
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 such
                 good
                 and
                 stirring
                 affections
                 ,
                 
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 action
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 walks
                 so
                 unblamably
                 ,
                 suffer
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 hold
                 out
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 thinketh
                 no
                 evil
                 ,
                 do
                 judge
                 well
                 of
                 such
                 persons
                 .
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 also
                 upon
                 all
                 these
                 grounds
                 foregoing
                 have
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 confidence
                 of
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 condition
                 ;
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 had
                 admittance
                 into
                 the
                 fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 walked
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 and
                 shining
                 ;
                 we
                 find
                 not
                 that
                 they
                 suspect
                 themselves
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 until
                 at
                 last
                 they
                 awake
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 sleepy
                 condition
                 of
                 theirs
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 see
                 their
                 Lamps
                 are
                 gone
                 ,
                 or
                 going
                 out
                 .
                 I
                 deny
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 sometimes
                 be
                 self-condemned
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 Hereticks
                 ,
                 
                   after
                   the
                   first
                   and
                   second
                   admonition
                   reject
                   ,
                
                 for
                 fundamentals
                 are
                 so
                 clear
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 he
                 ●earken
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 second
                 admonition
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Rule
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 clearness
                 ,
                 and
                 meekness
                 held
                 forth
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 condemned
                 of
                 himself
                 .
                 
                   If
                   our
                   own
                   hearts
                   condemn
                   us
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                 
                   God
                   is
                   greater
                   then
                   our
                   hearts
                   .
                
                 But
                 yet
                 others
                 may
                 go
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 suspect
                 themselves
                 .
                 
                   There
                   is
                   a
                   Generation
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 
                   Solomon
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   pure
                   in
                   their
                   own
                   eyes
                   ,
                   (
                   as
                   they
                   judge
                   of
                   themselves
                   )
                   yet
                   are
                   not
                   washed
                   from
                   their
                   filthyness
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 worth
                 the
                 noting
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 
                 Disciples
                 were
                 more
                 forward
                 to
                 doubt
                 their
                 conditions
                 then
                 Judas
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 all
                 asked
                 ,
                 
                   Is
                   it
                   I
                   Lord
                   ,
                   is
                   it
                   I
                   ?
                
                 and
                 our
                 Saviour
                 was
                 
                 fain
                 to
                 set
                 it
                 on
                 with
                 a
                 terrible
                 threatning
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   were
                   better
                   for
                   that
                   man
                   that
                   he
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   born
                   :
                
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 cometh
                 out
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Master
                   is
                   it
                   I
                   ?
                   thou
                   hast
                   said
                   it
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Christ
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 suspected
                 himself
                 before
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 kept
                 it
                 close
                 however
                 .
                 The
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 hold
                 fast
                 his
                 duties
                 ,
                 gifts
                 and
                 performances
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 house
                 when
                 it
                 beginneth
                 to
                 totter
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 hold
                 them
                 by
                 his
                 teeth
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 godly
                 man
                 holds
                 the
                 practise
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 ,
                 so
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 holds
                 his
                 confidence
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 
                 it
                 go
                 .
                 The
                 world
                 giveth
                 him
                 a
                 good
                 testimony
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 they
                 bear
                 witness
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 Satan
                 he
                 applauds
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 own
                 heart
                 flatters
                 him
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 he
                 build
                 a
                 confidence
                 upon
                 all
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 here
                 ,
                 how
                 confident
                 were
                 they
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 not
                 suspecting
                 their
                 condition
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 they
                 saw
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 out
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 go
                 and
                 cry
                 for
                 mercy
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 confidence
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   open
                   to
                   us
                
                 ;
                 though
                 now
                 they
                 saw
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 hypocrites
                 all
                 their
                 daies
                 ,
                 yet
                 so
                 high
                 were
                 their
                 
                 hopes
                 and
                 confidence
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 very
                 far
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Doctrinal
                 part
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 of
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 :
                 
                   How
                   sad
                   is
                   their
                   condition
                
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 reach
                 to
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fall
                 short
                 of
                 heaven
                 ?
                 
                 What
                 shall
                 we
                 say
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   have
                   nothing
                   almost
                   of
                   all
                   this
                   to
                   say
                   for
                   our selves
                
                 ;
                 have
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Christ
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 have
                 we
                 else
                 ?
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 have
                 so
                 much
                 knowledge
                 and
                 fall
                 short
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 say
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 no
                 knowledge
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 sottish
                 and
                 ignorant
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 never
                 had
                 heard
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 of
                 heaven
                 or
                 hell
                 almost
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 a
                 less
                 measure
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 quantity
                 ,
                 may
                 prevail
                 more
                 upon
                 a
                 mans
                 heart
                 ,
                 then
                 a
                 greater
                 sometimes
                 ;
                 but
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 knowledge
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 come
                 in
                 a
                 terrible
                 manner
                 against
                 such
                 as
                 know
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 those
                 that
                 obey
                 not
                 his
                 Gospel
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 have
                 some
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 where
                 is
                 your
                 affection
                 ?
                 you
                 fall
                 short
                 of
                 hypocrites
                 in
                 that
                 :
                 how
                 many
                 in
                 this
                 Congregation
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 one
                 heart-pang
                 for
                 s●n
                 meant
                 ?
                 do
                 not
                 dissemble
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 didst
                 thou
                 ever
                 mourn
                 either
                 Legally
                 or
                 Evangellically
                 ?
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 desire
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 thus
                 desires
                 toward
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 waies
                 ?
                 are
                 they
                 such
                 a
                 delight
                 to
                 you
                 ?
                 thou
                 hast
                 heard
                 his
                 word
                 many
                 a
                 hundred
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 didst
                 never
                 taste
                 any
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 any
                 savour
                 or
                 relish
                 in
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 Say
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 delighting
                 to
                 draw
                 nigh
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 burthensom
                 day
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 week
                 ,
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 is
                 ,
                 we
                 care
                 not
                 how
                 seldom
                 it
                 cometh
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 hope
                 better
                 things
                 of
                 you
                 in
                 this
                 particular
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 .
                 If
                 you
                 have
                 such
                 affections
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 wallow
                 in
                 your
                 filthyness
                 ?
                 Indeed
                 it
                 is
                 strange
                 to
                 see
                 how
                 some
                 men
                 have
                 a
                 tongue
                 to
                 speak
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 &
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 wonderfully
                 affected
                 with
                 any
                 dishonour
                 put
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 great
                 disputers
                 for
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 and
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 flie
                 in
                 the
                 faces
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 speak
                 against
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 themselves
                 are
                 very
                 Sinks
                 and
                 Puddles
                 of
                 uncleanness
                 ;
                 will
                 be
                 drunk
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 filthy
                 ,
                 will
                 swear
                 ,
                 and
                 lie
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 and
                 stand
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 delivered
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 :
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 ?
                 if
                 a
                 foolish
                 hypocrite
                 shall
                 perish
                 ,
                 where
                 wilt
                 thou
                 appear
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 avoid
                 these
                 gross
                 sins
                 ,
                 thou
                 makest
                 nothing
                 of
                 a
                 secret
                 
                 lust
                 ,
                 so
                 be
                 thou
                 canst
                 hide
                 it
                 from
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 thou
                 despisest
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 thee
                 in
                 thy
                 secret
                 place
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 done
                 something
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 couldst
                 not
                 suffer
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 turn
                 ,
                 and
                 shift
                 ,
                 and
                 deny
                 him
                 before
                 men
                 :
                 O
                 ,
                 far
                 before
                 thee
                 have
                 many
                 gone
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 perished
                 ,
                 never
                 reached
                 heaven
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 art
                 so
                 gross
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 can
                 discern
                 thy
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 own
                 heart
                 may
                 condemn
                 thee
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 if
                 others
                 that
                 have
                 out-stript
                 thee
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 fall
                 short
                 ,
                 where
                 wilt
                 thou
                 appear
                 ?
                 thou
                 comest
                 behind
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 far
                 enough
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 enter
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 fall
                 short
                 ;
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 ?
                 If
                 the
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 because
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 thought
                 meet
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage-Supper
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 What
                 wil
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 that
                 art
                 an
                 arrant
                 strumpet-soul
                 ,
                 that
                 hast
                 thy
                 gods
                 ,
                 thy
                 Idols
                 to
                 worship
                 ,
                 thy
                 gold
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 belly
                 ,
                 thy
                 sport
                 and
                 pastimes
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 thou
                 devotest
                 thy self
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 come
                 under
                 the
                 notion
                 of
                 a
                 Virgin
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 make
                 men
                 sensible
                 !
                 If
                 such
                 as
                 take
                 all
                 this
                 pains
                 for
                 heaven
                 fall
                 short
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 befall
                 them
                 that
                 never
                 set
                 foot
                 forward
                 towards
                 it
                 ?
              
               
                 Then
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 heareth
                 this
                 word
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                   ,
                   be
                   not
                   high-minded
                   ,
                   but
                   fear
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 how
                 far
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 further
                 then
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 gone
                 ;
                 what
                 need
                 then
                 had
                 we
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   that
                   we
                   have
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   be
                   in
                   sincerity
                   and
                   uprightness
                
                 ;
                 for
                 then
                 it
                 will
                 hold
                 out
                 with
                 the
                 wise
                 virgins
                 .
                 To
                 you
                 that
                 make
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 waies
                 ,
                 I
                 direct
                 this
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 you
                 especially
                 :
                 And
                 I
                 shall
                 back
                 it
                 with
                 these
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 arguments
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 propound
                 some
                 few
                 considerations
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 use
                 of
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 tryal
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 consider
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   ever
                   men
                   judge
                   of
                   you
                   ,
                   or
                   you
                   judge
                   of
                   your selves
                   ,
                
                 through
                 mistakes
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   God
                   he
                   seeth
                   through
                   all
                   .
                
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 cobweb
                 is
                 so
                 thick
                 woven
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 piercing
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 judicious
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 cannot
                 see
                 through
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 can
                 see
                 through
                 it
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 foundation
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 ,
                 he
                 seeth
                 to
                 be
                 upon
                 Sand
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 cannot
                 discern
                 it
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 exceeding
                 apt
                 ,
                 secretly
                 to
                 bless
                 our selves
                 when
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 think
                 well
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 but
                 admitted
                 into
                 their
                 fellow
                 ship
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 well
                 ;
                 
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 eyed
                 in
                 its
                 place
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 our
                 rest
                 ,
                 is
                 desperate
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 so
                 much
                 to
                 do
                 at
                 home
                 with
                 their
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 have
                 so
                 much
                 time
                 to
                 pry
                 into
                 the
                 actions
                 of
                 others
                 ;
                 
                   nor
                   if
                   they
                   do
                   ,
                   to
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   any
                
                 ;
                 and
                 charity
                 binds
                 them
                 to
                 think
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 discovery
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 if
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 should
                 admire
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 upon
                 thee
                 as
                 a
                 most
                 precious
                 glorious
                 creature
                 ?
                 Yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 sees
                 thee
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 dung
                 ,
                 and
                 dross
                 ,
                 and
                 rottenness
                 :
                 Men
                 look
                 upon
                 the
                 out-side
                 of
                 the
                 Sepulchre
                 ,
                 God
                 pierceth
                 to
                 the
                 rottenness
                 within
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   eyes
                   behold
                   the
                   evil
                   and
                   the
                   good
                
                 ;
                 let
                 it
                 lie
                 never
                 so
                 deep
                 ,
                 the
                 ends
                 ,
                 God
                 discovers
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   Did
                   you
                   at
                   all
                   fast
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ?
                   no
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   your selves
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 covering
                 upon
                 covering
                 to
                 hide
                 their
                 rottenness
                 with
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   had
                   their
                   long
                   garments
                   ,
                   long
                   prayers
                   ,
                
                 and
                 many
                 good
                 actions
                 which
                 they
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 zeal
                 which
                 they
                 seemed
                 to
                 have
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 God
                 seeth
                 through
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 calls
                 them
                 wretched
                 hypocrites
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 tels
                 them
                 for
                 what
                 end
                 they
                 did
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 
                   devour
                   widows
                   houses
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   seen
                   of
                
                 
                 men
                 .
                 So
                 God
                 saw
                 the
                 Idols
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Prophet
                 could
                 not
                 .
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 knew
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   would
                   not
                   trust
                   himself
                   unto
                   them
                   .
                
                 Would
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 a
                 confusion
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 should
                 see
                 your
                 hypocrisie
                 ?
                 how
                 would
                 you
                 hold
                 up
                 your
                 heads
                 before
                 them
                 ?
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 will
                 you
                 lift
                 up
                 your
                 faces
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 then
                 ,
                 who
                 searcheth
                 the
                 hearts
                 ?
                 If
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 with
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ,
                 only
                 a
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 a
                 shew
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 search
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 your
                 souls
                 shall
                 one
                 day
                 know
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 it
                 concerneth
                 us
                 now
                 to
                 search
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   great
                   danger
                   of
                   hypocrisie
                
                 in
                 profession
                 in
                 these
                 daies
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   the
                   times
                   smile
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                
                 for
                 indeed
                 ,
                 let
                 hypocrites
                 pretend
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   sensual
                
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 their
                 belly
                 they
                 serve
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 the
                 times
                 sway
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 them
                 bow
                 ;
                 
                   where
                   the
                   loaves
                   were
                   ,
                   there
                   those
                   hypocrites
                   would
                   be
                   ,
                
                 they
                 followed
                 not
                 the
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 the
                 bread
                 of
                 life
                 for
                 it self
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 loaves
                 ,
                 they
                 subjected
                 it
                 unto
                 their
                 bellies
                 ;
                 the
                 Bull-rush
                 will
                 not
                 grow
                 ,
                 except
                 it
                 have
                 much
                 mire
                 and
                 water
                 ;
                 no
                 more
                 will
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 hath
                 his
                 advantages
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 though
                 sometimes
                 they
                 may
                 go
                 through
                 persecution
                 ;
                 yet
                 that
                 is
                 somewhat
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 Judas
                 loveth
                 the
                 bag
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 Master
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 that
                 that
                 kept
                 him
                 so
                 close
                 to
                 Jesus
                 
                 
                 Christ
                 :
                 he
                 had
                 a
                 sweet
                 place
                 of
                 it
                 while
                 he
                 had
                 the
                 bag
                 .
                 WelL
                 ,
                 If
                 ever
                 mens
                 souls
                 were
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 being
                 undone
                 by
                 
                   hypocrisie
                   ,
                   now
                   is
                   the
                   time
                   Brethren
                
                 ;
                 And
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 more
                 hard
                 to
                 discern
                 whether
                 we
                 follow
                 
                   Christ
                   for
                   the
                   leaves
                   ,
                   yea
                   ●r
                   no
                   :
                
                 therefore
                 upon
                 that
                 account
                 also
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 the
                 more
                 need
                 to
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 be
                 sound
                 at
                 the
                 bottom
                 or
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   The
                   danger
                   of
                   the
                   cure
                
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 pocrites
                 :
                 Indeed
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 a
                 prophane
                 man
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 a
                 close
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 his
                 distemper
                 is
                 more
                 apparent
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 own
                 conscience
                 cannot
                 but
                 judge
                 him
                 of
                 many
                 things
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 many
                 times
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 seeth
                 not
                 his
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 though
                 sometimes
                 he
                 do
                 :
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 hearkened
                 to
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 his
                 conscience
                 charging
                 him
                 with
                 hypocrisie
                 in
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 kept
                 it
                 tender
                 ;
                 but
                 smothering
                 it
                 ,
                 at
                 last
                 it
                 groweth
                 silent
                 and
                 harder
                 seared
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 eyes
                 by
                 degrees
                 are
                 blinded
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 seeth
                 not
                 his
                 disease
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 so
                 like
                 to
                 uprightness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 scarce
                 discernable
                 to
                 the
                 Physitian
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 instrumental
                 to
                 heal
                 it
                 :
                 
                   Morbus
                   vix
                   sanabilis
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 
                   qui
                   sanitatem
                   imitatur
                
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 discerned
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 goeth
                 to
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 then
                 another
                 sinner
                 ;
                 he
                 must
                 first
                 be
                 emptied
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 whereof
                 he
                 is
                 full
                 ;
                 he
                 must
                 be
                 untaught
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 can
                 be
                 taught
                 any
                 thing
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 he
                 do
                 see
                 his
                 disease
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 usually
                 unwilling
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 healed
                 ,
                 he
                 liketh
                 it
                 better
                 to
                 keep
                 his
                 lusts
                 ,
                 secretly
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 delight
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasure
                 of
                 sin
                 secretly
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 the
                 shew
                 of
                 godliness
                 .
                 Like
                 a
                 s●urdy
                 Rogue
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 sore
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 it
                 well
                 enough
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 careth
                 not
                 for
                 having
                 it
                 healed
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 Plow
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 brings
                 in
                 his
                 profit
                 or
                 advantage
                 ,
                 by
                 moving
                 others
                 to
                 commiseration
                 ;
                 but
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 such
                 persons
                 as
                 these
                 dye
                 of
                 their
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 the●
                 would
                 have
                 them
                 healed
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 fostred
                 so
                 and
                 corrupted
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 healing
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 grant
                 it
                 prove
                 not
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 a
                 man
                 know
                 then
                 (
                 If
                 a
                 
                 hypocrite
                 be
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 that
                 may
                 go
                 so
                 far
                 )
                 whether
                 he
                 be
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 for
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 perceive
                 ,
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 is
                 gone
                 so
                 far
                 that
                 I
                 doubt
                 I
                 shall
                 hardly
                 reach
                 it
                 .
                 For
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 say
                 these
                 few
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 matter
                 of
                 affection
                 ,
                 for
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 we
                 
                 can
                 hardly
                 make
                 that
                 Characteristicon
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 common
                 to
                 
                 both
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 men
                 speak
                 of
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 
                   practical
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   an
                   humbling
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   a
                   warning
                   knowledge
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 These
                 are
                 the
                 effects
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 But
                 knowledge
                 considered
                 as
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 alike
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 shed
                 it
                 abroad
                 upon
                 some
                 mens
                 hearts
                 and
                 affections
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 it
                 works
                 there
                 mightily
                 ,
                 and
                 remaineth
                 imprisoned
                 in
                 some
                 mens
                 heads
                 and
                 understandings
                 .
                 Therefore
                 for
                 the
                 Affection
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 stand
                 to
                 give
                 account
                 of
                 every
                 affection
                 spoken
                 of
                 before
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 
                   That
                   of
                   mourning
                   for
                   son
                
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 specially
                 considerable
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 a
                 heart
                 may
                 be
                 troubled
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 questionless
                 true
                 .
                 But
                 how
                 shall
                 we
                 know
                 then
                 ,
                 whether
                 our
                 trouble
                 for
                 sin
                 be
                 right
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 we
                 be
                 hypocritical
                 therein
                 ?
                 Truly
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 
                   If
                   ever
                   we
                   could
                   look
                   upon
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   crucified
                   by
                   his
                   sins
                   and
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   with
                   such
                   an
                   eye
                   of
                   faith
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   mourn
                   over
                   him
                   crucified
                   by
                   us
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   yet
                   for
                   us
                
                 ;
                 this
                 surely
                 none
                 else
                 can
                 work
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 special
                 fruit
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 12.
                 of
                 Zach.
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 much
                 vexed
                 with
                 thy
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 weary
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 weary
                 of
                 thy
                 groa
                 〈…〉
                 ing
                 and
                 trouble
                 ;
                 
                   but
                   hast
                   thou
                   ever
                   had
                   a
                   sight
                   of
                   Christ
                   crucified
                   ,
                   and
                   mouraid
                   over
                   him
                   whom
                   thou
                   hast
                   crucified
                   ?
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   bitterness
                   indeed
                   ,
                   that
                   a
                   hypocrite
                   cannot
                   reach
                   unto
                   .
                
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Though
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 avoid
                 many
                 sins
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   he
                   will
                   have
                   some
                   lust
                   ,
                
                 some
                 Dalilah
                 ,
                 some
                 little
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 soul
                 shall
                 live
                 .
                 
                   Now
                   if
                   a
                   man
                   regard
                   any
                   iniquity
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                
                 be
                 it
                 never
                 so
                 plausibly
                 maintained
                 ,
                 have
                 he
                 never
                 such
                 fair
                 pretences
                 for
                 what
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 that
                 man
                 is
                 a
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 such
                 a
                 mans
                 prayers
                 .
                 
                   If
                   I
                   regard
                   iniquity
                   in
                   my
                   heart
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   not
                   hear
                   my
                   prayers
                   .
                   Judas
                
                 must
                 have
                 his
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 
                 forego
                 all
                 other
                 .
                 Herod
                 must
                 have
                 his
                 sisters
                 daughter
                 ,
                 all
                 else
                 he
                 can
                 forego
                 .
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 one
                 lust
                 ,
                 wherein
                 thou
                 sparest
                 thy self
                 ,
                 keepest
                 it
                 under
                 thy
                 tongue
                 ,
                 be
                 it
                 never
                 so
                 secret
                 ,
                 thy
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 his
                 constitution
                 he
                 may
                 give
                 himself
                 a
                 little
                 liberty
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 thy
                 plea
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   my
                   temper
                
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 vainly
                 merry
                 ,
                 a
                 mans
                 temper
                 to
                 be
                 wanton
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 foolishly
                 jesting
                 ,
                 and
                 men
                 will
                 plead
                 their
                 nature
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 why
                 truly
                 so
                 might
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   he
                   made
                   a
                   covenant
                   with
                   his
                   eyes
                   :
                   David
                   ,
                   I
                   kept
                   me
                   from
                   mine
                   iniquity
                   ,
                
                 whether
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 his
                 nature
                 ,
                 
                 or
                 his
                 present
                 condition
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   revenge
                   upon
                   his
                   enemy
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   had
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   hand
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 sins
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   Job
                   
                   kept
                   himself
                   from
                   them
                   all
                
                 ;
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 oppress
                 ,
                 wrong
                 his
                 man
                 
                 servant
                 ,
                 despise
                 his
                 cause
                 ,
                 oppress
                 the
                 poor
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 help
                 ready
                 ▪
                 in
                 the
                 gate
                 to
                 have
                 sided
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 If
                 men
                 shall
                 in
                 any
                 case
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 urgent
                 temptations
                 ,
                 allow
                 themselves
                 in
                 any
                 sin
                 ;
                 surely
                 such
                 men
                 are
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 no
                 better
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   an
                   hypocrite
                   will
                   do
                   much
                
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 all
                 ;
                 he
                 never
                 
                   hath
                   respect
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   commandments
                   of
                   God.
                
                 Why
                 but
                 you
                 
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 No
                 more
                 can
                 the
                 most
                 upright
                 man
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 do
                 all
                 .
                 
                   Not
                   Legally
                   ,
                   but
                   Evangelically
                   he
                   may
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   aim
                   at
                   all
                   ;
                   though
                   the
                   Commandment
                   be
                   exceeding
                   broad
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   search
                   after
                   all
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   do
                   them
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   endeavour
                   it
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   cannot
                   reach
                   it
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   a
                   respect
                   to
                   all
                   ;
                   and
                   where
                   he
                   cometh
                   short
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   his
                   burthen
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   matter
                   of
                   mourning
                   to
                   him
                   .
                
                 Take
                 it
                 in
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 particulars
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 enlarge
                 not
                 too
                 much
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 will
                 be
                 wonderful
                 strict
                 in
                 the
                 duties
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 table
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 call
                 ordinarily
                 religious
                 duties
                 ,
                 as
                 praying
                 ,
                 reading
                 ,
                 hearing
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 But
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 him
                 very
                 slight
                 and
                 slack
                 in
                 the
                 duties
                 of
                 the
                 second
                 .
                 Those
                 in
                 the
                 7.
                 of
                 Matth
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 Preach
                 and
                 Prophesie
                 in
                 Christ
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 would
                 work
                 iniquity
                 with
                 both
                 hands
                 .
                 Judas
                 would
                 pray
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Preach
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 receive
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 would
                 then
                 couzen
                 and
                 defraud
                 ,
                 made
                 no
                 conscience
                 of
                 secret
                 thievery
                 .
                 And
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 plain
                 in
                 that
                 first
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 more
                 forward
                 then
                 they
                 in
                 their
                 sacrifices
                 ,
                 abundant
                 in
                 their
                 worship
                 ,
                 multitude
                 of
                 their
                 burnt-offerings
                 and
                 solemn
                 assemblies
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 their
                 hands
                 were
                 full
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 they
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 
                 that
                 .
                 And
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 so
                 with
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 frequent
                 in
                 hearing
                 ,
                 frequent
                 it
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 make
                 nothing
                 of
                 the
                 duties
                 of
                 the
                 second
                 table
                 ,
                 drunkenness
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 though
                 wine
                 be
                 raging
                 ;
                 make
                 nothing
                 of
                 railing
                 ,
                 reviling
                 ,
                 of
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 Idolatry
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 hardly
                 make
                 a
                 Covenant
                 with
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 as
                 Job
                 did
                 :
                 maketh
                 nothing
                 of
                 uncleanness
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 outward
                 in
                 act
                 ,
                 yet
                 contemplative
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 wandering
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 wandring
                 heart
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 of
                 deceit
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 dreadful
                 ,
                 let
                 not
                 that
                 man
                 deceive
                 himself
                 ,
                 certainly
                 he
                 is
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 go
                 far
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 fall
                 short
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   An
                   hypocrite
                   in
                   his
                   obedience
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   be
                   much
                   about
                   little
                   inconsiderable
                   things
                   .
                
                 Some
                 ceremonious
                 things
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 
                 the
                 weighty
                 matters
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ,
                 they
                 forsooth
                 
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 into
                 the
                 Judgement-Hall
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 preparation
                 to
                 the
                 Pass-over
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 defiled
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 the
                 Pass-over
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 the
                 greatest
                 moral
                 pollution
                 that
                 could
                 be
                 ,
                 of
                 falsly
                 accusing
                 the
                 most
                 innocent
                 person
                 ,
                 and
                 prosecuting
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 this
                 they
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 scrupled
                 not
                 to
                 give
                 thirtie
                 pieces
                 of
                 Silver
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 a
                 price
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 bring
                 him
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 cast
                 it
                 into
                 the
                 Treasury
                 .
                 The
                 Papists
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 much
                 ado
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 grievous
                 offence
                 to
                 violate
                 one
                 of
                 their
                 fasting
                 daies
                 enjoyned
                 by
                 the
                 Pope
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 murther
                 Christian
                 Princes
                 under
                 the
                 notion
                 of
                 Hereticks
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 nothing
                 of
                 that
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 Mint
                 ,
                 Annice
                 and
                 Cummin
                 they
                 must
                 tythe
                 ,
                 these
                 externals
                 and
                 ceremonials
                 ;
                 a
                 Gnat
                 they
                 strain
                 at
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Camel
                 they
                 can
                 swallow
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Another
                 thing
                 in
                 their
                 obedience
                 is
                 this
                 ;
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 easie
                 part
                 of
                 Christianity
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 the
                 difficult
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 more
                 inward
                 and
                 laborious
                 :
                 they
                 can
                 come
                 to
                 hea●
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 to
                 confer
                 with
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 receive
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 But
                 the
                 inward
                 part
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 duty
                 of
                 self-examination
                 ,
                 alas
                 they
                 are
                 strangers
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 high
                 duty
                 of
                 spiritual
                 contemplation
                 ,
                 that
                 of
                 keeping
                 their
                 hearts
                 with
                 all
                 diligence
                 ,
                 because
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 are
                 
                   the
                   issues
                   of
                   life
                
                 ,
                 this
                 they
                 are
                 
                 strangers
                 to
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 down
                 with
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 to
                 forgive
                 injuries
                 from
                 their
                 brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 hard
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 love
                 their
                 enemies
                 ,
                 yea
                 to
                 love
                 them
                 that
                 think
                 meanly
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 despise
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 those
                 that
                 think
                 more
                 highly
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 easie
                 duty
                 ;
                 here
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 will
                 give
                 others
                 leave
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 this
                 part
                 ordinarily
                 :
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 Search
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 so
                 with
                 
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ▪
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Another
                 consideration
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   An
                   hypocrite
                   maketh
                   not
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   his
                   last
                   end
                   ,
                
                 he
                 doth
                 all
                 for
                 self-ends
                 .
                 Who
                 do
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 more
                 Religious
                 then
                 the
                 great
                 Questionists
                 of
                 the
                 times
                 usually
                 ?
                 yet
                 the
                 Apostle
                 tels
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   they
                   consent
                   not
                   to
                   the
                   wholsom
                   words
                   ,
                
                 even
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 which
                 is
                 according
                 to
                 godliness
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   proud
                   ,
                   knowing
                   nothing
                   ,
                   doting
                   about
                
                 
                 
                   Questions
                   and
                   strife
                   of
                   words
                   ,
                   whereof
                   cometh
                   envy
                   ,
                   strife
                   ,
                   railings
                   ,
                   evil
                   su
                   〈…〉
                   isin
                   〈…〉
                   and
                   perverse
                   disputings
                   ,
                   of
                   men
                   of
                   corrupt
                   
                   minds
                   ,
                   and
                   destitute
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   supposing
                   that
                   gain
                   is
                   godliness
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 all
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 this
                 zeal
                 and
                 contention
                 ,
                 supposing
                 that
                 gain
                 is
                 godliness
                 ;
                 was
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 argument
                 whereby
                 the
                 Devil
                 would
                 have
                 proved
                 Job
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ?
                 
                   if
                   thou
                   touch
                   all
                   he
                   hath
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   curse
                   thee
                   :
                
                 doth
                 he
                 serve
                 
                 thee
                 for
                 nought
                 ?
                 he
                 hath
                 self-ends
                 in
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 condemn
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 tell
                 us
                 
                   We
                   work
                   for
                   our
                   penny
                   in
                   the
                   Vineyard
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 we
                 serve
                 for
                 our
                 penny
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 may
                 pretend
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 take
                 a
                 right
                 aim
                 for
                 God
                 and
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 like
                 a
                 deceitful
                 bow
                 ,
                 we
                 turn
                 aside
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 somewhat
                 else
                 in
                 our
                 eye
                 that
                 setteth
                 the
                 wheels
                 awork
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 Christ
                 will
                 not
                 ;
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 
                 gross
                 hypocrisie
                 .
                 So
                 those
                 in
                 Mat.
                 7.
                 they
                 prophesied
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 themselves
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 pestered
                 with
                 such
                 thoughts
                 creeping
                 in
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 suffers
                 them
                 not
                 to
                 lodge
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 whippeth
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 them
                 their
                 pass
                 ,
                 he
                 mourns
                 under
                 them
                 ,
                 prayeth
                 for
                 pardon
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 healing
                 and
                 subduing
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Another
                 thing
                 is
                 touching
                 the
                 conflict
                 which
                 the
                 soul
                 may
                 have
                 with
                 sin
                 .
                 How
                 may
                 we
                 know
                 whether
                 that
                 be
                 right
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 An
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 have
                 some
                 regret
                 doubtless
                 in
                 sinning
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 hath
                 hardened
                 his
                 conscience
                 so
                 by
                 custom
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 past
                 feeling
                 .
              
               
                 Do
                 but
                 mind
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 Where
                 the
                 quarrel
                 lies
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 battle
                 is
                 fought
                 ;
                 
                   Is
                   it
                   between
                   the
                   understanding
                   ,
                   the
                   judgement
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   conscience
                   convinced
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   will
                   ?
                
                 or
                 is
                 it
                 between
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 the
                 affections
                 and
                 the
                 affections
                 ?
                 the
                 former
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 is
                 not
                 .
                 Peter
                 had
                 this
                 conflict
                 between
                 his
                 will
                 and
                 will
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 carried
                 whether
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 martyred
                 ;
                 Why
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 altogether
                 
                 unwilling
                 ,
                 how
                 could
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 Martyr
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 willing
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 unwilling
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 
                   lusting
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   lusting
                   of
                   the
                   flesh
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 nothing
                 that
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 expresseth
                 it
                 in
                 those
                 terms
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 say
                 the
                 spirit
                 judgeth
                 one
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 flesh
                 lusteth
                 after
                 another
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   there
                   is
                   lusting
                   on
                   both
                   sides
                   ,
                   the
                   flesh
                   against
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Spirit
                   against
                   the
                   flesh
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                
                 
                 
                   two
                   are
                   contraries
                
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 affections
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 contraries
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 needs
                 fight
                 until
                 one
                 be
                 subdued
                 ;
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   with
                   his
                   mind
                   he
                   served
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   with
                   his
                   flesh
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 but
                 mind
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 meant
                 the
                 
                   understanding
                   as
                   distinct
                   from
                   the
                   will
                   ,
                
                 as
                 sometimes
                 it
                 is
                 understood
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 understood
                 of
                 the
                 regenerate
                 part
                 set
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 the
                 corrupt
                 part
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 one
                 fighting
                 against
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 things
                 we
                 would
                 do
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 do
                 many
                 times
                 .
                 Consider
                 then
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 thee
                 ?
                 carnal
                 affection
                 carryeth
                 thee
                 out
                 this
                 way
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 only
                 a
                 judgement
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 but
                 thy
                 affections
                 and
                 will
                 carryeth
                 thee
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 alway
                 overcome
                 ,
                 but
                 ordinarily
                 prevailest
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 of
                 an
                 upright
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Consider
                 in
                 this
                 conflict
                 also
                 another
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   Whether
                   you
                   ●e
                   not
                   treacherous
                   ,
                   alway
                   holding
                   on
                   the
                   side
                   of
                   sin
                   .
                
                 So
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 will
                 be
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 some
                 regret
                 against
                 sin
                 its
                 true
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 favours
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 willingly
                 excuse
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 palliate
                 and
                 plead
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 glad
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 but
                 any
                 Scripture
                 that
                 will
                 seem
                 to
                 make
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 but
                 liberty
                 for
                 his
                 lust
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 covetous
                 man
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 he
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 ordinarily
                 pleased
                 with
                 those
                 Scriptures
                 which
                 seem
                 to
                 make
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 holds
                 in
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 but
                 hates
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 willingly
                 ignorant
                 of
                 some
                 things
                 ,
                 
                   libenter
                   ignorantur
                   ,
                   ut
                   liberius
                   peccent
                   .
                
                 Is
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 us
                 brethren
                 ?
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 cause
                 to
                 fear
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 unsound
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 we
                 may
                 go
                 far
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 end
                 will
                 be
                 rottenness
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 lastly
                 ,
                 
                   See
                   to
                   it
                   whether
                   we
                   love
                   anything
                   else
                   more
                   then
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 If
                 House
                 or
                 Land
                 ,
                 or
                 Father
                 or
                 Mother
                 ,
                 or
                 nearest
                 relations
                 ,
                 or
                 life
                 it self
                 more
                 then
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 hyporcites
                 sure
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 easily
                 known
                 ,
                 specially
                 by
                 such
                 as
                 with
                 
                   ●eter
                   ,
                   denyed
                   him
                   ,
                   being
                   ashamed
                   of
                   him
                
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 upon
                 a
                 slight
                 account
                 ;
                 O
                 happy
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 can
                 afterwards
                 say
                 as
                 
                   Peter
                   ,
                   Lord
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   thou
                   knowest
                   all
                   things
                   ,
                   thou
                   knowest
                   I
                   love
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 though
                 I
                 dealt
                 so
                 unkindly
                 and
                 unfaithfully
                 with
                 thee
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 past
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 sure
                 I
                 am
                 
                   I
                   love
                   thee
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 love
                 preferred
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 before
                 his
                 life
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 but
                 upright
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 little
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 will
                 grow
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 continue
                 ,
                 the
                 Seed
                 of
                 God
                 will
                 abide
                 .
                 And
                 if
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 not
                 right
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 fall
                 short
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 as
                 these
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 far
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 understanding
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   7.
                   
                
                 
                   —
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                
              
               
                 WE
                 have
                 done
                 with
                 the
                 former
                 member
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                   trimming
                   their
                   Lamps
                   ,
                
                 going
                 so
                 far
                 in
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fail
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 .
                 Now
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 consider
                 the
                 second
                 member
                 included
                 in
                 this
                 general
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   Believers
                   are
                   now
                   to
                   trim
                   their
                   Lamps
                
                 ;
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 were
                 now
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 the
                 real
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 formal
                 professor
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 only
                 briefly
                 note
                 two
                 things
                 from
                 this
                 clause
                 of
                 the
                 Verse
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   though
                   a
                   Believers
                   profession
                   may
                   decline
                   and
                   grow
                   low
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   towards
                   his
                   latter
                   end
                   ,
                
                 or
                 after
                 he
                 hath
                 long
                 professed
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   altogether
                   extinct
                
                 ;
                 it
                 wants
                 trimming
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 out
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   When
                   this
                   profession
                   groweth
                   thus
                   low
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   Believers
                   duty
                   to
                   renew
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   trim
                   up
                   his
                   Lamp.
                   
                
              
               
                 Of
                 the
                 first
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 wherein
                 are
                 comprehended
                 three
                 notes
                 ,
                 which
                 for
                 brevity
                 sake
                 I
                 wrap
                 up
                 into
                 one
                 ;
                 partly
                 ,
                 because
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 have
                 near
                 affinity
                 with
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 already
                 delivered
                 ;
                 and
                 partly
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 dwell
                 too
                 long
                 upon
                 the
                 Text.
                 
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   a
                   Believer
                   his
                   profession
                   may
                   decline
                   and
                   grow
                   low
                   ,
                   and
                   need
                   a
                   renewing
                   .
                   2.
                   
                   That
                   it
                   may
                   come
                   to
                   this
                   pass
                   after
                   he
                   hath
                   long
                   professed
                   ,
                
                 or
                 near
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 his
                 Calling
                 for
                 .
                 And
                 3.
                 
                 
                   That
                   yet
                   notwithstanding
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   extinct
                
                 altogether
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 profession
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 is
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 afterwards
                 .
                 A
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 briefly
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 these
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   a
                   Believers
                   profession
                   may
                   decline
                
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 somewhat
                 of
                 kin
                 to
                 what
                 we
                 spoke
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 less
                 here
                 .
                 
                   The
                   Lamp
                   may
                   grow
                   low
                
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   light
                   which
                   appears
                   to
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   Saints
                   may
                   grow
                   low
                   .
                
                 It
                 may
                 admit
                 of
                 mixtures
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 of
                 darkness
                 which
                 much
                 dimmeth
                 the
                 light
                 .
                 I
                 mean
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 much
                 corrupted
                 in
                 their
                 judgements
                 ,
                 and
                 turned
                 aside
                 from
                 the
                 simplicity
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 clear
                 in
                 the
                 Galathians
                 their
                 ●ase
                 ,
                 ye
                 
                 
                 
                   did
                   run
                   well
                   ,
                   who
                   hindred
                   you
                   ,
                
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 errour
                 and
                 a
                 gross
                 one
                 crept
                 in
                 among
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 up
                 the
                 Law
                 and
                 Moses
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 necessary
                 to
                 Justification
                 and
                 Salvation
                 :
                 
                   What
                   a●mist
                   is
                   here
                   about
                   the
                   Lamp
                   ?
                   this
                   made
                   it
                   twilight
                   with
                   them
                   .
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   lightsomness
                   and
                   joy
                   of
                   faith
                   ,
                
                 this
                 also
                 may
                 wear
                 away
                 in
                 great
                 measure
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 altogether
                 ;
                 the
                 faces
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 do
                 shine
                 by
                 a
                 reflexion
                 of
                 the
                 countenance
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 Moses
                 did
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 with
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 Mount
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 walk
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ,
                 may
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 lost
                 ▪
                 as
                 we
                 find
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 complaining
                 ,
                 
                 
                   Restore
                   unto
                   me
                   the
                   joy
                   of
                   thy
                   salvation
                   :
                
                 he
                 had
                 it
                 before
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 he
                 had
                 lost
                 it
                 ,
                 both
                 which
                 are
                 implyed
                 in
                 that
                 word
                 restore
                 :
                 And
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 find
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 50.
                 of
                 
                   Isaiah
                   ,
                   Who
                   is
                   there
                   among
                
                 
                 
                   you
                   that
                   walks
                   in
                   darkness
                   and
                   s●eeh
                   no
                   light
                   ?
                
                 Where
                 is
                 the
                 lightsomness
                 of
                 the
                 Lamp
                 then
                 ?
                 the
                 pleasant
                 paraphrase
                 upon
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 can
                 see
                 nothing
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 Look
                 what
                 comfort
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 ●ight
                 or
                 a
                 Lamp
                 in
                 the
                 darkest
                 night
                 ;
                 such
                 comfort
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 smiling
                 presence
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 But
                 now
                 this
                 is
                 lost
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   didst
                   hide
                   thy
                   face
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   I
                   was
                   troubled
                
                 ;
                 Gods
                 face
                 was
                 clouded
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 face
                 was
                 covered
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Believers
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 may
                 lose
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 
                   their
                   joy
                   of
                   faith
                
                 ,
                 so
                 may
                 they
                 lose
                 
                   their
                   confidence
                   of
                   hope
                
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   hope
                   is
                   even
                   perished
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   God
                   forgotten
                   to
                   be
                   gracious
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   he
                   be
                   merciful
                   no
                   more
                   ?
                
                 this
                 you
                 may
                 see
                 in
                 many
                 cases
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 .
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   one
                   day
                   perish
                   by
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   Saul
                   .
                
                 O
                 I
                 shall
                 never
                 see
                 
                 through
                 this
                 world
                 of
                 wickedness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 mine
                 heart
                 ,
                 but
                 sooner
                 or
                 later
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 by
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 A
                 Believer
                 may
                 lose
                 the
                 degrees
                 of
                 those
                 graces
                 which
                 are
                 radical
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 indeed
                 more
                 principally
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 may
                 grow
                 low
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 the
                 Lamp
                 which
                 is
                 fed
                 by
                 them
                 do
                 grow
                 low
                 also
                 .
                 As
                 that
                 of
                 their
                 faith
                 ,
                 how
                 low
                 may
                 they
                 grow
                 in
                 faith
                 ?
                 Indeed
                 our
                 Saviour
                 hath
                 prayed
                 
                 that
                 their
                 faith
                 fail
                 them
                 not
                 altogether
                 ;
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 it
                 may
                 ,
                 decline
                 .
                 We
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 Asa
                 ,
                 one
                 while
                 he
                 could
                 trust
                 in
                 God
                 when
                 a
                 great
                 hoast
                 of
                 the
                 Ethiopians
                 and
                 Lybians
                 come
                 against
                 him
                 .
                 By
                 &
                 by
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 so
                 hard
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 rests
                 upon
                 the
                 
                 King
                 of
                 Assyria
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 reproveth
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 Prophet
                 .
                 
                 Where
                 was
                 Peters●aith
                 ●aith
                 when
                 a
                 little
                 carnal
                 fear
                 turned
                 him
                 aside
                 in
                 so
                 sad
                 a
                 manner
                 ?
                 and
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 faith
                 in
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 root
                 of
                 all
                 those
                 turnings
                 aside
                 from
                 the
                 Fountain
                 to
                 the
                 broken
                 Cistern
                 ,
                 from
                 God
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 that
                 of
                 love
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                   faith
                   ,
                   faith
                   works
                   by
                   love
                   ,
                
                 and
                 this
                 also
                 may
                 de●line
                 .
                 You
                 find
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 
                   Ephesus
                   ,
                   She
                
                 
                 
                   had
                   left
                   her
                   first
                   love
                
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 Angel
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 also
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 heretofore
                 been
                 full
                 of
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 love
                 very
                 laborious
                 in
                 feeding
                 the
                 Flock
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 his
                 love
                 was
                 remitted
                 .
                 May
                 not
                 every
                 mans
                 heart
                 Seal
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Love
                 of
                 his
                 Espousals
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 our
                 
                 youth
                 ,
                 those
                 springing
                 affections
                 are
                 gone
                 ?
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Another
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   A
                   Believer
                   may
                   lose
                   the
                   fervor
                   of
                   all
                   those
                   holy
                   affections
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   had
                   ,
                
                 his
                 desires
                 ,
                 his
                 delight
                 and
                 joy
                 ,
                 his
                 anger
                 and
                 hatred
                 against
                 sin
                 ,
                 loathing
                 and
                 abomination
                 ;
                 time
                 hath
                 been
                 ,
                 we
                 
                   could
                   have
                   cryed
                   out
                   for
                   the
                   living
                   God
                   ▪
                   their
                   souls
                   break
                   for
                   the
                   longing
                   they
                   had
                   to
                   God
                
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Chariot
                 wheels
                 drive
                 more
                 heavily
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 felt
                 sometimes
                 the
                 
                   babe
                   springing
                   in
                   the
                   womb
                
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 we
                 can
                 hardly
                 feel
                 in
                 ,
                 our
                 affections
                 languish
                 towards
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Solomon
                 once
                 had
                 a
                 zeal
                 for
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 laid
                 out
                 himself
                 in
                 building
                 a
                 house
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 what
                 was
                 become
                 of
                 that
                 zeal
                 when
                 he
                 could
                 build
                 a
                 house
                 to
                 Chemosh
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 the
                 Moabites
                 ;
                 in
                 favour
                 of
                 his
                 Moabitish
                 wives
                 where
                 was
                 his
                 zeal
                 then
                 ?
                 So
                 Laodicea
                 was
                 grown
                 luke-warm
                 ,
                 theywere
                 hot
                 at
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   The
                   outward
                   acts
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   remitted
                
                 ;
                 which
                 indeed
                 are
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 profession
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 bare
                 confessing
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 the
                 Lord
                 ▪
                 with
                 the
                 mouth
                 ,
                 that
                 maketh
                 a
                 profession
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 suitableness
                 of
                 conversation
                 ,
                 walking
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 remission
                 of
                 these
                 acts
                 .
                 The
                 acts
                 of
                 a
                 moral
                 man
                 ;
                 which
                 he
                 elicits
                 from
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 nature
                 by
                 moral
                 precepts
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Education
                 ,
                 are
                 called
                 sparks
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Isa
                 .
                 which
                 are
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 own
                 kindling
                 ;
                 &
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 holiness
                 &
                 
                 righteousness
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 is
                 called
                 
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   a
                   Believer
                
                 ,
                 which
                 shines
                 before
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   your
                   light
                   so
                   shine
                   before
                   men
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   see
                   your
                   good
                   works
                   .
                
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 
                 a
                 Believer
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 interruption
                 in
                 this
                 remission
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 he
                 may
                 either
                 neglect
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 do
                 them
                 in
                 a
                 slight
                 manner
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 that
                 ordinarily
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Philippians
                   ,
                   that
                
                 
                 
                   their
                   care
                   again
                   towards
                   him
                   had
                   flourished
                   ,
                
                 by
                 which
                 is
                 implyed
                 it
                 had
                 flourished
                 before
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 it
                 had
                 languished
                 and
                 faded
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 for
                 him
                 as
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 it
                 revived
                 .
                 As
                 a
                 man
                 in
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 passion
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 his
                 reason
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 when
                 the
                 wills
                 or
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 prevail
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 they
                 may
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 )
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 their
                 spiritual
                 part
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 first
                 thing
                 .
                 I
                 am
                 brief
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 have
                 had
                 occasion
                 to
                 speak
                 much
                 what
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 purpose
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   these
                   declinings
                   may
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   even
                   near
                   their
                   end
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 This
                 will
                 be
                 justified
                 by
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 here
                 the
                 cry
                 cometh
                 which
                 rouseth
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 awaked
                 and
                 came
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 their
                 consciences
                 were
                 awaked
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 saw
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 wanted
                 trimming
                 ,
                 they
                 burned
                 low
                 ;
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 burn
                 the
                 brightest
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 dim
                 &
                 dull
                 ;
                 you
                 need
                 not
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 for
                 the
                 proof
                 of
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 for
                 of
                 Solomon
                 after
                 he
                 had
                 lived
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 followed
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 had
                 extraordinary
                 
                 appearances
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 publike
                 and
                 privately
                 ;
                 yet
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 old
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 have
                 grown
                 better
                 ,
                 he
                 then
                 began
                 to
                 love
                 many
                 wives
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 fell
                 to
                 countenance
                 Idolatry
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 blemish
                 upon
                 him
                 to
                 all
                 posterity
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 Asa
                 his
                 case
                 ,
                 a
                 good
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 very
                 forward
                 and
                 diligent
                 for
                 the
                 reformation
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 his
                 last
                 daies
                 ,
                 see
                 how
                 many
                 failings
                 are
                 noted
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 resting
                 
                 upon
                 an
                 arm
                 of
                 flesh
                 ,
                 his
                 imprisoning
                 the
                 Prophet
                 that
                 reproved
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 going
                 to
                 the
                 Physitians
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 his
                 oppressing
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 the
                 lower
                 he
                 ran
                 ,
                 his
                 day
                 ran
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 dregs
                 he
                 ran
                 ,
                 he
                 ran
                 not
                 clearest
                 at
                 the
                 bottom
                 .
                 So
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 
                 some
                 twenty
                 years
                 after
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 overtaken
                 with
                 a
                 Philistian
                 woman
                 ,
                 and
                 likely
                 repented
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 yet
                 twenty
                 years
                 after
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 in
                 to
                 an
                 harlot
                 there
                 .
                 And
                 the
              
               
                 Reason
                 is
                 plain
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 
                   grace
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   when
                   it
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   at
                   its
                   perfection
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   creature
                   ,
                
                 and
                 depending
                 upon
                 God
                 as
                 the
                 beams
                 upon
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 stream
                 upon
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 longer
                 then
                 he
                 is
                 pleased
                 to
                 feed
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 it
                 subsist
                 ;
                 let
                 our
                 vessel
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 never
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 depends
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 his
                 fulness
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 two
                 Olive
                 trees
                 that
                 empty
                 the
                 golden
                 oyl
                 into
                 the
                 vessels
                 ,
                 
                   uphold
                   me
                   with
                   thy
                   free
                   Spirit
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 .
                 And
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   would
                   keep
                   this
                   upon
                   the
                   frame
                   or
                   imagination
                   〈…〉
                   of
                   their
                   hearts
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                   Thou
                   maintainest
                   my
                   lot
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                
                 16.
                 
                 
                 Now
                 if
                 he
                 withdraw
                 and
                 forbear
                 to
                 empty
                 out
                 of
                 that
                 fulness
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 let
                 our
                 conditions
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 alas
                 grace
                 will
                 languish
                 ,
                 our
                 Lamps
                 will
                 burn
                 dim
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Because
                 (
                 truly
                 many
                 times
                 )
                 
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   time
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   grow
                   most
                   secure
                   ,
                
                 they
                 have
                 long
                 followed
                 hard
                 after
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 may
                 slack
                 their
                 pace
                 a
                 little
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 exceeding
                 prone
                 to
                 set
                 up
                 grace
                 received
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 when
                 our
                 mountain
                 is
                 made
                 strong
                 we
                 lean
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 whereas
                 we
                 should
                 only
                 lean
                 upon
                 our
                 beloved
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 he
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 ,
                 to
                 our
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 that
                 grace
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 loseable
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 ;
                 the
                 child
                 getteth
                 most
                 falls
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 thinketh
                 it
                 can
                 go
                 it self
                 without
                 any
                 holding
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 thing
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   though
                   the
                   Lamps
                   of
                   the
                   wise
                   Virgins
                   come
                   to
                   want
                   trimming
                   ,
                
                 to
                 burn
                 low
                 and
                 dim
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   put
                   out
                
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 complaint
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 in
                 the
                 following
                 verse
                 .
                 The
                 declensions
                 of
                 a
                 godly
                 man
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 they
                 are
                 recoverable
                 .
                 An
                 emblem
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 was
                 the
                 fire
                 upon
                 the
                 
                   Altar
                   in
                   the
                   Sanctuary
                
                 ,
                 it
                 never
                 went
                 out
                 after
                 once
                 
                 it
                 was
                 kindled
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 good
                 womans
                 Candle
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   goeth
                   not
                   out
                   by
                   night
                
                 ;
                 she
                 may
                 sleep
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 Candle-light
                 ;
                 as
                 persons
                 that
                 intend
                 to
                 rise
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 not
                 to
                 sleep
                 long
                 ,
                 will
                 sleep
                 by
                 a
                 Candle
                 .
                 Believers
                 may
                 fall
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Candle
                 may
                 burn
                 dim
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 it
                 goeth
                 not
                 out
                 .
                 
              
               
                 Indeed
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 his
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 low
                 ebb
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 as
                 scarce
                 to
                 be
                 visible
                 .
                 A
                 candle
                 in
                 the
                 socket
                 sometimes
                 will
                 burn
                 so
                 low
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 it
                 were
                 even
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 riseth
                 again
                 .
                 So
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 Peters
                 profession
                 had
                 given
                 up
                 the
                 ghost
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 denyed
                 and
                 forswore
                 his
                 Master
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 sad
                 manner
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 David
                 ,
                 his
                 profession
                 was
                 very
                 low
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Martyrs
                 that
                 subscribed
                 a
                 recantation
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 
                   Cranmer
                   ▪
                
                 So
                 
                   Tho.
                   Whittle
                
                 and
                 
                   Benbridge
                   ,
                   Bilny
                
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 
                   Fullers
                   lives
                
                 ,
                 pag.
                 122.
                 now
                 we
                 could
                 hardly
                 see
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 broke
                 forth
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 shone
                 gloriously
                 in
                 them
                 all
                 .
              
               
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 It
                 cannot
                 be
                 denyed
                 but
                 that
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 decline
                 and
                 lose
                 divers
                 degrees
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 for
                 ought
                 we
                 know
                 he
                 may
                 never
                 recover
                 again
                 ,
                 never
                 have
                 his
                 Lamp
                 trimmed
                 up
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 before
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 ,
                 it
                 never
                 goeth
                 quite
                 out
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 comfort
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 live
                 and
                 dye
                 haply
                 ,
                 without
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 .
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 himself
                 dyed
                 without
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 the
                 Love
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 supporting
                 presence
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 that
                 sweet
                 refreshing
                 presence
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   God
                   ,
                   my
                   God
                   ,
                   why
                   hast
                   thou
                   forsaken
                   me
                   ?
                
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 
                 not
                 necessary
                 to
                 the
                 being
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 believe
                 with
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 confess
                 with
                 the
                 mouth
                 is
                 ,
                 in
                 persons
                 grown
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 do
                 not
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 neither
                 the
                 light
                 nor
                 heat
                 altogether
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 acts
                 of
                 holiness
                 and
                 righteousness
                 towards
                 God
                 and
                 towards
                 men
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 altogether
                 lost
                 and
                 laid
                 aside
                 .
                 It
                 will
                 appear
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 by
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   path
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   is
                   as
                   a
                   shining
                   light
                   ,
                   which
                
                 
                 
                   shineth
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   to
                   the
                   perfect
                   day
                
                 ;
                 Some
                 interruptions
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 it
                 shineth
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ;
                 the
                 Sun
                 runneth
                 his
                 race
                 ,
                 though
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 cloud
                 intercepts
                 his
                 comfortable
                 beams
                 from
                 the
                 earth
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   his
                   leaf
                   shall
                   never
                
                 
                 wither
                 ,
                 the
                 leaf
                 is
                 the
                 profession
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 not
                 wither
                 but
                 be
                 green
                 .
                 An
                 hypocrite
                 indeed
                 like
                 a
                 Bull-rush
                 will
                 wither
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 mire
                 and
                 the
                 water
                 fails
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 withers
                 not
                 .
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 Conditions
                 which
                 usually
                 wither
                 mens
                 profession
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 stands
                 it
                 out
                 in
                 both
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 a
                 prosperous
                 state
                 ,
                 that
                 useth
                 to
                 choak
                 the
                 word
                 ;
                 they
                 that
                 will
                 call
                 upon
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 distress
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   their
                   afflictions
                   wil
                   seek
                   him
                   earnestly
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 when
                 his
                 hand
                 is
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
                 they
                 no
                 more
                 
                 remember
                 ▪
                 the
                 Lord
                 their
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 now
                 in
                 his
                 prosperous
                 condition
                 ,
                 he
                 loseth
                 not
                 his
                 profession
                 altogether
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lamp
                 may
                 be
                 damped
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 extinguisht
                 .
                 And
                 2.
                 
                 For
                 adversity
                 ,
                 that
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 trying
                 time
                 :
                 
                   all
                   this
                   is
                   come
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   yet
                   have
                   we
                   not
                   dealt
                   falsly
                   in
                   the
                   Covenant
                
                 ;
                 will
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 
                 alway
                 call
                 upon
                 God
                 ?
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 call
                 upon
                 God
                 alway
                 ,
                 nor
                 wait
                 for
                 him
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 affliction
                 usually
                 is
                 an
                 advantage
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 if
                 ever
                 their
                 Lamp
                 burn
                 brighter
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 dark
                 and
                 cold
                 night
                 of
                 persecution
                 and
                 affliction
                 ;
                 a
                 Torch
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 knockt
                 against
                 any
                 thing
                 ▪
                 the
                 more
                 it
                 burns
                 .
              
               
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   they
                   have
                   within
                   them
                   a
                   Spring
                   of
                   oyl
                   that
                   feeds
                   the
                   Lamp
                   ,
                
                 therefore
                 it
                 goeth
                 not
                 out
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 in
                 another
                 metaphor
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   John
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   his
                   belly
                   shall
                   flow
                   Rivers
                   of
                   water
                   ,
                   springing
                   up
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   .
                
                 Now
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 
                 this
                 within
                 ,
                 the
                 flame
                 will
                 live
                 while
                 there
                 is
                 oyl
                 to
                 maintain
                 it
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 like
                 fire
                 in
                 a
                 mans
                 bosom
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 carry
                 it
                 so
                 surely
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 will
                 discover
                 it self
                 as
                 fire
                 in
                 the
                 bones
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God.
                 And
                 ,
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   that
                   cruse
                   of
                   oyl
                   is
                   continually
                   supplyed
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                
                 and
                 from
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 never
                 fails
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 could
                 fail
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Light
                 in
                 the
                 Lamp
                 might
                 fail
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 fa●ls
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 why
                 ?
                 not
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 perishable
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 ,
                 being
                 but
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   because
                   it
                   is
                   kept
                   by
                   the
                   power
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   kept
                   by
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   salvation
                
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 in
                 our
                 keeping
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 quickly
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 run
                 our selves
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 do
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 lose
                 the
                 most
                 precious
                 frames
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 pleased
                 to
                 put
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 
                   kept
                   by
                   that
                   power
                   ,
                   none
                   is
                   able
                   to
                   pluck
                   them
                   out
                   of
                   this
                   hand
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                   &
                   the
                
                 
                 Son.
                 Sin
                 is
                 strong
                 indeed
                 ,
                 strong
                 lusts
                 ;
                 and
                 Satan
                 is
                 strong
                 ,
                 a
                 Lyon
                 ,
                 a
                 Dragon
                 ,
                 a
                 Prince
                 of
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 darkness
                 ;
                 and
                 Armies
                 of
                 lusts
                 he
                 hath
                 warring
                 in
                 our
                 members
                 ,
                 a
                 great
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 these
                 pluck
                 at
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 cannot
                 pull
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 hand
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 thence
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 are
                 not
                 put
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 fain
                 would
                 Satan
                 blow
                 out
                 the
                 Candle
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 walk
                 in
                 the
                 darkness
                 ,
                 not
                 knowing
                 whither
                 we
                 go
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 held
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 above
                 the
                 reach
                 of
                 his
                 poysonous
                 breath
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 A
                 damp
                 of
                 lusts
                 from
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 would
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 maketh
                 them
                 burn
                 very
                 dimly
                 and
                 blew
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 cannot
                 overcome
                 ;
                 the
                 Lamp
                 may
                 want
                 trimming
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 out
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 of
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   Believers
                   are
                   subject
                   to
                   such
                   declinings
                   ,
                
                 yea
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 at
                 
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 bring
                 forth
                 fruit
                 in
                 old
                 age
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 wither
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 the
                 leaves
                 ,
                 their
                 profession
                 may
                 change
                 colour
                 ,
                 and
                 lose
                 its
                 greenness
                 :
                 What
                 should
                 this
                 teach
                 us
                 all
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   placing
                   our
                   confidence
                   in
                   any
                   thing
                   which
                   may
                   fail
                   us
                   .
                
                 If
                 any
                 thing
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 himself
                 might
                 be
                 
                 trusted
                 in
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 be
                 grace
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 other
                 so
                 near
                 approach
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 Angels
                 were
                 but
                 Devils
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 perfection
                 of
                 Saints
                 and
                 Angels
                 ;
                 And
                 yet
                 because
                 it
                 hath
                 its
                 imperfections
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 trusted
                 to
                 .
                 Nothing
                 indeed
                 is
                 more
                 spiritual
                 then
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 choisest
                 communications
                 of
                 the
                 eternal
                 spirit
                 to
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 considered
                 in
                 comparison
                 with
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 flesh
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 rested
                 upon
                 ;
                 the
                 strongest
                 mountain
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 should
                 never
                 be
                 shaken
                 ,
                 yet
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 permit
                 ,
                 can
                 get
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 blow
                 it
                 up
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 grace
                 were
                 perfect
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 rest
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 yet
                 it
                 hath
                 its
                 comparative
                 imperfections
                 ,
                 it self
                 being
                 but
                 a
                 derivative
                 ,
                 and
                 dependent
                 Being
                 upon
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 grace
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 stream
                 ,
                 a
                 beam
                 ,
                 though
                 nearer
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 nearer
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ;
                 and
                 but
                 the
                 water
                 of
                 a
                 Cistern
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 whole
                 before
                 ,
                 yet
                 this
                 resting
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 would
                 make
                 it
                 a
                 broken
                 Cistern
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 bretbren
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 profession
                 flourish
                 never
                 so
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 spring
                 time
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 trust
                 not
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 there
                 may
                 come
                 a
                 fall
                 after
                 this
                 spring
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 come
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 scorching
                 heat
                 may
                 make
                 you
                 wither
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 at
                 least
                 .
                 Though
                 your
                 Lamp
                 burn
                 ,
                 and
                 shine
                 never
                 so
                 gloriously
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 light
                 be
                 great
                 which
                 ariseth
                 from
                 these
                 sparks
                 of
                 Gods
                 kindling
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 want
                 trimming
                 ,
                 to
                 burn
                 more
                 dimly
                 ,
                 therefore
                 trust
                 not
                 in
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   It
                   should
                   teach
                   us
                   then
                   to
                   live
                   by
                   faith
                   ,
                   in
                   respect
                   hereof
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 withering
                 every
                 moment
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 waterings
                 every
                 moment
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 become
                 of
                 us
                 now
                 ?
                 whence
                 must
                 this
                 come
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 eternal
                 spring
                 and
                 fulness
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 
                   Of
                   his
                   fulness
                   we
                   receive
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 :
                 What
                 made
                 the
                 difference
                 between
                 
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 their
                 profession
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 Peters
                 ?
                 all
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 damped
                 in
                 that
                 hour
                 and
                 
                   power
                   of
                   darkness
                
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 so
                 great
                 and
                 gross
                 ;
                 but
                 his
                 was
                 almost
                 gone
                 and
                 giving
                 up
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 those
                 acts
                 ,
                 the
                 flame
                 was
                 even
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 blew
                 it
                 in
                 again
                 by
                 the
                 breathing
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Labour
                   to
                   live
                   by
                   faith
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 for
                 preventing
                 grace
                 then
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 removed
                 from
                 our
                 stedfastness
                 .
                 The
                 Apostle
                 had
                 a
                 strong
                 perswasion
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   neither
                   life
                   nor
                   death
                
                 ,
                 the
                 intisements
                 
                 of
                 the
                 one
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 
                   should
                   separate
                   him
                   from
                   the
                   Love
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 O
                 it
                 was
                 that
                 love
                 he
                 hung
                 
                 upon
                 !
                 You
                 see
                 that
                 grace
                 it self
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ,
                 which
                 seeds
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 is
                 loseable
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 much
                 more
                 the
                 external
                 fruits
                 and
                 effects
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 if
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 do
                 not
                 keep
                 us
                 we
                 are
                 gone
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 hence
                 learn
                 to
                 live
                 by
                 the
                 faith
                 of
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 did
                 ,
                 not
                 by
                 sense
                 nor
                 what
                 we
                 fee●
                 ;
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 our
                 life
                 ,
                 or
                 
                 if
                 never
                 so
                 little
                 ,
                 that
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 our
                 death
                 ,
                 but
                 still
                 live
                 by
                 faith
                 in
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 liveth
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 his
                 people
                 shall
                 not
                 dye
                 ,
                 nor
                 their
                 Lamps
                 be
                 put
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Consider
                   then
                   ,
                   have
                   we
                   not
                   declined
                   ?
                
                 have
                 not
                 our
                 Lamps
                 
                 burned
                 much
                 clearer
                 then
                 now
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 hath
                 not
                 our
                 light
                 been
                 clearer
                 then
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 warmth
                 been
                 more
                 then
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 humbling
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 Have
                 we
                 not
                 received
                 much
                 mixture
                 of
                 error
                 in
                 these
                 erting
                 times
                 ?
                 we
                 cannot
                 imagine
                 how
                 much
                 darkness
                 it
                 brings
                 upon
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 one
                 error
                 mixed
                 with
                 much
                 truth
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 may
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 say
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   somewhat
                   against
                   you
                   all
                   ,
                   in
                   that
                   you
                   have
                   left
                   your
                   first
                   love
                   ?
                
                 Time
                 was
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 were
                 zealous
                 for
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 
                 did
                 even
                 eat
                 you
                 up
                 ;
                 now
                 you
                 are
                 grown
                 to
                 a
                 Gallio's
                 spirit
                 ,
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 Now
                 we
                 seek
                 our
                 own
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 nest
                 our selves
                 in
                 security
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 consider
                 not
                 the
                 danger
                 poor
                 souls
                 are
                 in
                 ,
                 by
                 such
                 as
                 go
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 with
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 delusion
                 ,
                 few
                 mourners
                 in
                 Zion
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 Church
                 were
                 under
                 persecution
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 likely
                 we
                 should
                 lament
                 ;
                 truly
                 I
                 look
                 upon
                 its
                 present
                 state
                 as
                 more
                 destructive
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 so
                 many
                 Vipers
                 ●ating
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 bowels
                 of
                 Religion
                 ;
                 where
                 is
                 our
                 burning
                 of
                 zeal
                 for
                 God
                 against
                 these
                 things
                 ?
                 sure
                 it
                 should
                 humble
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   We
                   see
                   that
                   Believers
                   may
                   decline
                   ,
                
                 and
                 these
                 times
                 do
                 give
                 an
                 abundant
                 proof
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 burning
                 and
                 shining
                 lights
                 ,
                 have
                 been
                 benighted
                 ,
                 and
                 inveloped
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 Egyptian
                 darkness
                 ,
                 entertaning
                 the
                 most
                 desperate
                 opinions
                 ,
                 walking
                 after
                 their
                 own
                 Lusts
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 afterwards
                 have
                 been
                 restored
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 make
                 us
                 fear
                 before
                 him
                 !
                 
                   be
                   not
                   high-minded
                   ,
                   but
                   fear
                
                 ;
                 here
                 thou
                 seest
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 another
                 ,
                 
                 their
                 lamps
                 next
                 to
                 a
                 being
                 quite
                 extinct
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 hast
                 light
                 and
                 heat
                 maintained
                 ;
                 O
                 boast
                 not
                 thy self
                 ,
                 lift
                 not
                 up
                 thy self
                 ,
                 but
                 fear
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 humility
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 a
                 nurse
                 of
                 the
                 graces
                 ,
                 
                 
                   conservatrix
                   virtutum
                
                 ,
                 as
                 Bernard
                 saith
                 .
                 If
                 he
                 spared
                 not
                 the
                 Angels
                 in
                 their
                 pride
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 spare
                 thee
                 ?
                 A
                 Novise
                 is
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 falling
                 into
                 the
                 condemnation
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 being
                 puffed
                 up
                 ;
                 
                   He
                   giveth
                   grace
                   to
                   the
                   lowly
                   ,
                   but
                   resisteth
                   the
                   proud
                   .
                
                 Some
                 do
                 observe
                 that
                 word
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   ye
                   cloathed
                   with
                   humility
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   ye
                   cloathed
                
                 ;
                 the
                 word
                 cometh
                 from
                 a
                 word
                 signifying
                 a
                 knot
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 ties
                 all
                 together
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 and
                 so
                 
                 knitteth
                 the
                 graces
                 together
                 ,
                 as
                 pearls
                 upon
                 a
                 Braslet
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 knot
                 be
                 broken
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 quickly
                 lost
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 thief
                 in
                 the
                 candle
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 waster
                 ;
                 the
                 Moth
                 in
                 the
                 cloath
                 consumeth
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 spoyleth
                 the
                 beauty
                 and
                 strength
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 worm
                 at
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 Guord
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 smite
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 by
                 sad
                 experience
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 grow
                 so
                 proud
                 ,
                 and
                 pretend
                 to
                 Angelical
                 perfection
                 in
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 they
                 fall
                 as
                 low
                 as
                 hell
                 ,
                 and
                 brutish
                 bestiality
                 in
                 their
                 lusts
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 labour
                 to
                 walk
                 humbly
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   not
                   high-minded
                
                 ;
                 though
                 at
                 present
                 we
                 stand
                 ,
                 and
                 flourish
                 ,
                 and
                 shine
                 ,
                 and
                 burn
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 liable
                 to
                 declinings
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   If
                   we
                   be
                   so
                   liable
                   to
                   declinings
                   ,
                   then
                   it
                   should
                   teach
                   us
                   so
                   much
                   the
                   more
                   to
                   be
                   diligent
                   in
                   improving
                   .
                
                 I
                 am
                 sure
                 the
                 Apostle
                 giveth
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 preservative
                 against
                 declining
                 and
                 apostatizing
                 ;
                 
                   But
                   grow
                   in
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   and
                   Saviour
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 knowledge
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 reveal
                 himself
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 from
                 grace
                 to
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   whom
                   beholding
                
                 
                 
                   as
                   in
                   a
                   glass
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 But
                 observe
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   keep
                   your selves
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   fall
                   not
                   from
                   your
                   own
                   stedfastness
                
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 be
                 ?
                 One
                 means
                 is
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ;
                 If
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 our
                 Lamps
                 burn
                 dim
                 and
                 low
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 supply
                 them
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 they
                 may
                 increase
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   path
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   is
                   as
                   a
                   shining
                   light
                   ,
                   which
                   shineth
                
                 
                 
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   to
                   the
                   perfect
                   day
                
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 wind
                 of
                 that
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 
                   which
                   bloweth
                   where
                   it
                   listeth
                
                 ,
                 it
                 riseth
                 higher
                 and
                 higher
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 note
                 .
                 
                 O
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 then
                 ,
                 ordinarily
                 while
                 the
                 fruit
                 is
                 in
                 growth
                 ,
                 the
                 leaves
                 wither
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 fruit
                 fals
                 ,
                 except
                 in
                 some
                 great
                 storm
                 or
                 wind
                 .
                 Labour
                 to
                 grow
                 then
                 ,
                 first
                 in
                 bigness
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 sweetness
                 ;
                 grow
                 more
                 mellow
                 ,
                 sweet
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 humility
                 and
                 self-denial
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   If
                   we
                   be
                   so
                   liable
                   to
                   decline
                   ,
                   it
                   should
                   teach
                   us
                   to
                   avoid
                   all
                   those
                   things
                   which
                   tend
                   to
                   a
                   declining
                   ,
                
                 else
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 avoid
                 
                 the
                 thing
                 it self
                 ;
                 
                   we
                   must
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   sleeping
                   then
                
                 ;
                 for
                 though
                 our
                 Lamps
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 bright
                 when
                 we
                 begin
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 awake
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 burn
                 low
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 extinct
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 have
                 great
                 need
                 of
                 trimming
                 up
                 .
                 Security
                 is
                 the
                 undoing
                 evil
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 ;
                 where
                 was
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 Davids
                 faith
                 when
                 he
                 began
                 to
                 be
                 secure
                 ?
                 Psal
                 .
                 30.
                 7.
                 
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 putting
                 off
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 gender
                 to
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 security
                 will
                 bring
                 a
                 neglect
                 of
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 grow
                 low
                 and
                 decline
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   we
                   heed
                   of
                   false
                   Teachers
                   ,
                   try
                   the
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   whether
                   they
                   be
                   of
                   God
                   or
                   no
                
                 ;
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 strange
                 influence
                 upon
                 the
                 life
                 and
                 liveliness
                 of
                 mens
                 profession
                 ;
                 were
                 they
                 not
                 these
                 that
                 hindered
                 the
                 
                   Galathians
                   ?
                   Ye
                   did
                   run
                   well
                   ,
                   who
                   hath
                   hindered
                   you
                   ?
                   who
                   hath
                   bewitched
                   you
                   ,
                   that
                   you
                   should
                   not
                   obey
                   the
                   truth
                   ?
                   Ye
                   did
                   run
                
                 
                 well
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 the
                 rase
                 wherein
                 they
                 had
                 Lamps
                 or
                 Torches
                 ;
                 
                   but
                   who
                   hath
                   hindered
                   you
                
                 ?
                 The
                 Apostle
                 Peter
                 maketh
                 it
                 the
                 immediate
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 backsliding
                 ,
                 and
                 declining
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 utter
                 apostacy
                 :
                 Beware
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 lest
                 ye
                 also
                 being
                 led
                 away
                 with
                 the
                 error
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   fall
                   from
                   your
                   own
                   stedfastness
                
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 carried
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 way
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 with
                 another
                 ;
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 error
                 is
                 greater
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 of
                 .
                 The
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   lest
                   any
                   man
                   deceive
                   you
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   with
                   enticing
                   words
                   beguile
                   you
                
                 .
                 They
                 have
                 cunning
                 
                 craftiness
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                   cogging
                   with
                   the
                   die
                   ,
                   Satan
                   changing
                   himself
                   into
                   an
                   Angel
                   of
                   light
                   ,
                
                 and
                 his
                 Ministers
                 into
                 Ministers
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 cogging
                 with
                 the
                 die
                 ,
                 like
                 cunning
                 and
                 deceitful
                 Gamsters
                 :
                 how
                 easie
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 deceive
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 simple
                 ,
                 
                   yea
                   the
                   hearts
                   of
                   his
                
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 kept
                 by
                 that
                 power
                 ?
                 But
                 a
                 great
                 way
                 they
                 may
                 prevail
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 lose
                 our
                 stedfastness
                 ;
                 
                   and
                   therefore
                   take
                   heed
                   what
                   spirits
                   we
                   give
                   ear
                   to
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 see
                 in
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 what
                 fearful
                 work
                 Satan
                 hath
                 made
                 among
                 Professors
                 ?
                 how
                 many
                 have
                 their
                 Lamps
                 quite
                 put
                 out
                 ,
                 that
                 went
                 for
                 zealous
                 Christians
                 ,
                 are
                 become
                 meer
                 Atheists
                 ?
                 how
                 many
                 have
                 suffered
                 a
                 great
                 abatement
                 in
                 their
                 zeal
                 ,
                 and
                 vigour
                 ,
                 and
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 closeness
                 of
                 walking
                 with
                 God
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 ?
                 O
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 falshood
                 at
                 the
                 beginning
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   we
                   heed
                   of
                   learning
                   their
                   ways
                   ,
                   by
                   conversing
                   with
                   dead-hearted
                   Professors
                   ,
                
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 that
                 life
                 and
                 power
                 ,
                 that
                 light
                 and
                 heat
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 cold
                 ,
                 luke-warm
                 frame
                 ;
                 for
                 such
                 as
                 our
                 
                 Company
                 is
                 ,
                 such
                 shall
                 we
                 be
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 must
                 men
                 
                   make
                   no
                   friendship
                   with
                   an
                   angry
                   man
                   ,
                   lest
                   he
                   learn
                   his
                   ways
                   ?
                
                 And
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 formal
                 Professor
                 ,
                 a
                 loose
                 Professor
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 little
                 of
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Godliness
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 quench-coal
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 degrees
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 your selves
                 growing
                 to
                 a
                 more
                 listless
                 indifferency
                 ,
                 then
                 before
                 ;
                 therefore
                 though
                 you
                 may
                 pity
                 them
                 ,
                 pray
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 provoke
                 them
                 as
                 occasion
                 serveth
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 inward
                 familiarity
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 lie
                 in
                 their
                 bosoms
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 be
                 followed
                 with
                 a
                 conformity
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 it
                 will
                 work
                 a
                 declining
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   deceiving
                   our selves
                   with
                   false
                   measures
                   and
                   weights
                   .
                
                 The
                 Apostle
                 tell
                 us
                 of
                 some
                 that
                 compared
                 themselves
                 
                 with
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 not
                 wise
                 ;
                 or
                 comparing
                 themselves
                 with
                 some
                 others
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 haply
                 behind
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 maketh
                 them
                 slack
                 So
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Laodicea
                 ,
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 reason
                 
                 of
                 their
                 lukewarmness
                 ?
                 they
                 lost
                 their
                 love
                 ,
                 the
                 heat
                 and
                 burning
                 of
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 ,
                 whatever
                 light
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 why
                 they
                 thought
                 they
                 were
                 rich
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 need
                 of
                 nothing
                 ,
                 they
                 needed
                 not
                 that
                 eye-salve
                 to
                 buy
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 nor
                 gold
                 ,
                 nor
                 raiment
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 desperate
                 undoing
                 sin
                 indeed
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 think
                 now
                 ,
                 O
                 they
                 bless
                 God
                 they
                 are
                 rich
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 others
                 to
                 press
                 forward
                 ,
                 they
                 need
                 not
                 walk
                 so
                 painfully
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 their
                 corruptions
                 are
                 more
                 subdued
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 
                   Si
                   dixisti
                   sufsiciat
                   ,
                   periisti
                
                 .
                 See
                 Phil.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   I
                   forget
                   what
                   is
                   behind
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Arm
                   your selves
                   against
                   the
                   smiles
                   ,
                   and
                   discouragements
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                
                 for
                 though
                 like
                 Sampsons
                 foxes
                 ,
                 they
                 look
                 with
                 their
                 faces
                 contrary
                 waies
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 effect
                 is
                 one
                 and
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 not
                 to
                 fire
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 quench
                 that
                 light
                 and
                 heat
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 believer
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 smiles
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 are
                 her
                 embraces
                 ,
                 she
                 doth
                 use
                 to
                 smother
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 overlay
                 a
                 soul
                 ;
                 when
                 Davids
                 
                   mountain
                   was
                   made
                   strong
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   Gods
                   favour
                   too
                   ,
                
                 then
                 he
                 began
                 to
                 
                 be
                 secure
                 ,
                 to
                 fal
                 asleep
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Lamp
                 was
                 almost
                 gone
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   God
                   hid
                   his
                   face
                   from
                   him
                   ,
                
                 his
                 comfort
                 was
                 lost
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 .
                 How
                 many
                 Demas's
                 are
                 there
                 ,
                 which
                 forsake
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 Christ
                 for
                 this
                 
                   present
                   world
                   ▪
                
                 yea
                 ,
                 indeed
                 many
                 that
                 can
                 endure
                 the
                 frowns
                 of
                 
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 yet
                 are
                 overcome
                 by
                 her
                 smiles
                 ;
                 Jesurun
                 
                   kicked
                   not
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   nor
                   forgot
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   her
                   salvation
                   ,
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   when
                   she
                   waxed
                   fat
                   .
                
                 So
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Nehemiah
                   ;
                   they
                   took
                   strong
                   Cities
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   fat
                   land
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   possessed
                   houses
                   full
                   of
                   all
                   ,
                   wels
                   digged
                   ,
                   vineyards
                   ,
                   and
                   olive-yards
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   fruit-trees
                   in
                   abunndance
                   ;
                   so
                   they
                   did
                   eat
                   ,
                   and
                   were
                   filled
                   ,
                   and
                   became
                   fat
                   ;
                   and
                   delighted
                   themselves
                   in
                   the
                   great
                   goodness
                   ;
                   notwithstanding
                   they
                   were
                   disobedient
                   ,
                   and
                   rebelled
                   against
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   cast
                   thy
                   Law
                   behind
                   their
                   backs
                   ,
                   &c.
                   and
                   slew
                   the
                   Prophets
                   which
                   testified
                   against
                   them
                   .
                
                 O
                 wat●h
                 against
                 this
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 abate
                 our
                 earnestness
                 after
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 lest
                 while
                 
                   we
                   are
                   panting
                   like
                   the
                   Hart
                   after
                   the
                   water
                   brooks
                   ,
                
                 we
                 take
                 up
                 with
                 a
                 drop
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 the
                 Creature-comforts
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 thirst
                 after
                 spirituals
                 be
                 more
                 cooled
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 solace
                 our selves
                 under
                 our
                 Guord
                 ,
                 instead
                 of
                 the
                 Aple-tree
                 ,
                 the
                 sweet
                 shadow
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 alway
                 keep
                 fresh
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 his
                 smiles
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Diamond
                 is
                 present
                 ,
                 the
                 Load-stone
                 cannot
                 draw
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Arm
                   we
                   our selves
                   against
                   the
                   frowns
                   of
                   the
                   world
                
                 ;
                 discouragements
                 we
                 must
                 expect
                 to
                 meet
                 with
                 sooner
                 or
                 latter
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 like
                 a
                 hollow-hearted
                 bulrush
                 bow
                 and
                 bend
                 ,
                 and
                 comply
                 with
                 every
                 thing
                 ,
                 a
                 notable
                 embleme
                 of
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ;
                 If
                 we
                 stand
                 firm
                 like
                 an
                 Oke
                 or
                 Cedar
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 feel
                 strong
                 gusts
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 known
                 what
                 they
                 meant
                 ▪
                 and
                 some
                 have
                 had
                 experience
                 of
                 their
                 weakness
                 to
                 bear
                 up
                 against
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 humble
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 ●s
                 double
                 our
                 watch
                 !
                 Satan
                 will
                 raise
                 a
                 storm
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 permit
                 him
                 ;
                 thinking
                 on
                 a
                 sudden
                 to
                 blow
                 out
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 arm
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 go
                 on
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 weeping
                 ;
                 As
                 the
                 Milch-kine
                 that
                 carried
                 the
                 Ark
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 Philistins
                 
                 to
                 Bethlehem
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 their
                 Calves
                 left
                 at
                 home
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 a
                 strong
                 avocation
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 strait
                 forward
                 ,
                 lowing
                 and
                 lamenting
                 after
                 their
                 Calves
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 went
                 forward
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 that
                 Marquess
                 of
                 Vioum
                 in
                 Italy
                 ,
                 even
                 Galeacius
                 ,
                 that
                 forsook
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 lands
                 ,
                 and
                 wife
                 ,
                 and
                 children
                 ▪
                 and
                 all
                 for
                 Christ
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 cannot
                 do
                 it
                 without
                 some
                 reluctancy
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 done
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 many
                 discouragements
                 from
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 strong
                 temptations
                 ,
                 violent
                 temptations
                 ;
                 haply
                 more
                 then
                 ever
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 had
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 go
                 on
                 but
                 weeping
                 and
                 wailing
                 ▪
                 yet
                 resolve
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 however
                 we
                 will
                 go
                 on
                 ;
                 such
                 a
                 well-grounded
                 resolution
                 ,
                 often
                 renewed
                 with
                 a
                 waiting
                 upon
                 the
                 Spirit
                 for
                 his
                 strength
                 to
                 perform
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 carry
                 a
                 man
                 on
                 far
                 .
              
               
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Be
                   sure
                   not
                   to
                   neglect
                   the
                   Ordinances
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   nor
                   be
                   slight
                   in
                   the
                   using
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 And
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 two
                 I
                 doubt
                 we
                 are
                 often
                 guilty
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 may
                 thank
                 our selves
                 for
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 deadness
                 that
                 groweth
                 upon
                 us
                 daily
                 :
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 
                   golden
                   Pipes
                
                 ,
                 whereby
                 this
                 Oyl
                 is
                 conveyed
                 continually
                 from
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 keeping
                 our
                 Lamps
                 alive
                 and
                 lively
                 .
                 Would
                 you
                 not
                 wither
                 ,
                 but
                 continue
                 your
                 verdour
                 and
                 greenness
                 ?
                 you
                 must
                 
                   keep
                   close
                   to
                   the
                   waters
                   of
                   the
                   Sanctuary
                   ;
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   like
                   Trees
                
                 
                 
                   planted
                   by
                   the
                   rivers
                   of
                   water
                   ,
                   his
                   leaf
                   shall
                   never
                   fail
                   ;
                   he
                   that
                   delights
                   in
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   meditates
                   in
                   it
                   day
                   and
                   night
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 private
                 conversation
                 with
                 God.
                 
                   And
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   planted
                   in
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   shall
                   flourish
                   in
                   the
                   Courts
                   of
                   our
                   God
                   ,
                   yea
                   in
                   old
                
                 
                 
                   age
                   they
                   shall
                   flourish
                   ,
                   and
                   b●ing
                   forth
                   more
                   abundantly
                   ,
                
                 when
                 many
                 times
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 declining
                 time
                 .
                 A
                 diligent
                 ,
                 careful
                 ,
                 serious
                 use
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 with
                 an
                 eye
                 to
                 faith
                 ,
                 seeing
                 through
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 empty
                 pipes
                 without
                 his
                 presence
                 to
                 fill
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 exceedingly
                 conduceth
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Be
                   sure
                   your
                   aim
                   be
                   as
                   high
                   as
                   heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   perfection
                
                 
                 
                   which
                   shall
                   be
                   at
                   the
                   resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   N●t
                   that
                   I
                   count
                   that
                   I
                   have
                   attained
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                   press
                   hard
                   forward
                   ,
                
                 
                 and
                 all
                 his
                 diligence
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   attain
                   the
                   resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                
                 ;
                 by
                 a
                 Metonymie
                 of
                 the
                 Adjunct
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 the
                 perfection
                 of
                 that
                 〈…〉
                 a●e
                 at
                 the
                 resurrection
                 ;
                 see
                 how
                 high
                 he
                 aimed
                 at
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 languish
                 ,
                 nor
                 loi●●r
                 ,
                 nor
                 stay
                 in
                 what
                 he
                 had
                 received
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   pressed
                   hard
                   forward
                   toward
                   the
                   mark
                   of
                   the
                   pri●e
                   of
                   the
                   high
                   calling
                
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 aimeth
                 short
                 ,
                 even
                 at
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 will
                 serve
                 his
                 turn
                 ,
                 and
                 compass
                 his
                 design
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 that
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 end
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 a●m
                 at
                 perfection
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 should
                 we
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 keep
                 our
                 Lamps
                 alive
                 ,
                 never
                 rest
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 
                   Be
                   much
                   in
                   prayer
                
                 ;
                 pray
                 hard
                 for
                 the
                 supplies
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 them
                 if
                 we
                 ask
                 ;
                 importunity
                 will
                 prevail
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 Strangers
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 ,
                 if
                 Children
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 keepeth
                 all
                 alive
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 pray
                 for
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 of
                 this
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 See
                 how
                 Moses
                 followeth
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 request
                 upon
                 request
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 in
                 the
                 Mount
                 ,
                 and
                 seen
                 
                 him
                 face
                 to
                 face
                 ;
                 one
                 would
                 think
                 this
                 was
                 enough
                 to
                 have
                 stopped
                 his
                 mouth
                 for
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ;
                 no
                 sooner
                 was
                 he
                 come
                 down
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 praying
                 for
                 the
                 guidance
                 of
                 that
                 good
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   
                   shew
                   me
                   the
                   way
                   where
                   in
                   thou
                   wouldst
                   have
                   us
                   to
                   go
                
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 God
                 grants
                 him
                 this
                 ,
                 this
                 satisfieth
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 must
                 have
                 Gods
                 presence
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 an
                 Angel
                 would
                 not
                 serve
                 his
                 turn
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 presence
                 he
                 must
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 this
                 was
                 granted
                 ,
                 this
                 would
                 not
                 serve
                 his
                 turn
                 neither
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   shew
                   me
                   thy
                   glory
                   :
                   Prayer
                
                 is
                 the
                 richest
                 trading
                 for
                 heaven
                 :
                 
                   Build
                   up
                   your selves
                   ,
                   praying
                   in
                   the
                   holy
                   Ghost
                   .
                
                 Ah
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 prayer
                 of
                 faith
                 that
                 fetche●h
                 in
                 rich
                 supplies
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 continually
                 .
                 
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   grieving
                   this
                   good
                   Spirit
                   then
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   his
                   presence
                   ,
                   by
                   any
                   willing
                   transgression
                   :
                
                 this
                 grieveth
                 him
                 ,
                 our
                 
                 unthankfulness
                 ,
                 and
                 slighting
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 minding
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 grieve
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 he
                 depart
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 our
                 Lamps
                 will
                 be
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 sad
                 taking
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   every
                   day
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   trimming
                
                 ;
                 the
                 
                   Lamps
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 Sanctuary
                 were
                 drest
                 or
                 trimmed
                 every
                 day
                 ,
                 he
                 made
                 them
                 well
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Original
                 word
                 signifieth
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 disordered
                 ;
                 burning
                 every
                 night
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 somewhat
                 wanting
                 oyl
                 ,
                 and
                 raising
                 the
                 week
                 likely
                 ,
                 and
                 removal
                 of
                 dross
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 might
                 contract
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   drest
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   them
                   ready
                   every
                   morning
                
                 ;
                 the
                 morality
                 implied
                 in
                 this
                 Type
                 ,
                 surely
                 is
                 this
                 ;
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 daily
                 dress
                 up
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 need
                 it
                 every
                 day
                 ;
                 renew
                 our
                 repentance
                 ,
                 renew
                 our
                 resolutions
                 ,
                 our
                 walking
                 clos
                 〈…〉
                 r
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 &c.
                 daily
                 endeavour
                 to
                 draw
                 nearer
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 neglect
                 your
                 Lamps
                 but
                 a
                 week
                 or
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 what
                 fearful
                 work
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 such
                 then
                 as
                 can
                 say
                 with
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   lived
                   thus
                   long
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   sight
                   fails
                   not
                   ,
                   nor
                   their
                   strength
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 They
                 have
                 great
                 cause
                 to
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 But
                 though
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 thus
                 apt
                 to
                 decline
                 his
                 profession
                 ,
                 thus
                 apt
                 to
                 grow
                 dim
                 ,
                 his
                 Lamp
                 to
                 want
                 trimming
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   it
                   never
                   goeth
                   altogether
                   out
                   :
                
                 And
                 what
                 use
                 should
                 we
                 make
                 of
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   It
                   reproveth
                   that
                   opinion
                   of
                   falling
                   away
                   utterly
                   from
                   justifying
                   and
                   renewing
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 all
                 believers
                 is
                 here
                 set
                 
                 down
                 by
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 the
                 
                   wise
                   virgins
                
                 ,
                 their
                 Lamps
                 indeed
                 did
                 decay
                 ,
                 and
                 suffer
                 an
                 impairing
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 altogether
                 dye
                 ;
                 No
                 ,
                 this
                 spring
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 once
                 sprung
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 springs
                 up
                 to
                 eternal
                 life
                 ,
                 though
                 some
                 interruptions
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 ;
                 did
                 he
                 pray
                 that
                 
                 
                 Peters
                 faith
                 should
                 not
                 fail
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 he
                 not
                 pray
                 for
                 all
                 believers
                 ?
                 indeed
                 his
                 faith
                 did
                 as
                 near
                 fail
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 ever
                 mans
                 did
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 it
                 revived
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 David
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Yet
                   do
                   not
                   abuse
                   this
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                
                 as
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 exceeding
                 apt
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 If
                 we
                 cannot
                 fall
                 away
                 utterly
                 ,
                 then
                 if
                 once
                 ,
                 Be
                 sure
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 if
                 once
                 we
                 have
                 Oyl
                 in
                 our
                 vessels
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 altogether
                 spent
                 ,
                 our
                 Lamps
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 blown
                 out
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 dangerous
                 and
                 next
                 to
                 desperate
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 in
                 a
                 like
                 case
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 abhorrency
                 at
                 the
                 thought
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 speaks
                 thus
                 ;
                 
                   shall
                   we
                   continue
                   in
                   sin
                   ,
                   that
                   grace
                   may
                   abound
                   ?
                   God
                   forbid
                
                 ;
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 
                 us
                 partakers
                 of
                 the
                 sure
                 mercies
                 of
                 David
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 never
                 fail
                 ,
                 shall
                 we
                 therefore
                 neglect
                 our
                 worthy
                 walking
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 it
                 argues
                 a
                 very
                 ungodly
                 frame
                 of
                 heart
                 where
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 .
                 We
                 should
                 the
                 rather
                 be
                 encouraged
                 ,
                 our
                 hands
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 to
                 
                 work
                 out
                 our
                 salvation
                 with
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 earnestness
                 ;
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 very
                 unchild-like
                 and
                 wretched
                 frame
                 of
                 heart
                 for
                 a
                 child
                 to
                 say
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 my
                 fathers
                 heart
                 towards
                 me
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 do
                 what
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 me
                 out
                 of
                 doors
                 ,
                 his
                 inheritance
                 is
                 sure
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 haply
                 be
                 mistaken
                 ,
                 and
                 prove
                 himself
                 a
                 Bastard
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 Son
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 Gods
                 Children
                 have
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 such
                 child-like
                 dispositions
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 will
                 hardly
                 dare
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 an
                 use
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 rich
                 treasury
                 of
                 grace
                 .
                 Or
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   like
                   to
                   smart
                   for
                   it
                   .
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   A
                   word
                   of
                   strong
                   Consolation
                   to
                   many
                   a
                   poor
                   drooping
                   soul
                   ;
                   If
                   once
                   thou
                   have
                   but
                   grace
                   in
                   thy
                   heart
                   ,
                   the
                   oyl
                   in
                   thy
                   Vessel
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 lost
                 again
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 it
                 be
                 loseable
                 .
                 Thou
                 art
                 afraid
                 some
                 temptation
                 or
                 another
                 from
                 Satan
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 or
                 thy
                 own
                 heart
                 will
                 blow
                 it
                 out
                 ;
                 some
                 blast
                 or
                 other
                 will
                 wither
                 thee
                 ;
                 O
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 keep
                 thy
                 Lamp
                 burning
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 so
                 many
                 contrary
                 winds
                 of
                 lust
                 and
                 corruption
                 ;
                 but
                 though
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 keep
                 it
                 alive
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 can
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 Indeed
                 while
                 the
                 Virgins
                 slept
                 ,
                 for
                 any
                 care
                 they
                 took
                 of
                 their
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 have
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 kept
                 it
                 burning
                 though
                 it
                 were
                 but
                 low
                 ,
                 and
                 needed
                 dressing
                 .
                 Be
                 of
                 good
                 courage
                 then
                 ,
                 poor
                 drooping
                 foul
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 strengthen
                 thy
                 heart
                 ;
                 didst
                 thou
                 ever
                 know
                 of
                 any
                 that
                 had
                 this
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
                 that
                 had
                 the
                 real
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 did
                 quite
                 extinguish
                 and
                 dye
                 ?
                 surely
                 thou
                 didst
                 not
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                 do
                 but
                 seal
                 it
                 up
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 for
                 thy
                 everlasting
                 comfort
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   Lamp
                   shall
                   never
                   be
                   put
                   out
                   in
                   obscure
                   darkness
                   .
                
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   What
                   shall
                   we
                   render
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   for
                   this
                   unspeakable
                   grace
                   towards
                   us
                   ?
                
                 how
                 hath
                 he
                 lifted
                 up
                 our
                 condition
                 above
                 innocency
                 it self
                 in
                 Adam
                 ?
                 he
                 was
                 made
                 liable
                 to
                 fall
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 not
                 engage
                 himself
                 to
                 keep
                 him
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 now
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 Adam
                 in
                 a
                 surer
                 Condition
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 better
                 tenure
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 our
                 stedfastness
                 and
                 standing
                 ;
                 
                   because
                   he
                   liveth
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   live
                   .
                
                 If
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 could
                 die
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 then
                 might
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 dye
                 again
                 altogether
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 once
                 they
                 are
                 implanted
                 into
                 him
                 .
                 
                   O
                   he
                   liveth
                   for
                   ever
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 which
                 liveth
                 and
                 dwelleth
                 in
                 
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 it
                 never
                 dyeth
                 and
                 faileth
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 it
                 the
                 very
                 
                   tenure
                   of
                   his
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   put
                   his
                   fear
                   into
                   their
                   hearts
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   they
                   shall
                   never
                   depart
                   from
                   him
                   .
                
                 We
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 that
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 almost
                 gone
                 and
                 blown
                 out
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 brink
                 of
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 ,
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 that
                 mercy
                 is
                 ;
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 been
                 made
                 to
                 believe
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 cast
                 them
                 into
                 the
                 bottomless
                 pit
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 utterly
                 destroy
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 forsake
                 them
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 sweet
                 a
                 truth
                 must
                 this
                 needs
                 be
                 !
                 
                   that
                   though
                   their
                   flesh
                   and
                   heart
                   fail
                   them
                   ,
                   yet
                   God
                   will
                   never
                   fail
                   them
                   ,
                
                 whatever
                 he
                 
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 do
                 for
                 a
                 season
                 ;
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Doctrine
                 is
                 this
                 :
                 
                   When
                   a
                   Believers
                   profession
                   groweth
                
                 
                 
                   so
                   low
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   is
                   declined
                   ,
                   specially
                   at
                   such
                   a
                   time
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   his
                   duty
                   to
                   trim
                   his
                   Lamp
                   ,
                   to
                   renew
                   his
                   profession
                   ,
                   to
                   look
                   after
                   a
                   restoring
                   .
                
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   arose
                   ,
                   and
                   trimmed
                   their
                   Lamps
                   ,
                
                 when
                 the
                 Cry
                 came
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 did
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 .
                 Concerning
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 I
                 have
                 nothing
                 here
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 nor
                 shall
                 I
                 trouble
                 my self
                 ,
                 or
                 you
                 with
                 what
                 haply
                 might
                 be
                 spoken
                 of
                 the
                 Hypocrites
                 trimming
                 his
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 differs
                 from
                 the
                 Believers
                 .
                 The
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 trimming
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 spoke
                 the
                 last-day
                 to
                 that
                 purpose
                 ,
                 shewing
                 how
                 far
                 they
                 might
                 go
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 here
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 dwell
                 too
                 long
                 upon
                 these
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 So
                 you
                 find
                 Solomon
                 :
                 his
                 declinings
                 were
                 great
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 at
                 his
                 latter
                 end
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 arose
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 repented
                 ,
                 as
                 appears
                 by
                 his
                 Book
                 of
                 Ecclesiastes
                 ,
                 and
                 Proverbs
                 ,
                 &c.
                 written
                 after
                 this
                 
                 his
                 backsliding
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 generally
                 conceived
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Philippians
                 ,
                 their
                 love
                 and
                 care
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 suffered
                 a
                 nipping
                 ,
                 
                 a
                 winter
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 ceased
                 to
                 flourish
                 as
                 formerly
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 renewed
                 it
                 again
                 ;
                 
                   It
                   hath
                   flourished
                   it
                   again
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 :
                 Eurychus
                 may
                 fall
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 almost
                 beat
                 his
                 life
                 out
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 still
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 means
                 used
                 to
                 draw
                 it
                 forth
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 is
                 pains
                 taken
                 with
                 Trees
                 that
                 have
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 barreness
                 come
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 Spiritual
                 life
                 runs
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 appears
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 without
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 ;
                 as
                 conquered
                 men
                 do
                 from
                 their
                 outworks
                 to
                 the
                 Tower
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 brought
                 forth
                 again
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 command
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 those
                 two
                 Churches
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   Sardis
                   had
                   a
                   name
                   to
                   live
                   and
                   was
                   dead
                
                 ;
                 likely
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 them
                 were
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 things
                 remaining
                 ,
                 
                 which
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 die
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 must
                 be
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 remain
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 die
                 ;
                 for
                 their
                 works
                 were
                 not
                 perfect
                 before
                 God.
                 O
                 it
                 was
                 hypocrisie
                 that
                 did
                 eat
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 life
                 of
                 Godliness
                 ,
                 it
                 s
                 a
                 consuming
                 thing
                 indeed
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 the
                 Laodiceans
                 ,
                 their
                 love
                 was
                 waxed
                 
                   Luke-warm
                   ,
                   neither
                   hot
                   ,
                   nor
                   cold
                   ,
                
                 neither
                 dead
                 altogether
                 ,
                 nor
                 lively
                 ;
                 now
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   zealous
                   therefore
                   ,
                   and
                   repent
                   .
                
                 But
                 you
                 will
                 ask
                 me
                 here
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   What
                   it
                   is
                   to
                   trim
                   these
                   Lamps
                   that
                   is
                   here
                   required
                   ?
                
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 but
                 to
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 particulars
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   In
                   the
                   trimming
                   of
                   the
                   Lamp
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   usually
                   a
                   supply
                   of
                   the
                   Oyl
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   wanted
                
                 ;
                 as
                 when
                 it
                 hath
                 burned
                 long
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 the
                 oyl
                 being
                 spent
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 live
                 ,
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 supplied
                 .
                 And
                 it
                 was
                 high
                 time
                 for
                 these
                 Virgins
                 now
                 to
                 be
                 awaked
                 hereunto
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 else
                 have
                 slept
                 until
                 all
                 had
                 been
                 spent
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lamp
                 had
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 grace
                 being
                 but
                 a
                 Creature
                 ,
                 it
                 liveth
                 by
                 a
                 continual
                 supply
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 first
                 cause
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 
                   in
                   the
                   trimming
                   of
                   the
                   Lamp
                   ,
                
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 fetching
                 in
                 of
                 more
                 grace
                 ,
                 a
                 recourse
                 to
                 the
                 fulness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 Lamp
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 languish
                 or
                 dye
                 else
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 oyl
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   There
                   is
                   a
                   stirring
                   up
                   also
                   of
                   the
                   grace
                   which
                   doth
                   remain
                   ,
                
                 some
                 oyl
                 remaineth
                 ,
                 that
                 must
                 be
                 made
                 ready
                 ,
                 the
                 ready
                 passage
                 between
                 the
                 Vessel
                 and
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 and
                 the
                 conversation
                 ;
                 it
                 must
                 indeed
                 be
                 cherished
                 ;
                 for
                 being
                 little
                 ,
                 haply
                 it
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 spark
                 among
                 much
                 ashes
                 ,
                 
                   stir
                   up
                   the
                   gift
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   thee
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   none
                   that
                   stirreth
                   up
                   himself
                   to
                   lay
                   hold
                   upon
                
                 
                 
                 God.
                 The
                 wick
                 in
                 the
                 Lamp
                 must
                 be
                 raised
                 ,
                 it
                 being
                 burned
                 low
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 declining
                 condition
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 more
                 grace
                 lying
                 deep
                 ,
                 and
                 low
                 ,
                 lying
                 asleep
                 in
                 the
                 habit
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 aware
                 of
                 ;
                 this
                 must
                 be
                 stirred
                 up
                 ,
                 faith
                 stirred
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 stirred
                 up
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   In
                   the
                   trimming
                   of
                   the
                   Lamp
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   taking
                   away
                   the
                   filth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   dross
                   that
                   it
                   gathers
                   ,
                   and
                   snuffing
                   the
                   wick
                   which
                   would
                   hinder
                   the
                   light
                   and
                   burning
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   would
                   be
                   very
                   dull
                   and
                   dim
                   .
                
                 Now
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                   putting
                   away
                   those
                   iniquities
                   ,
                   repenting
                   of
                   those
                   evils
                
                 ;
                 whatever
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 that
                 have
                 thus
                 far
                 prevailed
                 against
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 that
                 security
                 ,
                 that
                 carnality
                 ,
                 that
                 self-confidence
                 ,
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 laid
                 them
                 asleep
                 ,
                 which
                 choaked
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 could
                 not
                 burn
                 .
                 Whenever
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 any
                 declining
                 ,
                 do
                 but
                 search
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 
                   commune
                   with
                   your
                   own
                   hearts
                
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 evil
                 which
                 lies
                 close
                 ,
                 some
                 soil
                 we
                 have
                 gathered
                 ,
                 and
                 hereby
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 hath
                 been
                 grieved
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 departed
                 from
                 us
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 snuff
                 must
                 be
                 taken
                 off
                 ,
                 deal
                 not
                 gently
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 filth
                 and
                 dross
                 must
                 be
                 removed
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 trim
                 up
                 our
                 Lamps
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 of
                 this
                 briefly
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 .
              
               
                 
                   It
                   may
                   serve
                   to
                   stir
                   us
                   up
                   every
                   one
                   to
                   this
                   duty
                   ;
                   If
                   our
                   Lamps
                
                 
                 
                   be
                   at
                   present
                   ,
                   or
                   shall
                   hereafter
                   come
                   under
                   any
                   declining
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 slumber
                 and
                 sleep
                 often
                 ,
                 and
                 neglect
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 the
                 trimming
                 of
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 they
                 not
                 quickly
                 burn
                 low
                 and
                 dim
                 ,
                 and
                 need
                 a
                 
                   serious
                   trimming
                   of
                   them
                
                 ?
                 I
                 doubt
                 this
                 duty
                 will
                 be
                 incumbert
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 required
                 of
                 us
                 oftner
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 of
                 .
                 Do
                 we
                 know
                 how
                 soon
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 will
                 come
                 ?
                 his
                 voice
                 goeth
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 often
                 heard
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 we
                 trimmed
                 our
                 Lamps
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 are
                 our
                 professions
                 more
                 glorious
                 then
                 formerly
                 ?
                 
                   And
                   for
                   Motives
                   hereunto
                   ,
                   consider
                   ,
                
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   Such
                   a
                   restoring
                   is
                   a
                   thing
                   feizable
                   ,
                   hough
                   the
                   duty
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   thine
                   ,
                   yet
                   the
                   work
                   is
                   Gods
                   :
                
                 he
                 engageth
                 to
                 help
                 ,
                 yea
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   restoreth
                   my
                   soul
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   for
                   his
                   own
                   name
                
                 
                 sake
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 .
                 David
                 had
                 many
                 decays
                 and
                 backslidings
                 ,
                 witherings
                 ,
                 and
                 faintings
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 restored
                 
                 his
                 soul
                 still
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 as
                 ready
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 now
                 ,
                 as
                 ever
                 he
                 was
                 ;
                 therefore
                 do
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 alas
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 work
                 too
                 difficult
                 ,
                 or
                 hard
                 ,
                 or
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 recovery
                 ;
                 my
                 Lamp
                 is
                 so
                 near
                 extinct
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hope
                 for
                 me
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 kindled
                 it
                 at
                 first
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 restore
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 indeed
                 a
                 work
                 of
                 some
                 difficulty
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 cost
                 you
                 something
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 feizable
                 .
                 Peter
                 was
                 at
                 as
                 low
                 an
                 ebb
                 as
                 ever
                 poor
                 Believer
                 was
                 ;
                 
                 what
                 was
                 become
                 of
                 his
                 profession
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 Peter
                 is
                 recovered
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 the
                 recovery
                 owned
                 as
                 eminently
                 as
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 for
                 his
                 Comfort
                 .
                 The
                 lost
                 groat
                 was
                 found
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                 lost
                 sheep
                 was
                 found
                 again
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 Son
                 ,
                 he
                 ran
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 lavisht
                 away
                 his
                 Patrimony
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 restored
                 again
                 ;
                 the
                 winter
                 may
                 deform
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 can
                 renew
                 it
                 again
                 in
                 the
                 Spring
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 to
                 give
                 this
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 sendeth
                 forth
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 find
                 out
                 the
                 lost
                 Child
                 ,
                 the
                 lost
                 sheep
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 encouragement
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Consider
                   ,
                   until
                   this
                   be
                   done
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   not
                   fit
                   for
                   Heaven
                   ,
                
                 nor
                 to
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 :
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 trimmed
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 ready
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                   went
                   in
                   with
                   him
                
                 ;
                 happy
                 creatures
                 that
                 are
                 found
                 ready
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 hand
                 .
                 A
                 wicked
                 man
                 is
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 heaven
                 upon
                 any
                 terms
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 place
                 of
                 no
                 rest
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 Air
                 is
                 to
                 the
                 fish
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 water
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 con-natural
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 no
                 more
                 is
                 a
                 gracious
                 man
                 fit
                 for
                 heaven
                 while
                 his
                 Lamp
                 wants
                 trimming
                 .
                 Heaven
                 is
                 the
                 inheritance
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 he
                 fit
                 for
                 it
                 that
                 is
                 even
                 going
                 out
                 in
                 darkness
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 Lamp
                 must
                 
                 be
                 shining
                 and
                 burning
                 bright
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 suitableness
                 to
                 heaven
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Hereby
                   God
                   will
                   have
                   much
                   more
                   glory
                   by
                   you
                   then
                   otherwise
                   he
                   is
                   like
                   to
                   have
                
                 ;
                 for
                 minde
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 shining
                 of
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 our
                 conversations
                 ,
                 suitable
                 to
                 our
                 profession
                 ,
                 that
                 giveth
                 occasion
                 to
                 the
                 men
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 glorifie
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   your
                   light
                   so
                   shine
                   before
                   men
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   see
                   your
                
                 
                 
                   good
                   works
                   ,
                   and
                   glorifie
                   your
                   father
                   which
                   is
                   in
                   heaven
                   :
                
                 This
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 Lord
                 expecteth
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 acknowledged
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 grace
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 sweet
                 and
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 everlasting
                 advantage
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 cannot
                 but
                 be
                 upon
                 every
                 believers
                 heart
                 to
                 glorifie
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 our
                 coming
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 cannot
                 glorifie
                 him
                 so
                 ,
                 while
                 our
                 Lamps
                 burn
                 so
                 low
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 declinings
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 fruitful
                 and
                 abound
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   herein
                   is
                   my
                   father
                   glorified
                   ,
                   that
                   ye
                   bring
                   forth
                   much
                   fruit
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 God
                 is
                 glorified
                 
                 by
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 some
                 few
                 good
                 works
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 few
                 ,
                 that
                 scarce
                 any
                 can
                 take
                 notice
                 to
                 glorifie
                 God
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 methinks
                 this
                 should
                 stick
                 much
                 with
                 us
                 .
                 Specially
                 the
                 nearer
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 glory
                 our selves
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 should
                 we
                 mind
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 zealous
                 should
                 we
                 be
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 begin
                 to
                 lay
                 about
                 us
                 to
                 glorifie
                 him
                 here
                 ,
                 learn
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 heaven
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 before
                 ,
                 yet
                 at
                 least
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 reap
                 the
                 wages
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 and
                 joy
                 unspeakable
                 ,
                 and
                 Rivers
                 of
                 pleasures
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Consider
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 shame
                 for
                 us
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   whose
                   salvation
                   is
                   much
                   nearer
                   now
                   then
                   when
                   we
                   believed
                   ,
                
                 began
                 to
                 believe
                 that
                 our
                 light
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 more
                 dim
                 ,
                 our
                 heat
                 more
                 abated
                 ,
                 our
                 zeal
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 fervor
                 of
                 our
                 affections
                 ;
                 surely
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 shame
                 :
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 nearer
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 less
                 desirable
                 he
                 were
                 ;
                 time
                 hath
                 been
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 followed
                 hard
                 after
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 mended
                 ,
                 or
                 held
                 on
                 our
                 pace
                 ;
                 the
                 time
                 hath
                 been
                 haply
                 when
                 our
                 Conversations
                 have
                 been
                 bright
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 beauty
                 of
                 holiness
                 appeared
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 have
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 glorified
                 God
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 grown
                 Luke-warm
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 shame
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 nearer
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 colder
                 :
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 Cry
                 passed
                 and
                 awaked
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 finde
                 that
                 our
                 Lamps
                 are
                 dim
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 our
                 profession
                 very
                 low
                 ?
                 O
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 last
                 days
                 be
                 our
                 best
                 days
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 go
                 not
                 out
                 like
                 a
                 snuff
                 .
              
               
                 
                   But
                   you
                   will
                   ask
                   me
                   ,
                   what
                   should
                   we
                   do
                   to
                   trim
                   up
                   these
                   Lamps
                   of
                   ours
                   ?
                
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   You
                   must
                   remember
                   from
                   whence
                   you
                   are
                   fallen
                   ,
                
                 look
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 the
                 hill
                 where
                 once
                 you
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 you
                 are
                 undiscernably
                 
                 tumbled
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 ground
                 have
                 you
                 lost
                 ,
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 brethren
                 :
                 Commune
                 with
                 your
                 hearts
                 :
                 Consider
                 your
                 ways
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 to
                 the
                 Lord.
                 It
                 will
                 exceedingly
                 shame
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 shame
                 be
                 a
                 spur
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 consider
                 how
                 far
                 short
                 we
                 are
                 
                 of
                 that
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 zeal
                 ,
                 that
                 diligence
                 and
                 closeness
                 of
                 walking
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   must
                   repent
                   of
                   it
                
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 our
                 former
                 miscarriages
                 ,
                 our
                 declining
                 to
                 lose
                 our
                 first
                 love
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 love
                 we
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 the
                 less
                 we
                 return
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 :
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 unworthy
                 ?
                 Besides
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 might
                 we
                 have
                 honoured
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 light
                 had
                 shone
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 Majesty
                 of
                 holiness
                 alway
                 upon
                 our
                 conversation
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 sometime
                 haply
                 there
                 hath
                 been
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 matter
                 of
                 humbling
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Then
                   we
                   must
                   do
                   our
                   first
                   works
                   ,
                
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 sorrow
                 only
                 for
                 our
                 miscarriage
                 that
                 is
                 enough
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 do
                 our
                 first
                 works
                 ;
                 If
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 zealous
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 are
                 become
                 Luke-warm
                 ,
                 be
                 zealous
                 and
                 amend
                 ,
                 do
                 our
                 first
                 works
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 
                 been
                 more
                 diligent
                 and
                 close
                 in
                 our
                 walking
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 more
                 remiss
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 remember
                 whence
                 we
                 are
                 fallen
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 our
                 first
                 works
                 .
                 O
                 why
                 should
                 we
                 not
                 labour
                 to
                 exceed
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 our
                 espousals
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 followed
                 so
                 hard
                 after
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   our
                   souls
                   panted
                   as
                   the
                   chased
                   Hart
                   after
                   the
                   water-brooks
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 before
                 we
                 had
                 many
                 hints
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 some
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 likely
                 ,
                 else
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 some
                 touch
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 Elisha
                 his
                 case
                 ,
                 and
                 Sauls
                 ;
                 the
                 people
                 whose
                 hearts
                 God
                 touched
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 followed
                 ,
                 but
                 did
                 one
                 taste
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ?
                 then
                 draw
                 thee
                 out
                 so
                 earnestly
                 ;
                 and
                 now
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 many
                 a
                 smile
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 sweet
                 refreshing
                 from
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 Ring
                 broken
                 between
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 not
                 now
                 be
                 as
                 diligent
                 and
                 as
                 earnest
                 in
                 following
                 after
                 him
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 true
                 Grace
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 it
                 cometh
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 cease
                 until
                 it
                 reach
                 to
                 heaven
                 again
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   must
                   beg
                   earnestly
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   to
                   work
                   this
                   and
                   all
                   our
                   works
                   in
                   us
                   and
                   for
                   us
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 restored
                 David
                 his
                 soul
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 even
                 lost
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 doth
                 ours
                 :
                 he
                 maketh
                 them
                 to
                 return
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 even
                 giving
                 up
                 ;
                 O
                 give
                 him
                 no
                 rest
                 ,
                 
                   until
                   he
                   send
                   forth
                   his
                   spirit
                   ,
                
                 and
                 give
                 thee
                 to
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 that
                 spirit
                 ,
                 
                 with
                 might
                 in
                 the
                 inner
                 man
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 maist
                 burn
                 and
                 shine
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 fulness
                 and
                 fruitfulness
                 ,
                 the
                 burning
                 and
                 brightness
                 of
                 thy
                 conversation
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 witness
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 behold
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 of
                 a
                 truth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 in
                 thee
                 .
                 He
                 is
                 wonderful
                 ready
                 to
                 help
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 above
                 what
                 we
                 can
                 conceive
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 indeed
                 ,
                 in
                 case
                 of
                 such
                 backslidings
                 ,
                 that
                 puts
                 words
                 into
                 his
                 peoples
                 
                 mouths
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 look
                 up
                 ,
                 nor
                 
                 hold
                 up
                 the
                 head
                 for
                 shame
                 ,
                 nor
                 look
                 their
                 God
                 and
                 Father
                 in
                 the
                 sace
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 so
                 grieved
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shamed
                 their
                 profession
                 ;
                 yet
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 puts
                 words
                 into
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 fourteenth
                 of
                 Hosea
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 of
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 calls
                 God
                 Father
                 in
                 his
                 return
                 ,
                 denyeth
                 not
                 the
                 relation
                 ,
                 nor
                 calls
                 it
                 in
                 question
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 his
                 unworthy
                 ,
                 carriage
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 had
                 mispent
                 all
                 ,
                 as
                 sadly
                 as
                 thou
                 hast
                 done
                 likely
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 and
                 returned
                 ,
                 his
                 Eather
                 giveth
                 him
                 the
                 meeting
                 ,
                 and
                 runs
                 and
                 falls
                 upon
                 his
                 neck
                 and
                 kiseth
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 all
                 again
                 ;
                 therefore
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 be
                 earnest
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 he
                 make
                 not
                 your
                 Lamps
                 to
                 shine
                 again
                 gloriously
                 ;
                 and
                 swallow
                 up
                 that
                 glory
                 in
                 his
                 greater
                 glory
                 ,
                 his
                 presence
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 
                   Verse
                   8.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   the
                   foolish
                   said
                   unto
                   the
                   wise
                   ,
                   give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   Oyl
                   ,
                   for
                   our
                   Lamps
                   are
                   gone
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 IN
                 this
                 Verse
                 we
                 have
                 another
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 wherein
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 awakening
                 of
                 the
                 conscience
                 of
                 these
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 their
                 request
                 to
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 their
                 Application
                 of
                 themselves
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 that
                 request
                 .
                 The
                 request
                 ,
                 
                   Give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                
                 ;
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   our
                   Lamps
                   are
                   gone
                   out
                   .
                
                 The
                 reason
                 being
                 first
                 in
                 order
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 the
                 root
                 from
                 whence
                 the
                 request
                 doth
                 spring
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 begin
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 that
                 .
              
               
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   are
                   extinct
                
                 ,
                 or
                 they
                 are
                 going
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 supply
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 alive
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 gone
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 their
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessel
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 ;
                 the
                 Note
                 from
                 this
                 Clause
                 is
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   An
                   hypocrites
                   profession
                   will
                   not
                   carry
                   him
                   through
                   all
                   Conditions
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 These
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 made
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 satisfie
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 blind
                 the
                 world
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 which
                 they
                 carryed
                 ,
                 and
                 went
                 as
                 far
                 with
                 them
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 did
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 differenceth
                 persons
                 conditions
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 speaks
                 by
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   Mark
                   the
                   perfect
                   man
                   ,
                   behold
                   the
                   upright
                   ,
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   that
                   man
                   is
                   peace
                
                 ;
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 mark
                 the
                 perfect
                 man
                 ;
                 for
                 in
                 his
                 life
                 time
                 he
                 hath
                 such
                 a
                 distinguishing
                 Character
                 ;
                 his
                 life
                 is
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 is
                 trouble
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 whatever
                 his
                 life
                 hath
                 been
                 before
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   end
                   is
                   peace
                
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 clear
                 case
                 ,
                 his
                 profession
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 him
                 through
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 for
                 these
                 two
                 reasons
                 .
                 One
                 of
                 them
                 will
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 meet
                 with
                 them
                 all
                 ;
                 for
                 either
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Their
                 profession
                 fails
                 them
                 before
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 carries
                 them
                 not
                 through
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 At
                 death
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 ordinarily
                 ;
                 I
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 formality
                 ,
                 or
                 profession
                 of
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 doth
                 fail
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 discovered
                 to
                 others
                 and
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 rested
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 it
                 his
                 hope
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 it
                 fails
                 him
                 :
                 Here
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 cry
                 came
                 to
                 prepare
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 awake
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 fit
                 themselves
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 infinite
                 mercy
                 that
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 rather
                 surprise
                 them
                 while
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 this
                 sleep
                 and
                 security
                 :
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 himself
                 came
                 actually
                 to
                 fetch
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 ready
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 discovered
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 hypocrites
                 .
                 And
                 it
                 is
                 discovered
                 to
                 others
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 are
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 themselves
                 made
                 the
                 Publishers
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 shame
                 therein
                 .
                 You
                 know
                 Judas
                 was
                 discovered
                 ,
                 unmasked
                 before
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 laid
                 open
                 to
                 be
                 what
                 he
                 was
                 indeed
                 ;
                 a
                 thief
                 ,
                 a
                 wretch
                 ,
                 a
                 traytor
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 those
                 many
                 Disciples
                 that
                 followed
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   knowing
                   their
                   hearts
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   right
                   ,
                
                 delivered
                 such
                 a
                 trying
                 word
                 as
                 gave
                 them
                 offence
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   they
                   went
                   backward
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   walked
                   with
                   him
                   no
                   more
                
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 the
                 Reason
                 of
                 this
                 is
                 very
                 plain
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   they
                   have
                   not
                   a
                   spring
                   within
                   to
                   feed
                   their
                   profession
                   .
                
                 As
                 far
                 as
                 the
                 spring
                 they
                 have
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 wet
                 ,
                 or
                 mire
                 ,
                 they
                 move
                 by
                 little
                 ;
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 that
                 will
                 carry
                 them
                 they
                 will
                 go
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 not
                 a
                 step
                 further
                 .
                 A
                 beast
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 servant
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 child
                 follow
                 a
                 man
                 ;
                 the
                 one
                 followeth
                 him
                 for
                 a
                 bottle
                 of
                 hay
                 ,
                 so
                 soon
                 as
                 he
                 laies
                 that
                 down
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 no
                 further
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 son
                 followeth
                 him
                 home
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 by
                 any
                 means
                 .
                 As
                 haply
                 now
                 ,
                 while
                 Religion
                 
                 thrives
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 on
                 the
                 Sun-side
                 of
                 the
                 hedge
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 warmest
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Summer-bird
                 ;
                 suppose
                 now
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 tribulation
                 
                 come
                 for
                 the
                 
                   word
                   sake
                
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 abide
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   withers
                   as
                   the
                   sandy
                   ground
                   ,
                
                 in
                 the
                 13.
                 
                 
                   Matth.
                   Will
                   he
                   delight
                   himself
                   in
                   the
                   Almighty
                   ,
                   and
                   alway
                   call
                   upon
                   God
                   ?
                
                 No
                 ,
                 their
                 profession
                 are
                 like
                 
                 Jobs
                 friends
                 ,
                 deceive
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 trouble
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 brook
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 stream
                 of
                 a
                 brook
                 they
                 pass
                 away
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 loud
                 flood
                 ,
                 make
                 a
                 great
                 shew
                 ,
                 run
                 very
                 fiercely
                 ,
                 carry
                 all
                 before
                 it
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 presently
                 dryed
                 up
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 hath
                 no
                 spring
                 to
                 feed
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 some
                 note
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 Peru
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 diurnal-River
                 ,
                 which
                 runs
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 with
                 a
                 great
                 stream
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 the
                 channel
                 is
                 dry
                 ,
                 because
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 the
                 Sun
                 melteth
                 down
                 the
                 Snow
                 upon
                 the
                 Mountains
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 maketh
                 a
                 great
                 stream
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 it
                 ceaseth
                 .
                 In
                 grace
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 principle
                 within
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 dwelling
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 Believers
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 supplyeth
                 them
                 continually
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 new
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 durable
                 .
                 But
                 ,
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 If
                 it
                 fail
                 not
                 before
                 death
                 ,
                 as
                 here
                 it
                 doth
                 ,
                 yet
                 some
                 passions
                 being
                 longer
                 then
                 some
                 ,
                 Joas●
                 held
                 out
                 long
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 was
                 discovered
                 before
                 death
                 ;
                 but
                 suppose
                 they
                 continue
                 longer
                 ,
                 yet
                 
                 usually
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 them
                 through
                 death
                 ;
                 men
                 may
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 live
                 by
                 a
                 form
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 cannot
                 dye
                 by
                 a
                 form
                 :
                 indeed
                 affliction
                 opens
                 many
                 mens
                 eyes
                 to
                 see
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 but
                 rotten
                 ;
                 counterfeit
                 gold
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 or
                 not
                 the
                 seventh
                 fire
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 fire
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 searching
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 some
                 they
                 pass
                 this
                 tryal
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 discovered
                 until
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 fails
                 them
                 .
                 If
                 Balaam
                 dye
                 his
                 own
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 miserable
                 creature
                 will
                 he
                 be
                 ?
                 
                 And
                 death
                 doth
                 open
                 many
                 mens
                 eyes
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 labouring
                 is
                 there
                 then
                 many
                 times
                 to
                 be
                 spared
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   recover
                   strength
                   before
                   we
                   go
                   hence
                   and
                   be
                   no
                   more
                   seen
                   .
                
                 All
                 the
                 life
                 
                 time
                 they
                 thought
                 all
                 was
                 well
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 find
                 they
                 are
                 deceived
                 ,
                 their
                 Lamps
                 are
                 gone
                 out
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 death
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 such
                 damps
                 ,
                 as
                 every
                 Lamp
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 ,
                 every
                 profession
                 will
                 not
                 abide
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 overcometh
                 them
                 .
                 But
                 haply
                 they
                 may
                 go
                 down
                 quietly
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 away
                 with
                 confidence
                 in
                 their
                 conscience
                 ;
                 a
                 strange
                 confidence
                 have
                 many
                 poor
                 blinded
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 whose
                 consciences
                 are
                 seared
                 ,
                 Yet
                 ,
              
               
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Be
                 sure
                 brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 them
                 through
                 the
                 Judgement
                 ;
                 after
                 the
                 death
                 the
                 Judgement
                 ;
                 we
                 may
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 pass
                 through
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 delude
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 ;
                 and
                 through
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 never
                 dream
                 of
                 our
                 misery
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 that
                 a
                 form
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 appear
                 in
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 
                   ever
                   lasting
                   burnings
                   ,
                   the
                   consuming
                   fire
                   .
                
                 There
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 examine
                 mens
                 hands
                 ,
                 what
                 ever
                 their
                 professions
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 Tiberius
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 examined
                 a
                 fellow
                 that
                 pretended
                 to
                 the
                 Crown
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 confident
                 and
                 cunning
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 trap
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 words
                 ;
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 examined
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 finding
                 them
                 hard
                 with
                 labour
                 ,
                 he
                 found
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 servile
                 mechanick
                 fellow
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 then
                 so
                 startled
                 ,
                 saith
                 Mr.
                 Caryl
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 had
                 no
                 more
                 to
                 say
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 examine
                 mens
                 works
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 principles
                 of
                 their
                 works
                 from
                 which
                 they
                 acted
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 forced
                 to
                 confess
                 they
                 are
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 mouthes
                 shall
                 he
                 everlastingly
                 stopt
                 ,
                 
                   depart
                   from
                   me
                   ye
                   workers
                   of
                   iniquity
                
                 ;
                 you
                 tell
                 me
                 ye
                 have
                 preached
                 in
                 my
                 name
                 ,
                 or
                 prophesied
                 ,
                 &c.
                 let
                 me
                 see
                 your
                 hands
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   a
                   terrible
                   word
                   to
                   all
                   formal
                   professors
                   ,
                
                 who
                 have
                 only
                 a
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 but
                 deny
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 heart
                 and
                 in
                 their
                 conversations
                 .
                 Let
                 all
                 such
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 such
                 be
                 here
                 present
                 ,
                 know
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   Your
                   profession
                   will
                   fail
                   you
                   sooner
                   or
                   later
                   .
                
                 You
                 think
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 so
                 many
                 duties
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 acquired
                 such
                 gifts
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 supposed
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 〈…〉
                 w
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 enough
                 to
                 lift
                 you
                 up
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 a
                 Tower
                 ,
                 a
                 Ladder
                 that
                 will
                 reach
                 to
                 heaven
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 Castle
                 builded
                 
                 in
                 the
                 air
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 lying
                 words
                 you
                 trust
                 in
                 ,
                 who
                 cry
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Temple
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Temple
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Temple
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   are
                   these
                   .
                
                 You
                 are
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ;
                 a
                 
                 fine
                 web
                 a
                 spider
                 weaves
                 ,
                 takes
                 great
                 pains
                 ,
                 spins
                 it
                 out
                 of
                 her
                 bowels
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 never
                 cometh
                 to
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 make
                 a
                 garment
                 to
                 cover
                 their
                 nakedness
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 Hypocrites
                 rest
                 in
                 a
                 formality
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 observances
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 their
                 hope
                 that
                 should
                 secure
                 them
                 from
                 all
                 storms
                 and
                 injuries
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 these
                 things
                 will
                 fail
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 worthy
                 observation
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 go
                 to
                 decay
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 his
                 hypocrisie
                 be
                 discovered
                 ,
                 he
                 decaies
                 
                 quickly
                 ,
                 suddenly
                 ,
                 more
                 suddenly
                 then
                 another
                 man
                 ordinarily
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 Bull-rush
                 ,
                 that
                 withers
                 before
                 any
                 other
                 plant
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 once
                 blasted
                 &
                 cursed
                 ;
                 as
                 God
                 doth
                 curs
                 
                 them
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 alas
                 the
                 next
                 day
                 they
                 are
                 gone
                 and
                 withered
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 tree
                 that
                 was
                 dryed
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Disciples
                 wondered
                 at
                 ;
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 
                   to-have
                   leaves
                   without
                   fruit
                   ,
                   a
                   form
                   without
                
                 
                 power
                 ;
                 the
                 withering
                 curse
                 doth
                 light
                 upon
                 them
                 soonest
                 ,
                 sooner
                 then
                 prophane
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 quickly
                 are
                 they
                 withered
                 ?
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 grass
                 upon
                 the
                 house
                 top
                 ,
                 that
                 withereth
                 before
                 it
                 groweth
                 up
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 sail
                 a
                 man
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 in
                 
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   temptation
                   ,
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   affliction
                   ,
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   judgement
                
                 ;
                 in
                 all
                 these
                 usually
                 it
                 fails
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 standing
                 him
                 in
                 no
                 stead●
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 brooks
                 run
                 in
                 the
                 winter
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 need
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 Summer
                 when
                 the
                 traveller
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 for
                 thirst
                 ,
                 then
                 are
                 they
                 dryed
                 up
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Job
                 :
                 Like
                 the
                 Apples
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 come
                 to
                 touch
                 them
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 refreshed
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 turn
                 to
                 dust
                 :
                 
                 poor
                 creatures
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 faith
                 until
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 temptation
                 or
                 affliction
                 ;
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 act
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 have
                 none
                 :
                 So
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 love
                 and
                 bowels
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 an
                 opportunity
                 is
                 offered
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 have
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 fail
                 ;
                 like
                 the
                 house
                 there
                 in
                 Matth.
                 7.
                 
                 It
                 was
                 builded
                 as
                 fair
                 to
                 see
                 to
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 mans
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 served
                 him
                 while
                 it
                 shone
                 upon
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 once
                 the
                 storms
                 arose
                 ,
                 the
                 winds
                 came
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 waves
                 beat
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 alas
                 it
                 fell
                 ,
                 and
                 great
                 was
                 the
                 
                 fall
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 will
                 set
                 an
                 edge
                 upon
                 all
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 sad
                 disappointment
                 of
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 or
                 formalist
                 in
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 hope
                 is
                 cut
                 off
                 like
                 a
                 spiders
                 web
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 Pillars
                 he
                 leans
                 upon
                 ,
                 as
                 Sampson
                 upon
                 the
                 Pillars
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 ;
                 the
                 Jachin
                 and
                 Boaz
                 :
                 What
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   the
                   good
                   things
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   life
                   eternal
                
                 ;
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 both
                 fail
                 him
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 good
                 things
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 they
                 many
                 times
                 leave
                 him
                 ;
                 the
                 mire
                 and
                 the
                 water
                 which
                 made
                 the
                 Bull-rush
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 dryed
                 up
                 ,
                 &
                 what
                 is
                 become
                 of
                 his
                 hope
                 then
                 ?
                 he
                 leans
                 ,
                 laies
                 hold
                 on
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 loath
                 to
                 ▪
                 let
                 it
                 go
                 ;
                 but
                 let
                 him
                 hold
                 it
                 as
                 fast
                 as
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 yet
                 down
                 it
                 
                 must
                 go
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 cometh
                 to
                 manifest
                 his
                 displeasure
                 against
                 him
                 .
              
               
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 For
                 things
                 eternal
                 ,
                 those
                 he
                 expecteth
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 as
                 high
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 be
                 discovered
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 expectation
                 of
                 heaven
                 
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 golden
                 dream
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 as
                 an
                 hungry
                 man
                 dreameth
                 he
                 eateth
                 ,
                 &c.
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 
                 but
                 a
                 fancy
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 awakes
                 he
                 is
                 never
                 the
                 fuller
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 vexed
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 being
                 disappointed
                 ;
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 hope
                 cut
                 off
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 cut
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 nothing
                 breaks
                 the
                 creatures
                 heart
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 great
                 hope
                 may
                 a
                 Minister
                 be
                 raised
                 to
                 ,
                 being
                 an
                 instrument
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 save
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 also
                 shall
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 they
                 themselves
                 have
                 means
                 to
                 castout
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 they
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Devil
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 very
                 emphasis
                 of
                 damnation
                 to
                 be
                 cast
                 down
                 from
                 
                 such
                 a
                 height
                 of
                 hope
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 heaven
                 in
                 their
                 hopes
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 miscarry
                 .
              
               
                 
                   O
                   ,
                   how
                   should
                   this
                   make
                   us
                   afraid
                   of
                   hypocrisie
                   and
                   formality
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   creep
                   upon
                   us
                   ?
                
                 how
                 bitter
                 a
                 thing
                 is
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 to
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 yea
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 their
                 way
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 opens
                 their
                 eyes
                 to
                 behold
                 it
                 in
                 its
                 colours
                 ?
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 exhorted
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 lest
                 it
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 such
                 prevalency
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 denominate
                 us
                 hypocrites
                 :
                 believe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 If
                 we
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 our
                 duties
                 will
                 not
                 commend
                 us
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 be
                 they
                 never
                 so
                 many
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 plausible
                 ,
                 because
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 not
                 changed
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 notable
                 sign
                 of
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ;
                 he
                 doth
                 much
                 duty
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 reacheth
                 to
                 a
                 better
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 changed
                 from
                 glory
                 to
                 glory
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 prayeth
                 and
                 sinneth
                 ,
                 and
                 weepeth
                 and
                 sinneth
                 ,
                 getteth
                 no
                 strength
                 against
                 corruption
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 rest
                 and
                 lean
                 to
                 his
                 duties
                 ,
                 he
                 leans
                 to
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 building
                 .
                 Now
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 true
                 grace
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 lean
                 to
                 it
                 instead
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 stand
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 a
                 counterfeit
                 ;
                 the
                 believer
                 he
                 rests
                 upon
                 God
                 alone
                 ,
                 his
                 presence
                 in
                 the
                 Valley
                 of
                 the
                 shadow
                 
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 not
                 upon
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 web
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 weaving
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 lastly
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 comfort
                 is
                 here
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 he
                 flourish
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 such
                 a
                 glorious
                 shew
                 and
                 formality
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 compleat
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 yea
                 his
                 own
                 conscience
                 beareth
                 him
                 witness
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 right
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 power
                 of
                 grace
                 
                 upon
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 subdue
                 that
                 to
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 rather
                 to
                 be
                 chose
                 ;
                 a
                 little
                 spring
                 ,
                 then
                 a
                 great
                 swelling
                 torrent
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 living
                 principle
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 continue
                 and
                 hold
                 out
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 dry
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 drought
                 and
                 disappoint
                 our
                 hopes
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 great
                 Rivers
                 in
                 their
                 heads
                 are
                 small
                 streams
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 so
                 here
                 it
                 will
                 increase
                 and
                 grow
                 from
                 one
                 degree
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 place
                 of
                 broad
                 Rivers
                 ,
                 until
                 it
                 empty
                 it self
                 into
                 that
                 fulness
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 of
                 glory
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
                 :
                 Look
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessels
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 had
                 their
                 Lamps
                 to
                 trim
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 shall
                 serve
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 Having
                 considered
                 already
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   a
                   form
                   of
                   godliness
                   without
                   the
                   power
                
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 through
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 fail
                 him
                 sooner
                 or
                 later
                 ;
                 I
                 am
                 now
                 to
                 consider
                 of
                 their
                 reflection
                 upon
                 this
                 failing
                 of
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   were
                   out
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   saw
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   out
                
                 ;
                 and
                 thence
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 they
                 go
                 a
                 begging
                 for
                 oyl
                 ;
                 the
                 note
                 I
                 will
                 raise
                 from
                 hence
                 shall
                 be
                 as
                 comprehensive
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 hasten
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 this
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   Though
                   an
                   hypocrite
                   may
                   long
                   be
                   hiding
                   himself
                   ,
                   yet
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   when
                
                 
                 
                   it
                   is
                   too
                   late
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   discovered
                   to
                   himself
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 of
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 .
                 There
                 will
                 be
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 considerable
                 if
                 we
                 take
                 the
                 Observation
                 asunder
                 .
                 As
                 first
                 ;
                 
                   That
                   an
                   hypocrite
                   may
                   long
                   lie
                   hid
                   from
                   himself
                   .
                   2.
                   
                   That
                   at
                   last
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   discovered
                   to
                   himself
                   .
                   3.
                   
                   That
                   ordinarily
                   this
                   is
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   too
                   late
                   .
                
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   may
                   long
                   lie
                   hid
                   from
                   themselves
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 plain
                 from
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 for
                 how
                 long
                 did
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 walk
                 with
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 thought
                 their
                 penny
                 as
                 good
                 silver
                 as
                 theirs
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ?
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 asleep
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 good
                 thoughts
                 of
                 
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 had
                 little
                 lift
                 to
                 sleep
                 ;
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 would
                 hardly
                 have
                 slept
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 some
                 assurance
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   mountain
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   made
                   strong
                   by
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 as
                 foolish
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 would
                 hardly
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 a
                 good
                 opinion
                 of
                 their
                 conditions
                 :
                 If
                 their
                 consciences
                 had
                 been
                 awaked
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 worm
                 gnawing
                 ;
                 could
                 they
                 have
                 slept
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 seen
                 their
                 danger
                 ,
                 now
                 to
                 have
                 their
                 portions
                 with
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 being
                 such
                 themselves
                 ?
                 In
                 that
                 
                 place
                 formerly
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 seen
                 ,
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 hath
                 a
                 hope
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 confidence
                 is
                 great
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   leans
                   upon
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   house
                   ;
                   as
                   the
                   foolish
                   builder
                   in
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                
                 he
                 thought
                 his
                 house
                 a
                 good
                 security
                 against
                 all
                 storms
                 whatsoever
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 doth
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 Formalist
                 think
                 his
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 the
                 green
                 gourd
                 shaddow
                 enough
                 from
                 the
                 
                   everlasting
                   burnings
                
                 .
                 Did
                 Judas
                 
                 suspect
                 himself
                 ?
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 so
                 jealous
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 appear
                 by
                 the
                 story
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 were
                 ,
                 but
                 was
                 last
                 in
                 the
                 enquiry
                 .
                 And
                 it
                 is
                 likely
                 enough
                 ,
                 Jehu
                 when
                 he
                 proclaimed
                 his
                 zeal
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 spake
                 as
                 he
                 thought
                 ,
                 poor
                 man
                 ;
                 what
                 was
                 
                 under
                 those
                 broad
                 leaves
                 of
                 that
                 profession
                 ,
                 yet
                 appeared
                 not
                 .
                 As
                 
                   Hazael
                   ,
                   Is
                   thy
                   servant
                   a
                   dog
                   ?
                
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 if
                 one
                 had
                 told
                 Jehu
                 how
                 afterward
                 he
                 would
                 play
                 the
                 wretch
                 and
                 the
                 carnal
                 Polititian
                 ,
                 and
                 build
                 the
                 things
                 he
                 now
                 destroyed
                 ,
                 or
                 do
                 Gods
                 work
                 to
                 the
                 halves
                 ,
                 no
                 farther
                 then
                 his
                 own
                 interest
                 led
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 as
                 strange
                 as
                 Hazael
                 did
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 the
                 grounds
                 of
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   depth
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   hearts
                
                 ;
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 
                   hateth
                   the
                   light
                
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 more
                 deep
                 and
                 remote
                 corner
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 lurks
                 .
                 
                 O
                 saith
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   man
                   is
                   deceitful
                   above
                   all
                
                 
                 
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   desperately
                   wicked
                   ,
                   who
                   can
                   know
                   it
                   ?
                
                 the
                 most
                 sharp
                 and
                 strong
                 sight
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 eagle-eyed
                 creature
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 cannot
                 find
                 it
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 :
                 indeed
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 darkness
                 and
                 depth
                 enough
                 in
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 deceive
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 the
                 most
                 piercing
                 discerning
                 spirits
                 are
                 blinded
                 and
                 deluded
                 ▪
                 as
                 Juglers
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 can
                 cast
                 mists
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 a
                 man
                 believe
                 strange
                 things
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 so
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 the
                 cunning
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 can
                 deceive
                 themselves
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 great
                 cunning
                 to
                 deceive
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 that
                 cunning
                 be
                 yet
                 out-witted
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 deceived
                 by
                 it self
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 with
                 a
                 holy
                 reverence
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 could
                 lie
                 hid
                 from
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 cunning
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 :
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 more
                 difficulty
                 ,
                 or
                 could
                 be
                 ,
                 in
                 Gods
                 discerning
                 one
                 thing
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 here
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 his
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 by
                 a
                 searching
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 indeed
                 he
                 knoweth
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 he
                 speaks
                 ;
                 if
                 
                 men
                 cannot
                 easily
                 find
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 it
                 lies
                 hid
                 in
                 the
                 darkness
                 ,
                 in
                 some
                 corner
                 ;
                 then
                 they
                 must
                 search
                 ,
                 as
                 searching
                 for
                 the
                 lost
                 groat
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 find
                 out
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 perfection
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 search
                 :
                 So
                 here
                 it
                 noteth
                 the
                 perfection
                 of
                 Gods
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 withall
                 the
                 difficulty
                 of
                 the
                 finding
                 out
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 yet
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 were
                 difficult
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 this
                 would
                 be
                 .
                 
                   If
                   any
                   man
                   seem
                   to
                   be
                   religious
                   ,
                   and
                   bridleth
                   not
                   his
                   tongue
                   ,
                   his
                   Religion
                   is
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   vain
                   ,
                   he
                   deceiveth
                   his
                   own
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 cunning
                 Jugler
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 juggle
                 himself
                 into
                 a
                 belief
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 juglings
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   From
                   the
                   subtilty
                   of
                   Satan
                
                 :
                 All
                 his
                 care
                 is
                 to
                 keep
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 in
                 ignorance
                 of
                 its
                 condition
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 doth
                 he
                 be
                 〈…〉
                 ir
                 himself
                 he
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 if
                 once
                 the
                 disease
                 be
                 discovered
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 sinners
                 altogether
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   Satan
                
                 ;
                 to
                 turn
                 them
                 from
                 
                 darkness
                 to
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Satan
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 darkness
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 lead
                 them
                 whither
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 they
                 go
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 speaks
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 surely
                 ,
                 that
                 Antichrist
                 ,
                 that
                 first-born
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 by
                 might
                 and
                 main
                 keepeth
                 his
                 Proselytes
                 in
                 the
                 dark
                 ,
                 takes
                 away
                 the
                 Key
                 of
                 knowledge
                 from
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 if
                 once
                 the
                 light
                 should
                 break
                 in
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 hazard
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 break
                 out
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 from
                 that
                 bondage
                 and
                 slaverie
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Satan
                 will
                 be
                 exceeding
                 industrious
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 will
                 he
                 fill
                 a
                 poor
                 creatures
                 heart
                 with
                 false
                 reasonings
                 concerning
                 his
                 Condition
                 ?
                 O
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 stirring
                 or
                 conviction
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 he
                 labour
                 to
                 lick
                 them
                 whole
                 again
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 the
                 breach
                 the
                 Word
                 hath
                 made
                 in
                 their
                 consciences
                 ,
                 himself
                 will
                 turn
                 Preacher
                 and
                 pretend
                 to
                 the
                 tongue
                 of
                 the
                 Learned
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 in
                 due
                 season
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 garb
                 of
                 an
                 Angel
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 preach
                 
                   peace
                   ,
                   peace
                
                 ;
                 O
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 cunning
                 dauber
                 ,
                 specially
                 having
                 our
                 hearts
                 on
                 his
                 side
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 ready
                 to
                 be
                 beguiled
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 deceive
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   From
                   the
                   similitude
                   of
                   a
                   form
                   of
                   godliness
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   godliness
                   it self
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 life
                 cannot
                 be
                 pictured
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 be
                 drawn
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 a
                 dim
                 sight
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 the
                 help
                 of
                 a
                 mist
                 cast
                 before
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 wires
                 whereby
                 such
                 poppets
                 may
                 move
                 ,
                 
                 we
                 can
                 scarce
                 discern
                 it
                 from
                 a
                 man.
                 Similitude
                 is
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 mistakes
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Romans
                 made
                 their
                 Ancilia
                 so
                 like
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 they
                 say
                 fell
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 any
                 might
                 steal
                 it
                 he
                 might
                 seem
                 to
                 one
                 to
                 be
                 mistaken
                 :
                 how
                 like
                 brethren
                 is
                 gilded
                 brass
                 to
                 gold
                 ?
                 how
                 like
                 may
                 a
                 Bristoll-stone
                 be
                 to
                 a
                 pearl
                 ?
                 how
                 like
                 to
                 a
                 Saint
                 was
                 Judas
                 ?
                 the
                 Devil
                 is
                 Gods
                 Ap●
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 imitate
                 his
                 work
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 for
                 sincerity
                 it self
                 he
                 hath
                 a●
                 counterfeit
                 ;
                 which
                 looks
                 as
                 like
                 it
                 as
                 can
                 be
                 .
                 As
                 when
                 men
                 shall
                 seem
                 most
                 self-denying
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 forgo
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 away
                 all
                 they
                 have
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 become
                 mendicants
                 indeed
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 very
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 might
                 do
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   give
                   all
                   to
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   and
                   give
                   their
                   body
                   to
                   be
                
                 
                 burned
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 have
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 can
                 there
                 possibly
                 be
                 more
                 love
                 shewn
                 then
                 in
                 this
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 counterfeits
                 in
                 that
                 also
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 third
                 Argument
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 they
                 do
                 from
                 hence
                 deceive
                 themselves
                 .
                 Such
                 as
                 will
                 run
                 
                 from
                 Sermon
                 to
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 much
                 seeming
                 delight
                 hear
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 affected
                 ,
                 moved
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 deceiving
                 themselves
                 with
                 a
                 paralogism
                 ,
                 a
                 false
                 reasoning
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 conclude
                 ,
                 O
                 surel
                 should
                 not
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 up
                 early
                 and
                 seeking
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 think
                 ,
                 though
                 indeed
                 they
                 seek
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 but
                 somewhat
                 else
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 ;
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 delight
                 in
                 approaching
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 theroot
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 look
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 doing
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 
                 they
                 delude
                 themselves
                 with
                 this
                 self-reasoning
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 fool
                 building
                 his
                 house
                 upon
                 the
                 sand
                 from
                 the
                 foundation
                 upward
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 as
                 like
                 one
                 another
                 as
                 can
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 likely
                 to
                 stand
                 out
                 a
                 storm
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 reason
                 from
                 hence
                 ,
                 surely
                 they
                 shall
                 hold
                 out
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 wise
                 mans
                 hope
                 will
                 shelter
                 him
                 ,
                 theirs
                 will
                 shelter
                 them
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 paralogism
                 ,
                 they
                 look
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 different
                 foundations
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 upon
                 the
                 rock
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 upon
                 the
                 sands
                 ;
                 the
                 one
                 receiving
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 Jesus
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ;
                 the
                 other
                 as
                 Jesus
                 and
                 Lord
                 :
                 the
                 event
                 sheweth
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 deceived
                 heart
                 was
                 their
                 undoing
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Because
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   hypocrite
                   usually
                   is
                   not
                   much
                   in
                   searching
                   of
                   himself
                   .
                
                 Surely
                 ,
                 if
                 Gods
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 set
                 forth
                 to
                 us
                 as
                 a
                 searching
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 imply
                 so
                 much
                 ;
                 we
                 should
                 search
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 else
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 
                 speaks
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 special
                 respect
                 to
                 the
                 heart-knowledge
                 ;
                 there
                 they
                 search
                 as
                 men
                 do
                 for
                 hid
                 treasures
                 ,
                 for
                 what
                 they
                 would
                 find
                 ,
                 and
                 lyeth
                 secret
                 .
                 A
                 cunning
                 cheat
                 looks
                 like
                 an
                 honest
                 man
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 be
                 searched
                 into
                 ,
                 and
                 throughly
                 〈…〉
                 ed
                 ,
                 a
                 slight
                 examination
                 will
                 not
                 find
                 him
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 truly
                 will
                 many
                 a
                 rotten
                 heart
                 go
                 for
                 an
                 honest
                 and
                 good
                 heart
                 ,
                 until
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 search
                 :
                 Hypocrites
                 are
                 like
                 Sepulchres
                 ,
                 which
                 appear
                 not
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 fair
                 and
                 beautiful
                 ,
                 being
                 painted
                 without
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 appears
                 not
                 
                 what
                 they
                 are
                 within
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 see
                 what
                 a
                 Sepulchre
                 is
                 indeed
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 break
                 it
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 down
                 into
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 Candle
                 ,
                 &
                 search
                 it
                 out
                 ;
                 there
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 loathsom
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 &
                 dead
                 mens
                 bones
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 an
                 hypoerite
                 oridinarily
                 is
                 not
                 diligent
                 in
                 this
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 his
                 heart
                 deceiveth
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 ariseth
                 from
                 several
                 grounds
                 .
                 Haply
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 He
                 is
                 too
                 sloathful
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 diligent
                 laborious
                 Christians
                 that
                 will
                 take
                 pains
                 in
                 this
                 work
                 .
                 If
                 an
                 overly
                 view
                 of
                 mens
                 hearts
                 would
                 do
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 would
                 search
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 rifle
                 every
                 corner
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 the
                 heart
                 turns
                 the
                 back
                 tergiversatur
                 ,
                 is
                 loath
                 to
                 answer
                 to
                 the
                 Queries
                 which
                 are
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 flings
                 an
                 hundred
                 waies
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 hold
                 of
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 now
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 diligent
                 Christian
                 indeed
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 bastled
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 urge
                 it
                 home
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 have
                 an
                 answer
                 better
                 or
                 worse
                 ;
                 and
                 thus
                 from
                 time
                 to
                 time
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 will
                 hardly
                 take
                 pains
                 in
                 this
                 great
                 work
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 his
                 heart
                 deceive
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 be
                 hid
                 form
                 himself
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Haply
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 confident
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 Job
                 ;
                 and
                 who
                 almost
                 are
                 men
                 of
                 more
                 flourishing
                 hopes
                 then
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 ?
                 were
                 there
                 any
                 deadly
                 doubt
                 of
                 their
                 
                 condition
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 were
                 there
                 any
                 more
                 rotten
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 ?
                 they
                 thought
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 any
                 men
                 should
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 men
                 ;
                 men
                 of
                 such
                 knowledge
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 duties
                 and
                 strict
                 lives
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 was
                 it
                 possible
                 they
                 should
                 miscarry
                 ;
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 bold
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 plead
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 7.
                 of
                 Matth.
                 Now
                 that
                 which
                 a
                 man
                 thinketh
                 he
                 hath
                 already
                 ,
                 or
                 thinketh
                 he
                 is
                 sure
                 of
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 trouble
                 himself
                 to
                 enquire
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 needless
                 labour
                 :
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 sure
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 thinketh
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 his
                 groat
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 light
                 a
                 Candle
                 and
                 seek
                 it
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 Because
                 haply
                 they
                 have
                 sometimes
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 misgivings
                 of
                 heart
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 hypocrites
                 may
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 loath
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 search
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 suspect
                 themselves
                 ,
                 some
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 so
                 strongly
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 false
                 hope
                 to
                 ballance
                 their
                 fear
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 prevail
                 .
                 A
                 Bankrupt
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 suspects
                 it
                 ,
                 hath
                 no
                 mind
                 to
                 cast
                 up
                 his
                 accounts
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 rather
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 they
                 may
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 lave
                 such
                 misgivings
                 ,
                 which
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 clear
                 as
                 to
                 amount
                 to
                 a
                 knowledge
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 put
                 them
                 on
                 to
                 a
                 recovery
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 yet
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 enough
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 loath
                 to
                 search
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 is
                 loath
                 to
                 search
                 his
                 coyn
                 ,
                 he
                 suspects
                 he
                 shall
                 find
                 many
                 bad
                 pieces
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 thereby
                 prove
                 himself
                 but
                 a
                 beggar
                 ;
                 finding
                 all
                 brass
                 instead
                 of
                 gold
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 is
                 loath
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 grave-stone
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 suspect
                 what
                 he
                 shall
                 find
                 within
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 very
                 willing
                 to
                 see
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 endure
                 the
                 stench
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 pleaseth
                 himself
                 with
                 the
                 paint
                 and
                 outward
                 beauty
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 hid
                 from
                 his
                 eyes
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   righteous
                   hand
                   of
                   God
                   upon
                   hypocrites
                   ,
                
                 they
                 are
                 even
                 paid
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 coyn
                 ;
                 that
                 since
                 they
                 have
                 deceived
                 others
                 with
                 fair
                 shews
                 and
                 pretences
                 ,
                 and
                 endeavoured
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 deceive
                 the
                 Lord
                 himself
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 deceive
                 their
                 own
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 be
                 hid
                 from
                 themselves
                 ;
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 go
                 on
                 the
                 more
                 securely
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 see
                 by
                 woful
                 experience
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 tumbled
                 into
                 the
                 pit
                 .
                 And
                 surely
                 this
                 was
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 were
                 hid
                 from
                 Jerusalems
                 eyes
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   things
                   which
                   belonged
                   to
                   her
                   peace
                
                 ;
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 i●
                 not
                 the
                 chief
                 thing
                 ,
                 was
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 her self
                 ,
                 Luke
                 19.
                 42.
                 is
                 a
                 choice
                 place
                 ;
                 of
                 saving
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 moral
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 had
                 neglected
                 their
                 time
                 ,
                 implyed
                 ;
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 drew
                 near
                 God
                 with
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 far
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 thinking
                 to
                 put
                 off
                 God
                 with
                 such
                 Idol-worship
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 a
                 God
                 which
                 searched
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 find
                 it
                 out
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 tels
                 them
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 concern
                 your
                 peace
                 are
                 hid
                 from
                 your
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 among
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   the
                   remedy
                
                 is
                 the
                 other
                 main
                 thing
                 .
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 fearful
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 brethren
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 giveth
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 blindness
                 of
                 mind
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 discern
                 nothing
                 which
                 concerneth
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 not
                 know
                 their
                 own
                 conditions
                 :
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 hide
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 find
                 ?
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 search
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 be
                 concealed
                 ?
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 first
                 thing
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   At
                   last
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   discovered
                   to
                   himself
                   :
                
                 He
                 shall
                 see
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 many
                 times
                 so
                 .
                 I
                 mean
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 hell
                 ,
                 mens
                 eyes
                 shall
                 be
                 opened
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 before
                 
                 death
                 many
                 times
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 eyes
                 are
                 opened
                 to
                 see
                 himself
                 what
                 he
                 is
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 he
                 may
                 go
                 down
                 in
                 peace
                 to
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 peace
                 as
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 hard
                 heart
                 and
                 seared
                 conscience
                 gives
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 here
                 in
                 this
                 Parable
                 ,
                 that
                 before
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 they
                 saw
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 wanted
                 oyl
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 work
                 ,
                 the
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 which
                 before
                 they
                 cared
                 not
                 for
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 press
                 it
                 too
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 all
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 here
                 see
                 that
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 therefore
                 all
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 formal
                 professors
                 before
                 their
                 death
                 ,
                 are
                 discovered
                 to
                 themselves
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 ordinarily
                 ;
                 surely
                 else
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 can
                 be
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Parable
                 ;
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 so
                 with
                 Judas
                 ?
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 discovered
                 to
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 detected
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 conscience
                 so
                 wounded
                 that
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 but
                 go
                 and
                 proclaim
                 himself
                 a
                 wretch
                 ,
                 a
                 traytor
                 to
                 his
                 Master
                 before
                 all
                 the
                 Court
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 so
                 blinded
                 before
                 ,
                 by
                 lust
                 ,
                 by
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 he
                 did
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 his
                 eyes
                 were
                 opened
                 ,
                 he
                 saw
                 what
                 his
                 condition
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 terrour
                 of
                 it
                 was
                 such
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 went
                 and
                 hanged
                 himself
                 .
              
               
                 
                   But
                   how
                   and
                   when
                   doth
                   the
                   Lord
                   discover
                   hypocrites
                   to
                   themselves
                   ?
                
                 Why
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 haply
                 in
                 
                   the
                   hour
                   of
                   affliction
                
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Alchymie
                 gold
                 being
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 endure
                 the
                 seventh
                 fire
                 ,
                 discovers
                 it self
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 
                   will
                   he
                   pray
                   alway
                
                 ?
                 Or
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 ,
                 by
                 any
                 other
                 means
                 whereby
                 the
                 Lord
                 blasts
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 it
                 wither
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 it
                 was
                 but
                 a
                 gourd
                 ,
                 under
                 whose
                 shadow
                 they
                 delighted
                 themselves
                 ;
                 so
                 you
                 see
                 God
                 doth
                 blast
                 their
                 profession
                 .
                 Here
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 until
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 that
                 they
                 saw
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 wanted
                 oyl
                 ;
                 while
                 they
                 could
                 sparkle
                 &
                 walk
                 in
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 sparks
                 ,
                 &
                 think
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 while
                 they
                 can
                 maintain
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 up
                 duties
                 ,
                 &c.
                 haply
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 not
                 the
                 hypocrisie
                 lies
                 hid
                 under
                 those
                 broad
                 leaves
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 they
                 wither
                 ,
                 &
                 they
                 become
                 as
                 trees
                 twice
                 dead
                 ,
                 then
                 haply
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 it
                 .
                 Not
                 that
                 alway
                 those
                 whose
                 professions
                 wither
                 ,
                 do
                 see
                 thēselvs
                 to
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 neither
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 may
                 turn
                 down
                 right
                 prophane
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 poor
                 creatures
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 returned
                 
                   with
                   the
                   swine
                   washed
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   wallowing
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   mir●
                
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 past
                 feeling
                 ,
                 the
                 conscience
                 much
                 seared
                 and
                 
                 hardened
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 many
                 times
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 means
                 whereby
                 God
                 doth
                 discover
                 hypocrites
                 to
                 themselves
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 
                 somewhat
                 of
                 a
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 have
                 none
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   their
                   leaf
                   fals
                
                 ;
                 now
                 as
                 Saul
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 answer
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 
                 neither
                 by
                 Vision
                 nor
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 woful
                 case
                 
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 pluckt
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 of
                 their
                 plumes
                 ,
                 their
                 nakedness
                 appears
                 .
                 Not
                 that
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 not
                 want
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 too
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 then
                 a
                 sickness
                 of
                 love
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 a
                 mourning
                 after
                 him
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 sad
                 complaint
                 that
                 they
                 cannot
                 mourn
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 findeth
                 a
                 want
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 troubled
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 contented
                 to
                 let
                 it
                 go
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 
                   without
                   any
                   such
                   affliction
                
                 ;
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 discover
                 to
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 no
                 better
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 rotten
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 guilt
                 wear
                 not
                 away
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 can
                 shew
                 the
                 soul
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 Alchymie
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 paint
                 of
                 the
                 Sepulchre
                 continue
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 not
                 washed
                 away
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 shew
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ;
                 not
                 but
                 that
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 think
                 himself
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 under
                 temptation
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 God
                 revealeth
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 setteth
                 it
                 on
                 with
                 an
                 evidence
                 indeed
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 why
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 then
                 discover
                 Hypocrites
                 before
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ?
                 why
                 truly
                 it
                 is
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   a
                   taste
                   of
                   that
                   bitter
                   Cup
                   which
                   they
                   are
                   to
                   drink
                   the
                   dregs
                   of
                   to
                   all
                   eternity
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Hypocrites
                 Cup
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 be
                 more
                 deep
                 then
                 other
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 any
                 more
                 deadly
                 dregs
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 God
                 will
                 kindle
                 a
                 beginning
                 of
                 hell
                 in
                 their
                 consciences
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 some
                 fore-tas●s
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 joyes
                 to
                 be
                 revealed
                 ,
                 to
                 sweeten
                 their
                 Cup
                 of
                 affliction
                 ,
                 so
                 Hypocrites
                 might
                 have
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 gall
                 and
                 worm-wood
                 ,
                 to
                 imbitter
                 all
                 their
                 delights
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 .
                 What
                 comfort
                 
                 had
                 Judas
                 of
                 his
                 thirty
                 pieces
                 of
                 silver
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 opened
                 his
                 conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 him
                 see
                 his
                 condition
                 ?
                 what
                 an
                 hypocritical
                 ,
                 dissembling
                 wretch
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 ,
                 to
                 betray
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 life
                 and
                 glory
                 with
                 a
                 kiss
                 ,
                 a
                 sign
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 bloody
                 traiterous
                 heart
                 ;
                 to
                 sell
                 his
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 had
                 followed
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 acted
                 by
                 commission
                 from
                 him
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Master
                 that
                 had
                 never
                 done
                 him
                 hurt
                 ,
                 but
                 good
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   sell
                   him
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   life
                   and
                   glory
                   ,
                   for
                   thirty
                   pieces
                   of
                   Silver
                   ?
                
                 O
                 this
                 could
                 not
                 but
                 gall
                 ,
                 and
                 cut
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 !
                 the
                 Devil
                 helped
                 him
                 to
                 a
                 booty
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 added
                 this
                 sorrow
                 with
                 it
                 .
                 Indeed
                 of
                 all
                 sins
                 ,
                 God
                 hath
                 not
                 revealed
                 
                 himself
                 so
                 terribly
                 against
                 any
                 in
                 Scripture
                 as
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 cometh
                 to
                 see
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 any
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 displayed
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 in
                 a
                 hell
                 above
                 ground
                 ;
                 
                   this
                   shall
                   they
                   have
                   of
                   my
                   hand
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   lie
                   down
                   in
                   sorrow
                
                 ;
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 he
                 anticipates
                 their
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 live
                 in
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 wo
                 ,
                 and
                 misery
                 ;
                 God
                 doth
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 set
                 a
                 mark
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 upon
                 Cain
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   might
                   be
                   warnings
                   to
                   others
                   for
                   ever
                   ,
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   Hypocrisie
                
                 ;
                 for
                 when
                 men
                 that
                 regard
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 consider
                 the
                 operation
                 of
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 shall
                 behold
                 a
                 Judas
                 hanged
                 up
                 in
                 Gibbets
                 ,
                 being
                 made
                 a
                 
                   Magor
                   Missabeb
                
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 doth
                 it
                 not
                 preach
                 aloud
                 this
                 Caution
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 and
                 beware
                 of
                 hypocrisie
                 ?
                 
                   these
                   things
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 were
                 
                 
                   written
                   for
                   our
                   ensamples
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   not
                   do
                   as
                   they
                   did
                
                 ;
                 so
                 are
                 these
                 things
                 acted
                 for
                 our
                 ensamples
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 take
                 heed
                 ;
                 or
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 such
                 terrors
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 professions
                 are
                 blasted
                 only
                 ,
                 and
                 wither
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 prove
                 fearful
                 creatures
                 ,
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 worse
                 then
                 their
                 beginning
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 warning
                 written
                 in
                 Capital
                 Letters
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 that
                 runs
                 may
                 read
                 ?
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 rottenness
                 at
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 our
                 fruit
                 will
                 give
                 
                 up
                 as
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apples
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 wither
                 and
                 come
                 to
                 nothing
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 out
                 like
                 a
                 snuff
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 sound
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   stumbling
                   block
                   to
                   some
                   others
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   receive
                   any
                   prejudice
                   against
                   the
                   ways
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   they
                   shall
                   have
                   a
                   block
                   to
                   stumble
                   upon
                   .
                
                 O
                 here
                 you
                 see
                 what
                 becometh
                 of
                 this
                 preciseness
                 and
                 flourishing
                 profession
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 but
                 rotteness
                 at
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 better
                 to
                 take
                 on
                 fair
                 and
                 softly
                 ;
                 a
                 soft
                 pace
                 in
                 religion
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Moralist
                 ,
                 or
                 civil
                 ,
                 honest
                 Man
                 ;
                 as
                 good
                 continue
                 in
                 a
                 meer
                 wallowing
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 washed
                 ,
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 it
                 again
                 ;
                 yea
                 better
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 profane
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 satisfieth
                 himself
                 in
                 his
                 carnal
                 state
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 wosul
                 ;
                 for
                 suppose
                 some
                 professors
                 wither
                 ,
                 yet
                 do
                 all
                 ?
                 Some
                 ,
                 they
                 keep
                 their
                 leaf
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 never
                 fail
                 ;
                 some
                 lose
                 their
                 verdour
                 ,
                 but
                 recover
                 it
                 again
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 if
                 some
                 wither
                 ?
                 will
                 you
                 therefore
                 
                   offend
                   against
                   the
                   generation
                   of
                   the
                   upright
                   ?
                
                 saying
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 stamp
                 .
                 God
                 forbid
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 consider
                 how
                 many
                 poor
                 hearts
                 are
                 hardened
                 in
                 sin
                 upon
                 this
                 
                 very
                 account
                 ,
                 which
                 addeth
                 to
                 the
                 Hypocrites
                 doom
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 if
                 a
                 discovered
                 Hypocrite
                 be
                 so
                 vile
                 ,
                 the
                 condition
                 so
                 dangerous
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 their
                 own
                 as
                 dangerous
                 ?
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 prophane
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 worker
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 entrance
                 into
                 glory
                 for
                 a
                 Dog
                 or
                 Swine
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 a
                 Goat
                 ;
                 no
                 more
                 for
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 that
                 professedly
                 commit
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 them
                 who
                 profess
                 longer
                 ,
                 do
                 much
                 in
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 all
                 cometh
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 found
                 but
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 though
                 secretly
                 ;
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 second
                 .
                 
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 and
                 last
                 thing
                 considerable
                 in
                 the
                 Observation
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   many
                   times
                   it
                   is
                   too
                   late
                   ,
                   when
                   Hypocrites
                   are
                   discovered
                   to
                
                 
                 themselves
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 plain
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 all
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 getting
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
                 they
                 complain
                 not
                 ,
                 not
                 see
                 their
                 want
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 going
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 too
                 late
                 ;
                 for
                 before
                 they
                 could
                 get
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 gates
                 were
                 shut
                 .
              
               
                 We
                 must
                 not
                 here
                 understand
                 it
                 generally
                 of
                 all
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 none
                 might
                 be
                 discovered
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 while
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 recover
                 themselves
                 ;
                 for
                 then
                 it
                 would
                 follow
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ;
                 
                   for
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   is
                   the
                   Prince
                   exalted
                   to
                   give
                   repentance
                   and
                   remission
                   of
                   sins
                
                 ;
                 Now
                 if
                 
                 they
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 know
                 themselves
                 to
                 be
                 guilty
                 of
                 this
                 great
                 evil
                 ,
                 even
                 their
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 they
                 repent
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 repent
                 not
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 it
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 indeed
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 hypocrisie
                 in
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 may
                 acknowledge
                 only
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 among
                 his
                 secret
                 sins
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 of
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 think
                 ,
                 where
                 hypocrisie
                 is
                 so
                 raigning
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 denominate
                 a
                 man
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 surely
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 acknowledge
                 it
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 how
                 can
                 he
                 hope
                 of
                 pardon
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 pardon
                 for
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 only
                 that
                 against
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 excepted
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 sure
                 ,
                 some
                 Hypocrites
                 God
                 doth
                 uncase
                 ▪
                 and
                 unmask
                 ,
                 and
                 rip
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 them
                 the
                 abominations
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 mourn
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 mourn
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 loath
                 themselves
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ;
                 therefore
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 lest
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 come
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 open
                 any
                 painted
                 sepulchre
                 ,
                 any
                 rotten-hearted
                 Hypocrite
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 see
                 our
                 wound
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 faint
                 away
                 ;
                 for
                 though
                 many
                 times
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   God
                   discovers
                   it
                   not
                   to
                   Hypocrites
                   until
                   it
                   be
                   too
                   late
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 sometimes
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                 sin
                 in
                 it self
                 is
                 pardonable
                 ;
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 concerning
                 this
                 thing
                 in
                 Israel
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 for
                 the
                 making
                 good
                 this
                 assertion
                 ,
                 consider
                 ,
                 either
                 they
                 are
                 discovered
                 not
                 until
                 judgement
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 not
                 until
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 not
                 until
                 
                   their
                   day
                   of
                   grace
                   ●e
                   expired
                
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 before
                 death
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 If
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 discovered
                 to
                 themselves
                 until
                 judgement
                 ,
                 God
                 never
                 reproveth
                 them
                 of
                 their
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 and
                 sets
                 it
                 in
                 order
                 with
                 all
                 its
                 circumstances
                 ,
                 and
                 aggravations
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   the
                   secrets
                   of
                   all
                   hearts
                   shall
                   be
                   displayed
                   ,
                
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 nasty
                 corners
                 of
                 sinners
                 souls
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 hidden
                 things
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 then
                 surely
                 you
                 will
                 all
                 acknowledge
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 remedy
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 help
                 ;
                 there
                 remaineth
                 nothing
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   a
                   fearful
                   looking
                   for
                   of
                   their
                   doom
                
                 ;
                 and
                 some
                 may
                 go
                 down
                 in
                 peace
                 to
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 not
                 a
                 peace
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 Satan
                 ;
                 a
                 security
                 and
                 stupidity
                 of
                 conscience
                 ,
                 knowing
                 nothing
                 of
                 their
                 fearful
                 condition
                 ,
                 which
                 others
                 also
                 which
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 may
                 do
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 discovered
                 until
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 deaths
                 approach
                 ;
                 then
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 alway
                 ,
                 yet
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 time
                 that
                 ordinarily
                 ▪
                 God
                 is
                 found
                 ,
                 or
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 then
                 there
                 would
                 very
                 few
                 perish
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 ;
                 every
                 man
                 almost
                 ,
                 except
                 a
                 very
                 desperate
                 ,
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 prophane
                 wretch
                 will
                 have
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 mercy
                 in
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 liftings
                 up
                 of
                 eyes
                 and
                 hands
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 do
                 but
                 dissemble
                 ,
                 and
                 flatter
                 him
                 with
                 their
                 mouths
                 ;
                 as
                 is
                 proved
                 by
                 too
                 ordinary
                 experience
                 ;
                 come
                 to
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 upon
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 would
                 think
                 him
                 a
                 Saint
                 ,
                 a
                 true
                 penitent
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 if
                 God
                 would
                 restore
                 him
                 ,
                 sure
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 return
                 to
                 his
                 folly
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 experience
                 proveth
                 how
                 quickly
                 such
                 men
                 return
                 to
                 their
                 vomit
                 again
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 wallowing
                 in
                 the
                 mire
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 out
                 their
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 meats
                 ,
                 and
                 marrow
                 ,
                 and
                 money
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 upon
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 with
                 as
                 much
                 eagerness
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 more
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 prove
                 very
                 Devils
                 incarnate
                 ;
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 ;
                 grow
                 as
                 listless
                 and
                 lazy
                 in
                 seeking
                 God
                 after
                 their
                 restoring
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 before
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 visitation
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   they
                   would
                   seek
                   him
                   early
                   ,
                
                 and
                 nothing
                 but
                 seek
                 him
                 ▪
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 He
                 may
                 discover
                 Hypocrites
                 to
                 themselves
                 before
                 death
                 
                 likely
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 many
                 times
                 the
                 time
                 is
                 past
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 understanding
                 of
                 which
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 every
                 Professor
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 professing
                 people
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 rising
                 upon
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 arise
                 upon
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   maketh
                   a
                   day
                   of
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 
                 Jerusalem
                 had
                 her
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Luke
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 day
                 may
                 be
                 conceived
                 to
                 be
                 either
                 revealed
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 judge
                 of
                 it
                 according
                 to
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 secret
                 ,
                 which
                 God
                 hath
                 reserved
                 to
                 himself
                 .
                 The
                 revealed
                 is
                 usually
                 bounded
                 by
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 life
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 continuance
                 of
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
                 to
                 a
                 people
                 at
                 least
                 :
                 all
                 that
                 while
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 estimation
                 ,
                 Gods
                 patience
                 waiteth
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 upon
                 formal
                 Professors
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 ,
                 
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 repent
                 ,
                 and
                 amend
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 2.
                 
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 secret
                 day
                 which
                 God
                 hath
                 kept
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 he
                 resolveth
                 with
                 himself
                 ;
                 however
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
                 may
                 continue
                 longer
                 to
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 they
                 stand
                 it
                 out
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 make
                 them
                 available
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Jews
                 in
                 that
                 their
                 day
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   that
                   thou
                   hadst
                   known
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   this
                   thy
                   day
                   ,
                   but
                   now
                   they
                   are
                   hid
                
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 were
                 hid
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 never
                 have
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 though
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 to
                 them
                 yet
                 longer
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   the
                   things
                   which
                   belonged
                   to
                   their
                   peace
                   ,
                   were
                   hid
                   from
                   their
                   eyes
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 open
                 an
                 Hypocrites
                 eyes
                 ,
                 convince
                 him
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 the
                 time
                 be
                 past
                 of
                 his
                 recovery
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 their
                 Lamps
                 went
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 irrecoverably
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 seemeth
                 by
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 a
                 further
                 time
                 before
                 the
                 judgement
                 ,
                 a
                 time
                 wherein
                 they
                 did
                 use
                 some
                 impertinent
                 and
                 improper
                 endeavours
                 for
                 their
                 restoring
                 ;
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 them
                 that
                 sold
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 afterward
                 ;
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 that
                 was
                 hid
                 from
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 no
                 purpose
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 missed
                 their
                 aim
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 one
                 of
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 effect
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Either
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   heart
                   will
                   sink
                   and
                   die
                   within
                   them
                   through
                   some
                   despair
                
                 ;
                 either
                 when
                 God
                 hath
                 opened
                 this
                 wound
                 in
                 their
                 Consciences
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 die
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 their
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 souls
                 will
                 go
                 out
                 at
                 the
                 wound
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 Judas's
                 case
                 ;
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 look
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 but
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 sunk
                 within
                 
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 saw
                 how
                 he
                 had
                 played
                 the
                 wretch
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 selling
                 his
                 Saviour
                 for
                 so
                 small
                 a
                 price
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 pretended
                 so
                 much
                 love
                 to
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 value
                 him
                 at
                 a
                 so
                 low
                 a
                 rate
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 ,
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   heart
                   will
                   grow
                   desperately
                   hard
                   ,
                   and
                   Conscience
                   seared
                   afterward
                   ,
                
                 that
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 past
                 feeling
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 commit
                 all
                 iniquity
                 with
                 greediness
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 with
                 a
                 brazen
                 face
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 highest
                 confidence
                 ,
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 seventh
                 of
                 Matthew
                 ;
                 after
                 a
                 thaw
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 freez
                 harder
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 Conscience
                 will
                 be
                 covered
                 with
                 a
                 stone
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 said
                 in
                 Job
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 reason
                 is
                 plain
                 ,
                 why
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 not
                 ordinarily
                 discover
                 Hypocrites
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 ;
                 
                   for
                   a
                   just
                   recompence
                   of
                   their
                   hypocrisie
                
                 ;
                 his
                 soul
                 abhorreth
                 hypocrisie
                 more
                 then
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 their
                 Sacrifices
                 ,
                 and
                 solemn
                 meetings
                 are
                 an
                 abomination
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 even
                 weary
                 to
                 bear
                 
                 them
                 ;
                 why
                 ?
                 because
                 they
                 drew
                 near
                 him
                 with
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 honoured
                 him
                 with
                 their
                 lips
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 wanting
                 ;
                 that
                 which
                 God
                 looks
                 at
                 as
                 all
                 in
                 all
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 services
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 were
                 like
                 dead
                 carkasses
                 ,
                 however
                 garnished
                 with
                 many
                 ,
                 pretty
                 ,
                 sweet
                 flowers
                 ,
                 
                   common
                   gifs
                
                 ,
                 and
                 very
                 taking
                 manner
                 of
                 performances
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 dead
                 Carkasses
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 abhorrs
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 seal
                 up
                 men
                 under
                 such
                 a
                 Condition
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 intendeth
                 not
                 mercy
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 though
                 their
                 own
                 hypocrisie
                 and
                 iniquity
                 intervene
                 as
                 the
                 immediate
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 execution
                 of
                 this
                 purpose
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 letteth
                 them
                 walk
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 sparks
                 ,
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 them
                 please
                 themselves
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 have
                 trifled
                 away
                 the
                 season
                 of
                 grace
                 :
                 A
                 sad
                 consideration
                 for
                 Hypocrrites
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 Application
                 of
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   Then
                   it
                   may
                   serve
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   place
                   for
                   a
                   startling
                   word
                   to
                   all
                   formal
                   Professors
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 make
                 it
                 an
                 
                 awakening
                 word
                 .
                 I
                 doubt
                 I
                 speak
                 to
                 many
                 sleepy
                 souls
                 ;
                 our
                 voice
                 is
                 not
                 loud
                 enough
                 to
                 pierce
                 the
                 ear
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 seem
                 uncharitable
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 my
                 love
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 your
                 sakes
                 ,
                 else
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 such
                 delight
                 to
                 speak
                 things
                 so
                 cutting
                 and
                 wounding
                 as
                 these
                 are
                 ,
                 I
                 fear
                 brethren
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 multitude
                 of
                 Professors
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 but
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 Godliness
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 speak
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 that
                 five
                 of
                 them
                 were
                 foolish
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 had
                 nothing
                 but
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 a
                 Profession
                 ;
                 I
                 cannot
                 conclude
                 from
                 the
                 equality
                 of
                 number
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 are
                 as
                 many
                 wise
                 as
                 foolish
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 more
                 foolish
                 then
                 wise
                 ;
                 but
                 many
                 foolish
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 conclude
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 expound
                 it
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Analogy
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 more
                 by
                 many
                 then
                 the
                 wise
                 .
                 You
                 may
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 be
                 very
                 confident
                 of
                 your
                 estate
                 ,
                 rest
                 as
                 securely
                 as
                 if
                 you
                 had
                 the
                 greatest
                 assurance
                 of
                 your
                 Condition
                 ;
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 slept
                 as
                 soundly
                 as
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 suspected
                 their
                 Conditions
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 much
                 neither
                 in
                 all
                 probability
                 .
                 You
                 think
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 you
                 conform
                 to
                 Gods
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 some
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 but
                 little
                 ,
                 a
                 Glow-worm
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Moon
                 ,
                 no
                 heat
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 no
                 affections
                 to
                 Jesu
                 ;
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 never
                 felt
                 your
                 hearts
                 burn
                 within
                 you
                 when
                 he
                 conversed
                 with
                 you
                 :
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 s●ck
                 of
                 love
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 delight
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 are
                 secure
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 with
                 you
                 because
                 you
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 read
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 the
                 external
                 part
                 of
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 sanctifie
                 it
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 you
                 think
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 :
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 consider
                 ,
                 did
                 not
                 Judas
                 follow
                 Christ
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 more
                 then
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 &
                 yet
                 at
                 last
                 appeared
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 and
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ?
                 though
                 I
                 discommend
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 encourage
                 you
                 to
                 do
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 abound
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 me
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 speak
                 it
                 to
                 your
                 hearts
                 :
                 you
                 may
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 but
                 Hypocrites
                 :
                 God
                 looks
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 at
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 your
                 sacrifices
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 doth
                 at
                 the
                 frame
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 the
                 truth
                 in
                 the
                 inward
                 parts
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 
                 sacrifice
                 of
                 a
                 broken
                 and
                 contrite
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 heart
                 made
                 truly
                 sensible
                 of
                 its
                 own
                 vileness
                 and
                 emptiness
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 it
                 expecteth
                 nothing
                 for
                 it self
                 ,
                 but
                 lies
                 at
                 Christs
                 foot
                 for
                 healing
                 and
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 mourns
                 after
                 him
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 so
                 confident
                 of
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 your
                 condition
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 all
                 your
                 Sabbaths
                 you
                 keep
                 ,
                 and
                 duties
                 you
                 perform
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 ever
                 found
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 awaken
                 you
                 :
                 yea
                 ,
                 are
                 there
                 not
                 some
                 that
                 ground
                 their
                 confidence
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 security
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 never
                 doubted
                 ,
                 never
                 suspected
                 themselves
                 ;
                 they
                 can
                 bless
                 God
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 have
                 alway
                 had
                 a
                 good
                 heart
                 towards
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 never
                 had
                 cause
                 to
                 suspect
                 their
                 hearts
                 and
                 affections
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 they
                 begin
                 now
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 truth
                 in
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 notorious
                 Hypocrite
                 may
                 go
                 on
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 question
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 rather
                 the
                 sign
                 of
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 never
                 did
                 question
                 his
                 condition
                 .
                 Was
                 Judas
                 ever
                 the
                 better
                 for
                 his
                 backwardness
                 to
                 question
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 last
                 that
                 we
                 read
                 ,
                 put
                 the
                 question
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Is
                   it
                   I
                
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 Judas
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 pitty
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 danger
                 you
                 are
                 in
                 ,
                 poor
                 ,
                 confident
                 ,
                 secure
                 Creatures
                 ;
                 You
                 may
                 take
                 your selves
                 to
                 be
                 sweet
                 Christians
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 bitterness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 bond
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ;
                 your
                 Lamps
                 may
                 burn
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 go
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 will
                 cry
                 out
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 our
                 Lamps
                 are
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 our
                 profession
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 stand
                 us
                 in
                 no
                 stead
                 now
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Another
                 word
                 shall
                 be
                 an
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   it
                   be
                   thus
                   ,
                   that
                   an
                   Hypocrite
                   may
                   thus
                   long
                   lie
                   hid
                   from
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   yet
                   at
                   last
                   be
                   discovered
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   too
                   late
                   .
                   O
                   how
                   should
                   this
                   quicken
                   us
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   to
                   work
                   out
                   our
                   salvation
                   with
                   fear
                   and
                   trembling
                   !
                   O
                   be
                   not
                   high-minded
                   ,
                   but-fear
                   .
                
                 You
                 see
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 they
                 had
                 a
                 glorious
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 may
                 in
                 
                 our
                 dayes
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 like
                 pass
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 discovered
                 ,
                 be
                 made
                 a
                 
                   Magor
                   Missabeb
                
                 .
                 O
                 fear
                 ,
                 and
                 tremble
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 lest
                 this
                 prove
                 our
                 own
                 condition
                 ;
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 the
                 great
                 duty
                 of
                 self-exanimation
                 and
                 searching
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 have
                 misgiving
                 hearts
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 yet
                 let
                 us
                 search
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 misgiving
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 inexcusable
                 shall
                 we
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 were
                 so
                 lazy
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 rather
                 venture
                 our
                 immortal
                 ,
                 precious
                 souls
                 ,
                 then
                 take
                 a
                 little
                 pains
                 to
                 search
                 ,
                 and
                 secure
                 their
                 condition
                 ?
                 Is
                 there
                 any
                 man
                 that
                 suspects
                 his
                 estate
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 think
                 much
                 of
                 his
                 pains
                 ,
                 to
                 spend
                 day
                 after
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 time
                 after
                 time
                 ,
                 to
                 search
                 into
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 possible
                 ,
                 to
                 secure
                 it
                 ?
                 Why
                 what
                 account
                 do
                 we
                 make
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 can
                 be
                 so
                 wretchedly
                 careless
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 you
                 have
                 souls
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 they
                 are
                 immortal
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 live
                 for
                 ever
                 in
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 in
                 unexpressible
                 misery
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 believe
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 hypocrites
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 deepest
                 damnation
                 ?
                 And
                 do
                 you
                 suspect
                 your selves
                 to
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 a
                 little
                 pains
                 with
                 your
                 deceitful
                 hearts
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 much
                 pains
                 and
                 often
                 ,
                 to
                 secure
                 the
                 eternal
                 welfare
                 of
                 your
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 precious
                 souls
                 ?
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Suppose
                 you
                 do
                 supect
                 your selves
                 to
                 be
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 how
                 do
                 you
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 quiet
                 your
                 consciences
                 ?
                 do
                 they
                 not
                 trouble
                 you
                 ?
                 are
                 your
                 hearts
                 so
                 desperately
                 heardned
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 no
                 disquietness
                 seizing
                 upon
                 you
                 ?
                 can
                 you
                 enjoy
                 your selves
                 ?
                 I
                 believe
                 you
                 must
                 needs
                 then
                 sometimes
                 have
                 a
                 terrible
                 apprehension
                 of
                 wrath
                 approaching
                 ,
                 why
                 will
                 you
                 not
                 search
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 may
                 find
                 your
                 condition
                 better
                 then
                 you
                 expected
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 may
                 live
                 more
                 comfortably
                 and
                 sweetly
                 then
                 now
                 you
                 can
                 ;
                 while
                 you
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 suspition
                 of
                 your selves
                 ,
                 your
                 condition
                 may
                 be
                 safe
                 ,
                 but
                 cannot
                 be
                 comfortable
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 cannot
                 be
                 satisfied
                 without
                 this
                 comfort
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 your
                 outward
                 condition
                 :
                 Is
                 that
                 so
                 great
                 in
                 your
                 eyes
                 and
                 this
                 so
                 little
                 ?
                 O
                 for
                 sin
                 and
                 shame
                 let
                 us
                 set
                 a
                 higher
                 value
                 upon
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 be
                 more
                 afraid
                 of
                 losing
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 then
                 of
                 losing
                 the
                 world
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 see
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 confident
                 of
                 thy
                 condition
                 ;
                 either
                 this
                 confidence
                 is
                 well
                 grounded
                 or
                 groundless
                 ,
                 and
                 whether
                 soever
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 need
                 of
                 searching
                 still
                 .
                 If
                 well
                 grounded
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 the
                 renewed
                 searching
                 and
                 discovery
                 of
                 the
                 soundness
                 of
                 our
                 confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 will
                 renew
                 our
                 joy
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 our
                 thankfulness
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 impressions
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 wear
                 away
                 with
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 keep
                 them
                 fresh
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 the
                 sweetness
                 and
                 safety
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 hearts
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 enlarged
                 toward
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 then
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 often
                 perusing
                 our
                 evidences
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grounds
                 of
                 our
                 confidence
                 .
              
               
                 Besides
                 ,
                 alas
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 doth
                 daily
                 intervene
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 darken
                 and
                 cloud
                 all
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 neglect
                 this
                 great
                 work
                 of
                 searching
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 within
                 a
                 while
                 our
                 hearts
                 will
                 be
                 so
                 over-grown
                 with
                 weeds
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 discern
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 within
                 us
                 ;
                 so
                 much
                 ashes
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 scarce
                 find
                 the
                 fire
                 ;
                 O
                 therefore
                 keep
                 up
                 this
                 inward
                 difficult
                 differencing
                 duty
                 of
                 a
                 diligent
                 impartial
                 search
                 and
                 trial
                 of
                 our selves
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 then
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 confident
                 upon
                 no
                 good
                 ground
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 all
                 to
                 search
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 shall
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 grounds
                 whereupon
                 we
                 are
                 confident
                 to
                 discern
                 them
                 clearly
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 search
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 maist
                 upon
                 the
                 search
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 thy
                 condition
                 is
                 dangerous
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 but
                 a
                 Formalist
                 ;
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 then
                 that
                 thou
                 shouldst
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 be
                 ignorant
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 disease
                 half
                 the
                 cure
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 curable
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 to
                 disease
                 thy self
                 a
                 little
                 now
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 hell
                 in
                 a
                 golden
                 dream
                 ?
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 must
                 come
                 that
                 thou
                 must
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 remediless
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 know
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 hid
                 that
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 revealed
                 ;
                 do
                 not
                 think
                 your
                 Figleaves
                 will
                 always
                 hold
                 before
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 they
                 will
                 quickly
                 scorch
                 and
                 burn
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 your
                 nakedness
                 and
                 shame
                 and
                 confusion
                 shall
                 swallow
                 you
                 up
                 .
                 s
                 〈…〉
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 know
                 his
                 wound
                 before
                 it
                 prove
                 incurable
                 ?
                 surely
                 it
                 is
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 consider
                 yet
                 further
                 the
                 higher
                 your
                 confidence
                 is
                 now
                 ,
                 the
                 lower
                 will
                 your
                 hearts
                 sink
                 when
                 you
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 your
                 disappointment
                 ;
                 a
                 fools
                 Paradise
                 ,
                 the
                 Proverb
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 wise
                 mans
                 hell
                 :
                 you
                 are
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 please
                 your selves
                 with
                 a
                 light
                 of
                 your
                 Lamp
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 take
                 as
                 much
                 delight
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 upon
                 the
                 best
                 grounds
                 :
                 remember
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 cutting
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 asunder
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 were
                 so
                 befooled
                 out
                 of
                 your
                 immortal
                 souls
                 .
                 You
                 have
                 had
                 heretofore
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 the
                 signs
                 and
                 marks
                 whereby
                 you
                 may
                 judge
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 of
                 your
                 condition
                 ,
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 you
                 to
                 understand
                 wisdom
                 in
                 the
                 hidden
                 part
                 .
                 But
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 result
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 cannot
                 find
                 but
                 your
                 hearts
                 are
                 right
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 
                   B●g
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   search
                   you
                   ,
                
                 for
                 indeed
                 he
                 only
                 can
                 search
                 the
                 deep
                 things
                 of
                 a
                 
                 mans
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 17.
                 of
                 Ier.
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 tells
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   for
                   ought
                   I
                   can
                   discern
                   thou
                   hast
                   made
                   me
                   willing
                   to
                   part
                   with
                   all
                   iniquity
                   for
                   Christ
                   ,
                   to
                   receive
                   him
                   as
                   my
                   Lord
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   heart
                   is
                   too
                   deep
                   for
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   do
                   thou
                   search
                   me
                   and
                   try
                   me
                   ,
                   that
                   if
                   I
                   be
                   not
                   willing
                   ,
                   thou
                   wouldest
                   discover
                   it
                   to
                   me
                   :
                   If
                   I
                   be
                   ,
                   that
                   thou
                   wouldst
                   seal
                   it
                   up
                   to
                   my
                   soul
                   ;
                   that
                   which
                   I
                   know
                   not
                   shew
                   thou
                   me
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
               
                 Lest
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 should
                 gather
                 discouragement
                 from
                 hence
                 ,
                 whose
                 portion
                 discouragement
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 I
                 wil
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 to
                 
                 
                 such
                 to
                 stay
                 their
                 hearts
                 .
                 Some
                 will
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   this
                   be
                   so
                   ,
                   then
                   sad
                   may
                   be
                   my
                   condion
                   ,
                
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 ;
                 I
                 may
                 long
                 be
                 hid
                 from
                 mine
                 own
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 at
                 last
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 I
                 am
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 and
                 rotten
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Consider
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 indeed
                 oftentimes
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 look
                 not
                 only
                 upon
                 the
                 black
                 and
                 terrible
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 cloud
                 ,
                 but
                 upon
                 that
                 which
                 may
                 prove
                 a
                 door
                 of
                 hope
                 to
                 thy
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 therefore
                 be
                 up
                 and
                 doing
                 ,
                 searching
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 maist
                 find
                 out
                 the
                 uprightness
                 of
                 thy
                 heart
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 be
                 sure
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 maist
                 see
                 afterward
                 much
                 hypocrisie
                 in
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 see
                 thy self
                 to
                 be
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 truly
                 .
                 I
                 deny
                 not
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 come
                 in
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 temptation
                 to
                 misjudge
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 mistake
                 himself
                 for
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 heart
                 may
                 be
                 sound
                 towards
                 God
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 once
                 sound
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   ever
                   sound
                
                 ;
                 thou
                 never
                 wilt
                 lose
                 it
                 again
                 ,
                 only
                 be
                 sure
                 thou
                 run
                 not
                 away
                 with
                 mistakes
                 concerning
                 thy self
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 do
                 now
                 or
                 hereafter
                 see
                 thy self
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 concerning
                 this
                 thing
                 to
                 recover
                 and
                 restore
                 thee
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 condition
                 ;
                 though
                 hypocrisie
                 be
                 a
                 dangerous
                 sin
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 desperate
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 it
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 which
                 some
                 may
                 catch
                 at
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 word
                 indeed
                 ,
                 a
                 killing
                 word
                 to
                 my
                 soul
                 :
                 for
                 I
                 cannot
                 but
                 suspect
                 or
                 judge
                 my self
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 now
                 I
                 see
                 my
                 condition
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 led
                 by
                 a
                 deceived
                 heart
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 therefore
                 sure
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 time
                 ,
                 for
                 God
                 ordinarily
                 discovers
                 hypocrites
                 to
                 themselves
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 thou
                 make
                 not
                 a
                 false
                 judgement
                 of
                 thy self
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 be
                 not
                 now
                 under
                 an
                 hour
                 and
                 power
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 judge
                 aright
                 of
                 thy
                 condition
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 upon
                 the
                 search
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 approve
                 thy
                 heart
                 upright
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 though
                 now
                 thou
                 take
                 thy self
                 for
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 rash
                 in
                 so
                 serious
                 and
                 everlasting
                 a
                 concernment
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Thou
                 bewailest
                 it
                 ,
                 mournest
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 sign
                 of
                 the
                 time
                 being
                 past
                 ;
                 usually
                 then
                 God
                 seals
                 up
                 men
                 under
                 hardness
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 sink
                 not
                 into
                 dispair
                 .
                 Why
                 ,
                 but
                 did
                 not
                 Esau
                 that
                 sold
                 his
                 Birthright
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Blessing
                 was
                 gone
                 ,
                 seek
                 it
                 with
                 
                 many
                 tears
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 he
                 sought
                 the
                 Blessing
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 sought
                 not
                 Repentance
                 ;
                 
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 tears
                 of
                 repentance
                 for
                 his
                 wickedness
                 and
                 prophanness
                 in
                 selling
                 his
                 Birthright
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 likely
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 miscarried
                 ;
                 thou
                 mournest
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 thy
                 hypocrisie
                 :
                 O
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 fain
                 have
                 a
                 chan●ged
                 heart
                 ,
                 a
                 right
                 spirit
                 renewed
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 this
                 thou
                 breathest
                 after
                 ,
                 this
                 thy
                 soul
                 breaks
                 for
                 longing
                 for
                 :
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 sign
                 the
                 time
                 is
                 past
                 .
                 But
                 blessed
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 magnifie
                 his
                 grace
                 towards
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 let
                 thee
                 go
                 on
                 any
                 further
                 untill
                 the
                 time
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 exp●red
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 door
                 of
                 hope
                 shut
                 against
                 thy
                 soul
                 ;
                 thus
                 of
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 next
                 thing
                 is
                 the
                 Question
                 or
                 Request
                 that
                 the
                 foolish
                 made
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 ,
                 
                   Give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                   ,
                   for
                   our
                   Lamps
                   are
                   gone
                   out
                   ,
                   &c.
                   Give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                   .
                
                 This
                 short
                 Question
                 is
                 a
                 double
                 demonstration
                 of
                 their
                 folly
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 their
                 oyl
                 ,
                 their
                 grace
                 to
                 get
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 ready
                 to
                 have
                 entred
                 in
                 with
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 sought
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 
                   Give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                
                 .
                 From
                 the
                 first
                 we
                 may
                 note
                 thus
                 much
                 .
              
               
                 
                   It
                   is
                   very
                   great
                   folly
                   to
                   put
                   off
                   the
                   getting
                   of
                   grace
                   untill
                   the
                   last
                   :
                
                 
                 
                   Seek
                   ye
                   first
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   the
                   righteousness
                   thereof
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   things
                   shall
                   be
                   added
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 .
                 Say
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 seek
                 first
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 afterwards
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 thus
                 we
                 walk
                 contrary
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 surely
                 that
                 is
                 folly
                 .
                 They
                 are
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 indeed
                 that
                 had
                 their
                 oyl
                 to
                 get
                 ,
                 when
                 if
                 ever
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 use
                 it
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 stay
                 upon
                 it
                 to
                 give
                 you
                 more
                 Scripture
                 ;
                 But
                 a
                 few
                 Considerations
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 Arguments
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 not
                 singly
                 ,
                 yet
                 put
                 together
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 not
                 will
                 amount
                 to
                 a
                 demonstration
                 of
                 this
                 folly
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 this
                 shall
                 be
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   had
                
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 difficult
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 impossible
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 many
                 daily
                 (
                 some
                 at
                 least
                 )
                 do
                 obtain
                 it
                 :
                 Labour
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 we
                 count
                 him
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 will
                 take
                 it
                 upon
                 him
                 to
                 wash
                 an
                 Ethiopian
                 ,
                 to
                 wash
                 a
                 Boyl
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 white
                 or
                 clean
                 ;
                 so
                 if
                 this
                 were
                 in
                 vain
                 it
                 would
                 speak
                 men
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 that
                 do
                 neglect
                 it
                 ,
                 delay
                 it
                 ,
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 ;
                 however
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 God
                 knoweth
                 who
                 is
                 his
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 
                 purpose
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 eye
                 ,
                 but
                 look
                 at
                 what
                 is
                 before
                 
                 us
                 ,
                 in
                 Scripture
                 Rule
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 called
                 upon
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 lifted
                 up
                 upon
                 the
                 Pole
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 Crucified
                 before
                 our
                 eys
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 sealed
                 but
                 opened
                 Fountain
                 for
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 will
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 enough
                 in
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 freely
                 set
                 open
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 will
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 take
                 of
                 it
                 freely
                 ;
                 indeed
                 if
                 this
                 were
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 some
                 shew
                 or
                 colour
                 for
                 mens
                 putting
                 off
                 ,
                 or
                 neglecting
                 the
                 getting
                 their
                 grace
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 exposed
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 ;
                 Proclamation
                 is
                 made
                 to
                 every
                 creature
                 without
                 any
                 exception
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 which
                 is
                 only
                 worth
                 the
                 having
                 in
                 comparison
                 ,
                 to
                 neglect
                 this
                 ;
                 the
                 getting
                 of
                 this
                 is
                 folly
                 :
                 you
                 would
                 count
                 him
                 a
                 fool
                 in
                 grain
                 that
                 should
                 have
                 an
                 Inheritance
                 offered
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 rich
                 Cabinet
                 of
                 Jewels
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 should
                 please
                 himself
                 with
                 picking
                 Straws
                 ,
                 hunting
                 Butterflies
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 such
                 toys
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 childish
                 folly
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 worth
                 the
                 labour
                 (
                 the
                 pains
                 )
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 all
                 things
                 you
                 pursue
                 while
                 you
                 neglect
                 this
                 ,
                 put
                 off
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 no
                 better
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Chaff
                 to
                 the
                 Wheat
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Shadow
                 to
                 the
                 Substance
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Fancy
                 to
                 the
                 Reality
                 ?
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 ;
                 with
                 much
                 fancy
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 Agrippa
                 appeared
                 ,
                 this
                 meat
                 that
                 perisheth
                 ,
                 the
                 fat
                 and
                 sweet
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 creature
                 delights
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 shadows
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 the
                 substance
                 ,
                 
                 
                   My
                   soul
                   is
                   filled
                   as
                   with
                   m●rrow
                   and
                   fatness
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 really
                 so
                 :
                 Yea
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 light
                 of
                 carriage
                 ,
                 ●n
                 empty
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 may
                 be
                 had
                 with
                 more
                 ease
                 and
                 less
                 interruption
                 to
                 the
                 stream
                 of
                 mens
                 hearts
                 ,
                 which
                 run
                 naturally
                 another
                 way
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 empty
                 and
                 not
                 worth
                 the
                 having
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 poor
                 hypocrites
                 will
                 know
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 wrath
                 ▪
                 when
                 they
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 this
                 will
                 profit
                 them
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 riches
                 ,
                 and
                 therfore
                 as
                 the
                 Wise
                 man
                 speaks
                 
                   Wilt
                   thou
                   set
                   thine
                   eys
                   upon
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   not
                   ?
                
                 so
                 much
                 more
                 here
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 no
                 being
                 :
                 you
                 would
                 count
                 him
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 should
                 chuse
                 the
                 Shell
                 before
                 the
                 Kernel
                 ,
                 a
                 Core
                 before
                 an
                 Apple
                 .
                 Well
                 brethren
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 worth
                 the
                 having
                 .
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 precious
                 ;
                 You
                 have
                 heard
                 how
                 precious
                 a
                 Christ
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 him
                 ariseth
                 the
                 preciousness
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 the
                 preciousness
                 of
                 Love
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 preciousness
                 of
                 the
                 Promises
                 ;
                 a
                 dramm
                 of
                 Gold
                 ,
                 a
                 spark
                 of
                 a
                 Diamond
                 ,
                 is
                 worth
                 an
                 houseful
                 of
                 dung
                 and
                 dross
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 such
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 spiritual
                 discerning
                 eye
                 ;
                 therefore
                 sure
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 shall
                 be
                 ever
                 laborious
                 ,
                 &
                 so
                 expensive
                 ●aying
                 out
                 his
                 mony
                 his
                 time
                 and
                 substance
                 upon
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 bread
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 profit
                 ;
                 upon
                 dung
                 and
                 dross
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 his
                 gold
                 and
                 pearls
                 pass
                 .
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 must
                 be
                 had
                 of
                 necessity
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   that
                   one
                   thing
                   necessary
                   ,
                
                 without
                 which
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 seeing
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 without
                 grace
                 no
                 glory
                 ,
                 no
                 heaven
                 
                   in
                   heaven
                
                 ;
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 begun
                 upon
                 earth
                 no
                 
                 holiness
                 ,
                 no
                 happiness
                 :
                 There
                 lies
                 upon
                 you
                 all
                 brethren
                 ,
                 an
                 undispensable
                 necessity
                 to
                 get
                 grace
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 you
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 sure
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 else
                 we
                 could
                 hardly
                 so
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 ;
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 Faith
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 Love
                 and
                 obedience
                 brethren
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 you
                 are
                 condemned
                 ;
                 you
                 
                 may
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 though
                 you
                 be
                 not
                 rich
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 be
                 not
                 great
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 be
                 not
                 of
                 a
                 name
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 things
                 men
                 do
                 so
                 greedily
                 gape
                 after
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 can
                 never
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 without
                 grace
                 ,
                 without
                 Christ
                 enjoyed
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 without
                 so
                 much
                 guilt
                 as
                 some
                 have
                 ,
                 such
                 gifts
                 in
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 in
                 speaking
                 ,
                 such
                 great
                 endowments
                 of
                 a
                 lower
                 nature
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 cannot
                 be
                 saved
                 without
                 you
                 have
                 this
                 true
                 gold
                 ;
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 bread
                 or
                 else
                 you
                 perish
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 live
                 without
                 sawce
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 bread
                 ;
                 what
                 shut
                 the
                 Israelites
                 out
                 of
                 Canaan
                 
                 but
                 their
                 unbelief
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 will
                 shut
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 but
                 our
                 unbelief
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 consequently
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 grace
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Another
                 Consideration
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 necessary
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 will
                 but
                 help
                 to
                 sink
                 us
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 vain
                 without
                 it
                 ,
                 our
                 Priviledges
                 will
                 sink
                 us
                 ,
                 our
                 outward
                 mercies
                 ,
                 or
                 Church
                 mercies
                 ,
                 and
                 Gospel
                 mercies
                 will
                 but
                 sink
                 us
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 lower
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 well
                 lately
                 .
                 It
                 were
                 better
                 you
                 had
                 never
                 taken
                 up
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 oyl
                 in
                 your
                 Vessels
                 ;
                 better
                 you
                 had
                 never
                 had
                 the
                 form
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 power
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 form
                 ;
                 was
                 not
                 Judas
                 a
                 more
                 miserable
                 wretch
                 then
                 such
                 
                 as
                 never
                 owned
                 Christ
                 ?
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 perdition
                 with
                 a
                 witness
                 ,
                 an
                 heir
                 of
                 hell
                 :
                 that
                 which
                 now
                 sinners
                 most
                 glory
                 in
                 ,
                 will
                 prove
                 intolerable
                 to
                 them
                 another
                 day
                 :
                 Ah
                 ,
                 wo
                 to
                 Church-Members
                 ,
                 wo
                 to
                 formal
                 Professors
                 above
                 all
                 others
                 ,
                 wo
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 read
                 ,
                 and
                 pray
                 ,
                 and
                 receive
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 Christ
                 ;
                 above
                 all
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 fools
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 
                 lean
                 upon
                 that
                 which
                 will
                 not
                 only
                 fail
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 wound
                 them
                 ,
                 sink
                 them
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 deeper
                 ;
                 and
                 neglect
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 that
                 which
                 should
                 make
                 those
                 things
                 useful
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 their
                 own
                 eternal
                 peace
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 will
                 not
                 alway
                 be
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 to
                 delay
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 folly
                 ;
                 indeed
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 a
                 thing
                 of
                 no
                 value
                 ,
                 a
                 thing
                 that
                 men
                 might
                 not
                 miscarry
                 in
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 go
                 without
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 matter
                 :
                 or
                 yet
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 were
                 a
                 thing
                 so
                 absolute
                 necessary
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 it
                 when
                 they
                 would
                 ,
                 or
                 had
                 their
                 wills
                 at
                 their
                 command
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 were
                 alway
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 were
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 deeply
                 condemned
                 for
                 his
                 neglect
                 ,
                 but
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 brethren
                 the
                 Market
                 is
                 not
                 alway
                 ;
                 He
                 that
                 in
                 one
                 place
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   Ho
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   thirsteth
                   come
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 in
                 another
                 
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Ierusalem
                   Ierusalem
                   ,
                   that
                   thou
                   hadst-known
                   in
                   this
                   thy
                   day
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 day
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 last
                 alway
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   night
                   will
                   come
                   wherein
                   no
                   man
                   can
                   work
                   :
                
                 why
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 great
                 piece
                 of
                 folly
                 then
                 when
                 men
                 know
                 the
                 Treasury
                 wi●l
                 not
                 alway
                 stand
                 open
                 ,
                 though
                 now
                 it
                 do
                 ▪
                 nor
                 the
                 Fountain
                 alway
                 be
                 open
                 though
                 
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 content
                 themselves
                 with
                 their
                 dry
                 bottles
                 and
                 empty
                 purses
                 in
                 a
                 poor
                 condition
                 as
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Laodicea
                 :
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 alway
                 be
                 mens
                 sinning-stock
                 ,
                 nor
                 always
                 waite
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 ,
                 though
                 now
                 he
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 consider
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 fo
                 ly
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 ?
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Yea
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 will
                 not
                 long
                 be
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 by
                 us
                 if
                 we
                 lay
                 not
                 hold
                 upon
                 it
                 ;
                 It
                 was
                 not
                 long
                 after
                 the
                 Israelites
                 came
                 in
                 out
                 of
                 Egypt
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 denounced
                 
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Said
                   in
                   his
                   wrath
                   they
                   should
                   not
                   enter
                   into
                   his
                   rest
                
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 bore
                 their
                 manners
                 indeed
                 afterward
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 had
                 quickly
                 lost
                 their
                 hope
                 of
                 Canaan
                 .
                 Believe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 now
                 more
                 swift
                 and
                 more
                 peremptory
                 in
                 his
                 determination
                 against
                 souls
                 in
                 these
                 days
                 of
                 Gospel-light
                 then
                 heretofore
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   how
                   shall
                   we
                   escape
                   if
                   we
                   neglect
                   so
                   great
                   salvation
                   !
                
                 saith
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 your
                 judgement
                 is
                 nearer
                 then
                 when
                 you
                 had
                 no
                 profession
                 ,
                 no
                 name
                 ;
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 continue
                 a
                 wild
                 Olive
                 ,
                 or
                 prove
                 an
                 empty
                 branch
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 long
                 endured
                 :
                 now
                 if
                 men
                 did
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 sure
                 they
                 would
                 count
                 it
                 gross
                 folly
                 to
                 trifle
                 away
                 the
                 season
                 ,
                 specially
                 being
                 so
                 short
                 a
                 season
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 uncertain
                 a
                 season
                 ;
                 who
                 can
                 tell
                 if
                 he
                 putoff
                 Christ
                 ,
                 how
                 soon
                 his
                 heart
                 shall
                 be
                 sealed
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 everlasting
                 doors
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 have
                 locks
                 and
                 
                 bolts
                 to
                 clap
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 never
                 lift
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 undone
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 Use
                 then
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 reprove
                 us
                 all
                 of
                 this
                 folly
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 are
                 guilty
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 poor
                 graceless
                 souls
                 hear
                 this
                 Word
                 this
                 
                 day
                 ?
                 you
                 think
                 you
                 are
                 the
                 wise
                 men
                 who
                 by
                 your
                 wits
                 can
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 your
                 industry
                 increase
                 your selves
                 for
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 believe
                 God
                 rather
                 than
                 your
                 own
                 deceitful
                 hearts
                 ,
                 or
                 Satan
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   are
                   fools
                
                 ;
                 was
                 he
                 not
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 provided
                 so
                 industriously
                 for
                 many
                 years
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 a
                 day
                 to
                 live
                 ?
                 
                   This
                   night
                   shall
                   thy
                   soul
                   be
                   taken
                   away
                   from
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 and
                 not
                 one
                 thought
                 nor
                 act
                 of
                 care
                 for
                 eternity
                 ,
                 nor
                 for
                 his
                 precious
                 soul
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 sure
                 he
                 must
                 live
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 49
                 1●
                 .
                 and
                 13.
                 you
                 hope
                 that
                 your selves
                 or
                 else
                 your
                 houses
                 shall
                 continue
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 which
                 maketh
                 you
                 so
                 industrious
                 to
                 build
                 ,
                 &
                 inlarge
                 ,
                 and
                 beautifie
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 fill
                 them
                 with
                 treasures
                 ;
                 Ah
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 that
                 spin
                 their
                 bowels
                 out
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 Cobweb
                 ,
                 &
                 one
                 stroke
                 with
                 a
                 Wing
                 sweeps
                 it
                 quite
                 away
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 39
                 6.
                 
                 In
                 vain
                 do
                 men
                 trouble
                 themselves
                 ,
                 geting
                 goods
                 and
                 know
                 not
                 who
                 shall
                 enjoy
                 them
                 ,
                 whether
                 themselves
                 shall
                 enjoy
                 them
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 any
                 of
                 theirs
                 shall
                 enjoy
                 them
                 a
                 day
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 are
                 sure
                 that
                 you
                 must
                 indure
                 an
                 eternity
                 ,
                 your
                 souls
                 must
                 last
                 whether
                 your
                 houses
                 do
                 or
                 not
                 ,
                 either
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 separated
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 generally
                 neglect
                 them
                 ;
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 fools
                 ?
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 of
                 us
                 such
                 fools
                 ?
                 many
                 deal
                 with
                 God
                 thu
                 :
                 so
                 youth
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 take
                 their
                 pleasure
                 ;
                 in
                 old
                 age
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 so
                 much
                 pains
                 ,
                 as
                 Diong
                 .
                 when
                 he
                 took
                 the
                 golden
                 cloak
                 from
                 Apollo
                 ,
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   garment
                   neither
                   agreeth
                   with
                   Summer
                   nor
                   Winter
                   ,
                   in
                   Summer
                   it
                   is
                   heavy
                   ,
                   in
                   Winter
                   it
                   hath
                   no
                   warmth
                   ,
                   &c
                   :
                
                 but
                 because
                 men
                 have
                 some
                 secret
                 reserves
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 think
                 will
                 bear
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 they
                 can
                 ward
                 off
                 many
                 such
                 blows
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 reach
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 privy
                 coat
                 of
                 Male
                 ,
                 some
                 carnal
                 reasonings
                 or
                 other
                 wherewith
                 they
                 oyl
                 their
                 spirits
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 Ink
                 will
                 not
                 stick
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 impression
                 :
                 therefore
                 I
                 will
                 inforce
                 this
                 Use
                 with
                 some
                 Considerations
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 intend
                 as
                 to
                 cut
                 off
                 the
                 very
                 sinews
                 and
                 strength
                 of
                 a
                 Formalists
                 security
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   have
                   not
                   one
                   day
                   at
                   command
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 men
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 much
                 time
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 
                 specially
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 young
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 old
                 sinners
                 dote
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 they
                 always
                 think
                 they
                 may
                 live
                 a
                 year
                 longer
                 still
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 never
                 so
                 old
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 they
                 promise
                 themselves
                 long
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 cannot
                 but
                 believe
                 themselves
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 so
                 good
                 an
                 opinion
                 of
                 the
                 faithfulness
                 and
                 wisdom
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 know
                 the
                 number
                 of
                 your
                 moneths
                 is
                 determined
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 you
                 one
                 day
                 at
                 
                 command
                 ?
                 
                   Guido
                   Bituricens
                
                 .
                 reports
                 that
                 one
                 inviting
                 Menodamus
                 to
                 a
                 Banquet
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 he
                 asked
                 him
                 why
                 he
                 did
                 invite
                 him
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 he
                 durst
                 never
                 promise
                 himself
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 expecting
                 death
                 every
                 hour
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 but
                 a
                 breaths
                 distance
                 from
                 eternity
                 ;
                 who
                 can
                 say
                 he
                 hath
                 such
                 an
                 interest
                 in
                 the
                 dispensation
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 say
                 he
                 shall
                 live
                 unt
                 ll
                 to
                 morrow
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 in
                 hell
                 before
                 the
                 morning
                 light
                 ,
                 before
                 another
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 believe
                 this
                 ?
                 wherefore
                 was
                 that
                 written
                 ,
                 
                   Thou
                   fool
                   this
                   night
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 but
                 for
                 our
                 learning
                 ,
                 that
                 sinners
                 might
                 hear
                 and
                 fear
                 .
                 Men
                 have
                 not
                 leisure
                 to
                 provide
                 for
                 their
                 souls
                 untill
                 they
                 have
                 filled
                 such
                 a
                 bagg
                 ,
                 compassed
                 such
                 an
                 estate
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 at
                 leisure
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   must
                   go
                   to
                   such
                   a
                   City
                   ,
                   and
                   buy
                   and
                   sell
                   ,
                   &
                   get
                   gain
                
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 
                 if
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 all
                 that
                 thou
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 grace
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 then
                 ?
                 you
                 cannot
                 command
                 a
                 day
                 ;
                 Can
                 you
                 say
                 with
                 
                   Ioshua
                   ,
                   Sun
                   stand
                   still
                   and
                   hasten
                   not
                
                 ;
                 or
                 
                   Sun
                   go
                   backward
                
                 ;
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 hearken
                 to
                 your
                 voyce
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 theirs
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 little
                 time
                 when
                 your
                 glass
                 is
                 run
                 ,
                 to
                 work
                 out
                 your
                 salvation
                 with
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 vain
                 to
                 believe
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 without
                 the
                 least
                 ground
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 believe
                 God
                 ▪
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 reason
                 and
                 arguments
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 experience
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 confirm
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Remember
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   have
                   not
                   God
                   at
                   command
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Spirit
                 bloweth
                 not
                 where
                 we
                 ,
                 but
                 were
                 it self
                 listeth
                 ;
                 
                 therefore
                 Millers
                 and
                 Mar●iners
                 will
                 not
                 lose
                 the
                 wind
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 it
                 not
                 in
                 their
                 fist
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 deep
                 deceit
                 in
                 the
                 opinion
                 ,
                 that
                 lays
                 men
                 to
                 sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 secure
                 ,
                 putting
                 off
                 the
                 main
                 Work
                 ,
                 they
                 dream
                 they
                 have
                 God
                 and
                 grace
                 at
                 command
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 bound
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 grace
                 and
                 heaven
                 when
                 ever
                 they
                 shall
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 enough
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 O
                 no
                 brethren
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 commanded
                 by
                 us
                 ;
                 no
                 sure
                 :
                 will
                 he
                 be
                 alway
                 intreated
                 by
                 us
                 ?
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 
                 your
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 move
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 once
                 the
                 door
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 you
                 ;
                 
                   Then
                   shall
                   they
                   call
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   answer
                   ▪
                   they
                   shall
                   seek
                   me
                   early
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   not
                   find
                   me
                
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 reason
                 is
                 
                 there
                 you
                 should
                 expect
                 God
                 should
                 be
                 at
                 your
                 beck
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 so
                 long
                 resisted
                 his
                 Spirit
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 his
                 Spirit
                 stirring
                 and
                 moving
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 hath
                 striven
                 and
                 taken
                 pains
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 his
                 bosome
                 ope●
                 ,
                 his
                 wing
                 spread
                 ,
                 his
                 hands
                 stretched
                 out
                 ,
                 his
                 voyce
                 lifted
                 up
                 ,
                 his
                 Embassadors
                 sent
                 to
                 woo
                 you
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 know
                 when
                 the
                 grave
                 and
                 hell
                 shall
                 swallow
                 you
                 up
                 ,
                 or
                 open
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 think
                 you
                 can
                 have
                 God
                 at
                 your
                 call
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 not
                 at
                 your
                 command
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Remember
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   you
                   have
                   not
                   your
                   hearts
                   at
                   command
                   neither
                   ,
                
                 you
                 cannot
                 alway
                 move
                 towards
                 God
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 usually
                 a
                 reserve
                 to
                 sinners
                 against
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 
                   though
                   God
                   be
                   not
                   at
                   our
                   beck
                   ,
                   yet
                   he
                   hath
                   promised
                   if
                   we
                   return
                   and
                   repent
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   accept
                   ,
                   be
                   it
                   when
                   it
                   will
                
                 ;
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 comfort
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 except
                 men
                 believe
                 thatthey
                 can
                 return
                 when
                 they
                 please
                 they
                 can
                 receive
                 Christ
                 and
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ;
                 Can
                 you
                 so
                 ?
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 were
                 so
                 ▪
                 no
                 man
                 would
                 hardly
                 go
                 to
                 hell
                 that
                 is
                 convinced
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 salvation
                 through
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 him
                 alone
                 :
                 O
                 be
                 not
                 mistaken
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 your selves
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 resolutions
                 of
                 reformation
                 have
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 broken
                 ?
                 you
                 see
                 you
                 cannot
                 command
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 
                   Ep●r
                   im
                
                 was
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   turn
                   thou
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   shal
                   be
                   turned
                   ▪
                
                 can
                 you
                 think
                 a
                 good
                 thought
                 of
                 your selves
                 ?
                 what
                 
                 solly
                 is
                 it
                 then
                 for
                 men
                 presuming
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 strength
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 none
                 ,
                 to
                 neglect
                 the
                 season
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 offers
                 his
                 Spirit
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 striveth
                 with
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 it
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 every
                 one
                 to
                 cut
                 off
                 all
                 delaies
                 
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 and
                 now
                 brethren
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 this
                 oyl
                 in
                 your
                 Vessels
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 not
                 have
                 it
                 to
                 do
                 when
                 you
                 should
                 in
                 the
                 greatest
                 extremity
                 use
                 it
                 :
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 child
                 and
                 cannot
                 speak
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 perswade
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 now
                 since
                 he
                 hath
                 given
                 you
                 another
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 opportunity
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 upon
                 ;
                 what
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 yet
                 say
                 unto
                 thee
                 ?
                 
                   Seek
                   his
                   face
                   ,
                   will
                   you
                   not
                   be
                   clean
                   ,
                   will
                   you
                   not
                   close
                   with
                   Iesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   O
                   when
                   shall
                   it
                   once
                   be
                   ?
                   O
                
                 
                 answer
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 day
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 to
                 day
                 will
                 we
                 close
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 no
                 longer
                 ;
                 blessed
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 hath
                 not
                 taken
                 the
                 advantage
                 against
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 our
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 long
                 since
                 :
                 O
                 admire
                 that
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 improve
                 it
                 ,
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 opportunity
                 .
              
               
                 Shall
                 I
                 a
                 little
                 stir
                 you
                 up
                 to
                 this
                 ?
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Consider
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 believe
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 design
                 of
                 Satan
                 to
                 fool
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 our
                 salvation
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 away
                 from
                 us
                 day
                 after
                 day
                 ,
                 untill
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 one
                 day
                 more
                 to
                 live
                 ;
                 when
                 God
                 cries
                 
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   If
                   you
                   will
                   hear
                   his
                   voyce
                   ,
                   harden
                
                 
                 
                   not
                   your
                   hearts
                
                 :
                 who
                 is
                 it
                 think
                 you
                 that
                 crieth
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   Corvina
                   vox
                
                 ,
                 as
                 Augustine
                 calls
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Cras
                   ,
                   cras
                
                 ?
                 Surely
                 it
                 is
                 Satan
                 that
                 Lier
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 stick
                 to
                 contradict
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 devills
                 intent
                 in
                 this
                 think
                 you
                 ?
                 doth
                 he
                 mean
                 you
                 shall
                 repent
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 saith
                 ?
                 no
                 I
                 warrant
                 you
                 but
                 when
                 to
                 morrow
                 is
                 come
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 morrow
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 next
                 day
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 morrow
                 still
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 this
                 pleaseth
                 him
                 to
                 steal
                 away
                 our
                 precious
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 rob
                 us
                 of
                 our
                 lives
                 ,
                 our
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 souls
                 at
                 once
                 .
                 If
                 you
                 be
                 ignorant
                 of
                 this
                 device
                 of
                 Satan
                 know
                 it
                 this
                 day
                 for
                 a
                 truth
                 ;
                 The
                 devil
                 careth
                 not
                 if
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 were
                 such
                 Christians
                 in
                 the
                 future
                 tense
                 ,
                 
                   Semper
                   vic
                   〈…〉
                
                 ,
                 as
                 Seneca
                 saith
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 live
                 indeed
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 make
                 you
                 wise
                 to
                 discern
                 this
                 cunning
                 craftiness
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 one
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Do
                 but
                 consider
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   long
                   a
                   day
                   of
                   grace
                   you
                   have
                   had
                   many
                   of
                   you
                   already
                   ,
                
                 you
                 have
                 even
                 grown
                 old
                 under
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 to
                 begin
                 to
                 get
                 grace
                 ;
                 me
                 thinketh
                 this
                 should
                 shame
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 warn
                 young
                 ,
                 ones
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 likely
                 many
                 that
                 are
                 older
                 thought
                 they
                 would
                 repent
                 and
                 believe
                 and
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 long
                 enough
                 before
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 to
                 Morrow
                 never
                 came
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 any
                 shame
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 wound
                 us
                 and
                 shame
                 us
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 should
                 waite
                 so
                 long
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 never
                 had
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 give
                 him
                 any
                 entertainment
                 yet
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 If
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 had
                 had
                 but
                 half
                 the
                 patient
                 waiting
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 long
                 before
                 this
                 ?
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Though
                 you
                 delay
                 the
                 getting
                 your
                 grace
                 ,
                 remember
                 that
                 
                   your
                   Judgement
                   lingers
                   not
                   ,
                   nor
                   Condemnation
                   slumbreth
                   not
                   ,
                   it
                
                 
                 
                   cometh
                   on
                   apace
                
                 ,
                 whether
                 you
                 go
                 towards
                 heaven
                 or
                 no
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 set
                 time
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 soul
                 wherein
                 he
                 shall
                 get
                 grace
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 
                 not
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 doth
                 this
                 hasten
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 how
                 near
                 it
                 is
                 ?
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 set
                 time
                 for
                 ●udgement
                 to
                 seize
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 without
                 grace
                 :
                 O
                 therefore
                 be
                 exhorted
                 ,
                 now
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ;
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 Manna
                 found
                 upon
                 the
                 seventh
                 day
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 get
                 it
                 not
                 before
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 undone
                 ,
                 they
                 found
                 it
                 so
                 by
                 experience
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Do
                 not
                 expect
                 brethren
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 second
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 if
                 you
                 trifle
                 away
                 one
                 ;
                 if
                 once
                 the
                 Apostles
                 shaked
                 the
                 dust
                 off
                 their
                 feet
                 against
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 sad
                 was
                 their
                 condition
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Apostles
                 turned
                 away
                 to
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Sun
                 set
                 among
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 did
                 it
                 ever
                 rise
                 again
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 Though
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 yet
                 remember
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 more
                 :
                 if
                 we
                 let
                 it
                 slip
                 we
                 are
                 und
                 one
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 have
                 a
                 second
                 day
                 :
                 Foelix
                 put
                 off
                 
                   Paul
                   ▪
                
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 far
                 wrought
                 upon
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 
                 tremble
                 ,
                 he
                 put
                 him
                 off
                 untill
                 a
                 fitter
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 never
                 came
                 for
                 ought
                 we
                 read
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Spirit
                 do
                 move
                 ,
                 and
                 stir
                 ,
                 and
                 strive
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 take
                 the
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 strike
                 while
                 the
                 Iron
                 is
                 hot
                 ,
                 thou
                 dost
                 not
                 know
                 but
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 last
                 hour
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 feel
                 any
                 such
                 breathings
                 more
                 ,
                 but
                 thy
                 heart
                 shall
                 ever
                 be
                 like
                 a
                 dead
                 Sea
                 ,
                 and
                 seared
                 ,
                 and
                 past
                 feeling
                 any
                 more
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Untill
                 then
                 all
                 our
                 services
                 are
                 abomination
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 let
                 our
                 professions
                 be
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 think
                 as
                 well
                 of
                 our
                 conditions
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 breth
                 en
                 our
                 Prayers
                 ,
                 our
                 .
                 Hearings
                 ,
                 our
                 Receivings
                 are
                 abomination
                 :
                 what
                 do
                 we
                 do
                 here
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 Supper
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 grace
                 ,
                 no
                 faith
                 ,
                 no
                 love
                 ,
                 no
                 repentance
                 ,
                 can
                 we
                 be
                 prepared
                 ?
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 imbrew
                 our
                 hands
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 an
                 abomination
                 ?
                 were
                 not
                 the
                 Sacrifices
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 abomination
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 slew
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 cut
                 off
                 a
                 dogs
                 neck
                 ?
                 was
                 ,
                 or
                 could
                 this
                 be
                 acceptable
                 ?
                 
                 did
                 not
                 his
                 soul
                 hate
                 these
                 things
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 are
                 our
                 sacrifices
                 but
                 the
                 slaying
                 and
                 crucifying
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 Ah
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 come
                 with
                 ungratious
                 hearts
                 to
                 those
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 often
                 hath
                 many
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 had
                 his
                 hand
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 every
                 such
                 service
                 and
                 duty
                 he
                 performeth
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 sad
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 high
                 time
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 us
                 ?
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 If
                 at
                 last
                 you
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 get
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 will
                 waite
                 upon
                 you
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 as
                 to
                 overcome
                 you
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 not
                 mifcarry
                 :
                 Suppose
                 it
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 though
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 
                 ordinary
                 that
                 men
                 should
                 so
                 desperately
                 presume
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 cannot
                 but
                 be
                 a
                 grief
                 and
                 wound
                 to
                 you
                 then
                 to
                 remember
                 how
                 you
                 have
                 spent
                 your
                 strength
                 in
                 sin
                 and
                 upon
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 &
                 now
                 have
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 time
                 remaining
                 ,
                 little
                 strength
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 upon
                 his
                 service
                 ;
                 to
                 testifie
                 your
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 surely
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 burthen
                 :
                 And
                 therefore
                 brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 tender
                 your
                 souls
                 welfare
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 cheated
                 out
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 held
                 in
                 a
                 sools
                 Paradise
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 untill
                 you
                 lose
                 your
                 comfort
                 much
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 otherwise
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 .
                 O
                 now
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 will
                 you
                 hearken
                 to
                 the
                 voyce
                 of
                 him
                 
                 that
                 speaks
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 even
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 hast
                 thou
                 not
                 as
                 much
                 need
                 to
                 make
                 haste
                 as
                 David
                 had
                 ?
                 
                   I
                   made
                   h●ste
                   and
                   delayed
                   not
                   to
                   keep
                   thy
                   righteous
                   iudgements
                
                 ;
                 haste
                 not
                 thou
                 as
                 much
                 need
                 as
                 Paul
                 ,
                 he
                 went
                 presently
                 ,
                 consulted
                 not
                 with
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 but
                 ●orthwith
                 went
                 to
                 preach
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 the
                 Disciples
                 forthwith
                 ,
                 
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   Left
                   their
                   Nets
                   and
                   followed
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 lingered
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 tell
                 whether
                 &c.
                 
                 O
                 therefore
                 let
                 me
                 bespeak
                 to
                 you
                 in
                 those
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   you
                   will
                   inquire
                   ,
                   inquire
                   ,
                   return
                   come
                
                 ;
                 those
                 that
                 either
                 mockingly
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 fearfully
                 asked
                 ,
                 
                   Watchman
                   what
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   what
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 when
                 will
                 this
                 burthen
                 come
                 upon
                 us
                 ?
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 yet
                 your
                 morning
                 cometh
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 the
                 night
                 ;
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 a
                 morning
                 of
                 flourishing
                 and
                 light
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 night
                 as
                 surely
                 followeth
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 night
                 doth
                 the
                 day
                 ;
                 therefore
                 if
                 
                   you
                   will
                   inquire
                   ,
                   inquire
                   ,
                   return
                   ,
                   come
                   :
                
                 how
                 many
                 expressions
                 here
                 are
                 to
                 shew
                 the
                 vehemecy
                 of
                 the
                 call
                 ?
                 O
                 come
                 now
                 ,
                 now
                 ,
                 now
                 away
                 ,
                 come
                 away
                 ,
                 come
                 away
                 ;
                 the
                 dulness
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 whom
                 it
                 was
                 made
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   you
                   will
                   inquire
                   ,
                   inquire
                
                 ;
                 every
                 man
                 will
                 pretend
                 a
                 willingness
                 to
                 have
                 Christ
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 inquire
                 after
                 heaven
                 
                   if
                   you
                   will
                   inquire
                   ,
                   inquire
                
                 ;
                 then
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 now
                 or
                 never
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 mean
                 to
                 escape
                 ,
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 salvation
                 before
                 it
                 be
                 past
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 recalling
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 word
                 Inquiring
                 :
                 signifieth
                 an
                 earnestness
                 ;
                 this
                 inquiring
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 bubling
                 up
                 of
                 a
                 Pot
                 through
                 heat
                 ;
                 so
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 that
                 God
                 puts
                 fire
                 under
                 thy
                 conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 beginneth
                 to
                 bubble
                 ,
                 &
                 thou
                 art
                 restless
                 ;
                 now
                 if
                 thou
                 wilt
                 ever
                 inquire
                 ,
                 inquire
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 expected
                 time
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 salvation
                 :
                 while
                 he
                 thus
                 moveth
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 ;
                 therefore
                 as
                 you
                 love
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 trifle
                 not
                 away
                 such
                 a
                 precious
                 season
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 are
                 three
                 or
                 four
                 Considerations
                 that
                 I
                 would
                 propound
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 at
                 tending
                 to
                 the
                 furtherance
                 of
                 this
                 work
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   you
                   labour
                   with
                   God
                   and
                   your
                   hearts
                   ,
                   to
                   shake
                   off
                   your
                   ●loathfulness
                
                 ;
                 men
                 would
                 have
                 grace
                 and
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 drop
                 into
                 their
                 mouths
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 follow
                 hard
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Israelites
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 side
                 Jordan
                 ,
                 could
                 have
                 been
                 contented
                 for
                 their
                 ease
                 sake
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 continued
                 where
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 if
                 God
                 would
                 have
                 let
                 them
                 alone
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 enemies
                 to
                 encounter
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 Jordan
                 swelling
                 to
                 pass
                 through
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 little
                 mind
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 side
                 ,
                 gotten
                 over
                 Jordan
                 ,
                 what
                 did
                 they
                 do
                 ?
                 Up
                 saith
                 Joshuah
                 .
                 Many
                 years
                 after
                 they
                 came
                 over
                 Jordan
                 (
                 some
                 say
                 
                 seven
                 years
                 after
                 Judah
                 had
                 their
                 lot
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 the
                 whole
                 Land
                 was
                 in
                 conquering
                 )
                 and
                 had
                 conquered
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 ;
                 
                   why
                   are
                   ye
                   slack
                   to
                   go
                   up
                   and
                   possess
                   the
                   Land
                   ?
                
                 they
                 were
                 contented
                 now
                 to
                 have
                 sitten
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 taken
                 their
                 ease
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 with
                 many
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 afraid
                 if
                 once
                 they
                 begin
                 to
                 stir
                 and
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 O
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 their
                 sins
                 about
                 their
                 ears
                 ,
                 temptations
                 thick
                 and
                 threefold
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 have
                 found
                 some
                 such
                 thing
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 begun
                 to
                 stir
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 willing
                 to
                 take
                 their
                 ease
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Be
                   sure
                   you
                   miss
                   not
                   an
                   opportunity
                   you
                   might
                   enjoy
                
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 where
                 or
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 will
                 breath
                 ?
                 Lie
                 at
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 when
                 it
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 thy
                 turn
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 into
                 the
                 water
                 ;
                 O
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 hear
                 as
                 for
                 your
                 lives
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 with
                 thy self
                 when
                 thou
                 hearest
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 voice
                 of
                 God
                 sounds
                 in
                 thy
                 ears
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   will
                   hear
                   his
                   voice
                   .
                
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   hardening
                   your
                   hearts
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   harden
                   not
                   your
                   hearts
                
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 to
                 whom
                 that
                 Evangelical
                 Prophet
                 was
                 sent
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   made
                   their
                   ears
                   heavy
                   :
                
                 God
                 said
                 ,
                 make
                 their
                 ears
                 heavy
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 themselves
                 had
                 
                 ●hut
                 their
                 own
                 eyes
                 ,
                 clapt
                 to
                 the
                 windows
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 not
                 admit
                 the
                 light
                 ;
                 like
                 the
                 deaf
                 Adder
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 stoppeth
                 one
                 ear
                 with
                 her
                 tayl
                 ,
                 and
                 closeth
                 the
                 other
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 should
                 hear
                 the
                 Charmer
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 taken
                 .
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 guilty
                 in
                 this
                 kind
                 ?
                 we
                 stop
                 our
                 ears
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 we
                 fill
                 them
                 full
                 of
                 prejudice
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 resolve
                 what
                 we
                 will
                 do
                 before
                 we
                 come
                 ;
                 we
                 resolve
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 taught
                 by
                 any
                 Minister
                 of
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 period
                 concerning
                 our
                 souls
                 ;
                 and
                 some
                 are
                 
                 so
                 desperate
                 as
                 to
                 speak
                 such
                 words
                 as
                 these
                 are
                 haply
                 ,
                 or
                 think
                 so
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 speak
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 arguments
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 shall
                 not
                 perswade
                 them
                 to
                 leave
                 their
                 profitable
                 sins
                 ,
                 or
                 their
                 pleasant
                 lust
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 put
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 venture
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 just
                 is
                 it
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 harden
                 thir
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 especially
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 any
                 stirrings
                 and
                 convictions
                 within
                 ,
                 how
                 just
                 is
                 it
                 with
                 God
                 to
                 say
                 Amen
                 to
                 such
                 resolutions
                 ;
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 hearken
                 to
                 my
                 voice
                 ,
                 well
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 never
                 hearken
                 to
                 my
                 voice
                 :
                 you
                 will
                 have
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 well
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 judgement
                 and
                 damnation
                 to
                 boot
                 ,
                 
                   Acts
                   7.
                   51.
                   they
                   alway
                   resisted
                   the
                   Holy-Ghost
                   ,
                
                 and
                 Ezek.
                 7.
                 and
                 9.
                 and
                 12.
                 
                   they
                   hardened
                   their
                   hearts
                   like
                   an
                   Adamant
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Cast
                   away
                   from
                   you
                   ,
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   those
                   nets
                   and
                   snares
                   which
                   intangle
                   you
                   ,
                   and
                   hinder
                   you
                   in
                   this
                   great
                   work
                
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Disciples
                 did
                 their
                 nets
                 when
                 Christ
                 called
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   left
                   all
                   and
                   followed
                   him
                
                 ;
                 
                 I
                 mean
                 not
                 that
                 every
                 Christian
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 leave
                 his
                 imployment
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 be
                 Ministers
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 cast
                 away
                 worldly
                 incumbrances
                 altogether
                 :
                 but
                 thou
                 must
                 take
                 heed
                 they
                 hang
                 not
                 so
                 fast
                 upon
                 thee
                 as
                 to
                 hinder
                 thee
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 thou
                 sit
                 loose
                 to
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 else
                 sooner
                 or
                 later
                 be
                 a
                 pull-back
                 to
                 thee
                 .
                 O
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 resolution
                 as
                 Jerom
                 had
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   his
                   Father
                   were
                   weeping
                   upon
                   his
                   knees
                   ,
                   his
                   mother
                   hanging
                   about
                   his
                   neck
                   his
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   sisters
                   and
                   kindred
                   all
                   with
                   lamentation
                   intreating
                
                 
                 
                   him
                   to
                   forbear
                   ,
                   he
                   would
                   cast
                   down
                   his
                   Mother
                   ,
                   and
                   trample
                   upon
                   his
                   Father
                   ,
                   run
                   over
                   them
                   all
                   to
                   go
                   to
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 Do
                 as
                 Bartim
                 .
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   Doth
                   he
                   call
                   thee
                   ?
                   off
                   with
                   the
                   Cloak
                   ,
                   away
                   with
                   that
                   which
                   hinders
                   thy
                   running
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ;
                   every
                   weight
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   sin
                   which
                   so
                   easily
                
                 
                 
                   be
                   setteth
                   us
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 come
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 rooted
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 five
                 to
                 one
                 but
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 tryed
                 as
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 that
                 other
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Foxes
                   have
                   holes
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 you
                 hear
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 that
                 forward
                 man
                 afterward
                 .
              
               
                 O
                 but
                 we
                 are
                 young
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 time
                 enough
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 time
                 enough
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 look
                 after
                 grace
                 many
                 years
                 
                 hence
                 .
                 No
                 my
                 brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 your
                 duty
                 
                   to
                   remember
                   your
                   Creator
                   in
                   the
                   daies
                   of
                   your
                   youth
                   ,
                
                 while
                 the
                 milk
                 is
                 in
                 your
                 breasts
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 you
                 have
                 some
                 strength
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 upon
                 Christ
                 :
                 The
                 first-fruits
                 were
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 delayed
                 to
                 be
                 paid
                 ,
                 Exod.
                 22.
                 29.
                 
                 A
                 young
                 Samuel
                 seasoned
                 so
                 young
                 ,
                 a
                 young
                 Timothy
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 eminent
                 
                 servants
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 others
                 at
                 the
                 same
                 years
                 are
                 but
                 beginning
                 to
                 enter
                 upon
                 the
                 work
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 thy
                 life
                 as
                 uncertain
                 as
                 anothers
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 see
                 that
                 young
                 men
                 dye
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 old
                 ?
                 and
                 young
                 men
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 perish
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 old
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 found
                 with
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ?
                 and
                 young
                 men
                 may
                 enter
                 with
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 old
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 found
                 ready
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 so
                 deceive
                 your selves
                 ,
                 but
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 young
                 and
                 old
                 ,
                 hearken
                 to
                 this
                 voice
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 no●
                 off
                 this
                 main
                 work
                 any
                 longer
                 .
              
               
                 Alas
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   case
                   is
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   these
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   long
                   made
                   a
                   profession
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   have
                   my
                   grace
                   to
                   seek
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   hope
                   for
                   me
                   ,
                   a
                   gray-headed
                   sinner
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   trifled
                   away
                   my
                   time
                   .
                
              
               
                 You
                 know
                 some
                 were
                 called
                 at
                 the
                 11.
                 hour
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 indured
                 not
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 with
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 miscarried
                 not
                 ;
                 while
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 lasts
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 while
                 the
                 Lord
                 knocks
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 and
                 Word
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 us
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 thy
                 spirit
                 is
                 moved
                 ,
                 is
                 yet
                 a
                 further
                 Argument
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 be
                 of
                 good
                 courage
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 given
                 thee
                 a
                 heart
                 now
                 at
                 last
                 to
                 look
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 thou
                 lingeredst
                 with
                 Lot
                 ,
                 until
                 God
                 was
                 even
                 fain
                 to
                 pull
                 thee
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 burning
                 ,
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ;
                 thou
                 haste
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 cause
                 to
                 magnifie
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 toward
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 after
                 so
                 much
                 abuse
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 look
                 upon
                 thee
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 thou
                 wert
                 as
                 a
                 dry
                 stick
                 ,
                 no
                 strength
                 nor
                 vigour
                 to
                 serve
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 therefore
                 God
                 could
                 have
                 no
                 eye
                 at
                 thy
                 service
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 thing
                 thou
                 wert
                 like
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 meerly
                 to
                 exalt
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 for
                 ever
                 thou
                 maist
                 more
                 easily
                 Conquer
                 over-that
                 temptation
                 of
                 resting
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 thy self
                 ,
                 priding
                 thy self
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 of
                 thine
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 him
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 in
                 an
                 humble
                 walking
                 before
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   second
                   demonstration
                   of
                   their
                   folly
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   went
                   to
                   the
                   creature
                   for
                   grace
                   ;
                   They
                   said
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   ,
                   give
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 
              
               
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 note
                 or
                 point
                 of
                 great
                 folly
                 to
                 seek
                 unto
                 the
                 creature
                 :
                 when
                 men
                 have
                 neglected
                 to
                 seek
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 for
                 grace
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 practise
                 of
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 
                 how
                 far
                 we
                 may
                 urge
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 tell
                 ,
                 but
                 me
                 thinks
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 put
                 it
                 too
                 far
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 may
                 stand
                 upon
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 Whether
                 they
                 would
                 now
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 being
                 sensible
                 of
                 their
                 want
                 of
                 the
                 oyl
                 in
                 the
                 vessel
                 ,
                 the
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 some
                 of
                 that
                 oyl
                 which
                 they
                 had
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ;
                 or
                 whether
                 only
                 somewhat
                 to
                 make
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burn
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 before
                 ,
                 it
                 appears
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 yet
                 what
                 their
                 highest
                 ●nd
                 was
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 appears
                 not
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 aimed
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 highest
                 end
                 ,
                 Gods
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 own
                 salvation
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 ultimate
                 end
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 grosly
                 foolish
                 in
                 that
                 respect
                 ;
                 for
                 to
                 miss
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 fundamental
                 point
                 of
                 errour
                 and
                 folly
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 supposed
                 to
                 aim
                 right
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 this
                 Argument
                 of
                 their
                 folly
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 Text
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 be
                 all
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 for
                 the
                 confirmation
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 They
                 take
                 not
                 the
                 right
                 means
                 for
                 the
                 accomplishing
                 that
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 foolish
                 ;
                 for
                 wherein
                 doth
                 folly
                 consist
                 else
                 but
                 chiefly
                 in
                 this
                 ;
                 they
                 find
                 not
                 out
                 or
                 use
                 not
                 the
                 right
                 means
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 attaining
                 of
                 a
                 right
                 end
                 .
                 Now
                 was
                 this
                 a
                 right
                 means
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 for
                 oyl
                 ?
                 
                   Give
                   us
                   of
                   your
                   oyl
                
                 ;
                 this
                 argues
                 either
                 desperate
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 knew
                 
                 not
                 whither
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 get
                 oyl
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 ignorant
                 of
                 the
                 Fountain
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 from
                 which
                 fulness
                 his
                 people
                 receive
                 grace
                 for
                 grace
                 ;
                 and
                 such
                 blindness
                 as
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 men
                 that
                 profess
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 strange
                 ,
                 and
                 argues
                 great
                 stupidity
                 and
                 folly
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 heart
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 could
                 get
                 it
                 otherwise
                 well
                 and
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 oyl
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 hope
                 of
                 acceptance
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 none
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 would
                 argue
                 a
                 worse
                 kind
                 of
                 blindness
                 :
                 But
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 spend
                 our
                 conjectures
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 such
                 uncertainties
                 .
                 Whatever
                 the
                 case
                 is
                 ,
                 sure
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 went
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 for
                 their
                 oyl
                 ;
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 to
                 the
                 beam
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 fountain
                 
                 to
                 the
                 stream
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 broken
                 Cistern
                 :
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 folly
                 ?
              
               
                 This
                 then
                 will
                 teach
                 us
                 thus
                 much
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   the
                   Papists
                   are
                   as
                   like
                   these
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                   as
                   they
                   can
                   look
                
                 ;
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 those
                 merit-mongers
                 and
                 money-changers
                 that
                 fill
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 do
                 not
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 sell
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 buy
                 their
                 pardons
                 and
                 indulgences
                 ?
                 do
                 they
                 not
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Church-treasure
                 of
                 merit
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 what
                 is
                 wanting
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 
                 in
                 the
                 hour
                 of
                 their
                 necessity
                 ?
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 may
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 others
                 I
                 believe
                 may
                 be
                 wiser
                 in
                 this
                 thing
                 ,
                 but
                 surely
                 many
                 poor
                 creatures
                 are
                 led
                 away
                 with
                 this
                 wicked
                 error
                 ;
                 I
                 cannot
                 call
                 it
                 better
                 .
                 Surely
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 If
                 any
                 be
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 to
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 the
                 Papists
                 are
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 true
                 to
                 their
                 Principles
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 reprove
                 many
                 among
                 our selves
                 ,
                 that
                 put
                 off
                 all
                 the
                 work
                 which
                 concerneth
                 their
                 souls
                 ;
                 live
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 cared
                 not
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 nor
                 regarded
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Christ
                 are
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 their
                 scorn
                 or
                 disregard
                 ,
                 they
                 sleight
                 them
                 above
                 others
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 destruction
                 cometh
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 the
                 Minister
                 must
                 be
                 sent
                 for
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 must
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 right
                 or
                 wrong
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 much
                 is
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 Popish
                 Absolution
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 conceit
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 in
                 their
                 power
                 ,
                 or
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 Christ's
                 stead
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 grace
                 ;
                 they
                 hang
                 much
                 of
                 their
                 confidence
                 upon
                 them
                 :
                 This
                 is
                 just
                 like
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 deliver
                 poor
                 souls
                 from
                 such
                 an
                 end
                 as
                 God
                 made
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 here
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 indeed
                 to
                 stop
                 our
                 mouths
                 ,
                 to
                 hang
                 too
                 much
                 upon
                 any
                 creature
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 are
                 a
                 little
                 better
                 instructed
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 then
                 
                   to
                   think
                   that
                   men
                   can
                   give
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 But
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 expect
                 it
                 from
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 which
                 alas
                 are
                 but
                 empty
                 pipes
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 golden
                 and
                 precious
                 pipes
                 ;
                 this
                 
                   opus
                   operatum
                
                 sticks
                 closer
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 .
                 If
                 men
                 did
                 not
                 look
                 for
                 it
                 from
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 would
                 they
                 not
                 labour
                 to
                 bring
                 better
                 frames
                 of
                 heart
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 the
                 Lord
                 along
                 with
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 presence
                 might
                 fill
                 them
                 ?
                 Well
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 sit
                 not
                 down
                 by
                 broken
                 Cisterns
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 all
                 say
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Word
                   saith
                   ,
                   and
                   Prayer
                   saith
                   ,
                   and
                   Receiving
                   saith
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   can
                   give
                   no
                   more
                   then
                   we
                   have
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   means
                   .
                
                 And
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 all
                 learn
                 to
                 be
                 wise
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 go
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 his
                 fulness
                 ,
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   is
                   the
                   Olive
                   Tree
                   ,
                
                 he
                 that
                 emptieth
                 himself
                 into
                 the
                 golden
                 pipes
                 :
                 O
                 therefore
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 wants
                 of
                 grace
                 make
                 out
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 eye
                 him
                 in
                 every
                 Ordinance
                 ;
                 the
                 fatness
                 and
                 sweetness
                 must
                 come
                 from
                 the
                 root
                 and
                 not
                 the
                 branches
                 ,
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   we
                   be
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   abide
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   live
                   by
                   faith
                   
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   in
                   Ordinances
                   above
                   them
                   .
                
                 Yea
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 most
                 refreshings
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 remember
                 who
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 hath
                 filled
                 them
                 ,
                 lest
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 we
                 prove
                 our selves
                 but
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 
                   Verse
                   9.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   —
                
              
               
                 HEre
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 answer
                 to
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 request
                 ;
                 their
                 request
                 was
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 some
                 of
                 their
                 oyl
                 ,
                 because
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 to
                 this
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 answer
                 ;
                 wherein
                 we
                 must
                 note
                 concerning
                 the
                 reading
                 of
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 read
                 two
                 waies
                 ,
                 either
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 redundancy
                 ,
                 
                   yiélding
                   to
                   the
                   cutting
                
                 off
                 that
                 particle
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   [
                   but
                   ]
                   go
                   you
                   rather
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   sell
                
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 words
                 are
                 read
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   you
                   and
                   us
                   ,
                   go
                   you
                   rather
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   sell
                   :
                
                 Or
                 else
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 Elypsis
                 they
                 are
                 read
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 defect
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 our
                 translation
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   so
                   ,
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   you
                   and
                   us
                   ;
                   not
                   so
                   ,
                
                 are
                 not
                 expressed
                 in
                 the
                 Original
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 written
                 in
                 another
                 Character
                 :
                 Such
                 defective
                 speeches
                 are
                 ordinary
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Abraham
                 and
                 Sarah
                 ,
                 when
                 Abimilech
                 asked
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   saist
                   thou
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   that
                   thou
                   hast
                   done
                   this
                   thing
                   ?
                   and
                   he
                   said
                   ,
                   because
                   I
                   thought
                   that
                   surely
                   the
                   fear
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   will
                   slay
                   me
                   for
                   my
                   wives
                   sake
                   :
                
                 here
                 somewhat
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 
                   his
                   resolution
                   to
                   dissemble
                   his
                   wife
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 concealed
                 and
                 supposed
                 ,
                 and
                 only
                 the
                 reason
                 expressed
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 .
                 Now
                 which
                 way
                 ever
                 we
                 read
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 the
                 sense
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 both
                 ,
                 the
                 denyal
                 is
                 implyed
                 ,
                 and
                 but
                 implyed
                 ,
                 yet
                 necessarily
                 implyed
                 ,
                 for
                 without
                 it
                 the
                 sense
                 is
                 not
                 full
                 nor
                 clear
                 :
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 read
                 them
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   you
                   and
                   us
                   ,
                   but
                   go
                   and
                   buy
                   for
                   your selves
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 compleat
                 sense
                 ;
                 but
                 read
                 them
                 either
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 waies
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 sense
                 is
                 full
                 and
                 plain
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 adding
                 the
                 denyal
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 our
                 Bibles
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   so
                   ,
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 by
                 cutting
                 off
                 that
                 (
                 but
                 )
                 that
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   
                   for
                   us
                   and
                   you
                   ,
                   go
                   and
                   buy
                   for
                   your selves
                   :
                
                 here
                 the
                 denyal
                 is
                 implyed
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 must
                 be
                 understood
                 .
                 But
                 because
                 generally
                 they
                 are
                 read
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 translation
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 most
                 learned
                 and
                 godly
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   Beza
                   ,
                   Grotius
                
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 the
                 denyal
                 being
                 here
                 necessarily
                 supposed
                 and
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 from
                 thence
                 I
                 would
                 take
                 up
                 this
                 Note
                 .
              
               
                 
                   They
                   that
                   go
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   for
                   grace
                   ,
                   for
                   oyl
                   ,
                   are
                   like
                   to
                   have
                   ▪
                   a
                   denyal
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 Here
                 at
                 last
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 spent
                 their
                 time
                 and
                 opportunity
                 of
                 getting
                 grace
                 ,
                 they
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 for
                 grace
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 too
                 wise
                 to
                 give
                 an
                 yielding
                 answer
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 request
                 .
                 Indeed
                 so
                 far
                 is
                 that
                 rock
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 higher
                 then
                 we
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 exceeding
                 prone
                 rather
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 nearer
                 ,
                 and
                 any
                 where
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 hang
                 our
                 hopes
                 upon
                 every
                 hedge
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 he
                 could
                 hold
                 out
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 come
                 unto
                 his
                 Father
                 .
                 The
                 poor
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Cospel
                 
                 brought
                 his
                 child
                 to
                 the
                 Disciples
                 first
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 healed
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 found
                 them
                 empty
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 Physitians
                 of
                 no
                 value
                 ,
                 healing
                 was
                 not
                 in
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 all
                 :
                 If
                 we
                 can
                 have
                 grace
                 by
                 any
                 other
                 means
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 such
                 is
                 our
                 natural
                 enmity
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 such
                 is
                 our
                 despondency
                 many
                 times
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 sensible
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 every
                 creature
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 understand
                 themselves
                 ,
                 must
                 needs
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   me
                   to
                   ▪
                   give
                   ,
                
                 as
                 Peter
                 said
                 in
                 another
                 case
                 of
                 healing
                 ,
                 
                   Why
                   look
                   you
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   we
                
                 
                 
                   had
                   healed
                   this
                   man
                   by
                   our
                   holiness
                   .
                
                 But
                 let
                 me
                 give
                 you
                 some
                 few
                 considerations
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 will
                 apply
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   above
                   their
                   fulness
                
                 ;
                 though
                 many
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 a
                 great
                 fulness
                 of
                 grace
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   ye
                   filled
                   with
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   with
                   wine
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 
                   that
                   you
                   may
                
                 
                 
                   be
                   filled
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   God
                   :
                
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 abounding
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 yea
                 of
                 all
                 grace
                 towards
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 alway
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 an
                 all-sufficiency
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 think
                 there
                 are
                 but
                 very
                 few
                 that
                 here
                 below
                 do
                 know
                 by
                 experience
                 such
                 a
                 fulness
                 ,
                 by
                 comprehending
                 the
                 
                   height
                   ,
                   and
                   depth
                   ,
                   and
                   breadth
                   ,
                   and
                   length
                   of
                   this
                   love
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 but
                 suppose
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 thus
                 filled
                 ,
                 every
                 wise
                 Virgin
                 sooner
                 or
                 later
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 redundancy
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 fulness
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 from
                 it
                 
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 spared
                 any
                 thing
                 for
                 another
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 shall
                 add
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 a
                 Cistern
                 ,
                 not
                 of
                 a
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 which
                 can
                 still
                 shed
                 abroad
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 full
                 still
                 ;
                 
                   So
                   it
                   pleased
                   the
                   Father
                   that
                   all
                   fulness
                   should
                   dwell
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                   All
                   fulness
                   ,
                   that
                   of
                   his
                   fulness
                
                 
                 
                   we
                   might
                   receive
                   grace
                   for
                   grace
                   ;
                   Of
                   his
                   fulness
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   ,
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   a
                   Sea
                   ,
                   of
                   a
                   Fountain
                   ,
                
                 and
                 such
                 is
                 
                 no
                 creatures
                 fulness
                 ,
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 no
                 redundance
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 As
                 their
                 fulness
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 have
                 they
                 not
                 a
                 
                   strength
                   and
                   power
                   to
                   communicate
                   of
                   their
                   grace
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 can
                 devide
                 and
                 part
                 his
                 life
                 between
                 him
                 and
                 another
                 that
                 is
                 dead
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 above
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 in
                 Scripture
                 usually
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 
                   new
                   creature
                
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 us
                 the
                 great
                 transcendent
                 power
                 ,
                 whereby
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 formed
                 in
                 a
                 soul
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 
                 the
                 Fathers
                 proper
                 work
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 the
                 Father
                 giveth
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 Son
                 purchaseth
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 applyeth
                 it
                 and
                 works
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   Create
                   in
                   me
                   a
                   clean
                   heart
                   ,
                   O
                   God
                   ,
                   renew
                   a
                   right
                   Spirit
                
                 
                 
                   within
                   me
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 
                   David
                   ;
                   holiness
                   is
                   a
                   creation
                   ,
                   and
                   peace
                   is
                   a
                   creation
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   create
                   the
                   fruit
                   of
                   the
                   lips
                   ,
                   peace
                   ,
                   peace
                
                 ;
                 a
                 creation
                 is
                 
                 of
                 nothing
                 ,
                 or
                 somewhat
                 utterly
                 unfit
                 to
                 receive
                 such
                 a
                 form
                 or
                 being
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 the
                 lips
                 they
                 are
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 reach
                 such
                 an
                 effect
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 Gods
                 Almighty
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   the
                   same
                
                 
                 
                   power
                   that
                   raised
                   up
                   Jesus
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   ,
                
                 that
                 must
                 raise
                 a
                 dead
                 soul
                 to
                 believe
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 When
                 Rachel
                 would
                 have
                 of
                 Jacob
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 beyond
                 his
                 power
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   Am
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   Gods
                   stead
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   should
                   give
                   thee
                   children
                   ?
                
                 So
                 may
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 Ministers
                 say
                 to
                 some
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 who
                 come
                 to
                 them
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 could
                 give
                 them
                 peace
                 or
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 expect
                 that
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 ever
                 they
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 presently
                 all
                 their
                 doubts
                 and
                 fears
                 should
                 be
                 quelled
                 and
                 subdued
                 ;
                 
                   no
                   ,
                   no
                
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 heavy
                 a
                 weight
                 you
                 lay
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 above
                 their
                 reach
                 .
                 This
                 the
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 If
                 they
                 were
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   have
                   no
                   authority
                   ,
                   no
                   commission
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 may
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 
                 was
                 annointed
                 for
                 this
                 very
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   come
                   to
                   do
                   thy
                   will
                   O
                   God
                   ,
                
                 in
                 the
                 40.
                 
                 Psal
                 .
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 will
                 ?
                 
                   Why
                   ,
                   that
                   none
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   him
                   should
                   be
                   lost
                   or
                   perish
                   ,
                   but
                   his
                   blood
                   and
                   Spirit
                   should
                   be
                   given
                   to
                   them
                
                 ;
                 grace
                 and
                 glory
                 should
                 be
                 given
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   even
                   your
                   Sanctification
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                 this
                 will
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 that
                 the
                 Father
                 designed
                 him
                 to
                 ;
                 
                 to
                 deliver
                 his
                 people
                 from
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 therefore
                 was
                 the
                 spirit
                 poured
                 out
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 full
                 measure
                 ,
                 yea
                 without
                 measure
                 upon
                 the
                 head
                 of
                 this
                 our
                 high-Priest
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 might
                 run
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 skirt
                 of
                 his
                 garment
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 lowest
                 Christian
                 that
                 belongs
                 unto
                 him
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 every
                 member
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 but
                 
                 the
                 head
                 which
                 is
                 made
                 the
                 seat
                 of
                 the
                 
                   animal
                   Spirits
                
                 ,
                 to
                 communicate
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 least
                 and
                 lowest
                 member
                 :
                 Now
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 what
                 men
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 Commission
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 authentick
                 :
                 If
                 they
                 were
                 able
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 Commission
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 only
                 came
                 Authorized
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 Prison
                 doors
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 Preach
                 deliverance
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 give
                 deliverance
                 to
                 the
                 Captives
                 .
                 This
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 If
                 all
                 these
                 did
                 concur
                 in
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   they
                   might
                   want
                   a
                   heart
                   when
                   all
                   is
                   done
                   ,
                
                 and
                 then
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 would
                 avail
                 little
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 our
                 necessity
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 do
                 retain
                 bowels
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 put
                 them
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   long-suffering
                   and
                   patience
                
                 ,
                 
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 short-nostrilled
                 are
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 Moses
                 his
                 patience
                 was
                 at
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 weakest
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 often
                 interceded
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 yet
                 ye
                 Rebels
                 ,
                 must
                 we
                 fetch
                 water
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 rock
                 for
                 you
                 ?
                 though
                 the
                 murmuring
                 was
                 not
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 against
                 God.
                 If
                 a
                 sinner
                 put
                 off
                 getting
                 grace
                 and
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 until
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 our
                 patience
                 will
                 hardly
                 hold
                 out
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   my
                   Lord
                   be
                   great
                   ,
                   as
                   thou
                   hast
                   said
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 herein
                 our
                 weakness
                 doth
                 much
                 appear
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 cast
                 off
                 and
                 give
                 up
                 men
                 if
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 in
                 quickly
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 afterward
                 they
                 do
                 come
                 in
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 shut
                 our
                 hearts
                 against
                 them
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 will
                 answer
                 all
                 ;
                 therefore
                 
                   if
                   we
                   go
                   to
                   the
                   creature
                   for
                   grace
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   like
                   to
                   have
                   a
                   denyal
                   .
                
              
               
                 Before
                 we
                 apply
                 this
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 as
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Application
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 to
                 speak
                 somewhat
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 a
                 doubt
                 .
                 This
                 seemeth
                 to
                 cross
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ;
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 Saints
                 bound
                 to
                 communicate
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ?
                 
                   to
                   do
                   good
                   ,
                   forget
                   not
                
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 of
                 a
                 larger
                 sense
                 ,
                 then
                 meerly
                 giving
                 a
                 little
                 of
                 our
                 estates
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 in
                 want
                 ?
                 So
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   thou
                   art
                   converted
                   ,
                   strengthen
                   thy
                   Brethren
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 to
                 Peter
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 you
                 say
                 then
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 if
                 we
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 for
                 grace
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 denyal
                 ?
              
               
               
                 To
                 this
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 may
                 and
                 ought
                 to
                 communicate
                 their
                 experiences
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 as
                 their
                 necessity
                 requireth
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   humble
                   shall
                   hear
                   hereof
                   and
                   be
                   glad
                
                 ;
                 how
                 ?
                 when
                 his
                 soul
                 made
                 
                 her
                 boast
                 in
                 God.
                 And
                 so
                 again
                 ,
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 as
                 a
                 type
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   brought
                   me
                   up
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   horrible
                   pit
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   mierie
                   clay
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   set
                   my
                   feet
                   upon
                   a
                   rock
                   ,
                   and
                   established
                   my
                   goings
                   ;
                   he
                   hath
                   put
                   a
                   new
                   song
                   in
                   my
                   mouth
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 And
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 
                   Many
                   shall
                   see
                   it
                   and
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   trust
                   in
                   God
                   :
                
                 And
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 That
                 
                 
                   ye
                   may
                   comfort
                   others
                   with
                   the
                   comforts
                   wherewith
                   your selves
                   are
                   comforted
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 doubtless
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 communicate
                 our
                 experiences
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 to
                 exhort
                 one
                 another
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 reprove
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 giving
                 of
                 grace
                 :
                 For
                 the
                 more
                 distinct
                 
                 understanding
                 therefore
                 of
                 this
                 note
                 ,
                 only
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 particulars
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   For
                   any
                   merit
                   of
                   our
                   works
                   we
                   cannot
                   give
                   ,
                
                 for
                 indeed
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 deserve
                 any
                 thing
                 at
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 
                 is
                 wrath
                 and
                 ruine
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 meer
                 mercy
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 consumed
                 every
                 time
                 we
                 approach
                 this
                 consuming
                 fire
                 with
                 our
                 filthy
                 garments
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 compassions
                 fail
                 not
                 ;
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 commanded
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   but
                   improfitable
                   servants
                
                 ;
                 
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 infinitely
                 short
                 do
                 we
                 fail
                 of
                 what
                 is
                 commanded
                 in
                 many
                 things
                 ;
                 
                   in
                   all
                   things
                   we
                   offend
                   all
                   ,
                
                 for
                 who
                 doth
                 any
                 thing
                 as
                 he
                 should
                 ?
                 
                   &
                   our
                   sufferings
                   of
                   this
                   life
                   are
                   not
                   worthy
                   to
                   be
                   compared
                   to
                   the
                   glory
                   :
                
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 proportion
                 in
                 merit
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 light
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 weighty
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 for
                 a
                 moment
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 eternal
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   a
                   far
                   more
                   exceeding
                   and
                   eternal
                   weight
                   .
                
                 Now
                 no
                 man
                 can
                 give
                 that
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   glory
                   of
                   our
                   works
                
                 ;
                 That
                 we
                 cannot
                 give
                 away
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 Lords
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   others
                   may
                   see
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   glorisie
                   your
                   Father
                   which
                   is
                   in
                   heaven
                   ,
                   Mat.
                
                 5.
                 16.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   The
                   influence
                   of
                   them
                   upon
                   others
                   hearts
                   .
                
                 That
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 give
                 neither
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 
                   speak
                   and
                   do
                   ,
                   plant
                   and
                   water
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   it
                   God
                   that
                   giveth
                   the
                   increase
                
                 ;
                 the
                 husband-man
                 may
                 plough
                 ,
                 and
                 sow
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 harrow
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 cannot
                 give
                 the
                 rain
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 former
                 and
                 later
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 give
                 power
                 to
                 the
                 seed
                 to
                 dye
                 and
                 rise
                 again
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 beyond
                 his
                 reach
                 ;
                 who
                 can
                 touch
                 the
                 heart
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 the
                 Spirits
                 ,
                 whose
                 dwellings
                 are
                 with
                 our
                 spirits
                 especially
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 can
                 fashion
                 them
                 as
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 our
                 
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 they
                 that
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 for
                 grace
                 ,
                 they
                 miss
                 of
                 their
                 purpose
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 ;
                 this
                 reproveth
                 then
                 the
                 Papists
                 ,
                 who
                 take
                 
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 or
                 which
                 is
                 worse
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   sell
                   grace
                   ,
                   to
                   sell
                   merits
                   ,
                   to
                   sell
                   pardons
                   of
                   sins
                   past
                   ,
                   yea
                   and
                   for
                   sins
                   to
                   come
                   also
                
                 ;
                 are
                 these
                 like
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 take
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 give
                 any
                 of
                 their
                 oyl
                 to
                 the
                 foolish
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 were
                 wiser
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 afraid
                 to
                 buy
                 and
                 sell
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 merit
                 ;
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Rome
                 indeed
                 is
                 not
                 like
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 :
                 This
                 gave
                 such
                 offence
                 to
                 Luther
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 brook
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 great
                 occasion
                 of
                 his
                 casting
                 off
                 the
                 Antichristian
                 yoak
                 .
              
               
                 Do
                 but
                 consider
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 may
                 appear
                 how
                 much
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 blame
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 They
                 take
                 upon
                 them
                 the
                 office
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 intruding
                 into
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 above
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 inviteth
                 ,
                 
                   Come
                   to
                   me
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   give
                   you
                   rest
                   ;
                   I
                   counsel
                   thee
                   to
                   buy
                   of
                   me
                   wine
                   and
                   milk
                   without
                   money
                   ,
                   or
                   money
                   worth
                   .
                
                 No
                 ,
                 say
                 they
                 ,
                 come
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 our
                 treasurie
                 of
                 merit
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 pretend
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Christ
                 the
                 substractum
                 ,
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 their
                 treasurie
                 ;
                 which
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 maketh
                 the
                 matter
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 worse
                 ,
                 the
                 abuse
                 of
                 the
                 name
                 
                 and
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 so
                 high
                 a
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 as
                 selling
                 and
                 buying
                 pardons
                 for
                 money
                 ,
                 being
                 most
                 abominable
                 .
                 Christ
                 calls
                 poor
                 sinners
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 call
                 them
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 usurp
                 the
                 power
                 and
                 authority
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 Let
                 them
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Yea
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 given
                 freely
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 sell
                 for
                 money
                 ;
                 for
                 money
                 they
                 would
                 sell
                 pardons
                 for
                 never
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 strange
                 prodigious
                 fopperies
                 are
                 there
                 reported
                 concerning
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   Without
                   money
                   ,
                   and
                   without
                   price
                
                 ;
                 but
                 
                 they
                 will
                 have
                 money
                 for
                 their
                 Pardons
                 &
                 Indulgences
                 :
                 Was
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 Declaration
                 infallable
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   Simon
                   Magus
                
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 
                 bitterness
                 and
                 bonds
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 bought
                 the
                 gifts
                 of
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 for
                 money
                 ;
                 yea
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 giving
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 more
                 dangerous
                 then
                 ;
                 to
                 buy
                 or
                 sell
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 saving
                 
                 for
                 money
                 ;
                 to
                 pretend
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 do
                 it
                 they
                 cannot
                 .
                 
                   Simon
                   Magus
                
                 his
                 great
                 guilt
                 was
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 power
                 
                 of
                 giving
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostles
                 had
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 he
                 might
                 make
                 a
                 rich
                 trade
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 sell
                 it
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 himself
                 had
                 bought
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 those
                 that
                 will
                 buy
                 in
                 such
                 cases
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 stick
                 to
                 sell
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 are
                 these
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 bitterness
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 sell
                 grace
                 ,
                 sell
                 pardons
                 ,
                 sell
                 merit
                 for
                 money
                 !
                 Surely
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 refusing
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 would
                 much
                 more
                 have
                 abhorred
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 sell
                 the
                 Gifts
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 for
                 money
                 ?
                 What
                 got
                 Gehezi
                 by
                 making
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 
                 free
                 ,
                 mercenary
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   They
                   wrong
                   the
                   Saints
                   exceedingly
                
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 were
                 so
                 indeed
                 ,
                 whose
                 merits
                 they
                 pretend
                 to
                 sell
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 none
                 to
                 sell
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 foolish
                 ,
                 none
                 can
                 question
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 had
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 had
                 none
                 to
                 sell
                 ,
                 none
                 to
                 give
                 .
                 Surely
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 more
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 Name
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 not
                 more
                 tender
                 of
                 wrong
                 any
                 where
                 ,
                 then
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 are
                 not
                 more
                 tender
                 ,
                 or
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 more
                 tender
                 any
                 where
                 of
                 wronging
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 here
                 in
                 his
                 Grace
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 surely
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 Saints
                 indeed
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 little
                 beholding
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 little
                 thanks
                 for
                 their
                 labour
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Besides
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   do
                   but
                   delude
                   poor
                   souls
                   ,
                
                 and
                 so
                 bring
                 their
                 blood
                 upon
                 their
                 heads
                 ;
                 alas
                 poor
                 deluded
                 creatures
                 !
                 they
                 make
                 account
                 they
                 are
                 enriched
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 treasury
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 iniquities
                 are
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 their
                 woful
                 and
                 everlasting
                 confusion
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 find
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 this
                 hath
                 but
                 increased
                 their
                 guilt
                 and
                 condemnation
                 .
                 Wo
                 be
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 go
                 down
                 to
                 hell
                 with
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 so
                 many
                 poor
                 deluded
                 Creatures
                 upon
                 their
                 heads
                 ;
                 the
                 Devil
                 deludes
                 men
                 ,
                 makes
                 them
                 believe
                 he
                 giveth
                 them
                 great
                 things
                 ,
                 great
                 sums
                 of
                 money
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 all
                 comes
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 they
                 prove
                 but
                 leaves
                 ;
                 thus
                 do
                 they
                 carry
                 on
                 poor
                 souls
                 in
                 a
                 golden
                 dream
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 awake
                 in
                 hell
                 ,
                 in
                 remediless
                 ruine
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 such
                 here
                 ,
                 that
                 heareth
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 advise
                 them
                 and
                 intreat
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 the
                 Apostles
                 advice
                 to
                 
                   Simon
                   Magus
                   ,
                   O
                   pray
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   possible
                   ,
                   that
                
                 
                 
                   this
                   thought
                   of
                   your
                   heart
                   may
                   be
                   forgiven
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 should
                 either
                 buy
                 or
                 sell
                 ,
                 give
                 or
                 receive
                 from
                 the
                 Creature
                 this
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 proper
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 him
                 only
                 to
                 give
                 :
                 you
                 have
                 infinitely
                 wronged
                 a
                 gracious
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 you
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 bleed
                 over
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 mourn
                 over
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 deeply
                 humbled
                 indeed
                 for
                 it
                 .
              
               
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   should
                   we
                   then
                   bless
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   delivered
                   from
                   this
                   Antichrist
                   ,
                   darkness
                   and
                   bondage
                   ;
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   given
                   to
                   us
                   through
                   rich
                   grace
                   ,
                   to
                   see
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   not
                   go
                   to
                   the
                   Creature
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 Our
                 Fore-fathers
                 were
                 under
                 this
                 bondage
                 brethren
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 might
                 we
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 Grace
                 hath
                 made
                 the
                 difference
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 us
                 then
                 ?
                 he
                 hath
                 shewed
                 us
                 wh●●●s
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 right
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 left
                 in
                 Egyptian
                 darkness
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 best
                 thankfulness
                 for
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 improve
                 this
                 
                 our
                 privledge
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 fulness
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 ,
                 who
                 cannot
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 not
                 say
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 nothing
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 but
                 enough
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 hath
                 enough
                 for
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 being
                 the
                 Olive-tree
                 ,
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 .
                 What
                 should
                 we
                 do
                 ;
                 but
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 use
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 he
                 hath
                 much
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 great
                 redundancy
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 commission
                 to
                 give
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 power
                 to
                 conveigh
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 heart
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 commission
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 give
                 freely
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 Creature
                 that
                 cometh
                 .
                 If
                 you
                 go
                 to
                 men
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 denial
                 ;
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 they
                 have
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 give
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 be
                 so
                 foolish
                 and
                 proud
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 any
                 to
                 give
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 so
                 foolish
                 as
                 to
                 believe
                 them
                 ,
                 alas
                 you
                 are
                 but
                 deluded
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 will
                 neither
                 deny
                 you
                 ,
                 nor
                 delude
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   buy
                   wine
                   and
                   milk
                
                 ,
                 yea
                 this
                 oyl
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 yea
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   came
                   that
                   his
                   people
                   might
                   have
                   life
                   abundantly
                   ;
                   Eat
                   and
                   drink
                
                 
                 
                   abundantly
                   my
                   friends
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Canticles
                   ,
                   and
                   freely
                   shall
                   you
                   have
                   it
                   without
                   money
                   ,
                   or
                   moneys
                   worth
                
                 ;
                 be
                 as
                 poor
                 as
                 as
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 enough
                 to
                 enrich
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 delusion
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 reality
                 .
                 O
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 then
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 to
                 a
                 dry
                 bottle
                 ,
                 a
                 broken
                 cistern
                 ,
                 wherein
                 no
                 water
                 is
                 !
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 denial
                 from
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 but
                 Christ
                 never
                 denied
                 any
                 that
                 came
                 in
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 his
                 wants
                 ,
                 and
                 waited
                 upon
                 him
                 for
                 supply
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   you
                   and
                   us
                
                 ;
                 they
                 might
                 well
                 doubt
                 indeed
                 ,
                 whether
                 there
                 would
                 be
                 enough
                 for
                 themselves
                 and
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 even
                 now
                 their
                 own
                 Lamps
                 had
                 need
                 of
                 a
                 supply
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 form
                 of
                 words
                 seem
                 to
                 carry
                 a
                 doubtfulness
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 enough
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 might
                 not
                 ;
                 yet
                 I
                 cannot
                 believe
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 knew
                 full
                 well
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 do
                 know
                 at
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 ;
                 This
                 is
                 most
                 sutable
                 to
                 the
                 Analogy
                 of
                 Faith
                 in
                 other
                 Scriptures
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Doctrinal
                 Note
                 from
                 thence
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   There
                   are
                   none
                   have
                   any
                   surpl●sage
                   of
                   Grace
                   ,
                   or
                   more
                   then
                   will
                   serve
                   their
                   own
                   turn
                   .
                
                 They
                 have
                 none
                 to
                 spare
                 ,
                 
                   lest
                   there
                   be
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   you
                   and
                   us
                
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 other
                 Scriptures
                 plainly
                 speak
                 ;
                 
                   If
                   the
                   righteous
                   scarcely
                   be
                   saved
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 the
                 righteous
                 ,
                 be
                 
                 he
                 as
                 eminent
                 as
                 he
                 may
                 in
                 righteousness
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 scarcely
                 saved
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 through
                 many
                 difficulties
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 hard
                 pull
                 he
                 hath
                 ,
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 fail
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 God
                 never
                 fails
                 him
                 ,
                 else
                 all
                 were
                 gone
                 ;
                 
                   His
                   flesh
                   and
                   his
                   heart
                   fails
                
                 
                 
                   him
                   many
                   times
                   ;
                   Strive
                   to
                   enter
                   in
                   at
                   the
                   strait
                   gate
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   many
                   shall
                   seek
                   to
                   enter
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   able
                   .
                
                 Suppose
                 that
                 some
                 men
                 strive
                 more
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 yet
                 all
                 will
                 be
                 little
                 enough
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   hard
                   and
                   sharp
                   be
                   saved
                   ;
                   they
                   have
                   none
                   to
                   spare
                   ;
                   he
                   that
                   gathered
                   much
                   had
                   nothing
                   over
                
                 ;
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                 concerning
                 the
                 Manna
                 ;
                 though
                 some
                 are
                 more
                 industrious
                 ,
                 painful
                 Christians
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 nothing
                 over
                 :
                 the
                 very
                 Angels
                 in
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 fulness
                 as
                 no
                 Creature
                 on
                 earth
                 yet
                 hath
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 cannot
                 spare
                 a
                 jot
                 of
                 their
                 fulness
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 so
                 full
                 ;
                 not
                 a
                 jot
                 of
                 their
                 holiness
                 ;
                 how
                 much
                 
                 more
                 we
                 then
                 ?
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   a
                   man
                   begin
                   never
                   so
                   yong
                   ,
                   to
                   look
                   towards
                   heaven
                   ,
                
                 as
                 young
                 Timothy
                 ,
                 and
                 young
                 Sam.
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 shall
                 not
                 have
                 any
                 more
                 then
                 what
                 is
                 necessary
                 for
                 themselves
                 to
                 have
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 beginneth
                 so
                 yong
                 ,
                 should
                 in
                 time
                 grow
                 to
                 be
                 exceeding
                 rich
                 in
                 faith
                 and
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 any
                 works
                 of
                 supererrogation
                 ,
                 these
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 men
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 we
                 find
                 not
                 in
                 Scripture
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 in
                 so
                 high
                 a
                 strain
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 earnest
                 ,
                 diligent
                 and
                 forward
                 ,
                 zealous
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 instantly
                 night
                 and
                 day
                 ,
                 yet
                 shall
                 he
                 have
                 no
                 grace
                 
                 to
                 spare
                 .
                 David
                 was
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 strong
                 affections
                 ,
                 as
                 most
                 Christians
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 warm
                 they
                 were
                 toward
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 strong
                 were
                 his
                 
                 desires
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 will
                 appear
                 by
                 his
                 spiritual
                 breathings
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 as
                 much
                 in
                 following
                 after
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 grace
                 ;
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 that
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 debarred
                 from
                 the
                 Tabernacle
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 used
                 to
                 behold
                 the
                 goings
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 his
                 glorious
                 power
                 and
                 grace
                 ;
                 when
                 shut
                 out
                 from
                 these
                 ,
                 how
                 sadly
                 doth
                 he
                 take
                 on
                 ?
                 you
                 may
                 see
                 then
                 by
                 the
                 stir
                 and
                 disquietness
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 in
                 the
                 interruption
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 strongly
                 bent
                 to
                 follow
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 at
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 had
                 he
                 any
                 to
                 spare
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Let
                 a
                 man
                 continue
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 possible
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 interruption
                 in
                 his
                 growth
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 no
                 grace
                 to
                 spare
                 ;
                 had
                 the
                 Apostle
                 any
                 to
                 spare
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 a
                 man
                 labored
                 as
                 abundantly
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 ?
                 
                   yea
                   ,
                   more
                   then
                   they
                   all
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   he
                   was
                   nothing
                   ,
                
                 and
                 when
                 all
                 was
                 done
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   would
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   Christ
                   ,
                   not
                   having
                   his
                   own
                   righteousness
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   he
                   had
                   not
                   yet
                   attained
                   the
                   resurrection
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   .
                
                 But
                 then
                 ,
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 Point
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 note
                 this
                 also
                 ;
                 
                   That
                   though
                   a
                   Christian
                   may
                   have
                   more
                   gifts
                   of
                   Grace
                   then
                   may
                   be
                   sufficient
                   for
                   Salvation
                   ,
                   yet
                   he
                   never
                   hath
                   more
                   ,
                   especially
                   saving
                   grace
                   ,
                   then
                   is
                   needful
                   .
                
                 I
                 mean
                 he
                 hath
                 none
                 to
                 spare
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 indeed
                 haply
                 might
                 spare
                 some
                 of
                 his
                 gifts
                 ,
                 but
                 none
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 whatever
                 Talents
                 the
                 Lord
                 bestoweth
                 to
                 fit
                 a
                 man
                 for
                 his
                 Condition
                 ,
                 his
                 place
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 answerable
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 are
                 necessary
                 to
                 the
                 fruitful
                 carrying
                 on
                 of
                 his
                 Calling
                 or
                 Condition
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 heaven
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 necessary
                 ;
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 Grace
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 ,
                 is
                 necessary
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 necessary
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 can
                 spare
                 none
                 :
                 especially
                 that
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 more
                 particularly
                 a
                 mans
                 own
                 (
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 so
                 call
                 it
                 )
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   sincerity
                   and
                   uprightness
                   of
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 others
                 do
                 partake
                 with
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 sweet
                 effects
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 Graces
                 ,
                 of
                 faith
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 &c.
                 but
                 the
                 sincerity
                 of
                 all
                 without
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 are
                 nothing
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 more
                 especially
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 is
                 there
                 that
                 could
                 ever
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   had
                   so
                   much
                   uprightness
                   of
                   heart
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   could
                   spare
                   any
                   of
                   it
                   ?
                
                 can
                 a
                 man
                 spare
                 any
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 Religion
                 and
                 Grace
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Another
                 thing
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 out
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 :
                 
                   The
                   greatest
                   Grace
                   where
                   it
                   is
                   given
                   ,
                   usually
                   hath
                   the
                   greatest
                   corruption
                   to
                   wrestle
                   with
                
                 ;
                 a
                 spring-tyde
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 a
                 spring-tyde
                 of
                 Corruption
                 :
                 strong
                 workings
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 strong
                 lustings
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 strong
                 temptations
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 they
                 meant
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 a
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 indeed
                 that
                 is
                 proved
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 little
                 enough
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 God
                 
                 hath
                 given
                 him
                 more
                 then
                 to
                 many
                 others
                 ;
                 where
                 sin
                 abounds
                 ,
                 Grace
                 abounds
                 :
                 may
                 there
                 not
                 be
                 temptations
                 to
                 exercise
                 the
                 strongest
                 Faith
                 ?
                 Some
                 Goliah-lust
                 ,
                 or
                 another
                 ,
                 which
                 requireth
                 all
                 their
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 patience
                 ,
                 to
                 encounter
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 never
                 turned
                 Gods
                 treasuries
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 to
                 know
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 in
                 store
                 for
                 poor
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Let
                   a
                   Child
                   of
                   God
                   have
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   Grace
                   here
                   ,
                   yet
                   he
                
                 
                 
                   fals
                   short
                   of
                   the
                   resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                
                 ;
                 short
                 of
                 that
                 pitch
                 which
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 aim
                 at
                 .
                 Indeed
                 if
                 men
                 could
                 reach
                 this
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 stature
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 beyond
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 some
                 thoughts
                 of
                 having
                 somewhat
                 to
                 spare
                 ;
                 but
                 until
                 then
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 alway
                 on
                 the
                 wanting
                 hand
                 ,
                 sure
                 ,
                 alway
                 under
                 emptiness
                 .
                 Now
                 though
                 some
                 be
                 so
                 bold
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 plead
                 for
                 a
                 perfection
                 in
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 by
                 a
                 divine
                 hand
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 let
                 loose
                 to
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 and
                 except
                 that
                 were
                 the
                 perfection
                 ,
                 I
                 understand
                 not
                 what
                 perfection
                 they
                 are
                 capable
                 of
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 When
                 they
                 have
                 attained
                 to
                 the
                 top
                 and
                 pitch
                 ,
                 (
                 brethren
                 )
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   God
                   should
                   enter
                   into
                   judgement
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   should
                   never
                   be
                   able
                   to
                   stand
                   ,
                   as
                   you
                   have
                   it
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 would
                 
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 all
                 ;
                 surely
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 an
                 imperfection
                 ,
                 incompleatness
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 justification
                 ,
                 and
                 eternal
                 life
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 deny
                 all
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 then
                 no
                 man
                 surely
                 hath
                 any
                 grace
                 to
                 spare
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   reproving
                   word
                   to
                   as
                   many
                   as
                
                 
                 
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   think
                   they
                   have
                   enough
                   .
                
                 The
                 Papists
                 tell
                 us
                 of
                 works
                 of
                 supererrogation
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 believe
                 that
                 piece
                 of
                 Popery
                 may
                 cleave
                 to
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 faster
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 ;
                 but
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 when
                 we
                 begin
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 full
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 think
                 we
                 run
                 over
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 spare
                 any
                 of
                 what
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 may
                 therefore
                 sit
                 down
                 and
                 breath
                 us
                 .
                 Believe
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 Cruse
                 of
                 oyl
                 give
                 over
                 running
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 had
                 an
                 
                 empty
                 vessel
                 ,
                 the
                 Cruse
                 ran
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 all
                 were
                 full
                 ,
                 it
                 gave
                 over
                 ;
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 in
                 vain
                 pour
                 out
                 this
                 precious
                 oyl
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 lost
                 upon
                 proud
                 Creatures
                 ,
                 and
                 bury
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 in
                 an
                 unthankful
                 ,
                 proud
                 heart
                 .
                 That
                 Ancient
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 likely
                 by
                 experience
                 ,
                 
                   Si
                   dixisti
                   ,
                   sufficit
                   ,
                   periisti
                
                 ;
                 and
                 may
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 say
                 so
                 ,
                 did
                 we
                 ever
                 get
                 good
                 by
                 it
                 ?
                 it
                 
                 is
                 the
                 ready
                 way
                 to
                 go
                 backward
                 ,
                 to
                 tumble
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 again
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 think
                 we
                 are
                 got
                 high
                 enough
                 ,
                 higher
                 then
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 Christian
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   resists
                   the
                   proud
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   gives
                   Grace
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   the
                   lowly
                
                 .
                 The
                 Heathen
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 even
                 Plato
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 proud
                 man
                 is
                 void
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 without
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   is
                   far
                   from
                   his
                   thoughts
                   ,
                
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 the
                 favour
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 God
                 knoweth
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 at
                 a
                 distance
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 no
                 
                 close
                 familiar
                 communion
                 with
                 God.
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 reprove
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 are
                 guilty
                 in
                 this
                 kind
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   press
                   with
                   the
                   Apostle
                   forward
                   toward
                   the
                   mark
                   of
                   the
                   prize
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 O
                 how
                 lazy
                 are
                 most
                 Professors
                 !
                 who
                 
                 walk
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 never
                 cared
                 whether
                 they
                 reach
                 perfection
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 stature
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 unwilling
                 to
                 grow
                 too
                 like
                 heaven
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 this
                 earth
                 sooner
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 willing
                 to
                 depart
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 earthly
                 ,
                 heavy
                 ,
                 drowsie
                 spirits
                 have
                 we
                 !
                 how
                 slowly
                 do
                 we
                 drive
                 ?
                 What
                 ,
                 is
                 heaven
                 nothing
                 in
                 our
                 eye
                 ?
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 nothing
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 make
                 no
                 more
                 haste
                 toward
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Martyr
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   haste
                   after
                   as
                   fast
                   as
                   we
                   can
                
                 ;
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 thought
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   have
                   been
                   diligent
                   long
                   enough
                   ,
                   you
                   may
                   now
                   slack
                   your
                   pace
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   pretty
                   well
                   for
                   one
                
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 nothing
                 will
                 sooner
                 quench
                 the
                 spirit
                 then
                 this
                 :
                 nothing
                 will
                 sooner
                 damm
                 up
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 shut
                 out
                 the
                 light
                 ;
                 you
                 can
                 never
                 have
                 too
                 much
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 have
                 (
                 through
                 rich
                 mercy
                 )
                 what
                 carrieth
                 you
                 (
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 )
                 through
                 your
                 present
                 condition
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 you
                 shall
                 meet
                 with
                 :
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 die
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 exercise
                 for
                 every
                 degree
                 of
                 our
                 Grace
                 ,
                 our
                 Faith
                 ,
                 our
                 Love
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 nothing
                 over
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 thy
                 measure
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 less
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 make
                 a
                 hard
                 shift
                 to
                 get
                 to
                 heaven
                 ;
                 but
                 why
                 should
                 we
                 not
                 all
                 press
                 after
                 a
                 more
                 abundant
                 entrance
                 into
                 Glory
                 ,
                 which
                 
                 will
                 be
                 much
                 more
                 for
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 for
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ?
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 place
                 that
                 behind
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 attained
                 ;
                 as
                 Jehu
                 in
                 his
                 furions
                 march
                 caused
                 the
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 reached
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 turn
                 behind
                 him
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 went
                 on
                 ;
                 let
                 not
                 our
                 eying
                 what
                 Grace
                 we
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 be
                 any
                 further
                 then
                 to
                 thankfulness
                 ;
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 poring
                 on
                 them
                 to
                 pride
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 decline
                 ;
                 who
                 knoweth
                 how
                 much
                 one
                 thought
                 of
                 pride
                 doth
                 cast
                 
                 us
                 behind
                 hand
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 take
                 the
                 advantage
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   he
                   resisteth
                   the
                   proud
                   above
                   all
                   others
                
                 ;
                 cast
                 them
                 behind
                 then
                 ,
                 stay
                 not
                 ,
                 rest
                 not
                 until
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 resurrection
                 of
                 the
                 dead
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 ,
              
               
                 In
                 the
                 last
                 place
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 encouragement
                 to
                 some
                 poor
                 trembling
                 hearts
                 ,
                 who
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 hear
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 lament
                 themselves
                 .
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 that
                 have
                 most
                 grace
                 ,
                 have
                 none
                 to
                 spare
                 ;
                 what
                 a
                 condition
                 then
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 I
                 in
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 so
                 little
                 ?
                 If
                 they
                 have
                 occasion
                 to
                 use
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 little
                 enough
                 sometimes
                 :
                 What
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 so
                 little
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 ?
                 If
                 the
                 Cedars
                 of
                 Lebanon
                 have
                 no
                 strength
                 over
                 much
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 be
                 blowed
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 roots
                 ,
                 all
                 they
                 can
                 do
                 is
                 but
                 to
                 stand
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 :
                 
                   What
                   shall
                   such
                   a
                   bruised
                   reed
                   as
                   I
                   do
                   in
                   the
                   contrary
                   winds
                   of
                   temptation
                   and
                   corruption
                   ?
                
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   do
                   not
                   judge
                   amiss
                   of
                   thy
                   condition
                   ,
                
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 is
                 so
                 &
                 so
                 eminent
                 for
                 grace
                 ,
                 an
                 Oke
                 of
                 Bashan
                 ,
                 a
                 Cedar
                 ;
                 God
                 judgeth
                 not
                 as
                 man
                 judgeth
                 ,
                 thou
                 mayst
                 have
                 more
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 sincerity
                 &
                 truth
                 in
                 the
                 inward
                 parts
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 little
                 parts
                 or
                 gifts
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 glittering
                 to
                 dazle
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 men
                 ;
                 Herein
                 lies
                 the
                 strength
                 or
                 weakness
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 indeed
                 ;
                 Look
                 to
                 this
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 gaze
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 upon
                 glorious
                 outward
                 appearances
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Remember
                   that
                   thou
                   are
                   not
                   accepted
                   for
                   the
                   greatness
                   of
                   thy
                   grace
                   inherent
                   .
                
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 give
                 his
                 Spirit
                 and
                 such
                 graces
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 greater
                 and
                 a
                 smaller
                 measure
                 to
                 some
                 then
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 accept
                 accordingily
                 ;
                 he
                 accepteth
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 doth
                 enjoy
                 whole
                 Christ
                 ,
                 his
                 righteousness
                 fully
                 imputed
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 Therefore
                 this
                 is
                 your
                 acceptance
                 ,
                 and
                 herein
                 you
                 are
                 alike
                 ,
                 blessed
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 no
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 strong
                 and
                 the
                 weak
                 ,
                 though
                 one
                 man
                 may
                 more
                 strongly
                 and
                 clearly
                 apply
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 more
                 of
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 mayst
                 with
                 a
                 trembling
                 hand
                 ,
                 hold
                 him
                 as
                 surely
                 ;
                 or
                 rather
                 he
                 will
                 hold
                 thee
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 hold
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 imbraces
                 are
                 mutual
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 a
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 have
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 likely
                 have
                 so
                 great
                 tryals
                 ,
                 so
                 great
                 things
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   be
                   tryed
                   above
                   what
                   he
                   will
                   enable
                   to
                   bear
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   make
                   a
                   way
                   to
                   escape
                   also
                   .
                
                 If
                 his
                 grace
                 be
                 sufficient
                 for
                 thee
                 in
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 
                 what
                 matter
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 only
                 press
                 hard
                 after
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 whatever
                 thou
                 hast
                 reached
                 too
                 ;
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 thou
                 shalt
                 attain
                 the
                 
                   end
                   of
                   thy
                   hope
                   ,
                   the
                   salvation
                   of
                   thy
                   soul
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   due
                   time
                   thou
                   shalt
                   reap
                   ,
                   if
                   thou
                   faint
                   not
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                   Verse
                   9.
                   
                
                 
                   —
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                
              
               
                 HEre
                 is
                 the
                 third
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 answer
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 to
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 question
                 :
                 Which
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 as
                 a
                 serious
                 advice
                 from
                 the
                 wise
                 to
                 the
                 foolish
                 ,
                 directing
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 ready
                 course
                 to
                 procure
                 oyl
                 to
                 themselves
                 ;
                 except
                 we
                 could
                 understand
                 by
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 Father
                 ,
                 Son
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 who
                 selleth
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 have
                 us
                 buy
                 of
                 him
                 
                   without
                   money
                   and
                   without
                   price
                   ,
                   Isa
                   .
                
                 55.
                 1.
                 for
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 distinguished
                 here
                 from
                 them
                 that
                 sold
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 and
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 here
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 that
                 I
                 shal
                 leave
                 it
                 .
                 If
                 that
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 surely
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 understood
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 appears
                 not
                 that
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 buy
                 ,
                 but
                 used
                 some
                 other
                 impertinent
                 endeavours
                 ;
                 as
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 Christ
                 .
                 Here
                 is
                 little
                 ground
                 for
                 Papists
                 to
                 bottom
                 their
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 perseverance
                 to
                 be
                 attained
                 by
                 their
                 own
                 industrie
                 and
                 pains
                 ;
                 for
                 alway
                 his
                 price
                 is
                 not
                 comprehended
                 from
                 being
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 alway
                 excluded
                 ,
                 
                   Come
                   buy
                   without
                   money
                   ,
                   or
                   without
                   price
                   ,
                
                 as
                 before
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 purchase
                 it
                 of
                 men
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 godly
                 ,
                 learned
                 do
                 ,
                 for
                 an
                 
                   upbraiding
                   ,
                   a
                   mocking
                   ,
                   an
                   Ironical
                   consent
                   ,
                
                 as
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 instances
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ;
                 
                   Rejoyce
                   O
                   young
                   man
                   in
                   thy
                   youth
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   thy
                   heart
                   chear
                   thee
                   ;
                   but
                   remember
                   ,
                   that
                   for
                   all
                   these
                   things
                   God
                   will
                   bring
                   thee
                   to
                   judgement
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 that
                 of
                 
                 
                   Elijah
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   God
                   ,
                   cry
                   aloud
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   either
                   in
                   a
                   journey
                   ,
                   or
                   talking
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   or
                   some
                   such
                   thing
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   cannot
                   hear
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 Micaiah
                 spake
                 to
                 
                   Ahab
                   ,
                   Go
                   ,
                   and
                   prosper
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Lord
                   shall
                   deliver
                   it
                   into
                   thy
                   hand
                   .
                
                 
                 And
                 that
                 of
                 Jesus
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 
                   sleep
                   on
                   now
                   ,
                   take
                   your
                   rest
                   ,
                
                 which
                 
                 is
                 Ironical
                 .
                 So
                 as
                 when
                 Ahab
                 would
                 be
                 humoured
                 ,
                 the
                 Prophet
                 
                 speaks
                 after
                 his
                 mind
                 ;
                 if
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 ,
                 he
                 might
                 perceive
                 he
                 spake
                 not
                 as
                 he
                 meant
                 ,
                 
                   how
                   long
                   shall
                   I
                   adjure
                   thee
                   to
                   speak
                   nothing
                   but
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   true
                   in
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ?
                
                 So
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 grace
                 from
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wise
                 answered
                 them
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 humour
                 ,
                 and
                 Ironically
                 yield
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 send
                 them
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 though
                 themselves
                 had
                 none
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 ;
                 
                   Aug.
                   Ep.
                
                 120.
                 and
                 Calv.
                 so
                 understood
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 doth
                 Beza
                 and
                 our
                 Annot.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 Note
                 I
                 would
                 briefly
                 hint
                 to
                 you
                 from
                 hence
                 is
                 this
                 ;
              
               
                 
                   That
                   such
                   as
                   trifle
                   away
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   not
                   serious
                   in
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   getting
                   grace
                   ,
                   the
                   time
                   shall
                   come
                   when
                   they
                   shall
                   have
                
                 
                 
                   none
                   to
                   pitty
                   their
                   misery
                
                 .
              
               
                 If
                 men
                 may
                 expect
                 pitty
                 or
                 compassion
                 from
                 any
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 either
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 God
                 of
                 bowels
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   unspeakable
                   ,
                   unsearchable
                   compassions
                
                 :
                 Or
                 else
                 from
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 as
                 the
                 
                 children
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 do
                 put
                 on
                 bowels
                 of
                 compassions
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   cloathod
                   with
                   bowels
                
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 their
                 compassions
                 are
                 eminent
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 seen
                 by
                 them
                 that
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 
                 yet
                 the
                 time
                 may
                 come
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 now
                 neglect
                 so
                 great
                 salvation
                 as
                 is
                 offered
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 held
                 out
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 himself
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 speaking
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 not
                 frō
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   no
                   pitty
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 no
                 nor
                 from
                 his
                 people
                 :
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 
                 plain
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 but
                 name
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 may
                 seem
                 impertinent
                 to
                 the
                 Text
                 ;
                 yet
                 if
                 it
                 serve
                 to
                 no
                 other
                 purpose
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 shew
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 pitty
                 in
                 some
                 cases
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 evident
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 and
                 men
                 have
                 wretchedly
                 sinned
                 it
                 away
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 their
                 pattern
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 I
                 mention
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   Then
                   shall
                   they
                   call
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   answer
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   cry
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 
                   I
                   will
                   mock
                   when
                   their
                   fear
                   cometh
                   ,
                   and
                   laugh
                   at
                   their
                   calamity
                   ;
                   Prov.
                
                 1.
                 26.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 spoken
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 sheweth
                 the
                 heavy
                 aggravation
                 of
                 their
                 misery
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 be
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 pittying
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 shall
                 laugh
                 at
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 the
                 2.
                 
                 Psal
                 .
                 where
                 the
                 Annointed
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 lifted
                 up
                 upon
                 Zion
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 bound
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 him
                 to
                 reign
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 count
                 it
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 grievous
                 one
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   shall
                   laugh
                   at
                   them
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   have
                   them
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   derision
                
                 .
                 But
                 for
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 expect
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 to
                 
                 be
                 pittied
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 may
                 meet
                 with
                 nothing
                 but
                 a
                 mock
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 holy
                 one
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 of
                 much
                 holiness
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 act
                 too
                 ,
                 to
                 mock
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 sin
                 ;
                 So
                 here
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Prophet
                 by
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 Prophesie
                 ,
                 
                   go
                   and
                   buy
                   of
                   them
                   that
                   sell
                   .
                
                 But
                 lest
                 this
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 ground
                 enough
                 to
                 build
                 it
                 upon
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 of
                 doubtful
                 interpretation
                 .
                 therefore
                 take
                 another
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 Destruction
                 of
                 persecutors
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 Doeg
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 like
                 reason
                 for
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 when
                 discovered
                 undenyably
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Lamps
                 gone
                 out
                 ;
                 as
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   righteous
                   shall
                   see
                   it
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   laugh
                   at
                   him
                
                 ;
                 when
                 God
                 should
                 destroy
                 him
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 pluck
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 dwelling
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 root
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 the
                 living
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   the
                   righteous
                   should
                   see
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   laugh
                   at
                   him
                   ,
                
                 have
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 derision
                 ;
                 yet
                 with
                 an
                 holy
                 awe
                 of
                 that
                 glorious
                 and
                 fearful
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 so
                 just
                 in
                 his
                 judgements
                 upon
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 just
                 with
                 God
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 When
                 such
                 hypocrites
                 have
                 in
                 their
                 hearts
                 despised
                 the
                 
                   long-suffering
                   ,
                   and
                   patience
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   and
                   tenderness
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   waiting
                   upon
                   them
                
                 ;
                 and
                 made
                 a
                 mock
                 and
                 a
                 jeast
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 intreaties
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 earnestness
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 pressing
                 so
                 hard
                 forward
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 themselves
                 in
                 extremity
                 should
                 be
                 mocked
                 at
                 by
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 ?
              
               
                 This
                 may
                 be
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 a
                 warning-word
                 to
                 all
                 such
                 trifling
                 professors
                 ,
                 as
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 stretcheth
                 out
                 
                 his
                 hands
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 long
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 sit
                 under
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 gourd
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 green
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 under
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 sit
                 by
                 their
                 own
                 bottle
                 ,
                 their
                 own
                 cistern
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Fountain
                   which
                   is
                   opened
                   for
                   sins
                   ,
                   for
                   uncleanness
                   .
                
                 Remember
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 come
                 a
                 day
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 wherein
                 (
                 to
                 the
                 
                 cutting
                 and
                 wounding
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 )
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 sent
                 to
                 those
                 empty
                 things
                 for
                 comfort
                 .
                 Papists
                 will
                 not
                 now
                 be
                 perswaded
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 enough
                 for
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 Church-treasurie
                 ,
                 and
                 lay
                 out
                 their
                 money
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 shew
                 them
                 their
                 treasure
                 is
                 empty
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 reach
                 to
                 pay
                 the
                 uttermost
                 farthing
                 ,
                 no
                 no●
                 one
                 farthing
                 will
                 it
                 reach
                 to
                 
                 pay
                 ,
                 then
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 send
                 such
                 poor
                 deluded
                 souls
                 to
                 their
                 Merit-mongers
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 indulgences
                 ;
                 Now
                 go
                 to
                 your
                 treasurie
                 of
                 Merit
                 ,
                 for
                 some
                 sucker
                 and
                 r●lief
                 ;
                 now
                 go
                 to
                 your
                 dry
                 bottles
                 ,
                 see
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 drop
                 of
                 water
                 there
                 to
                 cool
                 your
                 tongues
                 ,
                 your
                 inflamed
                 souls
                 with
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 As
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 peoples
                 deistruction
                 ,
                 sends
                 them
                 to
                 their
                 Idols
                 which
                 they
                 doted
                 upon
                 ;
                 in
                 a
                 mocking
                 way
                 at
                 their
                 callings
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   will
                   save
                   you
                   no
                   more
                   ,
                   go
                   to
                   your
                   Idols
                   ,
                   your
                   gods
                   that
                   have
                   eaten
                   the
                   fat
                   of
                   your
                   sacrifices
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 You
                 have
                 made
                 lies
                 
                 your
                 refuge
                 ,
                 now
                 go
                 and
                 shelter
                 your selves
                 under
                 them
                 ;
                 now
                 go
                 and
                 see
                 whether
                 your
                 gourds
                 will
                 shade
                 you
                 from
                 the
                 scorching
                 of
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 this
                 will
                 grate
                 and
                 gall
                 a
                 guilty
                 conscience
                 ,
                 every
                 such
                 word
                 will
                 speak
                 confusion
                 and
                 hell
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 you
                 must
                 expect
                 .
                 You
                 that
                 now
                 cannot
                 down
                 with
                 a
                 searching
                 powerful
                 Ministry
                 ,
                 
                   can
                   abide
                   the
                   shining
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   the
                   burning
                   of
                   a
                   John
                   Baptist
                   ,
                
                 that
                 will
                 deal
                 faithfully
                 with
                 you
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 daubed
                 and
                 bolstered
                 up
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 such
                 as
                 will
                 speak
                 
                   peace
                   ,
                   peace
                
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 right
                 or
                 wrong
                 ;
                 the
                 time
                 will
                 come
                 when
                 God
                 shall
                 shew
                 you
                 that
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 ruine
                 and
                 undoing
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 in
                 contempt
                 and
                 scorn
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 sent
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Go
                   now
                   to
                   your
                   Parasite-Preachers
                
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 consoience
                 is
                 all
                 on
                 a
                 flame
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 your
                 Lamps
                 are
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 step
                 between
                 you
                 and
                 hell
                 ▪
                 Ah
                 the
                 woful
                 condition
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 !
                 then
                 may
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 say
                 ,
                 Now
                 go
                 to
                 your
                 daubers
                 ,
                 now
                 see
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 heal
                 your
                 breaches
                 ,
                 see
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 bind
                 you
                 up
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 cool
                 you
                 and
                 quench
                 you
                 ?
                 
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   it
                   of
                   Gods
                   hand
                   to
                   lye
                   down
                   in
                   sorrow
                   :
                
                 
                 and
                 then
                 see
                 whether
                 your
                 daubers
                 with
                 untempered
                 morter
                 ,
                 shall
                 lull
                 you
                 asleep
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 grievous
                 will
                 this
                 be
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 nothing
                 but
                 derision
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 his
                 people
                 !
                 Now
                 ,
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 will
                 pitty
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 pray
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 time
                 may
                 come
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 belong
                 to
                 your
                 peace
                 in
                 this
                 your
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 laugh
                 at
                 you
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 in
                 a
                 mock
                 ,
                 a
                 holy
                 scorn
                 ,
                 send
                 you
                 to
                 your
                 false
                 refuges
                 for
                 help
                 ;
                 
                   Go
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   buy
                
                 ,
                 go
                 to
                 your
                 flatterers
                 ,
                 see
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 comfort
                 you
                 .
              
               
               
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 then
                 is
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 now
                 guided
                 by
                 the
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 
                 Fountain
                 indeed
                 ,
                 to
                 hang
                 their
                 souls
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 replenish
                 themselves
                 still
                 from
                 his
                 fulness
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 first
                 of
                 John
                 ;
                 because
                 Brethren
                 there
                 will
                 come
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 distinguishing
                 between
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 made
                 the
                 Lord
                 their
                 hope
                 ,
                 their
                 strength
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 dallyed
                 and
                 trifled
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 one
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 mock
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 the
                 Believer
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 used
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 his
                 refuge
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 then
                 find
                 acceptance
                 ,
                 find
                 a
                 free
                 access
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   time
                   I
                   am
                   afraid
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   trust
                   in
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 love
                 
                 to
                 be
                 flattered
                 ?
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 have
                 thy
                 soul
                 dealt
                 faithfully
                 with
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 gently
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 said
                 concerning
                 Absolom
                 ;
                 happy
                 art
                 thou
                 :
                 when
                 others
                 shall
                 be
                 sent
                 to
                 their
                 broken
                 Cisterns
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 
                   fulness
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 thou
                 usually
                 hadst
                 recourse
                 :
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   trimmed
                   their
                   Lamps
                
                 ,
                 they
                 got
                 a
                 new
                 supply
                 of
                 oyl
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 foolish
                 are
                 sent
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 flatterers
                 ,
                 their
                 Mountebanks
                 ,
                 their
                 money-changers
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 they
                 can
                 afford
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 In
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 true
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 high-treasurer
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   10.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   —
                
              
               
                 HEre
                 it
                 seemeth
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 more
                 wit
                 then
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 buy
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 .
              
               
                 
                   How
                   difficult
                   is
                   it
                   to
                   beat
                   a
                   man
                   off
                   his
                   creature-confidence
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   refuges
                   which
                   he
                   hath
                   for
                   his
                   soul
                   ?
                
              
               
                 For
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 here
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 kindled
                 sparks
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 walked
                 in
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 sparks
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 that
                 while
                 it
                 was
                 an
                 exceeding
                 hard
                 matter
                 to
                 perswade
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 penny
                 was
                 as
                 good
                 silver
                 as
                 other
                 mens
                 ;
                 to
                 perswade
                 a
                 painted
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 while
                 his
                 paint
                 lasts
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 Sepulchre
                 ,
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 resting
                 in
                 that
                 conditlon
                 ,
                 is
                 as
                 hard
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 perswade
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 looks
                 upon
                 his
                 money
                 baggs
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 beggar
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 when
                 this
                 Lamp
                 had
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 saw
                 their
                 sparks
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 kindling
                 would
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 eternal
                 life
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 bethought
                 themselves
                 of
                 a
                 higher
                 born
                 flame
                 ,
                 a
                 higher
                 principle
                 that
                 would
                 endure
                 to
                 get
                 that
                 oyl
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 fire
                 from
                 heaven
                 that
                 would
                 aspire
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 rest
                 until
                 it
                 reached
                 heaven
                 :
                 my
                 meaning
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 they
                 saw
                 the
                 profession
                 and
                 form
                 which
                 they
                 could
                 by
                 their
                 industrie
                 and
                 parts
                 work
                 out
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 went
                 out
                 and
                 failed
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 thought
                 of
                 going
                 to
                 a
                 higher
                 principle
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 do
                 they
                 do
                 ?
                 they
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 for
                 oyl
                 ,
                 &
                 there
                 they
                 have
                 another
                 repulse
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 none
                 to
                 spare
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 By
                 this
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 taken
                 a
                 hint
                 ,
                 that
                 sure
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 then
                 from
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 higher
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 creature
                 could
                 furnish
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   tht
                   wise
                   Virgins
                
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 indeed
                 could
                 furnish
                 us
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 knockt
                 at
                 their
                 doors
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 there
                 .
                 And
                 do
                 they
                 now
                 bethink
                 themselves
                 of
                 going
                 to
                 Christ
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 Let
                 it
                 be
                 considered
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 a
                 very
                 sharp
                 blow
                 ,
                 to
                 rap
                 their
                 fingers
                 off
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 which
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 should
                 
                 have
                 made
                 them
                 afraid
                 of
                 ever
                 laying
                 hold
                 upon
                 an
                 arm
                 of
                 flesh
                 again
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 Irony
                 ,
                 or
                 holy
                 mock
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   go
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   sell
                
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 understood
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 was
                 a
                 reproof
                 as
                 full
                 of
                 Vinegar
                 as
                 can
                 be
                 .
                 As
                 that
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   sleep
                   on
                   ,
                   now
                
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 he
                 )
                 
                   take
                   your
                   rest
                   ;
                   now
                   they
                   are
                   at
                   hand
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   go
                   hence
                
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 little
                 list
                 to
                 sleep
                 
                 after
                 such
                 a
                 reproof
                 as
                 that
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 see
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 are
                 so
                 stupid
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 mock
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 beateth
                 them
                 not
                 off
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 Creature
                 they
                 go
                 still
                 ,
                 to
                 try
                 whether
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 oyl
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 among
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ;
                 the
                 flatterers
                 and
                 merit-mongers
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 not
                 of
                 going
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 whence
                 doth
                 this
                 appear
                 brethren
                 ?
                 but
                 first
                 ,
                 From
                 our
                 corrupt
                 nature
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 departed
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 now
                 ful
                 of
                 enmity
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 loth
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 proud
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 find
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 go
                 no
                 further
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 we
                 see
                 our
                 own
                 gourd
                 is
                 withered
                 ,
                 our
                 torrent
                 is
                 dried
                 up
                 ,
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 enmity
                 of
                 our
                 wretched
                 hearts
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 go
                 any
                 whither
                 for
                 succour
                 rather
                 then
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   Jews
                   would
                   not
                
                 
                 
                   come
                   to
                   Christ
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   life
                
                 ;
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 it
                 for
                 coming
                 for
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 take
                 any
                 pains
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 works
                 ;
                 men
                 will
                 rather
                 put
                 themselves
                 to
                 any
                 pennance
                 ,
                 mortifyings
                 and
                 maceratings
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Papists
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 do
                 ;
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 any
                 charge
                 for
                 their
                 indulgences
                 ,
                 from
                 men
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 go
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Thus
                 the
                 Lord
                 complains
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   did
                   wander
                   from
                   mountain
                   to
                
                 
                 hill
                 ,
                 expecting
                 help
                 here
                 and
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 forgot
                 God
                 their
                 resting
                 place
                 .
                 The
                 Raven
                 would
                 not
                 return
                 to
                 the
                 Ark
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 could
                 get
                 a
                 place
                 to
                 rest
                 any
                 where
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Dove
                 had
                 no
                 rest
                 any
                 where
                 else
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 Ark.
                 Ah
                 what
                 woful
                 natures
                 
                 have
                 we
                 brethren
                 !
                 so
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 fulness
                 of
                 bowels
                 and
                 compassions
                 ;
                 surely
                 we
                 can
                 see
                 nothing
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 wherefore
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 averse
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 pride
                 and
                 rebellion
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 desperately
                 wicked
                 hearts
                 ;
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 exceedingly
                 humble
                 us
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Not
                 only
                 nature
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   were
                   accustomed
                   to
                   it
                   also
                   ,
                
                 and
                 that
                 increased
                 the
                 natural
                 inclination
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 at
                 first
                 their
                 sparks
                 were
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 kindling
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 fire
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 flint
                 ,
                 and
                 oyl
                 from
                 within
                 :
                 well
                 ,
                 this
                 failed
                 you
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 habituated
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 
                 rooted
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 well
                 watered
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 if
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 they
                 thus
                 go
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ,
                 
                   Can
                   the
                   Ethyopian
                   change
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   skin
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   Leopard
                   his
                   spots
                   ?
                   no
                   more
                   can
                   ye
                   that
                   are
                   accustomed
                   to
                   do
                   evil
                   ,
                   learn
                   to
                   do
                   well
                
                 ;
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 first
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 second
                 nature
                 ,
                 nature
                 upon
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 harder
                 to
                 carnality
                 then
                 nature
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 remaineth
                 unchanged
                 ?
                 
                   naturam
                   expellas
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 You
                 may
                 keep
                 a
                 Woolftame
                 ,
                 and
                 train
                 him
                 up
                 like
                 a
                 Dog
                 to
                 follow
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 retain
                 his
                 woolfish
                 nature
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 occasion
                 ,
                 will
                 manifest
                 it
                 ;
                 where
                 a
                 Creature
                 hath
                 been
                 used
                 to
                 betake
                 it self
                 for
                 refuge
                 ,
                 thither
                 will
                 it
                 go
                 in
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 ,
                 the
                 Chicken
                 to
                 the
                 wing
                 ,
                 the
                 Conies
                 to
                 the
                 rocks
                 ,
                 the
                 Fox
                 to
                 her
                 holes
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Child
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 the
                 rock
                 ;
                 
                   what
                   time
                   I
                   am
                   afraid
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   I
                   will
                   trust
                   in
                   thee
                
                 ,
                 as
                 before
                 ;
                 and
                 poor
                 Hypocrite
                 to
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 ,
                 somewhat
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 or
                 somewhat
                 in
                 some
                 other
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 :
                 for
                 this
                 he
                 is
                 accustomed
                 to
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 his
                 prayers
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 opinion
                 of
                 flattering
                 persons
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Another
                 reason
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 in
                 Professors
                 that
                 have
                 long
                 rested
                 in
                 a
                 formality
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 at
                 last
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 their
                 nakedness
                 ,
                 God
                 plucks
                 off
                 their
                 plumes
                 ,
                 letteth
                 them
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 naked
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 go
                 not
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   he
                   holds
                   their
                   eyes
                
                 ,
                 hideth
                 this
                 wisdom
                 from
                 their
                 eyes
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Lord
                   shew
                   us
                   not
                   the
                   path
                   of
                   life
                
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   can
                   never
                   find
                   it
                   out
                   our selves
                   ,
                
                 we
                 shall
                 grope
                 at
                 noon-day
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 
                 much
                 glorious
                 light
                 about
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 be
                 held
                 out
                 never
                 so
                 plainly
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 we
                 shall
                 grope
                 and
                 wander
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Israelites
                   ,
                   God
                   did
                   not
                   give
                   you
                   to
                   this
                   day
                   ,
                   a
                   heart
                   to
                   understand
                   .
                
                 O
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 Teach
                 
                 
                   me
                   thy
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   walk
                   in
                   thy
                   truth
                   .
                
                 Now
                 God
                 and
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 just
                 displeasure
                 against
                 us
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 ,
                 may
                 hide
                 himself
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 a●d
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 :
                 either
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 have
                 an
                 heart
                 to
                 seek
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 not
                 an
                 upright
                 heart
                 to
                 seek
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 though
                 we
                 seek
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 .
              
               
                 As
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 all
                 to
                 be
                 humbled
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 wickedness
                 and
                 averseness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 long
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 get
                 a
                 drop
                 out
                 of
                 our
                 dry
                 Bottle
                 :
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 but
                 wander
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 weary
                 our selves
                 to
                 seek
                 rest
                 anywhere
                 then
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Hast
                 thou
                 been
                 a
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 and
                 hast
                 thou
                 known
                 this
                 by
                 experience
                 ?
                 hast
                 thou
                 shifted
                 ,
                 and
                 shuffled
                 ,
                 and
                 lick●
                 thy self
                 
                 whole
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 thou
                 couldst
                 ,
                 and
                 born
                 it
                 out
                 by
                 head
                 and
                 shoulders
                 ,
                 the
                 Convictions
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 when
                 thy
                 Lamp
                 hath
                 been
                 dying
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 teach
                 thee
                 now
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 have
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 this
                 ,
                 shewed
                 thee
                 the
                 path
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 shewed
                 thee
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 the
                 Olive
                 ,
                 whence
                 the
                 oyl
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 indeed
                 :
                 this
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 loath
                 our selves
                 :
                 Ah
                 wretch
                 ,
                 wretch
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 that
                 should
                 carry
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 toward
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 
                   advance
                   and
                   magnifie
                   the
                   justice
                   and
                   mercy
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   :
                   on
                   Hypocrites
                   justice
                   and
                   severity
                   ,
                   that
                   since
                   they
                   have
                   loved
                   to
                   wander
                   from
                   Creature
                   to
                   Creature
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   never
                   come
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 Now
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 must
                 come
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 or
                 never
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   should
                   be
                   hidden
                   from
                   their
                   eyes
                   :
                
                 Is
                 
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 righteous
                 ,
                 a
                 severe
                 hand
                 ?
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 paid
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 coin
                 ?
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 we
                 fall
                 not
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 under
                 this
                 stroke
                 of
                 Divine
                 justice
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 left
                 and
                 given
                 up
                 to
                 a
                 wandring
                 heart
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   we
                   love
                   to
                   wander
                
                 .
                 O
                 methinks
                 ,
                 this
                 severe
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 lying
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 should
                 affright
                 poor
                 Formalists
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 a
                 few
                 broad
                 leaves
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 refuge
                 :
                 when
                 these
                 wither
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 you
                 do
                 ?
                 what
                 must
                 shadow
                 you
                 from
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ?
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 but
                 do
                 your
                 hearts
                 say
                 so
                 indeed
                 ?
                 and
                 why
                 do
                 you
                 not
                 now
                 make
                 sure
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ?
                 for
                 if
                 you
                 wander
                 thus
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 from
                 Creature
                 to
                 Creature
                 ,
                 who
                 knoweth
                 whether
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 make
                 you
                 examples
                 of
                 his
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 and
                 suffer
                 you
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 give
                 you
                 up
                 to
                 wander
                 ,
                 as
                 those
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 look
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 look
                 after
                 you
                 again
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 then
                 it
                 serveth
                 to
                 magnifie
                 the
                 mercy
                 and
                 grace
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 notwithstanding
                 this
                 be
                 the
                 natures
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 practise
                 accordingly
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 made
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 shift
                 likely
                 to
                 quiet
                 a
                 guilty
                 ,
                 accusing
                 ,
                 galled
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 with
                 one
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 with
                 another
                 shift
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 with
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 a
                 prayer
                 or
                 tears
                 ;
                 O
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 but
                 weep
                 for
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 all
                 would
                 be
                 well
                 ;
                 this
                 would
                 make
                 a
                 calm
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 at
                 peace
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 the
                 opinion
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 or
                 sometimes
                 our
                 own
                 opinion
                 of
                 holiness
                 and
                 our selves
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 that
                 after
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 after
                 so
                 long
                 being
                 slighted
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 forms
                 ,
                 and
                 duties
                 ,
                 and
                 fig-leaves
                 ,
                 and
                 any
                 
                 broken
                 Cisterns
                 ,
                 empty
                 Bottles
                 ,
                 and
                 husky
                 vanities
                 ,
                 preferred
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 he
                 should
                 manifest
                 himself
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 to
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 us
                 that
                 true
                 oyl
                 of
                 Grace
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 sinfulness
                 and
                 emptiness
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 former
                 shifts
                 have
                 been
                 discovered
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 render
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 his
                 love
                 !
                 behold
                 what
                 manner
                 of
                 love
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 overcome
                 all
                 our
                 slighting
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 us
                 alone
                 under
                 our
                 fading
                 gourds
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 bring
                 us
                 under
                 his
                 own
                 shadow
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 suffer
                 us
                 to
                 wander
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 from
                 him
                 any
                 more
                 ;
                 have
                 our
                 souls
                 tasted
                 of
                 this
                 his
                 love
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   bless
                   him
                   ,
                   magnifie
                   him
                   ,
                   make
                   your
                   boast
                   in
                   God
                   ,
                   let
                   the
                   humble
                   hear
                   thereof
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   glad
                   ,
                   live
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   praises
                
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 can
                 you
                 do
                 too
                 much
                 for
                 him
                 who
                 hath
                 thus
                 loved
                 you
                 ?
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 
                   Here
                   we
                   have
                   had
                   the
                   sad
                   surprisal
                   of
                   these
                   poor
                   Creatures
                   ,
                   that
                   have
                   their
                   Grace
                   to
                   get
                   ,
                
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 they
                 are
                 taken
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ware
                 out
                 .
                 Let
                 men
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 trifle
                 away
                 their
                 day
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 tarry
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 that
                 shall
                 come
                 ,
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 tarry
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 cometh
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 neither
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   cometh
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   while
                   they
                   are
                   getting
                   their
                   Grace
                   ,
                   but
                   while
                   they
                   are
                   seeking
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   creature
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   look
                   at
                   him
                   at
                   all
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 maketh
                 it
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 sadder
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   shall
                   come
                   to
                   judgement
                   ,
                
                 particular
                 or
                 general
                 ,
                 to
                 find
                 men
                 with
                 their
                 backs
                 upon
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 faces
                 upon
                 their
                 formalities
                 and
                 profession
                 ,
                 upon
                 their
                 flattering
                 false
                 Teachers
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 a
                 venture
                 cry
                 peace
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 ground
                 ;
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 sad
                 brethren
                 ?
                 The
                 Lord
                 help
                 us
                 every
                 one
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 intend
                 not
                 to
                 stay
                 upon
                 this
                 ;
                 either
                 we
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 seek
                 our
                 oyl
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 live
                 by
                 faith
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 seek
                 to
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 we
                 hang
                 our
                 hopes
                 upon
                 somewhat
                 else
                 ;
                 if
                 so
                 ,
                 whatever
                 it
                 be
                 that
                 relieveth
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 our
                 trouble
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 our
                 whoredom
                 ;
                 Now
                 shall
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 find
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 act
                 of
                 whoredom
                 ,
                 playing
                 the
                 whore
                 ,
                 in
                 departing
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 this
                 be
                 peace
                 or
                 comfort
                 to
                 our
                 souls
                 ?
                 How
                 will
                 you
                 lift
                 up
                 your
                 faces
                 before
                 him
                 ?
                 brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 a
                 Woman
                 that
                 pretends
                 faithfulness
                 to
                 an
                 Husband
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 take
                 her
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 act
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 she
                 hold
                 up
                 her
                 head
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 the
                 confusion
                 
                 and
                 amazement
                 will
                 be
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 find
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 Coudition
                 !
                 can
                 you
                 think
                 how
                 poor
                 creatures
                 will
                 hang
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 their
                 shame
                 ,
                 
                   whether
                   shall
                   they
                   cause
                   their
                   shame
                   to
                   pass
                   from
                   them
                   ?
                
              
               
                 O
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 If
                 you
                 have
                 neglected
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 while
                 oyl
                 hath
                 been
                 offered
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 upon
                 easie
                 terms
                 ,
                 
                   without
                   money
                   ,
                   and
                   without
                   price
                   ,
                
                 and
                 now
                 you
                 be
                 convinced
                 of
                 your
                 want
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 soon
                 it
                 may
                 come
                 upon
                 you
                 .
                 
                   Let
                   me
                   beg
                   of
                   you
                   ,
                   that
                   whenever
                   he
                   cometh
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   not
                   find
                   you
                   going
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   to
                   buy
                   of
                   the
                   Creature
                   ,
                   but
                   coming
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   waiting
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 did
                 )
                 
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   him
                
                 ;
                 hence
                 the
                 poor
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 found
                 mercy
                 ,
                 
                 though
                 it
                 were
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 .
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 deceit
                 here
                 ,
                 for
                 every
                 one
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 other
                 hope
                 but
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 him
                 they
                 wait
                 upon
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 :
                 O
                 that
                 it
                 were
                 so
                 brethren
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 doubt
                 he
                 will
                 find
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 going
                 to
                 buy
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ;
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 running
                 to
                 their
                 flattering
                 parasitical
                 Preachers
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 must
                 have
                 an
                 absolution
                 ,
                 a
                 comfortable
                 word
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 lived
                 never
                 so
                 wretchedly
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 few
                 comfortable
                 words
                 of
                 a
                 daubing
                 Mountebank
                 ,
                 would
                 transform
                 them
                 from
                 Devils
                 incarnate
                 ,
                 into
                 Saints
                 in
                 a
                 Moment
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 much
                 better
                 (
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 )
                 then
                 the
                 Priests
                 mumbling
                 over
                 the
                 bread
                 and
                 wine
                 ,
                 to
                 change
                 it
                 into
                 the
                 body
                 and
                 blood
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 Then
                 when
                 Christ
                 is
                 coming
                 ,
                 the
                 Bride-groom
                 cometh
                 ;
                 doth
                 he
                 not
                 find
                 many
                 running
                 then
                 to
                 a
                 prayer
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 a
                 Sacrament
                 ?
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 but
                 have
                 that
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 secure
                 enough
                 ;
                 poor
                 ignorant
                 creatures
                 !
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 go
                 and
                 buy
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ,
                 instead
                 of
                 going
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 Well
                 surely
                 ,
                 as
                 this
                 will
                 much
                 concern
                 him
                 to
                 find
                 men
                 so
                 undervaluing
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 Saviour
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 any
                 whether
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 confusion
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 act
                 ;
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 denying
                 ,
                 no
                 excusing
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 you
                 will
                 have
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 your selves
                 ;
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 warned
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verse
                   10.
                   
                
                 
                   —
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                
              
               
                 IN
                 this
                 Verse
                 you
                 have
                 a
                 twofold
                 observation
                 of
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 :
                 His
                 coming
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 full
                 distinction
                 and
                 separation
                 between
                 the
                 precious
                 and
                 the
                 vile
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 the
                 differencing
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   Mark
                   the
                   perfect
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   that
                   man
                   is
                
                 
                 peace
                 ;
                 hypocrites
                 and
                 real
                 believers
                 promiscuously
                 go
                 in
                 and
                 out
                 in
                 this
                 Church
                 Militant
                 ,
                 this
                 heaven
                 upon
                 earth
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 difference
                 put
                 ;
                 to
                 some
                 the
                 door
                 of
                 heaven
                 is
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 enter
                 ,
                 to
                 others
                 it
                 is
                 shut
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 clapt
                 against
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 We
                 will
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 a
                 little
                 consider
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                   went
                   in
                   with
                   him
                   unto
                   the
                   Marriage
                   .
                
                 There
                 are
                 divers
                 things
                 Note-worthy
                 in
                 this
                 little
                 clause
                 ;
                 I
                 shall
                 but
                 briefly
                 run
                 over
                 them
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Some
                   then
                   it
                   seemeth
                   are
                   ready
                   for
                   entrance
                   into
                   glory
                   .
                   2.
                   
                   Such
                   as
                   are
                   ready
                   do
                   enter
                   .
                   3.
                   
                   That
                   they
                   enter
                   with
                   Christ
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   .
                
                 And
                 4.
                 
                 
                   That
                   this
                   glory
                   is
                   set
                   forth
                   by
                   a
                   Marriage
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   Marriage-Feast
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 word
                 elsewhere
                 imports
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 afterwards
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 will
                 wind
                 up
                 the
                 two
                 first
                 into
                 one
                 Note
                 or
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   ready
                   when
                   Christ
                   cometh
                   ,
                   do
                   enter
                   into
                
                 
                 glory
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 is
                 sufficiently
                 clear
                 from
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 the
                 Parable
                 setting
                 forth
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 as
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 differenced
                 from
                 hypocrites
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 their
                 appearance
                 before
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 is
                 here
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Church
                   visible
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   and
                   foolish
                   ,
                   the
                   Church
                   invisible
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   Virgins
                   ,
                
                 so
                 I
                 understand
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 these
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 ready
                 prepared
                 for
                 the
                 entrance
                 in
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 foolish
                 were
                 not
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   entred
                   in
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 this
                 reacheth
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 Gods
                 people
                 in
                 all
                 times
                 and
                 ages
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 
                 The
                 Israelites
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 had
                 proved
                 and
                 prepared
                 them
                 ,
                 by
                 enuring
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 wilderness
                 ,
                 to
                 so
                 many
                 hardships
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 entred
                 into
                 Canaan
                 .
                 〈◊〉
                 not
                 before
                 fourty
                 years
                 ;
                 they
                 wandered
                 before
                 they
                 must
                 enter
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 once
                 prepared
                 they
                 enter
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 
                   finished
                   his
                   course
                   ,
                   and
                   fought
                   the
                   good
                   fight
                   ,
                
                 then
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 entred
                 into
                 glory
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   gathered
                   like
                
                 
                 
                   a
                   Shock
                   of
                   corn
                   in
                   his
                   due
                   season
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 
                 fully
                 ripe
                 and
                 ready
                 to
                 the
                 sickle
                 ;
                 a
                 wise
                 husband-man
                 will
                 not
                 reap
                 the
                 field
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 green
                 and
                 unready
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 gather
                 his
                 Saints
                 to
                 him
                 until
                 they
                 be
                 prepared
                 ;
                 they
                 must
                 hang
                 in
                 the
                 Sun
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 endure
                 the
                 nipping
                 of
                 cold
                 and
                 injuries
                 of
                 weather
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 gathered
                 .
              
               
                 Two
                 things
                 I
                 shall
                 do
                 before
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 inquire
                 
                   what
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   this
                   readiness
                
                 ;
                 and
                 herein
                 indeed
                 only
                 put
                 you
                 in
                 mind
                 of
                 what
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 while
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 upon
                 this
                 parable
                 already
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 of
                 it
                 doubtless
                 at
                 other
                 times
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 would
                 put
                 you
                 in
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 necessary
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   arguments
                   to
                   confirm
                   this
                   point
                   ,
                
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   ready
                
                 ,
                 or
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   he
                   hath
                   gotten
                   this
                   oyl
                   in
                   his
                   vessel
                   ,
                
                 without
                 this
                 no
                 readiness
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 be
                 awaked
                 after
                 their
                 long
                 profession
                 and
                 falling
                 asleep
                 ;
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 unready
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 all
                 in
                 a
                 hurry
                 ,
                 as
                 people
                 unready
                 use
                 to
                 be
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Bridegrom
                 cometh
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 going
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   buy
                   oyl
                
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 were
                 unready
                 ;
                 my
                 meaning
                 is
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 untill
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 received
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 holiness
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 living
                 Cruse
                 of
                 oyl
                 that
                 never
                 fails
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 spring
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 water
                 ,
                 and
                 refresh
                 ,
                 and
                 supply
                 him
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 conditions
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 not
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 .
                 Paul
                 was
                 
                   a
                   chosen
                   Vessel
                
                 ,
                 but
                 though
                 he
                 :
                 was
                 a
                 strict
                 man
                 ,
                 (
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 mind
                 it
                 Brethren
                 )
                 I
                 doubt
                 stricter
                 then
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 strictest
                 sect
                 of
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 ,
                 and
                 touching
                 the
                 Law
                 blameless
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 in
                 the
                 Pharisees
                 sense
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 outward
                 observance
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 many
                 can
                 say
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 now
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 meeteth
                 him
                 going
                 to
                 Damascus
                 ,
                 If
                 he
                 had
                 called
                 for
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 had
                 he
                 been
                 ready
                 
                 for
                 him
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 ▪
                 woful
                 had
                 been
                 his
                 condition
                 :
                 there
                 must
                 then
                 
                 be
                 a
                 holiness
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 seeing
                 God.
                 This
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 then
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 seed
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 ready
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 he
                 is
                 prepared
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 There
                 must
                 be
                 also
                 the
                 brightness
                 shining
                 ,
                 the
                 activity
                 of
                 the
                 graces
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 in
                 act
                 ,
                 or
                 stirred
                 up
                 and
                 bettered
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 were
                 not
                 ready
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 had
                 oyl
                 in
                 their
                 vessels
                 ,
                 because
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 not
                 trimmed
                 ,
                 their
                 oyl
                 grew
                 low
                 ,
                 must
                 be
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 go
                 about
                 that
                 work
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ;
                 If
                 Christ
                 had
                 come
                 and
                 given
                 them
                 no
                 warning
                 ,
                 but
                 taken
                 them
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 all
                 unready
                 ,
                 therefore
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 still
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 smell
                 sweetest
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 most
                 lively
                 usually
                 toward
                 their
                 latter
                 end
                 :
                 When
                 was
                 Paul
                 ,
                 or
                 David
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 more
                 sweet
                 ?
                 
                   they
                   must
                   stand
                   with
                   their
                   loins
                   girded
                   and
                   Lamps
                   burning
                   ,
                   else
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   ready
                   altogether
                   .
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   There
                   must
                   be
                   mortifying
                   of
                   corruption
                   ,
                
                 a
                 subduing
                 of
                 iniquity
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 part
                 ,
                 in
                 how
                 great
                 a
                 measure
                 is
                 hard
                 to
                 say
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 when
                 we
                 believe
                 ,
                 sin
                 hath
                 its
                 deadly
                 wound
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 many
                 times
                 recovers
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 ,
                 and
                 strugleth
                 hard
                 for
                 life
                 ;
                 it
                 must
                 have
                 many
                 a
                 thrust
                 ,
                 a
                 blow
                 by
                 the
                 sword
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 wielded
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 faith
                 before
                 it
                 will
                 die
                 .
                 When
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saw
                 how
                 lively
                 that
                 pride
                 and
                 ambition
                 was
                 in
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 he
                 telleth
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 converted
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   become
                   like
                   little
                   children
                
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 that
                 emulation
                 ,
                 
                   before
                   they
                   could
                   enter
                
                 
                 
                   into
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God.
                
                 When
                 sin
                 had
                 gotten
                 such
                 a
                 hand
                 over
                 David
                 ,
                 had
                 he
                 been
                 fit
                 to
                 have
                 dyed
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 entred
                 into
                 glory
                 then
                 ?
                 though
                 I
                 believe
                 it
                 cast
                 him
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 laid
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 swoon
                 ,
                 and
                 prevailed
                 much
                 against
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 was
                 he
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 while
                 sin
                 was
                 so
                 strong
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 
                   We
                   must
                   first
                   overcome
                   ,
                   before
                   we
                   sit
                   down
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   Throne
                   ;
                   we
                   must
                   fight
                   the
                   good
                   fight
                   ,
                
                 of
                 which
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 how
                 low
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 have
                 our
                 corruptions
                 brought
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 much
                 deadned
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 tumble
                 down
                 the
                 walls
                 of
                 these
                 Tabernacles
                 of
                 clay
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 A
                 man
                 is
                 never
                 ready
                 until
                 he
                 can
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   the
                   main
                   thing
                   with
                   him
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 This
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 first
                 and
                 last
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 for
                 Christ
                 is
                 all
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 then
                 to
                 go
                 in
                 to
                 our
                 heavenly
                 Father
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 
                 our
                 elder
                 Brothers
                 garments
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 put
                 on
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 for
                 holiness
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 &
                 for
                 redemption
                 from
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 our
                 vain
                 conversations
                 ,
                 our
                 foolish
                 and
                 hurtful
                 lusts
                 .
                 But
                 withall
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 him
                 not
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 girded
                 close
                 to
                 us
                 for
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 have
                 him
                 on
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 sitteth
                 loose
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 therefore
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 this
                 was
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 the
                 Apostle
                 Paul
                 minded
                 and
                 strove
                 after
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   not
                   having
                   his
                   own
                   righteousness
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 and
                 appearing
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 resurrection
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 found
                 then
                 in
                 Jesus
                 .
                 When
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 deny
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 we
                 undo
                 all
                 again
                 ,
                 this
                 only
                 will
                 terminate
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 see
                 through
                 all
                 other
                 coverings
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 prayeth
                 that
                 
                   One
                   siphorus
                   may
                   find
                   mercy
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   day
                
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 mercy
                 then
                 that
                 must
                 stand
                 us
                 in
                 stead
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 .
                 Remember
                 this
                 brethren
                 as
                 a
                 fourth
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 readiness
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   A
                   finishing
                   our
                   work
                
                 ;
                 so
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   finished
                   my
                   work
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Joh.
                 17.
                 4
                 ,
                 5.
                 and
                 thus
                 
                   Paul
                   ;
                   I
                   have
                   finished
                   my
                   course
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 2
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 7.
                 
                 And
                 thus
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   Acts
                
                 13.
                 36.
                 served
                 his
                 generation
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 Now
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 readinesses
                 for
                 an
                 entrance
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 not
                 only
                 an
                 entrance
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   an
                   entrance
                   is
                   ministred
                   to
                   them
                   abundantly
                   into
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 they
                 go
                 with
                 
                 a
                 full
                 sail
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 oyl
                 to
                 spare
                 from
                 themselves
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 can
                 spare
                 none
                 of
                 their
                 abundant
                 entrance
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 wherein
                 God
                 is
                 most
                 glorified
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 they
                 cannot
                 part
                 with
                 ,
                 and
                 themselves
                 have
                 greates
                 comfort
                 in
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 common
                 indeed
                 to
                 all
                 Believers
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 mind
                 that
                 ,
                 lest
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 should
                 be
                 causelesly
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 findeth
                 not
                 that
                 readiness
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 afterwards
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   this
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   into
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 as
                 a
                 readiness
                 or
                 preparation
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   required
                   ,
                   besides
                   a
                   faith
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   for
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   holiness
                   ,
                   redemption
                   ,
                   a
                   knowledge
                   reflecting
                   ,
                
                 whereby
                 they
                 know
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 hath
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 God
                 near
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 their
                 arms
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 weeping
                 after
                 Christ
                 when
                 he
                 stands
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 Mary
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 should
                 now
                 die
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 think
                 themselves
                 undone
                 ,
                 the
                 terrours
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 ready
                 
                 to
                 cut
                 them
                 off
                 ,
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 what
                 would
                 become
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 an
                 entrance
                 into
                 glory
                 too
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 miscarry
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 pass
                 as
                 through
                 a
                 narrow
                 pinching
                 wicket
                 :
                 But
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 perswasion
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 an
                 
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   into
                   glory
                
                 ;
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 then
                 to
                 this
                 readiness
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   making
                   the
                   calling
                   and
                   election
                   sure
                   ,
                   by
                   adding
                   faith
                   to
                   faith
                   ,
                   and
                   grace
                   to
                
                 
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 Peter
                 .
                 Then
                 when
                 Simeon
                 had
                 gotten
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 into
                 this
                 arms
                 of
                 his
                 faith
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 saw
                 his
                 salvation
                 with
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 cryeth
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   now
                   lettest
                   thou
                   thy
                   servant
                   depart
                   in
                   peace
                   .
                
                 Now
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 Paul
                 had
                 such
                 a
                 perswasion
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 ,
                 
                   henceforth
                   there
                   is
                   laid
                   up
                   for
                   me
                   a
                   Crown
                   of
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 There
                 goeth
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 alway
                 ,
                 to
                 this
                 abundant
                 entrance
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 readiness
                 or
                 preparation
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   an
                   earnest
                   waiting
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   soul
                   for
                   its
                   change
                   ,
                   a
                   desire
                   to
                   be
                   dissolved
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   with
                   Christ
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   far
                   better
                   :
                
                 There
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 heart
                 when
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 death
                 weigheth
                 them
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 tryeth
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   groan
                   earnestly
                
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 might
                 dye
                 with
                 them
                 .
                 As
                 Sampson
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   me
                   even
                   dye
                   with
                   the
                   Philistians
                   ,
                
                 if
                 no
                 other
                 way
                 will
                 destroy
                 their
                 lusts
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 seek
                 in
                 point
                 of
                 assurance
                 ,
                 they
                 look
                 upon
                 death
                 as
                 a
                 dark
                 passage
                 that
                 leadeth
                 them
                 they
                 cannot
                 tell
                 whither
                 ,
                 this
                 maketh
                 them
                 fly
                 back
                 ,
                 this
                 kills
                 those
                 desires
                 ,
                 nippeth
                 them
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 they
                 put
                 forth
                 ,
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 no
                 maturity
                 :
                 But
                 now
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 the
                 right
                 art
                 of
                 believing
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 his
                 body
                 of
                 death
                 he
                 groans
                 under
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 perswaded
                 through
                 Christ
                 it
                 is
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 utterly
                 dissolved
                 and
                 not
                 hinder
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 can
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 desires
                 with
                 Paul
                 to
                 be
                 dissolved
                 .
                 So
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Patriarks
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   dyed
                   full
                   of
                   daies
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   satisfied
                   with
                   daies
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   lived
                   as
                   long
                   as
                   they
                   desired
                   ,
                
                 they
                 had
                 now
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 home
                 ,
                 knowing
                 that
                 while
                 
                   they
                   are
                   present
                   in
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   absent
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 from
                 that
                 near
                 ,
                 and
                 sweet
                 ,
                 and
                 full
                 Communion
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 whereof
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 a
                 little
                 taste
                 and
                 earnest
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 present
                 with
                 him
                 by
                 departure
                 ▪
                 but
                 for
                 ought
                 they
                 know
                 ,
                 more
                 separate
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 they
                 go
                 to
                 death
                 with
                 drawing
                 back
                 .
              
               
                 Yet
                 I
                 deny
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   a
                   child
                   of
                   God
                   may
                   be
                   ready
                   before
                   he
                   desire
                
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                   it
                   ;
                   And
                   may
                   desire
                   it
                   before
                   he
                   be
                   ready
                   for
                   this
                   entrance
                   .
                
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 ready
                 before
                 he
                 desire
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 before
                 mentioned
                 (
                 and
                 upon
                 other
                 grounds
                 ,
                 as
                 Hezekiah
                 and
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   may
                   declare
                   thy
                   power
                   to
                   this
                   generation
                   )
                
                 may
                 be
                 ready
                 
                 and
                 not
                 have
                 such
                 an
                 assurance
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 ready
                 for
                 an
                 
                   abundant
                   entrance
                
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Lord
                 come
                 with
                 a
                 full
                 sealing
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 his
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   He
                   may
                   desire
                   it
                   before
                   he
                   be
                   ready
                   ,
                
                 as
                 in
                 some
                 passionate
                 impatient
                 fit
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   Elijah
                   ,
                   1
                   King.
                
                 19.
                 4.
                 weary
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 the
                 King
                 persecuting
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 thinking
                 he
                 should
                 fall
                 by
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 would
                 have
                 God
                 take
                 away
                 his
                 life
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 yet
                 done
                 his
                 work
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Job
                 ,
                 God
                 had
                 not
                 yet
                 done
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 pass
                 through
                 more
                 changes
                 ,
                 and
                 prosper
                 and
                 flourish
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 forth
                 his
                 name
                 to
                 that
                 generation
                 before
                 he
                 departed
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 done
                 his
                 work
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 serious
                 ,
                 settled
                 ,
                 well-grounded
                 frame
                 of
                 a
                 Believers
                 heart
                 ,
                 upon
                 a
                 sound
                 perswasion
                 of
                 the
                 Love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 knowledge
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 finished
                 his
                 course
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 to
                 wait
                 for
                 his
                 change
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 blessed
                 hour
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 readiness
                 for
                 an
                 
                   entrance
                   ,
                   an
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   into
                   glory
                   .
                
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 portion
                 of
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 many
                 Suns
                 set
                 in
                 a
                 Cloud
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 second
                 thing
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 arguments
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   else
                   Gods
                   work
                   would
                   be
                   in
                   vain
                   ,
                
                 he
                 hath
                 prepared
                 
                   an
                   inheritance
                   for
                   the
                   Saints
                
                 ,
                 a
                 Kingdom
                 
                 prepared
                 before
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 his
                 work
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 to
                 prepare
                 us
                 for
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ?
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   that
                   hath
                   wrought
                   us
                   to
                   this
                   self-same
                   thing
                   ,
                   is
                   God
                   ,
                
                 he
                 hath
                 wrought
                 us
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 suitableness
                 between
                 heaven
                 and
                 an
                 ungracious
                 heart
                 ;
                 a
                 glorious
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 vile
                 filthy
                 spirit
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 much
                 pains
                 with
                 us
                 to
                 purge
                 us
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 purifie
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 adorn
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 rich
                 graces
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 is
                 to
                 work
                 us
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 to
                 prepare
                 us
                 for
                 this
                 entrance
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 God
                 hath
                 done
                 this
                 ,
                 shall
                 his
                 work
                 be
                 in
                 vain
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 not
                 a
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 so
                 wrought
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 a
                 heavenly
                 frame
                 ,
                 and
                 temper
                 ,
                 and
                 nature
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 miss
                 of
                 an
                 entrance
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 prepared
                 ,
                 else
                 Gods
                 work
                 were
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 the
                 greatest
                 work
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   else
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   would
                   fail
                   of
                   his
                   purchase
                   and
                   
                   prayer
                   for
                   his
                   poople
                   ,
                
                 who
                 did
                 buy
                 us
                 at
                 so
                 dear
                 a
                 rate
                 as
                 his
                 own
                 most
                 precious
                 blood
                 ;
                 was
                 it
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 suffer
                 us
                 for
                 ever
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 such
                 distances
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 so
                 dearly
                 loved
                 ?
                 did
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 draw
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 (
                 think
                 you
                 )
                 draw
                 us
                 to
                 heaven
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 his
                 Spouse
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 redeemed
                 with
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 absent
                 from
                 him
                 any
                 longer
                 then
                 is
                 needful
                 for
                 his
                 Fathers
                 glory
                 and
                 their
                 good
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 fruit
                 of
                 his
                 death
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 prayer
                 ,
                 
                   Father
                   I
                   will
                   ,
                   that
                   where
                   I
                   am
                   ,
                   there
                
                 
                 
                   they
                   may
                   be
                
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 
                   fulness
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 accounteth
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 imperfect
                 without
                 them
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 them
                 there
                 .
                 Indeed
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 so
                 dear
                 is
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 suffer
                 so
                 long
                 an
                 absence
                 ,
                 at
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 distance
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 necessity
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 though
                 at
                 his
                 first
                 pitching
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 looks
                 at
                 nothing
                 ,
                 but
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 blackness
                 ,
                 and
                 deformity
                 ,
                 and
                 loathsomness
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 overcometh
                 all
                 :
                 Yet
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 Communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 purified
                 with
                 spices
                 and
                 odors
                 ,
                 as
                 those
                 were
                 for
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Assyria
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 other
                 holy
                 ends
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   else
                   the
                   promise
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   hope
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   would
                
                 
                 
                   fail
                   ,
                   and
                   heaven
                   and
                   earth
                   shall
                   sooner
                   fail
                   ,
                   then
                   the
                   word
                   of
                   promise
                   .
                
                 Christ
                 hath
                 promised
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 give
                 life
                 ,
                 but
                 eternal
                 life
                 ;
                 God
                 hath
                 promised
                 to
                 give
                 not
                 only
                 grace
                 but
                 glory
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Crown
                 laid
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 purpose
                 and
                 promise
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 should
                 miss
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 made
                 ashamed
                 of
                 their
                 hope
                 ;
                 now
                 this
                 cannot
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 prayeth
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   not
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   ashamed
                   of
                   his
                   hope
                
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 virtually
                 a
                 promise
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 ;
                 never
                 any
                 yet
                 were
                 disappointed
                 that
                 hoped
                 upon
                 right
                 grounds
                 ▪
                 Indeed
                 if
                 men
                 make
                 Promises
                 to
                 themselves
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 live
                 after
                 the
                 imaginations
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 or
                 whether
                 they
                 truly
                 believe
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 their
                 own
                 promises
                 may
                 fail
                 ,
                 but
                 Gods
                 promises
                 never
                 fail
                 ,
                 nor
                 a
                 lively
                 hope
                 founded
                 upon
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   That
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   weary
                   ,
                   tossed
                   ,
                   afflicted
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   may
                   have
                   rest
                   in
                   the
                   bosom
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                   and
                   the
                   Son
                   ,
                   and
                   holy
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   there
                
                 
                 
                   remaineth
                   a
                   rest
                   to
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 their
                 rest
                 here
                 ,
                 expect
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 either
                 from
                 within
                 ,
                 or
                 without
                 ,
                 or
                 both
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 our
                 troubles
                 ;
                 the
                 world
                 casteth
                 them
                 out
                 as
                 the
                 off-scouring
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 despised
                 ,
                 hated
                 ,
                 mocked
                 people
                 ;
                 the
                 
                   song
                   of
                   the
                   drunkard
                   ,
                   the
                   laughing-stock
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 
                 because
                 they
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 receive
                 them
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 persecution
                 without
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 our
                 exercises
                 ,
                 what
                 between
                 corruption
                 and
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 the
                 terrors
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 sense
                 of
                 his
                 wrath
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 breaking
                 bones
                 ,
                 hiding
                 his
                 face
                 from
                 us
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 rest
                 until
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 lie
                 among
                 the
                 pots
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 we
                 shall
                 indeed
                 be
                 made
                 glorious
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 a
                 Dove
                 in
                 sulness
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 is
                 agreeable
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 goodness
                 ,
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 bowels
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 poor
                 afflicted
                 People
                 should
                 rest
                 with
                 himself
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 by
                 these
                 filings
                 ,
                 and
                 scourings
                 ,
                 and
                 siftings
                 ,
                 and
                 turnings
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 made
                 them
                 meet
                 for
                 the
                 inheritance
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 light
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Arguments
                 .
              
               
                 
                   For
                   the
                   Application
                   of
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   ready
                   do
                   enter
                   into
                   Glory
                   .
                
                 First
                 ,
                 it
                 serveth
                 to
                 shew
                 the
                 blessed
                 condition
                 that
                 the
                 diligent
                 ,
                 lively
                 ,
                 prepared
                 soul
                 is
                 in
                 ;
                 heaven
                 Gate
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 :
                 the
                 bosom
                 of
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 of
                 Christ
                 opened
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 enter
                 ;
                 they
                 have
                 this
                 priviledge
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 that
                 profess
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 have
                 not
                 ;
                 
                   many
                   shall
                   seek
                   to
                   enter
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   able
                   ,
                
                 that
                 strive
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 doth
                 :
                 
                   Blessed
                   is
                   that
                   servant
                
                 (
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 )
                 
                   that
                   his
                   master
                   shall
                   find
                
                 
                 
                   watching
                   ,
                   shall
                   find
                   ready
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   :
                
                 why
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 leave
                 
                 any
                 such
                 soul
                 behind
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 all
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 :
                 how
                 blessed
                 a
                 condition
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 may
                 appear
                 by
                 many
                 considerations
                 more
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Such
                   a
                   soul
                   as
                   this
                   cannot
                   be
                   surprized
                   ,
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   he
                   is
                   ready
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   never
                   surprized
                   :
                
                 surprizals
                 are
                 terrible
                 :
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 had
                 come
                 without
                 any
                 warning
                 upon
                 the
                 wi●e
                 Virgins
                 while
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 terrible
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 entred
                 with
                 him
                 also
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 that
                 day
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 us
                 at
                 unawares
                 :
                 indeed
                 if
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 once
                 ready
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 be
                 altogether
                 surprized
                 more
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 part
                 he
                 may
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 carry
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 better
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 still
                 habitually
                 ready
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 actually
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 were
                 not
                 .
                 They
                 still
                 have
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 under
                 ground
                 ,
                 and
                 hid
                 from
                 their
                 eys
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 blessed
                 thing
                 ?
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 you
                 think
                 of
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 now
                 let
                 my
                 Saviour
                 come
                 when
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ;
                 I
                 am
                 through
                 rich
                 grace
                 ready
                 for
                 him
                 .
                 A
                 servant
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 his
                 work
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 a
                 Spouse
                 ,
                 when
                 her
                 ornaments
                 are
                 put
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 house
                 trimmed
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ready
                 for
                 her
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   come
                   when
                   he
                   will
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   ready
                   for
                   him
                
                 ;
                 before
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 are
                 troublesom
                 and
                 painful
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 pleasant
                 and
                 delightful
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   When
                   death
                   comes
                   ,
                   how
                   shall
                   they
                   lift
                   up
                   their
                   heads
                   with
                   comfort
                   ,
                   because
                   their
                   Redemption
                   draweth
                   near
                
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 they
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 welcome
                 death
                 ,
                 welcome
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 welcome
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 !
                 it
                 is
                 their
                 entrance
                 into
                 a
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 bitter
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 terrible
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 some
                 reluctancy
                 in
                 nature
                 against
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 
                   Paul
                   would
                   rather
                   be
                   cloathed
                   upon
                   ,
                   then
                   dissolved
                
                 ;
                 and
                 since
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 birth
                 of
                 sin
                 that
                 brought
                 it
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 
                 Grace
                 it self
                 have
                 no
                 delight
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 considering
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 entrance
                 (
                 though
                 narrow
                 and
                 pinching
                 )
                 into
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 into
                 Glory
                 :
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 can
                 bid
                 it
                 welcom
                 .
                 As
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 weary
                 ,
                 tossed
                 Marriner
                 can
                 bid
                 his
                 Port
                 welcome
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 fear
                 of
                 Rocks
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 in
                 his
                 landing
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Are
                   they
                   not
                   blessed
                   souls
                   that
                   shall
                   enter
                   ,
                   that
                   now
                   all
                   their
                   distances
                   between
                   them
                   and
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   shall
                   be
                   done
                   away
                   ?
                
                 now
                 he
                 whom
                 your
                 souls
                 loved
                 and
                 longed
                 for
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 your
                 souls
                 have
                 many
                 times
                 broken
                 within
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 longing
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 take
                 you
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 near
                 him
                 ,
                 alway
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
                 .
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 blessed
                 Condition
                 ?
                 what
                 tends
                 all
                 your
                 striving
                 ,
                 and
                 running
                 ,
                 and
                 fighting
                 ,
                 your
                 wrestling
                 ,
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 weeping
                 to
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 ?
                 now
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 your
                 hope
                 ,
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 cometh
                 upon
                 you
                 :
                 blessed
                 ,
                 yea
                 for
                 ever
                 blessed
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 :
                 if
                 Christ
                 and
                 heaven
                 ,
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 Spirit
                 enjoyed
                 in
                 an
                 unspeakable
                 bosom-communion
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 speak
                 a
                 man
                 blessed
                 ,
                 nothing
                 will
                 :
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Then
                   methinks
                   brethren
                   now
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   putting
                   the
                   question
                   to
                   our
                   own
                   hearts
                   now
                   ,
                   whether
                   we
                   be
                   ready
                   or
                   no
                   ?
                
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 blessedness
                 
                 indeed
                 !
                 you
                 cannot
                 but
                 judge
                 that
                 man
                 or
                 woman
                 (
                 though
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 sorrow
                 while
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 )
                 haply
                 through
                 temptations
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 heavy
                 body
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 shall
                 enter
                 in
                 Glory
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ;
                 sure
                 you
                 cannot
                 but
                 judge
                 this
                 man
                 a
                 blessed
                 man
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ready
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 only
                 shall
                 enter
                 .
                 And
                 can
                 it
                 be
                 
                 but
                 you
                 should
                 reflect
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 enquire
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 ?
                 Lord
                 ,
                 am
                 I
                 ready
                 for
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 am
                 I
                 not
                 ?
                 for
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 two
                 I
                 am
                 ;
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 use
                 any
                 more
                 arguments
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 these
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 considerations
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   How
                   uncertain
                   this
                   coming
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   you
                   ,
                   to
                   call
                   for
                   you
                   ,
                   is
                   ?
                
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 when
                 he
                 will
                 appear
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 brethren
                 ,
                 whether
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 warned
                 again
                 ,
                 called
                 upon
                 again
                 to
                 prepare
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 ?
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 Cry
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 Cry
                 is
                 past
                 with
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 already
                 :
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 high
                 time
                 to
                 awake
                 ,
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 consider
                 whether
                 you
                 be
                 ready
                 or
                 no
                 ?
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   To
                   consider
                   ,
                   That
                   there
                   will
                   be
                   then
                   no
                   time
                   given
                   to
                   prepare
                   .
                
                 If
                 you
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 well
                 and
                 good
                 ,
                 you
                 enter
                 ;
                 if
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 satisfie
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 quiet
                 our
                 Consciences
                 with
                 an
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 high
                 time
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 enquire
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Except
                   we
                   do
                   enquire
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   likely
                   to
                   take
                   a
                   course
                   to
                   make
                   ready
                   :
                
                 he
                 that
                 thinketh
                 he
                 is
                 ready
                 ,
                 or
                 careth
                 not
                 whether
                 he
                 be
                 ready
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 unready
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 unready
                 ,
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 not
                 set
                 about
                 the
                 work
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 therefore
                 perswade
                 you
                 this
                 day
                 to
                 consider
                 with
                 your selves
                 ,
                 
                   are
                   you
                   ready
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   you
                   not
                   ?
                
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   There
                   is
                   very
                   great
                   need
                   of
                   this
                   enquiry
                   ,
                   because
                   alas
                   ,
                   many
                   are
                   ready
                   ,
                   and
                   think
                   they
                   are
                   unready
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   cannot
                   have
                   the
                   comfort
                   of
                   their
                   Condition
                   ,
                   except
                   they
                   come
                   to
                   see
                   to
                   it
                   in
                   some
                   measure
                   .
                
                 2.
                 
                 Others
                 are
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 thankful
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 so
                 fresh
                 upon
                 their
                 spirits
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 oftentimes
                 review
                 their
                 condition
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 There
                 are
                 many
                 that
                 are
                 unready
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 themselves
                 ready
                 :
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 is
                 it
                 likely
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 better
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 know
                 how
                 the
                 case
                 stands
                 with
                 them
                 ?
                 will
                 any
                 go
                 to
                 buy
                 Gold
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 rich
                 ,
                 or
                 white
                 Rayment
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 cloathed
                 ,
                 untill
                 they
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 poor
                 and
                 naked
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 4.
                 
                 Others
                 are
                 unready
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 their
                 hearts
                 misgive
                 them
                 they
                 are
                 unready
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 care
                 not
                 much
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 ,
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 contented
                 to
                 be
                 ignorant
                 .
                 Now
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 us
                 all
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 look
                 into
                 our
                 state
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 better
                 with
                 us
                 :
                 such
                 as
                 
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 such
                 shall
                 we
                 be
                 found
                 at
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 every
                 day
                 farther
                 and
                 farther
                 off
                 .
              
               
                 Therefore
                 shall
                 I
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 consider
                 it
                 ,
                 set
                 some
                 time
                 apart
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 weightiest
                 business
                 you
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 you
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 all
                 other
                 necessary
                 things
                 ,
                 your
                 eating
                 ,
                 drinking
                 ,
                 managing
                 your
                 civil
                 affairs
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 the
                 soul-concernment
                 the
                 least
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 should
                 so
                 slight
                 it
                 ?
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 wil
                 you
                 this
                 day
                 retire
                 your selves
                 ,
                 deal
                 effectually
                 with
                 your
                 hearts
                 ?
                 what
                 if
                 this
                 night
                 you
                 should
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
                 or
                 you
                 should
                 never
                 see
                 Sabbath
                 more
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 I
                 doubt
                 our
                 hearts
                 would
                 answer
                 no
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 our
                 work
                 is
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 poor
                 souls
                 that
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 
                 week
                 ,
                 a
                 moneth
                 haply
                 to
                 live
                 ,
                 yet
                 have
                 not
                 one
                 dram
                 of
                 Grace
                 !
                 O
                 put
                 that
                 question
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 this
                 oyl
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Grace
                 and
                 Supplication
                 given
                 to
                 you
                 ?
                 
                   have
                   you
                   Christ
                   dwelling
                   in
                   you
                   ,
                   and
                   transforming
                   and
                   changing
                   you
                   into
                   his
                   image
                   from
                   Glory
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   Glory
                
                 ?
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 what
                 mean
                 our
                 loathsom
                 conversations
                 then
                 ?
                 what
                 mean
                 the
                 vileness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 ,
                 and
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 and
                 sin
                 that
                 is
                 there
                 ?
                 are
                 you
                 mortified
                 in
                 any
                 good
                 measure
                 ,
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 have
                 forsaken
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 sin
                 killed
                 ,
                 hath
                 it
                 its
                 deaths
                 wound
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 which
                 continually
                 the
                 life
                 and
                 spirits
                 of
                 sin
                 are
                 emptying
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 weary
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 loath
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 your selves
                 for
                 its
                 vileness
                 ?
                 O
                 do
                 not
                 deceive
                 your selves
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Are
                   your
                   Graces
                   lively
                
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 a
                 spark
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 buried
                 in
                 the
                 ashes
                 .
                 Indeed
                 I
                 doubt
                 brethren
                 ,
                 these
                 times
                 of
                 prosperity
                 to
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 bury
                 more
                 Christians
                 alive
                 ,
                 then
                 any
                 days
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 saw
                 :
                 why
                 now
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 ready
                 ?
                 are
                 our
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 ,
                 our
                 loins
                 girded
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 active
                 ,
                 and
                 stirring
                 ,
                 and
                 lively
                 are
                 the
                 Graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 in
                 some
                 ,
                 over
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 others
                 !
                 you
                 are
                 so
                 far
                 unready
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 far
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 uncomfortable
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 besides
                 ,
                 
                   do
                   ye
                   live
                   by
                   faith
                   above
                   all
                   this
                   for
                   righteousness
                   ,
                
                 else
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 ?
                 Is
                 this
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   him
                   ?
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 search
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 desperately
                 wicked
                 and
                 deceitful
                 hearts
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Are
                   we
                   ready
                   for
                   the
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   ?
                
                 how
                 few
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 this
                 perswasion
                 ?
                 our
                 calling
                 and
                 election
                 is
                 not
                 made
                 sure
                 ;
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 know
                 what
                 would
                 become
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 
                 call
                 for
                 us
                 :
                 how
                 can
                 his
                 coming
                 be
                 comfortable
                 to
                 us
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 waiting
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 that
                 every
                 thought
                 of
                 it
                 goeth
                 cold
                 to
                 our
                 hearts
                 ;
                 that
                 which
                 should
                 most
                 warm
                 us
                 ,
                 refresh
                 us
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 for
                 Jesus
                 sake
                 ,
                 no
                 longer
                 to
                 slight
                 this
                 great
                 and
                 necessary
                 work
                 ;
                 give
                 your
                 hearts
                 no
                 rest
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 see
                 whether
                 you
                 be
                 ready
                 or
                 no.
                 Suppose
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 your selves
                 unready
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 better
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 in
                 time
                 ,
                 then
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 :
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 not
                 ready
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 obtain
                 mercy
                 :
                 you
                 may
                 make
                 the
                 more
                 haste
                 to
                 get
                 ready
                 ,
                 that
                 that
                 day
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 blessed
                 ,
                 a
                 comfortable
                 day
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   we
                   be
                   not
                   ready
                   for
                   his
                   appearing
                   ,
                   shall
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   beg
                   of
                   you
                   brethren
                   ,
                   for
                   Jesus
                   sake
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   your
                   poor
                   souls
                   sake
                   ,
                   that
                   you
                   would
                   now
                   resolve
                   whatever
                   business
                   be
                   done
                   ,
                   you
                   would
                   not
                   leave
                   this
                   at
                   six
                   and
                   sevens
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 one
                 thing
                 necessary
                 you
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 nothing
                 will
                 yield
                 you
                 a
                 dram
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 nor
                 arm
                 your
                 hearts
                 against
                 the
                 fears
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 ;
                 nothing
                 will
                 give
                 you
                 entrance
                 into
                 Glory
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 .
                 Indeed
                 if
                 riches
                 would
                 be
                 an
                 entrance
                 ,
                 or
                 he
                 that
                 keeps
                 the
                 doors
                 ,
                 and
                 openeth
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 man
                 shutteth
                 ,
                 could
                 be
                 bribed
                 with
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 gold
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 somewhat
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 heap
                 it
                 up
                 as
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 and
                 raiment
                 as
                 the
                 clay
                 ;
                 if
                 men
                 were
                 admitted
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 glorious
                 apparrel
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 treasuries
                 of
                 humane
                 knowledge
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 Scholars
                 might
                 do
                 well
                 to
                 spend
                 all
                 their
                 time
                 in
                 searching
                 after
                 that
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 ,
                 or
                 little
                 or
                 none
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 but
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 surely
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 ,
                 
                   nothing
                   will
                   find
                   an
                   entrance
                   ,
                   but
                   readiness
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   .
                
                 The
                 Lord
                 give
                 you
                 believing
                 hearts
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 how
                 unwearied
                 are
                 men
                 for
                 other
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 trifles
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 profit
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 one
                 hour
                 in
                 an
                 hundred
                 spent
                 seriously
                 with
                 their
                 own
                 souls
                 ?
                 And
                 though
                 some
                 men
                 have
                 more
                 time
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 yet
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 most
                 busie
                 ,
                 must
                 find
                 time
                 for
                 this
                 great
                 work
                 ,
                 or
                 misearry
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 labour
                 ,
                 press
                 hard
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 use
                 all
                 means
                 possible
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 take
                 pains
                 brethren
                 ;
                 such
                 unready
                 hearts
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 readiness
                 without
                 much
                 and
                 constant
                 pains-taking
                 :
                 As
                 a
                 Garden
                 that
                 is
                 quickly
                 overgrown
                 with
                 weeds
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 taken
                 pains
                 with
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 keeping
                 an
                 house
                 clean
                 
                 and
                 ready
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 pains
                 taken
                 with
                 it
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 except
                 your
                 souls
                 follow
                 hard
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 never
                 find
                 him
                 to
                 your
                 comfort
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 touch
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Again
                   ,
                   you
                   will
                   say
                   ,
                   Why
                   I
                   hope
                   I
                   am
                   ready
                   ;
                   Well
                   then
                   labour
                   to
                   maintain
                   this
                   readiness
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 how
                 soon
                 is
                 the
                 sweetest
                 frame
                 lost
                 ?
                 think
                 not
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 now
                 done
                 the
                 main
                 work
                 ,
                 therefore
                 you
                 may
                 take
                 more
                 liberty
                 then
                 other
                 men
                 ,
                 now
                 you
                 may
                 indulge
                 your selves
                 ,
                 take
                 more
                 ease
                 ,
                 more
                 liberty
                 about
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 then
                 other
                 men
                 .
                 Alas
                 brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 soon
                 will
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 cares
                 of
                 it
                 overcharge
                 you
                 ?
                 how
                 hard
                 a
                 thing
                 is
                 it
                 
                   to
                   buy
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   you
                   possessed
                   not
                   ,
                   to
                   use
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   you
                   used
                   it
                   not
                   ?
                   and
                   if
                   you
                   be
                   overcharged
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   the
                   cares
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   this
                   day
                   will
                   overtake
                   you
                   at
                   unawares
                   .
                
                 Yea
                 ,
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 that
                 day
                 take
                 you
                 at
                 unawares
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 doubt
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 should
                 come
                 at
                 any
                 day
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 take
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 overcharged
                 :
                 O
                 ease
                 your selves
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 your
                 burthen
                 ,
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 to
                 do
                 then
                 will
                 give
                 you
                 leave
                 to
                 maintain
                 your
                 communion
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 sure
                 of
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   get
                   your
                   souls
                   ready
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   them
                   ready
                   for
                   the
                   appearing
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 every
                 day
                 some
                 converse
                 with
                 this
                 his
                 coming
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 work
                 the
                 thought
                 of
                 it
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 accordingly
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 affected
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 find
                 our selves
                 ready
                 or
                 unready
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 carried
                 out
                 to
                 make
                 provision
                 for
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 
                   And
                   how
                   should
                   we
                   willingly
                   submit
                   to
                   any
                   dealings
                   of
                   God
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   tend
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   ready
                   .
                
                 Therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 would
                 have
                 them
                 
                   count
                   it
                   all
                   joy
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   fell
                   into
                   many
                   temptations
                   or
                
                 
                 trials
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 knocking
                 of
                 the
                 torch
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 snuffers
                 which
                 must
                 take
                 off
                 the
                 wick
                 of
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 trim
                 them
                 up
                 ;
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 more
                 cause
                 to
                 be
                 thankful
                 for
                 our
                 afflictions
                 ,
                 if
                 sanctified
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 contrary
                 dispensation
                 :
                 I
                 do
                 verily
                 think
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 here
                 below
                 helpeth
                 us
                 forward
                 more
                 .
                 And
                 labour
                 to
                 see
                 all
                 working
                 together
                 for
                 this
                 great
                 end
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 found
                 ready
                 at
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 And
                 labour
                 for
                 a
                 readiness
                 ,
                 for
                 an
                 
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   into
                   Glory
                
                 .
                 As
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 though
                 at
                 present
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 find
                 thou
                 art
                 ready
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 ready
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 
                 the
                 main
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 know
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 ready
                 :
                 only
                 stick
                 not
                 here
                 ,
                 let
                 not
                 fear
                 so
                 overcharge
                 thee
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 hinder
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 weaken
                 thy
                 hands
                 ,
                 but
                 make
                 it
                 thy
                 work
                 with
                 thy
                 whole
                 might
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   make
                   ready
                   for
                   his
                   coming
                   ,
                   pray
                   hard
                   ,
                   study
                   thy
                   heart
                   much
                   ,
                   stir
                   up
                   thy
                   soul
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   graces
                   that
                   are
                   there
                
                 ;
                 though
                 much
                 corruption
                 do
                 appear
                 ,
                 &
                 the
                 ashes
                 fly
                 about
                 their
                 ears
                 in
                 this
                 searching
                 ,
                 yet
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 blow
                 the
                 little
                 spark
                 as
                 to
                 blow
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 labour
                 to
                 cherish
                 it
                 ,
                 increase
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 Lord
                 increase
                 our
                 faith
                 ;
                 then
                 corruption
                 will
                 down
                 ,
                 then
                 communion
                 with
                 Christ
                 will
                 rise
                 higher
                 and
                 higher
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 indeed
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 faith
                 ;
                 therefore
                 whatever
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 what
                 weakens
                 our
                 faith
                 ,
                 of
                 discouraging
                 ,
                 desponding
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 study
                 promises
                 ,
                 the
                 necessity
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 unsearchable
                 treasures
                 of
                 comfort
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 every
                 promise
                 ,
                 in
                 every
                 letter
                 of
                 his
                 Name
                 !
                 Labour
                 to
                 live
                 by
                 faith
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 that
                 groweth
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 will
                 come
                 on
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 wilt
                 come
                 at
                 last
                 to
                 be
                 sensible
                 that
                 thou
                 dost
                 believe
                 ,
                 to
                 feel
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 thy
                 readiness
                 for
                 Christ
                 will
                 be
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 entrance
                 abundant
                 into
                 this
                 Glory
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 next
                 thing
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 consider
                 in
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   went
                   in
                   with
                   him
                   to
                   the
                   marriage
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                 The
                 note
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   ready
                   for
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   they
                   go
                   in
                   with
                   him
                   to
                   the
                   Marriage
                   with
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 Here
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 noted
                 then
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   Marriage
                
                 ;
                 and
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   going
                   in
                   with
                   Christ
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   to
                   the
                   Marriage
                   :
                
                 and
                 some
                 what
                 said
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 we
                 shall
                 confirm
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 and
                 apply
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Marriage
                   here
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   that
                   ?
                
                 Here
                 then
                 by
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 a
                 
                   Marriage-feast
                   ,
                   the
                   consummation
                   of
                   the
                   Marriage
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Marriage-feast
                   ,
                
                 made
                 in
                 token
                 of
                 joy
                 :
                 nothing
                 was
                 more
                 ordinary
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 at
                 Marriages
                 to
                 make
                 feasts
                 .
                 As
                 in
                 the
                 example
                 of
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 at
                 his
                 Marriage
                 they
                 made
                 a
                 feast
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Laban
                 made
                 a
                 feast
                 of
                 seven
                 
                 daies
                 long
                 for
                 the
                 Marriage
                 of
                 his
                 daughter
                 ,
                 
                   fulfill
                   her
                   week
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   I
                   will
                   give
                   thee
                   the
                   other
                   also
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 again
                 in
                 Cana
                 of
                 Galilee
                 ,
                 
                 
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 were
                 at
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 .
                 So
                 now
                 at
                 the
                 
                   Mariage
                   of
                   the
                   Lamb
                   ;
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   feast
                   ,
                   a
                   Marriage-feast
                   :
                
                 Yea
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 ground
                 enough
                 to
                 understand
                 here
                 by
                 the
                 
                   Marriage
                   ,
                   a
                   Marriage-feast
                
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 distinct
                 things
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 distinct
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 in
                 ordinary
                 practice
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 separated
                 one
                 from
                 another
                 ,
                 but
                 went
                 so
                 together
                 ,
                 that
                 usually
                 in
                 Greek
                 and
                 Latin
                 ,
                 the
                 Feast
                 is
                 comprehended
                 under
                 the
                 word
                 for
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 principally
                 signified
                 in
                 many
                 places
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Laban
                   ,
                   he
                   made
                   a
                   Feast
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 seventy
                 Interpreters
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   made
                   a
                   Marriage
                   .
                   So
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   Marriage
                   in
                   Cana
                   of
                   Galilee
                   ,
                
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 was
                 made
                 there
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 seems
                 the
                 Syriach
                 renders
                 it
                 usually
                 in
                 the
                 New
                 Testament
                 by
                 a
                 Feast
                 ;
                 as
                 Grotius
                 upon
                 this
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 Matthew
                 in
                 the
                 beginning
                 noteth
                 .
                 Therefore
                 here
                 by
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 understand
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 ;
                 
                 So
                 
                   Esther
                   1.
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   King
                   made
                   a
                   Marriage-feast
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Now
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Heaven
                   is
                   compared
                   to
                   a
                   Feast
                   ,
                
                 both
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 Glory
                 .
                 The
                 kingdom
                 of
                 Grace
                 is
                 a
                 Feast
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 rich
                 Feast
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 royal
                 dainties
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 may
                 find
                 by
                 several
                 Scriptures
                 ;
                 In
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Matthew
                   ,
                   The
                
                 
                 
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Heaven
                   shall
                   be
                   compared
                   to
                   a
                   certain
                   King
                   ,
                   who
                   made
                   a
                   Marriage
                   for
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                
                 which
                 the
                 Syriach
                 well
                 terms
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 or
                 Banquet
                 ,
                 which
                 Matthew
                 cals
                 a
                 Dinner
                 ,
                 and
                 Luke
                 cals
                 a
                 Supper
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 both
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 
                   Father
                   ,
                   Son
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   Spirit
                   do
                   come
                   in
                   ,
                   and
                   dine
                   and
                   sup
                   with
                   us
                
                 ;
                 they
                 do
                 continually
                 eat
                 bread
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 ,
                 as
                 Mephibosheth
                 did
                 at
                 Davids
                 Table
                 ,
                 2
                 Sam.
                 9.
                 7.
                 
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 clear
                 ,
                 
                   Behold
                   I
                   make
                   a
                   Feast
                   of
                   fat
                   things
                   ,
                   of
                   wine
                   on
                   the
                   Lees
                   ,
                   a
                   Feast
                   to
                   all
                   Nations
                
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Gospel
                 
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Feast
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 carkass
                 is
                 to
                 the
                 Eagles
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 sometimes
                 in
                 Scripture
                 invites
                 the
                 fowls
                 of
                 heaven
                 to
                 a
                 
                   Feast
                   he
                   maketh
                   for
                   them
                
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 
                 
                   to
                   the
                   dead
                   carkasses
                   of
                   his
                   enemies
                
                 ;
                 but
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   the
                   carkass
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   slain
                   for
                   Sinners
                   ,
                   a
                   crucified
                   Christ
                   is
                   the
                   carkass
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   fatted
                   Calf
                   indeed
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   kidneys
                   of
                   the
                   wheat
                   ,
                   the
                   fat
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   finest
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   his
                   flesh
                   is
                   meat
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   indeed
                   .
                
                 Now
                 this
                 must
                 be
                 spiritually
                 understood
                 ,
                 not
                 carnally
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   Heaven
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   meat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                
                 much
                 less
                 in
                 eating
                 and
                 drinking
                 the
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 carnally
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Papists
                 say
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 spiritually
                 :
                 
                   It
                   is
                   joy
                   ,
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   joy
                   in
                   the
                   holy
                   Ghost
                   ,
                
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 Feast
                 .
                 If
                 here
                 below
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 this
                 
                 Feast
                 may
                 be
                 lookt
                 upon
                 ,
                 either
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 externals
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 the
                 internals
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 both
                 respects
                 spiritual
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   Jews
                   that
                   fell
                   in
                   the
                   wilderness
                   ,
                   did
                   all
                   eat
                   the
                   same
                   spiritual
                   meat
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   the
                   same
                   spiritual
                   drink
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   fell
                   in
                   the
                   wilderness
                   .
                
                 
                 The
                 ordinances
                 ,
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 sealing
                 ordinances
                 ,
                 baptism
                 and
                 the
                 Lords
                 supper
                 ,
                 sitting
                 at
                 the
                 Lords
                 Table
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 externals
                 of
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 Carrion-Crow
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 .
                 And
                 you
                 see
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   that
                   had
                   no
                   wedding
                   garment
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   yet
                   came
                   to
                   the
                   Feast
                
                 ;
                 Sure
                 he
                 went
                 no
                 further
                 then
                 the
                 externals
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 
                   he
                   is
                   cast
                   out
                   into
                   utter
                   darkness
                   .
                
              
               
                 Now
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 because
                 here
                 below
                 they
                 are
                 necessary
                 for
                 us
                 as
                 signs
                 of
                 that
                 spiritual
                 communion
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 seeth
                 it
                 good
                 we
                 have
                 these
                 royal
                 dainties
                 thus
                 represented
                 to
                 us
                 by
                 visible
                 ,
                 sensible
                 things
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 our
                 weakness
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 magnifie
                 his
                 own
                 condescending
                 Grace
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 that
                 mysterie
                 of
                 salvation
                 by
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 all
                 the
                 reason
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 cannot
                 fathom
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 
                   which
                   neither
                   eye
                   hath
                   seen
                   ,
                   nor
                   ear
                   heard
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 in
                 a
                 sort
                 visible
                 to
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 perceived
                 by
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 even
                 in
                 
                 this
                 sacramental
                 sense
                 even
                 touch
                 ,
                 and
                 taste
                 ,
                 and
                 handle
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 life
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 they
                 are
                 seals
                 and
                 pledges
                 of
                 this
                 spiritual
                 communion
                 ,
                 being
                 seals
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 whereof
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 sum
                 and
                 substance
                 ,
                 it
                 sealeth
                 it
                 up
                 to
                 a
                 believers
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 stands
                 us
                 in
                 great
                 stead
                 :
                 And
                 ,
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 means
                 of
                 our
                 spiritual
                 communion
                 ,
                 the
                 Conduit-pipe
                 that
                 runs
                 wine
                 ,
                 the
                 dishes
                 that
                 hold
                 the
                 dainties
                 ,
                 though
                 but
                 gold
                 ,
                 as
                 Kings
                 and
                 Princes
                 use
                 to
                 be
                 served
                 up
                 in
                 such
                 State
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 them
                 we
                 feed
                 upon
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 the
                 vehicula
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 respect
                 to
                 our
                 spiritual
                 communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 called
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 the
                 internal
                 communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 that
                 indeed
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 even
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 to
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 the
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 giveth
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 maintains
                 life
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 
                   Feast
                   ,
                   Eat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   yea
                   drink
                   abundantly
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 satisfied
                 abundantly
                 with
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 thy
                 house
                 ;
                 abundantly
                 
                 
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 watered
                 ,
                 inebriated
                 with
                 the
                 fatness
                 of
                 thy
                 house
                 :
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 ?
                 not
                 meerly
                 with
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 no
                 ;
                 but
                 with
                 Christin
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   beholding
                   his
                   might
                   and
                   glory
                   in
                   the
                   Ordinances
                   ,
                
                 the
                 mighty
                 prevailing
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 against
                 our
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 quiet
                 all
                 our
                 doubtings
                 ,
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   see
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   the
                   chosen
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 those
                 choice
                 inward
                 refreshings
                 which
                 the
                 poor
                 believers
                 have
                 from
                 the
                 presence
                 and
                 powerful
                 workings
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 strengthen
                 against
                 corruption
                 ,
                 to
                 strengthen
                 for
                 action
                 ,
                 for
                 suffering
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 they
                 cry
                 out
                 after
                 ,
                 
                   even
                   after
                   the
                   living
                   God
                   ,
                   to
                   enjoy
                   him
                   .
                
                 And
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 below
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 course
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 of
                 this
                 feast
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 secondly
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   glory
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 that
                 now
                 I
                 am
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 ;
                 
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   feast
                   ,
                   a
                   Marriage
                
                 here
                 called
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 foretaste
                 of
                 heaven
                 ?
                 as
                 Grotius
                 upon
                 Matth.
                 22.
                 saith
                 .
                 As
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Marriage-feast
                   at
                   Cana
                   of
                   Galilee
                
                 ,
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 usual
                 manner
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 kept
                 his
                 best
                 wine
                 last
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 here
                 the
                 wine
                 ,
                 the
                 spirits
                 indeed
                 .
                 But
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 prove
                 this
                 by
                 a
                 Scripture
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 appear
                 plain
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   that
                   have
                   continued
                   with
                   me
                   in
                   my
                   temptation
                   ,
                   I
                   appoint
                   to
                   you
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   as
                   my
                   Father
                
                 
                 
                   hath
                   appointed
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   that
                   ye
                   may
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   at
                   my
                   table
                   ,
                   in
                   my
                   Kingdom
                   :
                   So
                   many
                   shall
                   come
                   from
                   the
                   East
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   West
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   sit
                   down
                   with
                
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 Isaac
                 and
                 Jacob
                 
                   in
                   the
                   Kingdom
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   heaven
                
                 ;
                 sit
                 down
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 their
                 table
                 jesture
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 12.
                 2.
                 they
                 that
                 sit
                 at
                 the
                 Table
                 are
                 Guests
                 :
                 But
                 now
                 eating
                 and
                 drinking
                 in
                 Scripture
                 many
                 times
                 do
                 signifie
                 a
                 feasting
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 :
                 and
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 noted
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 further
                 
                 proof
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Jews
                 did
                 not
                 ordinarily
                 drink
                 wine
                 ,
                 except
                 at
                 their
                 feasts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 did
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 observation
                 of
                 some
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 as
                 Piscator
                 in
                 his
                 Schol.
                 upon
                 Math.
                 26.
                 29.
                 cited
                 by
                 Mr.
                 Brinsly
                 ;
                 but
                 whether
                 so
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 sure
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 use
                 to
                 drink
                 more
                 liberally
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   eat
                   the
                   fat
                   and
                   drink
                   the
                   sweet
                   ,
                
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 good
                 day
                 or
                 a
                 merry
                 day
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   for
                   his
                   heart
                   was
                   merry
                   ,
                   his
                   heart
                   was
                   good
                
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 sadness
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 
                 called
                 the
                 
                   evil
                   of
                   the
                   heart
                
                 in
                 the
                 Hebrew
                 often
                 ;
                 insomuch
                 that
                 the
                 ordinary
                 word
                 in
                 the
                 Hebrew
                 for
                 a
                 feast
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 drinking
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 Ahashuerus
                 his
                 feast
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 and
                 Labans
                 feast
                 is
                 
                 called
                 a
                 drinking
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 appears
                 by
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 wine
                 our
                 
                 Saviour
                 made
                 at
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 at
                 Cana
                 of
                 Galilee
                 .
                 Therefore
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 the
                 feast
                 which
                 Christ
                 maketh
                 is
                 a
                 feast
                 of
                 
                   wines
                   on
                   the
                   Lees
                   well
                   refined
                   ;
                   come
                   and
                   buy
                   wine
                   and
                   milk
                   without
                
                 
                 
                   money
                   ,
                   and
                   without
                   price
                
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 
                 this
                 Marriage-feast
                 at
                 the
                 height
                 ,
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 drinking
                 of
                 new
                 wine
                 with
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 Kindgom
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 called
                 his
                 Fathers
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 because
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 resurrection
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 give
                 up
                 his
                 dispensatory
                 Kingdom
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   God
                   may
                   be
                   all
                   in
                   all
                   :
                
                 
                 And
                 for
                 other
                 reasons
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 must
                 not
                 stay
                 upon
                 that
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 here
                 he
                 will
                 drink
                 new
                 wine
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 a
                 periphrasis
                 of
                 this
                 feast
                 ,
                 this
                 
                   Marriage-feast
                   in
                   heaven
                   .
                   The
                   cup
                   of
                   blessing
                   ,
                   the
                   cup
                   of
                   consolation
                   ,
                   the
                   cup
                   of
                   health
                   or
                   salvation
                   is
                   the
                   feast
                   of
                   Christ
                   here
                   below
                   :
                
                 but
                 this
                 now
                 must
                 be
                 drunk
                 new
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   his
                   Father
                
                 ;
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 new
                 feast
                 of
                 wine
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   feast
                   of
                   new
                   wine
                
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 proof
                 of
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 we
                 must
                 understand
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   this
                   feast
                   in
                   heaven
                
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 corporal
                 thing
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 it
                 is
                 needless
                 to
                 tell
                 any
                 of
                 you
                 this
                 ;
                 the
                 heathens
                 dream
                 of
                 an
                 Elysian-field
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Mahometans
                 of
                 their
                 carnal
                 delights
                 after
                 death
                 ,
                 those
                 are
                 poor
                 husks
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 satisfie
                 a
                 soul
                 of
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 here
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 sordid
                 and
                 infinitely
                 below
                 a
                 heaven-born
                 spirit
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 somewhat
                 of
                 as
                 high
                 a
                 nature
                 as
                 the
                 spring
                 from
                 whence
                 they
                 come
                 .
                 Why
                 you
                 may
                 judge
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 General
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 particularly
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   joy
                   in
                   the
                   Holy-Ghost
                   ,
                   the
                   sweet
                   and
                   spiritual
                   communion
                   with
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   fellowship
                   of
                   his
                   death
                   and
                   sufferings
                   ,
                   life
                   and
                   resurrection
                   ,
                
                 whereby
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 part
                 changed
                 into
                 his
                 Image
                 ?
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 liveth
                 upon
                 will
                 change
                 him
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 children
                 in
                 
                   Dan.
                   fed
                   with
                   a
                   portion
                   of
                   his
                   meat
                
                 ;
                 generous-spirited
                 wine
                 ,
                 will
                 beget
                 more
                 and
                 better
                 spirits
                 then
                 course
                 and
                 cold
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 by
                 
                   this
                   communion
                   we
                   are
                   changed
                   in
                   part
                   ,
                
                 
                 though
                 alas
                 ,
                 in
                 how
                 little
                 a
                 part
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 in
                 heaven
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   same
                   communion
                   heightned
                
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 so
                 powerful
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 we
                 
                   shall
                   be
                   like
                   him
                   indeed
                   ;
                   then
                   shall
                   we
                   be
                   like
                   him
                   ,
                
                 this
                 we
                 know
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 .
              
               
               
                 I
                 will
                 instance
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 things
                 Brethren
                 :
                 
                   Then
                   will
                   there
                   be
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   Christ
                   manifested
                   to
                   us
                   .
                
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 thy
                 heart
                 touched
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 what
                 aileth
                 thee
                 ,
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 follow
                 him
                 thou
                 must
                 ,
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 give
                 him
                 over
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   art
                   sick
                   of
                   love
                   for
                   him
                
                 ;
                 but
                 thou
                 hast
                 scarce
                 ever
                 had
                 a
                 good
                 
                 look
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 little
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 none
                 .
                 Now
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 the
                 Love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 feast
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   thy
                   love
                   is
                   better
                   then
                   wine
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 better
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 spirits
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 life
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 giveth
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 keepeth
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 fetcheth
                 life
                 again
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 even
                 going
                 ;
                 this
                 then
                 is
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 thy
                 poor
                 silly
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 lookest
                 upon
                 as
                 neglected
                 by
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 neglected
                 by
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   no
                   man
                   careth
                   for
                   thy
                   soul
                   .
                
                 Believe
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 follow
                 Christ
                 thus
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 making
                 out
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 the
                 Love
                 of
                 God
                 will
                 answer
                 all
                 the
                 dainties
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 devised
                 ,
                 a
                 compleat
                 feast
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 virtually
                 all
                 .
                 Even
                 among
                 men
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 
                   Love
                   will
                   turn
                   a
                   dinner
                   of
                   hearbs
                   into
                   a
                   feast
                
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 where
                 Love
                 it self
                 is
                 the
                 filling
                 of
                 
                 every
                 dish
                 !
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   The
                   souls
                   joy
                   in
                   this
                   love
                   ,
                
                 not
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 souls
                 returns
                 of
                 love
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 praises
                 ,
                 hallelujahs
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 fruits
                 ;
                 
                   but
                   the
                   joy
                   in
                   this
                   Love
                   ,
                
                 it
                 consists
                 here
                 in
                 joy
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 to
                 the
                 Romans
                 ;
                 can
                 it
                 chose
                 but
                 be
                 joy
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 .
                 
                   opened
                   to
                   us
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 his
                 
                 bowels
                 of
                 Love
                 all
                 shed
                 abroad
                 upon
                 us
                 ?
                 therefore
                 the
                 
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   heaven
                
                 is
                 so
                 expressed
                 by
                 joy
                 ,
                 
                   enter
                   thou
                   into
                   thy
                   Masters
                   joy
                   ,
                
                 or
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 But
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 soul-heightning
                 
                 considerations
                 of
                 this
                 feast
                 in
                 those
                 particulars
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 get
                 our
                 hearts
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 heaven
                 ,
                 with
                 this
                 feast
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 consider
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 now
                 Brethren
                 to
                 be
                 more
                 immediate
                 ,
                 then
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 new
                 wine
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 excellent
                 in
                 its
                 kind
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 reserved
                 until
                 the
                 last
                 ;
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 this
                 feast
                 of
                 wine
                 in
                 heaven
                 will
                 appear
                 by
                 this
                 among
                 other
                 considerations
                 :
                 That
                 the
                 Communion
                 shall
                 be
                 more
                 immediate
                 ,
                 
                   Dulcius
                   ex
                   ipsofonte
                   ,
                   waters
                   are
                   most
                   sweet
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   Fountain
                   immediately
                   ;
                   now
                   God
                   shall
                   be
                   all
                   in
                   all
                   when
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   is
                   given
                   up
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 instead
                 of
                 
                 all
                 Ordinances
                 ;
                 Now
                 indeed
                 the
                 Conduits
                 run
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 may
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 freely
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 immediately
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 indeed
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 until
                 
                 he
                 come
                 again
                 ,
                 use
                 these
                 shadows
                 and
                 types
                 ;
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 communion
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 immediat
                 〈…〉
                 
                   N
                   〈…〉
                   e
                   see
                   him
                   not
                   as
                   he
                   is
                   ,
                   but
                   then
                   we
                   shall
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                   〈…〉
                   more
                   through
                   a
                   glass
                   darkly
                   ,
                
                 
                 and
                 sullyed
                 glass
                 by
                 our
                 polluted
                 breath
                 our
                 corrupted
                 hearts
                 do
                 sully
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 else
                 we
                 should
                 see
                 him
                 much
                 more
                 brightly
                 then
                 we
                 do
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 need
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   face
                   to
                   face
                
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 Christ
                 his
                 love
                 do
                 take
                 us
                 so
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 but
                 dark
                 hints
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 face
                 in
                 a
                 dim
                 glass
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 when
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 him
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 ?
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 need
                 the
                 pipes
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 but
                 even
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 the
                 Rivers
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Seas
                   of
                   Love.
                
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   More
                   sincerely
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   now
                   altogether
                   without
                   mixture
                   :
                
                 Alas
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 now
                 eat
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 our
                 Pass-over
                 ,
                 and
                 feed
                 upon
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 sowr
                 herbs
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 mixture
                 of
                 grief
                 when
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 our
                 crucified
                 Saviour
                 .
                 Crucified
                 by
                 us
                 and
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 his
                 love
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 wine
                 now
                 to
                 
                 us
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 gall
                 or
                 Vinegar
                 mixed
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 some
                 sin
                 ,
                 some
                 temptation
                 ,
                 some
                 affliction
                 without
                 ,
                 that
                 weakens
                 the
                 comfort
                 the
                 soul
                 might
                 take
                 in
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 But
                 in
                 heaven
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 none
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 no
                 mixture
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   here
                   the
                   Lord
                   giveth
                   us
                   a
                   cup
                   of
                   trembling
                   to
                   drink
                   ,
                
                 a
                 cup
                 of
                 mixture
                 :
                 
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 ready
                 prepared
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 drink
                 round
                 of
                 it
                 usually
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 seeth
                 it
                 necessary
                 ;
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 some
                 Acrimony
                 ,
                 some
                 salt
                 to
                 keep
                 us
                 from
                 corrupting
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 our
                 glorified
                 state
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 that
                 his
                 love
                 without
                 any
                 mixture
                 at
                 all
                 of
                 the
                 contrary
                 ;
                 No
                 anger
                 ,
                 the
                 meat
                 sweet
                 ,
                 the
                 sauce
                 sweet
                 ,
                 the
                 wine
                 sweet
                 ,
                 the
                 bread
                 sweet
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   More
                   fully
                
                 ,
                 infinitely
                 more
                 fully
                 ;
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 so
                 speak
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 a
                 finite
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 glorified
                 creature
                 is
                 capable
                 to
                 receive
                 :
                 Now
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 drop
                 or
                 two
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 our
                 fulness
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 narrow-mouthed
                 vials
                 shall
                 be
                 enlarged
                 to
                 receive
                 more
                 fully
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 express
                 more
                 fully
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 again
                 in
                 his
                 high
                 and
                 everlasting
                 praises
                 .
                 What
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 cometh
                 through
                 the
                 Conduit
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ?
                 the
                 Sea
                 it self
                 .
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 here
                 we
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 loss
                 ,
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 know
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 to
                 pour
                 out
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 his
                 Love
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 here
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Apostle
                 admireth
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   behold
                   what
                   manner
                   of
                   love
                   is
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   ,
                
                 poor
                 worms
                 ,
                 
                   should
                   be
                   called
                   the
                   sons
                   of
                   God
                   ?
                
                 then
                 they
                 shall
                 admire
                 much
                 more
                 ;
                 but
                 
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 measure
                 doth
                 not
                 appear
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   cannot
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   
                   man
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 narrow
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 love
                 too
                 great
                 ,
                 it
                 cannot
                 enter
                 into
                 his
                 heart
                 to
                 conceive
                 :
                 Some
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 had
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 love
                 manifested
                 ,
                 and
                 joy
                 in
                 that
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 fain
                 to
                 beg
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 hold
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 hold
                 no
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 quench
                 the
                 flames
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 hurt
                 nor
                 pain
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 feel
                 nothing
                 ;
                 O
                 sure
                 this
                 was
                 a
                 flood
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 could
                 put
                 out
                 such
                 flaming
                 torments
                 .
                 But
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 it
                 appears
                 not
                 what
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   at
                   thy
                   right
                   hand
                   there
                   is
                   fulness
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   joy
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 said
                 
                   to
                   enter
                   into
                   it
                
                 ,
                 it
                 cannot
                 enter
                 into
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 swallowed
                 up
                 ;
                 O
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 full
                 feast
                 indeed
                 ;
                 here
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 an
                 abundant
                 drinking
                 .
                 And
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 ;
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   What
                   it
                   is
                   that
                   maketh
                   this
                   feast
                
                 ;
                 or
                 first
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   feast
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 ordinary
                 meal
                 :
                 Now
                 you
                 know
                 men
                 at
                 a
                 feast
                 do
                 more
                 liberally
                 provide
                 for
                 their
                 friends
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 feast
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 nothing
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Who
                   provideth
                   this
                   feast
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 poor
                 mans
                 feast
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 feast
                 of
                 a
                 King
                 ;
                 such
                 a
                 feast
                 you
                 see
                 Ahashuerus
                 made
                 for
                 his
                 Princes
                 ;
                 now
                 a
                 King
                 will
                 make
                 a
                 feast
                 like
                 a
                 King
                 ;
                 Princes
                 have
                 
                 their
                 names
                 from
                 liberality
                 and
                 free
                 ,
                 
                   with
                   a
                   free
                   spirit
                   ,
                   thy
                   Princely
                   spirit
                   ,
                
                 all
                 those
                 as
                 a
                 King
                 did
                 Arauna
                 give
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 liberally
                 ,
                 
                 freely
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 great
                 gift
                 freely
                 given
                 .
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 King
                 that
                 maketh
                 this
                 feast
                 ;
                 Kings
                 usually
                 have
                 larger
                 ,
                 more
                 noble
                 spirits
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 have
                 larger
                 purses
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 at
                 their
                 feasts
                 they
                 use
                 to
                 shew
                 the
                 Magnificence
                 ,
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 their
                 Kingdom
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 doth
                 God
                 here
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 A
                 King
                 ,
                 yea
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Kings
                 ,
                 and
                 King
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 shew
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 magnificence
                 ,
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 his
                 greatness
                 in
                 making
                 this
                 feast
                 ;
                 therefore
                 surely
                 there
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 fulness
                 of
                 love
                 and
                 joy
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   feast
                
                 ,
                 not
                 an
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 used
                 to
                 be
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 also
                 ,
                 being
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 greatest
                 rejoycing
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 Marriage
                 feast
                 at
                 which
                 Christ
                 was
                 ,
                 what
                 an
                 abundance
                 of
                 wine
                 there
                 was
                 turned
                 from
                 water
                 by
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 compute
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 some
                 300.
                 gallons
                 full
                 ;
                 six
                 water-pots
                 ,
                 holding
                 three
                 measures
                 a
                 piece
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 and
                 each
                 measure
                 an
                 hundred
                 pints
                 ;
                 very
                 great
                 store
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   feast
                   ,
                   a
                   Marriage-feast
                   ,
                
                 not
                 only
                 for
                 a
                 servant
                 or
                 friend
                 being
                 married
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 a
                 Son
                 ,
                 the
                 only
                 Son
                 ,
                 a
                 Son
                 and
                 heir
                 
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 a
                 beloved
                 Son
                 ,
                 most
                 dearly
                 beloved
                 ;
                 all
                 these
                 surely
                 will
                 exceedingly
                 heighten
                 the
                 considerations
                 of
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 feast
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 that
                 love
                 which
                 shall
                 there
                 be
                 manifested
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Believers
                 joy
                 in
                 that
                 love
                 ;
                 these
                 things
                 are
                 heightned
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Matthew
                 :
                 Indeed
                 the
                 very
                 feast
                 here
                 
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 heightned
                 by
                 these
                 considerations
                 ;
                 but
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Consider
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   Marriage-feast
                
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 preparation
                 hath
                 been
                 making
                 from
                 eternity
                 ,
                 God
                 hath
                 been
                 providing
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Come
                   ye
                   blessed
                   of
                   my
                   Father
                   ,
                   inherit
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   prepared
                   for
                   you
                   before
                   the
                   world
                
                 ;
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 us
                 surely
                 to
                 understand
                 the
                 decree
                 and
                 purpose
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 :
                 And
                 withal
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   may
                   note
                   the
                   greatness
                   and
                   magnificence
                   of
                   the
                   feast
                   .
                
                 You
                 know
                 men
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 royally
                 entertain
                 a
                 Prince
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 provision
                 long
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 can
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 all
                 about
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 rarities
                 that
                 the
                 earth
                 or
                 Sea
                 affords
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 a
                 King
                 be
                 the
                 provider
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 been
                 laying
                 in
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 wine
                 ,
                 preparing
                 it
                 for
                 us
                 from
                 eternity
                 :
                 therefore
                 surely
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 in
                 an
                 unspeakable
                 fulness
                 .
              
               
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   will
                   be
                   more
                   constantly
                   ,
                   without
                   interruption
                   ;
                   and
                   lastingly
                   ,
                   without
                   any
                   end
                   :
                
                 No
                 interruption
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 here
                 we
                 have
                 our
                 vicissitudes
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 sweet
                 cup
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   draught
                   ,
                   a
                   full
                   draught
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   a
                   flagon
                
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 to
                 stay
                 us
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 ;
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 we
                 have
                 nothing
                 but
                 our
                 wormwood
                 and
                 our
                 gall
                 to
                 chew
                 upon
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 can
                 behold
                 him
                 ,
                 have
                 a
                 glorious
                 view
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 hearts
                 ravished
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 he
                 is
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 nailed
                 by
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 cannot
                 but
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 with
                 a
                 mourning
                 eye
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 no
                 interruption
                 ,
                 nothing
                 but
                 eating
                 and
                 drinking
                 this
                 Love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 All
                 his
                 thoughts
                 will
                 be
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 thoughts
                 love
                 and
                 joy
                 :
                 no
                 room
                 for
                 one
                 sigh
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 tear
                 of
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 groan
                 any
                 more
                 :
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 a
                 term
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 end
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 
                   at
                   thy
                   right
                   hand
                   there
                   are
                   pleasures
                   for
                   evermore
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 time
                 when
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 place
                 where
                 this
                 shall
                 be
                 ;
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 in
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 :
                 It
                 will
                 begin
                 at
                 the
                 souls
                 going
                 
                   to
                   the
                   spirits
                   of
                   just
                   men
                   made
                   perfect
                
                 ;
                 it
                 goeth
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   day
                   thou
                   shalt
                   be
                   with
                   me
                   in
                   Paradise
                
                 ;
                 it
                 goeth
                 to
                 the
                 bosom
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 to
                 Abrahams
                 bosom
                 ;
                 and
                 beginneth
                 this
                 feast
                 .
                 
                 But
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 until
                 the
                 glorified
                 body
                 shall
                 be
                 united
                 to
                 the
                 glorified
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 both
                 together
                 shall
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 this
                 fulness
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   is
                   in
                   heaven
                
                 ,
                 where
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 sitteth
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 :
                 There
                 Stephen
                 saw
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 he
                 abideth
                 ,
                 
                   where
                   he
                   is
                   ,
                   there
                   the
                   Saints
                   will
                   be
                
                 ;
                 some
                 think
                 this
                 is
                 
                 typified
                 probably
                 by
                 the
                 upper
                 Chamber
                 where
                 they
                 did
                 eat
                 the
                 Pass-over
                 and
                 the
                 Supper
                 ;
                 but
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 that
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 the
                 second
                 thing
                 cometh
                 under
                 hand
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   go
                   in
                   with
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   to
                   this
                   feast
                   .
                
                 Wherein
                 these
                 things
                 will
                 be
                 considerable
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   he
                   brings
                   them
                   in
                   unto
                   the
                   feast
                   .
                
                 And
                 then
                 ,
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Why
                   it
                   is
                   so
                
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 somewhat
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 bring
                 them
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 to
                 go
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   meritorious
                   cause
                   of
                   their
                   entrance
                   into
                   glory
                   :
                
                 As
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 entrance
                 of
                 a
                 Believer
                 into
                 the
                 
                 grace
                 wherein
                 we
                 stand
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 into
                 the
                 glory
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 acceptance
                 with
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 no
                 access
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 
                 and
                 through
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 hath
                 no
                 admittance
                 into
                 the
                 presence
                 and
                 table
                 of
                 a
                 King
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 son
                 takes
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 and
                 leads
                 him
                 in
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 then
                 is
                 the
                 meritorious
                 cause
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   went
                   to
                   prepare
                   a
                   place
                   for
                   us
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 now
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   a
                   soul
                   is
                   brought
                   to
                
                 
                 heaven
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   doth
                   receive
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   present
                   it
                
                 ;
                 they
                 go
                 in
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 But
                 ,
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 And
                 chiefly
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 he
                 shall
                 come
                 again
                 with
                 his
                 glorious
                 Angels
                 ,
                 to
                 gather
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 bring
                 them
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   deliver
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   up
                   unto
                   him
                   ,
                   to
                   present
                   them
                   as
                   a
                   Spouse
                   without
                   spot
                   ,
                   or
                   wrinkle
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                
                 
                 
                   such
                   thing
                   ;
                   thus
                   he
                   shall
                   appear
                   the
                   second
                   time
                   without
                   sin
                   ,
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   look
                   for
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   they
                   shall
                   for
                   ever
                   be
                   with
                   the
                   Lord.
                   
                
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 He
                 brings
                 them
                 unto
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 they
                 go
                 with
                 him
                 even
                 into
                 those
                 joyes
                 ,
                 unto
                 that
                 eternal
                 bliss
                 and
                 glory
                 he
                 leads
                 them
                 into
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 sitteth
                 down
                 with
                 them
                 at
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 eating
                 &
                 drinking
                 with
                 him
                 
                   this
                   new
                   wine
                   in
                   the
                   Kingdom
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 only
                 his
                 bringing
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 their
                 going
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 place
                 where
                 these
                 glorious
                 manifestations
                 
                 of
                 God
                 shall
                 be
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 but
                 even
                 into
                 the
                 very
                 depth
                 of
                 those
                 discoveries
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 he
                 sitteth
                 down
                 with
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Arguments
                 ,
                 Besides
                 that
                 none
                 else
                 could
                 do
                 it
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   His
                   faithfulness
                   to
                   them
                   requireth
                   it
                   ,
                
                 He
                 hath
                 promised
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 leave
                 them
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 had
                 fulfilled
                 for
                 them
                 all
                 the
                 good
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 spoken
                 ;
                 now
                 this
                 is
                 spoken
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 give
                 
                 them
                 glory
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 give
                 them
                 eternal
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 raise
                 them
                 up
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 were
                 not
                 a
                 faithful
                 High-Priest
                 nor
                 a
                 faithful
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 leave
                 them
                 short
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 it
                 was
                 his
                 last
                 Will
                 and
                 Testament
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Ioh
                 17.
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 see
                 his
                 own
                 Will
                 and
                 Testament
                 violated
                 ?
                 
                   Father
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   that
                   where
                   I
                   am
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   also
                
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 cannot
                 
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 bring
                 them
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 enter
                 in
                 therefore
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 having
                 undertaken
                 to
                 save
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 :
                 yea
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 also
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 undertaken
                 to
                 see
                 fulfilled
                 ,
                 therefore
                 how
                 can
                 he
                 be
                 faithful
                 except
                 he
                 make
                 it
                 good
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   His
                   own
                   Communicative
                
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 alone
                 in
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 this
                 glory
                 wherewith
                 he
                 is
                 glorified
                 with
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 ingross
                 those
                 delights
                 and
                 pleasures
                 which
                 are
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 for
                 evermore
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 
                 communicate
                 them
                 to
                 some
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 alone
                 in
                 those
                 comforts
                 ,
                 but
                 though
                 himself
                 must
                 sit
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 sendeth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 the
                 Comforter
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 a
                 taste
                 ,
                 an
                 earnest
                 of
                 those
                 joys
                 of
                 that
                 Feast
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 indeed
                 so
                 much
                 joy
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 unspeakable
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 glory
                 to
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 many
                 Saints
                 are
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 heaven
                 upon
                 earth
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 not
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 his
                 people
                 have
                 none
                 ,
                 that
                 were
                 unkindness
                 indeed
                 ;
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 goodness
                 in
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 as
                 all
                 in
                 the
                 creature
                 is
                 but
                 little
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 Job
                 would
                 not
                 eat
                 his
                 
                 morsel
                 alone
                 ;
                 so
                 will
                 not
                 he
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 go
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 wine
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Canticles
                   ,
                   He
                   hath
                   eaten
                   his
                   honey
                   and
                   honey
                   Comb
                   ,
                   and
                   drank
                   his
                   wine
                   and
                   milk
                   ,
                
                 and
                 what
                 
                 then
                 ?
                 
                   Then
                   drink
                   ye
                   ,
                   O
                   my
                   friends
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   drink
                   abundantly
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   they
                   have
                   set
                   their
                   love
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 put
                 this
                 high
                 favour
                 and
                 honour
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Psalms
                   ,
                   Because
                   he
                   hath
                   set
                   his
                   love
                   upon
                   me
                   ,
                   therefore
                
                 
                 
                   will
                   I
                   be
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   deliver
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   honour
                   him
                   ;
                   with
                   long
                   life
                   will
                   I
                   satisfie
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   shew
                   him
                   my
                   Salvation
                   .
                
                 Give
                 him
                 to
                 injoy
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 here
                 but
                 hereafter
                 :
                 The
                 Saints
                 they
                 do
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 are
                 set
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 cleave
                 to
                 him
                 with
                 full
                 purpose
                 of
                 heart
                 in
                 all
                 conditions
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Disciples
                 did
                 ,
                 they
                 continue
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 
                 his
                 temptations
                 ;
                 in
                 his
                 poor
                 condition
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 imprisoned
                 condition
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 appointeh
                 them
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 with
                 him
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 you
                 know
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 is
                 admitted
                 to
                 a
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 friends
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 the
                 Bride
                 :
                 there
                 were
                 thirty
                 young
                 men
                 attending
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 these
                 were
                 at
                 the
                 Feast
                 among
                 others
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 ,
                 who
                 goeth
                 to
                 the
                 Kings
                 Banquet
                 of
                 wine
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Kings
                 Favorite
                 ,
                 even
                 Haman
                 ?
                 
                 he
                 goeth
                 along
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 puts
                 it
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 great
                 honour
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 honour
                 which
                 he
                 doth
                 to
                 the
                 man
                 whom
                 he
                 delights
                 to
                 honour
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 set
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 bring
                 him
                 in
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 the
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 been
                 ashamed
                 of
                 him
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 nor
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 ashamed
                 of
                 him
                 before
                 men
                 and
                 Angels
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 though
                 while
                 he
                 was
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 full
                 of
                 infirmities
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 called
                 his
                 friends
                 in
                 many
                 places
                 :
                 
                 
                   Abraham
                   my
                   friend
                   :
                   Ye
                   are
                   my
                   friends
                   ,
                   Ioh.
                
                 15.
                 and
                 so
                 his
                 Mother
                 ,
                 and
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 sisters
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 Favorites
                 which
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 .
              
               
                 4
                 
                   For
                   his
                   glory
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   for
                   theirs
                   :
                
                 Indeed
                 his
                 glory
                 is
                 theirs
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 theirs
                 is
                 his
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 glorious
                 in
                 his
                 Saints
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 shines
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 see
                 their
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 glorified
                 ;
                 the
                 vertues
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 calls
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 darkness
                 to
                 light
                 are
                 shewed
                 forth
                 :
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 with
                 so
                 many
                 cloudings
                 &
                 interruptions
                 ,
                 it
                 can
                 scarce
                 be
                 called
                 a
                 glory
                 ;
                 
                   He
                   shall
                   come
                   to
                   be
                   glorified
                   in
                   his
                   Saints
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 will
                 not
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 being
                 brought
                 
                 in
                 ,
                 be
                 his
                 glory
                 ?
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 accounteth
                 not
                 himself
                 full
                 without
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 imperfect
                 ,
                 without
                 some
                 of
                 his
                 Members
                 ;
                 now
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 glorified
                 indeed
                 in
                 them
                 
                 more
                 fully
                 then
                 ever
                 ;
                 then
                 the
                 general
                 assembly
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 born
                 
                 being
                 gathered
                 together
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 honour
                 will
                 he
                 have
                 in
                 it
                 ?
                 that
                 by
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 blood
                 he
                 hath
                 redeemed
                 such
                 an
                 innumerable
                 company
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 sanctified
                 them
                 ,
                 kept
                 them
                 alive
                 ,
                 cheared
                 them
                 ,
                 comforted
                 them
                 ,
                 raised
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 them
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 so
                 much
                 glory
                 and
                 beauty
                 upon
                 them
                 all
                 ;
                 herein
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 much
                 glorified
                 :
                 and
                 that
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 shall
                 have
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 ,
                 be
                 filled
                 even
                 to
                 admiration
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 honour
                 him
                 exceedingly
                 ,
                 acknowledge
                 and
                 hold
                 forth
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 before
                 his
                 Father
                 and
                 
                 Angelsglorified
                 ?
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   He
                   will
                   exceedingly
                   rejoyce
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 spake
                 those
                 things
                 ,
                 made
                 that
                 prayer
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   his
                   joy
                   fulfilled
                   in
                   themselves
                   :
                
                 his
                 joy
                 efficienter
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 joy
                 subjective
                 ,
                 for
                 herein
                 he
                 did
                 and
                 doth
                 rejoyce
                 exceedingly
                 ,
                 
                 surely
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 desire
                 to
                 communicate
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 strength
                 of
                 Love
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 his
                 joy
                 in
                 the
                 communi●n
                 ,
                 therefore
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   love
                   is
                   better
                   then
                   wine
                
                 ;
                 to
                 see
                 his
                 own
                 love
                 take
                 such
                 an
                 impression
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 as
                 to
                 draw
                 out
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 joy
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                 Jesus
                 .
                 I
                 desired
                 with
                 desire
                 
                   to
                   eat
                   this
                   Passover
                   with
                   you
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ;
                 great
                 desire
                 ,
                 so
                 great
                 joy
                 :
                 so
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   eaten
                   my
                   honey
                   and
                   honey
                   comb
                   :
                
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 feed
                 upon
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 they
                 are
                 pleasing
                 ,
                 delightful
                 
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 mixture
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 then
                 when
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 no
                 honey
                 comb
                 ,
                 no
                 wax
                 ,
                 no
                 imperfection
                 ,
                 when
                 grace
                 shall
                 be
                 glorious
                 :
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 his
                 joy
                 and
                 delight
                 to
                 pour
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 manifest
                 himself
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 open
                 glorious
                 manner
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 behold
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 love
                 ,
                 swallowed
                 up
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 filled
                 with
                 this
                 joy
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 swallowed
                 up
                 with
                 that
                 also
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 their
                 faces
                 to
                 shine
                 gloriously
                 with
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 comfort
                 unconceiveable
                 O
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 joy
                 to
                 him
                 !
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   indeed
                   the
                   Saints
                   they
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   enter
                   in
                   with
                   him
                
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 his
                 Spouse
                 ,
                 though
                 here
                 considered
                 only
                 as
                 Virgins
                 waiting
                 upon
                 the
                 Bride
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 Spouse
                 ;
                 and
                 sure
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 must
                 be
                 brought
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 ,
                 the
                 Spouse
                 must
                 be
                 there
                 ,
                 the
                 Angels
                 shall
                 be
                 rather
                 attendants
                 ;
                 the
                 Saints
                 shall
                 sit
                 down
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 as
                 his
                 Spouse
                 for
                 
                 ever
                 :
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 his
                 wife
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 an
                 Ewe
                 Lamb
                 ,
                 which
                 did
                 lie
                 in
                 his
                 bosome
                 ,
                 and
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 shall
                 the
                 Saints
                 surely
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 this
                 relation
                 of
                 theirs
                 
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 blessed
                 are
                 ye
                 Believers
                 ,
                 ye
                 that
                 are
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 
                   Now
                   the
                   Saints
                   are
                   made
                   ready
                   for
                   this
                   glory
                
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 it
                 old
                 Bottels
                 will
                 not
                 hold
                 this
                 new
                 Wine
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 drink
                 with
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 Fathers
                 Kingdom
                 :
                 strong
                 Duties
                 were
                 too
                 strong
                 for
                 the
                 Disciples
                 then
                 in
                 their
                 minority
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 the
                 Duties
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 everlasting
                 Hallelujahs
                 ,
                 and
                 admiring
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 :
                 therefore
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 changed
                 before
                 they
                 can
                 be
                 fit
                 for
                 that
                 feast
                 ;
                 a
                 little
                 joy
                 now
                 would
                 swallow
                 us
                 up
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 unfit
                 us
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 wise
                 Nursing
                 Father
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 give
                 strong
                 
                 meat
                 to
                 babes
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 bear
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 when
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 bear
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 fed
                 them
                 with
                 milk
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 should
                 give
                 strong
                 meats
                 to
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 wine
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 sooner
                 ruine
                 them
                 ?
                 therefore
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   speak
                   the
                   Wisdom
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   a
                   M●sterie
                   among
                
                 
                 
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   perfect
                
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 had
                 some
                 things
                 which
                 he
                 saw
                 in
                 his
                 Vision
                 that
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 might
                 not
                 utter
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 likely
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 bear
                 them
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 Israel
                 could
                 not
                 indure
                 to
                 behold
                 Moses
                 face
                 when
                 it
                 had
                 but
                 a
                 beam
                 of
                 the
                 divine
                 glory
                 within
                 the
                 cloud
                 reflected
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Angel
                 astonished
                 
                   Iohn
                   ▪
                
                 so
                 eminent
                 a
                 man
                 in
                 saith
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 and
                 holiness
                 :
                 therefore
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 then
                 be
                 fitted
                 for
                 this
                 Communion
                 ;
                 
                 the
                 old
                 Bottles
                 be
                 made
                 new
                 ,
                 the
                 capacities
                 of
                 soul
                 inlarged
                 ,
                 the
                 mouth
                 opened
                 wider
                 then
                 we
                 can
                 conceive
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 body
                 raised
                 in
                 power
                 .
                 It
                 must
                 be
                 an
                 extraordinary
                 stomack
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 continually
                 sit
                 at
                 a
                 Feast
                 and
                 d●gest
                 it
                 and
                 never
                 be
                 satiated
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 the
                 Marriage
                 feast
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 reserved
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 heaven
                 is
                 so
                 compared
                 in
                 Scripture
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Uses
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 Behold
                 what
                 maner
                 of
                 love
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 loved
                 us
                 with
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 made
                 the
                 Favorites
                 ,
                 a
                 people
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 take
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage
                 .
                 The
                 Apostle
                 admireth
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 for
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 in
                 hand
                 already
                 :
                 
                   What
                   manner
                   of
                   love
                   is
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   called
                   the
                   Sons
                   of
                   God
                   ?
                
                 
                 
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 made
                 such
                 ;
                 his
                 Word
                 is
                 operative
                 ,
                 he
                 cals
                 things
                 that
                 were
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 ;
                 but
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 not
                 yet
                 appear
                 what
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   until
                   Christ
                   who
                   is
                   our
                   life
                
                 
                 
                   appear
                   ,
                   then
                   shall
                   we
                   appear
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   glory
                   :
                
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 though
                 their
                 apprehensions
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 their
                 capacities
                 shall
                 be
                 inlarged
                 ,
                 heightened
                 ,
                 perfected
                 ,
                 yet
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 comprehend
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 the
                 river
                 of
                 pleasures
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 Vessel
                 that
                 is
                 put
                 into
                 the
                 Sea
                 can
                 comprehend
                 the
                 Ocean
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 shall
                 admire
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 admired
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 their
                 fulness
                 will
                 be
                 unspeakable
                 ,
                 greater
                 then
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 
                 here
                 ;
                 though
                 sometimes
                 they
                 are
                 filled
                 with
                 Joy
                 unspeakable
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 Glory
                 ;
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 in
                 both
                 conditions
                 far
                 short
                 of
                 comprehending
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 admire
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Such
                   things
                   as
                   eye
                   hath
                   not
                   seen
                   ,
                   nor
                   ear
                   heard
                   ,
                   nor
                   can
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   man
                   ,
                   God
                   hath
                   prepared
                   :
                
                 Do
                 you
                 not
                 see
                 how
                 Haman
                 glorieth
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 
                 though
                 he
                 had
                 little
                 cause
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 knew
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 among
                 all
                 the
                 Courtiers
                 was
                 invited
                 to
                 the
                 feast
                 of
                 Wine
                 to
                 the
                 Queen
                 ;
                 he
                 accounted
                 it
                 an
                 high
                 favour
                 ,
                 a
                 significative
                 testimony
                 of
                 his
                 especial
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 above
                 others
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 Saints
                 indeed
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 speak
                 to
                 you
                 all
                 in
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 Angel
                 to
                 
                   Mary
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   highly
                   favoured
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 you
                 shall
                 all
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 this
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 ;
                 be
                 thou
                 as
                 poor
                 in
                 outward
                 condition
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 poor
                 in
                 Spirit
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 low
                 in
                 thine
                 own
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 enter
                 into
                 this
                 Marriage
                 Feast
                 ;
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 with
                 the
                 poor
                 Publican
                 ,
                 Thou
                 art
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 come
                 near
                 the
                 place
                 where
                 his
                 honour
                 dwels
                 ,
                 nor
                 lift
                 up
                 thy
                 eys
                 towards
                 heaven
                 ,
                 nor
                 be
                 reckoned
                 among
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 nor
                 come
                 to
                 his
                 Table
                 here
                 below
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 be
                 thou
                 as
                 vile
                 as
                 thou
                 canst
                 in
                 thine
                 own
                 eys
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   shalt
                   enter
                   with
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   into
                   the
                   Marriage
                   Feast
                   ,
                
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 coming
                 .
                 O
                 admire
                 this
                 Love
                 !
                 the
                 Lord
                 help
                 poor
                 weak
                 creatures
                 unbelief
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 admire
                 it
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 admit
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 I
                 ?
                 such
                 a
                 vile
                 creature
                 ?
                 such
                 a
                 grieving
                 creature
                 to
                 his
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 once
                 pitched
                 his
                 heart
                 upon
                 to
                 love
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 this
                 feast
                 :
                 Saith
                 
                   Mephihosheth
                   ,
                   What
                   is
                   thy
                   servant
                   ,
                   thou
                   shouldest
                   look
                   upon
                   such
                   a
                   dead
                
                 
                 
                   dog
                   as
                   I
                   ?
                   &c.
                
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 Glory
                 ,
                 or
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 
                 into
                 which
                 the
                 Saints
                 enter
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 an
                 invitation
                 then
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 to
                 this
                 Feast
                 ,
                 this
                 Marriage
                 :
                 
                   Wisdom
                   hath
                   builded
                   her
                   house
                   ,
                   hewn
                   out
                   seven
                   Pillars
                   ,
                   killed
                   her
                   beast
                   ,
                   mingled
                   her
                   wine
                   ,
                   made
                   it
                   ready
                   ,
                   a
                   cup
                   of
                
                 
                 mixture
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   cup
                   made
                   ready
                   ,
                   and
                   now
                   sends
                   forth
                   her
                   Maidens
                   to
                   cry
                   ,
                   turn
                   in
                   ye
                   simple
                   ones
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 uncircumsicion
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 the
                 Messngers
                 may
                 not
                 hinder
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 doth
                 invite
                 you
                 sinners
                 to
                 this
                 feast
                 .
                 he
                 would
                 fain
                 have
                 his
                 Table
                 full
                 of
                 guests
                 ,
                 how
                 welcome
                 would
                 he
                 make
                 man
                 ,
                 woman
                 ,
                 and
                 child
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 but
                 come
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 cast
                 out
                 none
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 in
                 
                 any
                 wise
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 told
                 you
                 sometime
                 from
                 the
                 Text.
                 But
                 for
                 the
                 better
                 understanding
                 of
                 this
                 Exhortation
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 note
                 two
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 little
                 further
                 press
                 it
                 upon
                 us
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 That
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 invite
                 you
                 to
                 this
                 Feast
                 ,
                 this
                 Marriage
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 continuing
                 such
                 as
                 you
                 are
                 ,
                 in
                 your
                 blood
                 and
                 uncleanness
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 do
                 first
                 invite
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 you
                 may
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ;
                 your
                 union
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 must
                 begin
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 end
                 in
                 heaven
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 communion
                 here
                 is
                 two-fold
                 ,
                 though
                 both
                 spiritual
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 internal
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 external
                 ;
                 internal
                 ,
                 a
                 fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 Father
                 in
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 a
                 fellowship
                 with
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 dye
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 condemnation
                 .
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 this
                 Marriage-Feast
                 for
                 his
                 Son
                 in
                 heaven
                 filled
                 with
                 Goal
                 Birds
                 ,
                 condemned
                 creatures
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 their
                 bolts
                 and
                 fetters
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 nastiness
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 evil
                 savour
                 of
                 their
                 sins
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 their
                 prison
                 cloaths
                 ,
                 their
                 rags
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 exactest
                 righteousness
                 that
                 ever
                 creature
                 performed
                 .
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 first
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 have
                 these
                 bolts
                 knockt
                 off
                 ,
                 He
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 looseth
                 the
                 prisoners
                 ;
                 you
                 must
                 first
                 have
                 your
                 ●ilthy
                 garments
                 taken
                 away
                 from
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 robed
                 with
                 the
                 royal
                 apparrel
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 is
                 put
                 upon
                 them
                 whom
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Heaven
                 delights
                 to
                 honour
                 with
                 so
                 near
                 an
                 aporoach
                 to
                 himself
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 you
                 must
                 have
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 his
                 Oyntments
                 anointing
                 
                 ●our
                 head
                 ,
                 his
                 Spirit
                 poured
                 out
                 upon
                 you
                 first
                 brethren
                 ;
                 as
                 they
                 used
                 to
                 annoint
                 their
                 heads
                 with
                 sweet
                 oyl
                 at
                 their
                 seasts
                 ,
                 
                 before
                 you
                 can
                 come
                 to
                 that
                 feast
                 ,
                 sinners
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 think
                 you
                 shall
                 croud
                 into
                 heaven
                 in
                 the
                 condition
                 you
                 are
                 in
                 ;
                 but
                 be
                 perswaded
                 in
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 first
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 your
                 hands
                 and
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 washed
                 in
                 innocency
                 it self
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 spotless
                 Lamb
                 ,
                 else
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 entrance
                 for
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 (
                 2.
                 )
                 There
                 is
                 an
                 external
                 communion
                 also
                 ,
                 which
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 but
                 a
                 profession
                 may
                 have
                 :
                 eating
                 the
                 spiritual
                 bread
                 ,
                 and
                 drinking
                 the
                 Sacramental
                 feast
                 brethren
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Saints
                 ought
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 ,
                 have
                 communion
                 with
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 will
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 come
                 again
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 indifferent
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                 
                   Do
                   this
                   in
                   remembrance
                   of
                   me
                
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 you
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 ye
                 keep
                 in
                 remembrance
                 the
                 Lord
                 his
                 death
                 until
                 he
                 come
                 ;
                 Now
                 brethren
                 we
                 do
                 immediatly
                 invite
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 washed
                 and
                 cleansed
                 through
                 faith
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ▪
                 and
                 have
                 your
                 hearts
                 purified
                 by
                 faith
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 this
                 Sacramental
                 Communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 and
                 pledge
                 of
                 this
                 Marriage-feast
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 as
                 plainly
                 our
                 Saviour
                 tels
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   w●ll
                   hence●o●th
                   drink
                   no
                   more
                   of
                   this
                   fruit
                   of
                   the
                   Vine
                   ,
                   until
                   I
                   drink
                   it
                   new
                   with
                   you
                   in
                   my
                   Fathers
                   Kingdom
                   .
                
                 Well
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 your
                 now
                 coming
                 in
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 take
                 up
                 your
                 room
                 in
                 your
                 places
                 before
                 hand
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 in
                 his
                 heavenly
                 Kingdom
                 :
                 In
                 which
                 respect
                 the
                 Saints
                 now
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 sit
                 together
                 in
                 heavenly
                 places
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 hereby
                 you
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 have
                 fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 in
                 his
                 Resurrection
                 and
                 Ascention
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Work
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 prepare
                 a
                 place
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 (
                 and
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 to
                 keep
                 it
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 one
                 sweetly
                 expresseth
                 it
                 wri●ing
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 every
                 ones
                 name
                 over
                 his
                 Mansion
                 ,
                 over
                 his
                 Place
                 ,
                 even
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 blood
                 ,
                 that
                 none
                 shall
                 take
                 it
                 from
                 them
                 over
                 their
                 heads
                 :
                 If
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 prepared
                 not
                 a
                 place
                 for
                 you
                 
                 in
                 heaven
                 now
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 no
                 room
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 .
              
               
                 Therefore
                 now
                 brethren
                 ,
                 Let
                 me
                 press
                 this
                 Exhortation
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 now
                 ,
                 even
                 now
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 ●s
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 voyce
                 brethren
                 that
                 speaks
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 your
                 ears
                 were
                 bored
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 the
                 fatted
                 Calf
                 is
                 killed
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 Crucified
                 for
                 sinners
                 ,
                 the
                 Wine
                 is
                 mingled
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 ready
                 ,
                 there
                 wants
                 nothing
                 now
                 but
                 your
                 coming
                 to
                 Dine
                 and
                 
                 Sup
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 yea
                 ,
                 indeed
                 but
                 your
                 opening
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 
                 he
                 knocks
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 feast
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 bring
                 his
                 royal
                 dainties
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 wine
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 his
                 Royal
                 Wine
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 wine
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 but
                 open
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 O
                 do
                 not
                 
                   nectere
                   moras
                
                 now
                 ;
                 can
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 find
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 blood
                 poured
                 out
                 ,
                 to
                 become
                 royal
                 Wine
                 indeed
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 spirits
                 ,
                 sweet
                 and
                 cordial
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 fainting
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 his
                 own
                 flesh
                 to
                 eat
                 ?
                 which
                 is
                 bread
                 indeed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 virtually
                 all
                 dainties
                 :
                 therefore
                 the
                 Scripture
                 setteth
                 it
                 forth
                 by
                 Wine
                 and
                 Milk
                 ,
                 and
                 Honey
                 ,
                 and
                 Bread
                 ,
                 and
                 Marrow
                 ,
                 and
                 Fatness
                 ,
                 the
                 fat
                 of
                 the
                 Kidni●s
                 of
                 the
                 Wheat
                 ,
                 by
                 Apples
                 and
                 Flagons
                 :
                 Is
                 he
                 willing
                 ▪
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Feast
                 to
                 be
                 fed
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 not
                 come
                 ?
                 O
                 therefore
                 come
                 where
                 the
                 Carkass
                 is
                 ;
                 follow
                 not
                 your
                 Carrion
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 the
                 stir●king
                 loathsome
                 delights
                 and
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 for
                 a
                 season
                 :
                 
                   Be
                   ye
                   no
                   more
                   drunk
                   with
                   wine
                   ,
                   but
                   be
                   ye
                   filled
                   with
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 be
                 Inebriated
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 read
                 it
                 ;
                 abundantly
                 satisfied
                 with
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 his
                 House
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 flowings
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 towards
                 you
                 poor
                 sinners
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 me
                 thinketh
                 now
                 I
                 hear
                 the
                 returns
                 that
                 sinners
                 make
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 this
                 invitation
                 ;
                 say
                 some
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 a
                 feast
                 already
                 ,
                 
                   Stoln
                   waters
                   are
                   sweet
                   ,
                   and
                   bread
                   eaten
                   in
                   secret
                   is
                   pleasant
                   ,
                
                 
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 forsake
                 these
                 delights
                 we
                 have
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 for
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 ?
                 Ah
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 you
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 the
                 language
                 of
                 your
                 hearts
                 .
                 If
                 you
                 mouths
                 were
                 not
                 much
                 out
                 of
                 taste
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 never
                 judge
                 sin
                 a
                 sweet
                 thing
                 ;
                 a
                 poor
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 hath
                 his
                 taste
                 healed
                 ,
                 though
                 but
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 he
                 drinketh
                 nothing
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 so
                 bitter
                 to
                 him
                 as
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 goeth
                 down
                 so
                 merr●ly
                 with
                 many
                 .
                 Were
                 not
                 the
                 
                 Israelites
                 mouths
                 much
                 out
                 of
                 taste
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 preferred
                 their
                 Onions
                 and
                 Garlick
                 ,
                 stinking
                 things
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 before
                 their
                 sweet
                 ,
                 their
                 heavenly
                 Manna
                 ,
                 their
                 Angels
                 bread
                 ,
                 fit
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
                 or
                 which
                 came
                 by
                 their
                 Ministry
                 .
              
               
                 (
                 2.
                 )
                 Remember
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 sweet
                 to
                 the
                 taste
                 ,
                 it
                 turns
                 to
                 bitterest
                 gall
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Wise
                 man
                 speaks
                 of
                 wine
                 that
                 moveth
                 it self
                 aright
                 ,
                 it
                 sparkles
                 ,
                 is
                 lovely
                 ,
                 sweet
                 to
                 the
                 taste
                 ,
                 at
                 last
                 it
                 biteth
                 like
                 a
                 Serpent
                 ,
                 and
                 stingeth
                 like
                 an
                 Ad●er
                 .
                 
                 Behold
                 such
                 are
                 all
                 the
                 delights
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 whether
                 you
                 believe
                 it
                 or
                 no
                 now
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 feel
                 it
                 after
                 a
                 little
                 season
                 ,
                 for
                 
                 your
                 pleasures
                 are
                 but
                 for
                 a
                 season
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 you
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 thus
                 excuse
                 himself
                 for
                 coming
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 Shall
                 you
                 change
                 for
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 ?
                 Indeed
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 know
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   eye
                   hath
                   not
                   seen
                   ,
                   nor
                   ear
                   heard
                   ,
                   neither
                   can
                   it
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   man
                   to
                   conceive
                   ,
                
                 before
                 he
                 hath
                 had
                 experience
                 of
                 it
                 himself
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 might
                 but
                 perswade
                 you
                 brethren
                 
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 tryal
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 find
                 one
                 days
                 communion
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 be
                 not
                 worth
                 a
                 thousand
                 with
                 your
                 companions
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 then
                 believe
                 not
                 this
                 Gospel
                 any
                 more
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 sweetness
                 indeed
                 in
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 wordly
                 Pallate
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 drink
                 ,
                 golden
                 drink
                 do
                 poor
                 Earth-worms
                 drink
                 ?
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 their
                 Nectar
                 .
                 Believe
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 but
                 bring
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 your
                 mouths
                 to
                 the
                 wounds
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 set
                 your
                 mouths
                 to
                 the
                 sweet
                 promises
                 of
                 pardoning
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 purging
                 mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 from
                 them
                 strong
                 consolation
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 the
                 other
                 but
                 Gall
                 and
                 Wormwood
                 to
                 you
                 .
                 O
                 let
                 them
                 perish
                 ,
                 saith
                 Galeac
                 .
                 and
                 his
                 money
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 preferreth
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 before
                 an
                 hours
                 communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 therefore
                 do
                 not
                 excuse
                 your selves
                 with
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   bought
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   cannot
                   come
                   ,
                
                 I
                 
                 have
                 so
                 many
                 Custodiums
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 mind
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 so
                 much
                 to
                 do
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 minded
                 .
                 A
                 poor
                 ditch-water
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 preferred
                 before
                 this
                 Wine
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 will
                 dross
                 and
                 dung
                 ,
                 meat
                 and
                 husks
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 Swines
                 meat
                 ,
                 nourish
                 your
                 souls
                 to
                 eternal
                 life
                 ?
                 make
                 as
                 much
                 account
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 as
                 you
                 will
                 ,
                 to
                 slight
                 now
                 the
                 matters
                 of
                 eternity
                 ,
                 time
                 will
                 come
                 when
                 you
                 would
                 give
                 all
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 your
                 labours
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 a
                 thousand
                 times
                 more
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 sight
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 one
                 taste
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 one
                 hours
                 communion
                 withhim
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 go
                 hence
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 .
              
               
                 Alas
                 ,
                 But
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 the
                 vilest
                 filthy
                 creature
                 ,
                 lame
                 ,
                 and
                 blind
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 all
                 my
                 life
                 time
                 been
                 feeding
                 with
                 Swine
                 upon
                 husks
                 ,
                 and
                 swill
                 ,
                 and
                 trash
                 ,
                 these
                 delights
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 O
                 my
                 days
                 are
                 consumed
                 in
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 doth
                 he
                 invite
                 such
                 as
                 I
                 ?
                 and
                 may
                 I
                 come
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 find
                 the
                 poor
                 ,
                 lame
                 ,
                 and
                 blind
                 from
                 the
                 hedges
                 and
                 high-ways
                 side
                 were
                 invited
                 to
                 his
                 feast
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 come
                 but
                 to
                 
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 open
                 the
                 eys
                 of
                 the
                 blind
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 eye●alve
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 legs
                 to
                 the
                 lame
                 ,
                 and
                 cloathing
                 
                 to
                 the
                 naked
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 but
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 put
                 on
                 Christ
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 other
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 (
                 which
                 will
                 abide
                 upon
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 Gods
                 people
                 in
                 part
                 )
                 that
                 can
                 exclude
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 cast
                 us
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 the
                 wedding
                 Garment
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 well
                 furnished
                 
                 otherwise
                 as
                 he
                 thinketh
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 come
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Feast
                 is
                 made
                 for
                 such
                 as
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 invited
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 simple
                 ,
                 the
                 man
                 void
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 the
                 sinner
                 ,
                 for
                 sin
                 is
                 folly
                 in
                 Scripture-phrase
                 ;
                 you
                 are
                 invited
                 to
                 turn
                 in
                 this
                 
                 day
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 which
                 is
                 begun
                 here
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 end
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 therefore
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 .
              
               
                 Ah
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 such
                 appetite
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 to
                 hunger
                 and
                 thirst
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 invited
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 an
                 appetite
                 ?
                 what
                 shall
                 they
                 do
                 there
                 ?
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 thou
                 hast
                 no
                 great
                 appetite
                 ,
                 until
                 thou
                 hast
                 more
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 any
                 :
                 And
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 hast
                 no
                 appetite
                 ,
                 if
                 thov
                 hast
                 never
                 been
                 with
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 hast
                 so
                 long
                 lived
                 upon
                 trash
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 takes
                 away
                 the
                 stomack
                 to
                 the
                 sweetest
                 and
                 wholsomest
                 food
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 .
                 But
                 withal
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 who
                 ever
                 will
                 ,
                 is
                 invited
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 freely
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 dost
                 not
                 find
                 ,
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 
                 such
                 a
                 strong
                 desire
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 breaking
                 of
                 soul
                 for
                 longing
                 ;
                 but
                 hast
                 thou
                 a
                 Will
                 ?
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 have
                 his
                 body
                 ,
                 this
                 meat
                 indeed
                 ;
                 this
                 blood
                 ,
                 this
                 drink
                 indeed
                 ;
                 this
                 wine
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 begin
                 this
                 Feast
                 ,
                 this
                 Marriage-feast
                 upon
                 earth
                 ;
                 why
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 take
                 him
                 then
                 ?
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 it
                 freely
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 this
                 might
                 be
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 to
                 many
                 of
                 your
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   you
                   might
                   become
                   a
                
                 
                 
                   willing
                   people
                
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 him
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 terms
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 begin
                 your
                 heaven
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 your
                 communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 will
                 but
                 add
                 one
                 word
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   It
                   is
                   no
                   indifferent
                   thing
                   ,
                   whether
                   you
                   close
                   with
                   this
                   invitation
                   or
                   no
                   ?
                
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 necessity
                 lies
                 upon
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 
                   the
                   Marriage-feast
                
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 resolve
                 upon
                 it
                 to
                 perish
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 
                   God
                   he
                   was
                   wroth
                   ,
                   and
                   sent
                   forth
                   his
                   armies
                   to
                   destroy
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 Ah
                 what
                 gnashing
                 of
                 teeth
                 will
                 there
                 be
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 in
                 hell
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 they
                 shall
                 see
                 their
                 neighbours
                 ,
                 who
                 heard
                 this
                 Gospel
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   sit
                   down
                   with
                   Abraham
                   ,
                   Isaac
                   and
                   Jacob
                   at
                   the
                   table
                   of
                   Christ
                   in
                   his
                   kingdom
                   ,
                   and
                   themselves
                   cast
                   out
                   !
                
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                 
                 I
                 beg
                 for
                 you
                 a
                 believing
                 heart
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 either
                 feast
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 starve
                 for
                 ever
                 with
                 Satan
                 and
                 his
                 Angels
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 not
                 a
                 drop
                 will
                 be
                 had
                 to
                 cool
                 your
                 tongues
                 ;
                 now
                 flagons
                 
                 are
                 tendered
                 you
                 ,
                 now
                 wine
                 and
                 milk
                 without
                 money
                 and
                 price
                 ,
                 now
                 rivers
                 of
                 pleasures
                 at
                 Gods
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 is
                 promised
                 you
                 ,
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 cometh
                 a
                 begging
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 Ah
                 then
                 ,
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 shall
                 you
                 beg
                 for
                 a
                 drop
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 have
                 it
                 ;
                 rivers
                 of
                 burning
                 brimstone
                 will
                 be
                 your
                 bathing
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 swallowed
                 up
                 of
                 those
                 rivers
                 of
                 pleasures
                 at
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 ;
                 then
                 will
                 you
                 be
                 chewing
                 upon
                 your
                 gall
                 and
                 wormwood
                 ,
                 then
                 will
                 you
                 be
                 breaking
                 your
                 teeth
                 upon
                 your
                 gravel
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Saints
                 are
                 drinking
                 this
                 new
                 wine
                 in
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 their
                 Father
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Ah
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 now
                 your
                 good
                 things
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 your
                 eyes
                 stand
                 out
                 with
                 fatness
                 ,
                 you
                 spend
                 a
                 world
                 upon
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 live
                 like
                 Epicures
                 ,
                 wantonizing
                 in
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 your
                 enjoyments
                 ;
                 how
                 woful
                 will
                 that
                 sentence
                 be
                 !
                 
                   Son
                   ,
                   remember
                   ,
                   thou
                   in
                   thy
                   life
                   time
                   hadst
                   thy
                   good
                   things
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   now
                   thou
                   art
                   tormented
                
                 ;
                 hadst
                 thy
                 wine
                 and
                 drinking
                 unto
                 drunkenness
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 stings
                 of
                 it
                 abide
                 upon
                 thee
                 ;
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 their
                 worst
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 best
                 kept
                 until
                 the
                 last
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 your
                 consolation
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wine
                 of
                 astonishment
                 
                 will
                 be
                 your
                 portion
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 .
                 Therefore
                 take
                 your
                 choice
                 brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 set
                 life
                 and
                 death
                 before
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 consider
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   will
                   you
                   escape
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   neglect
                   this
                   great
                   salvation
                   ?
                
                 you
                 may
                 now
                 be
                 received
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 door
                 stands
                 open
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 alway
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 you
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 you
                 answer
                 it
                 another
                 day
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 now
                 trample
                 under
                 foot
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 precious
                 offers
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 though
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 and
                 mouth
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 worm
                 like
                 your selves
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   as
                   many
                   as
                   have
                   received
                   power
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   believe
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                
                 and
                 so
                 are
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 this
                 Marriage-supper
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 to
                 inward
                 fellowship
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 Graces
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 merits
                 of
                 his
                 death
                 and
                 resurrection
                 ,
                 
                   labour
                   brethren
                   ,
                   to
                   prepare
                   your selves
                   for
                   this
                   Feast
                   in
                   heaven
                   ,
                   by
                   feeding
                   heartily
                   upon
                   these
                   dainties
                   upon
                   earth
                
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 men
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 their
                 stomacks
                 are
                 extended
                 
                 usually
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 they
                 will
                 receive
                 ;
                 surely
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 in
                 spirituals
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 a
                 soul
                 feeds
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 abundantly
                 he
                 drinketh
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 may
                 ,
                 it
                 enlargeth
                 the
                 desires
                 ;
                 Hitherto
                 (
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 )
                 
                   you
                   have
                   asked
                   nothing
                
                 ,
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 ;
                 
                   Ask
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   receive
                   ,
                   that
                   your
                   joy
                   may
                   be
                   full
                
                 ;
                 
                 the
                 more
                 abundantly
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 satisfied
                 with
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 will
                 the
                 mouth
                 be
                 opened
                 to
                 receive
                 ;
                 now
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 capacities
                 do
                 enlarge
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 fitter
                 are
                 we
                 for
                 this
                 Marriage-feast
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 table
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 sign
                 and
                 pledge
                 of
                 that
                 Marriage-feast
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 mouths
                 opened
                 ,
                 souls
                 enlarged
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 cometh
                 hungry
                 ,
                 will
                 hardly
                 go
                 away
                 without
                 his
                 fill
                 ;
                 we
                 come
                 with
                 narrow
                 hearts
                 ,
                 mouths
                 half-opened
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 go
                 away
                 with
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   should
                   much
                   edge
                   our
                   desires
                   after
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   glory
                   that
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   revealed
                   :
                
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 feast
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 a
                 Feast
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 hungry
                 and
                 pinching
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 backward
                 are
                 we
                 for
                 heaven
                 ?
                 how
                 do
                 we
                 hang
                 back
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 we
                 have
                 little
                 desire
                 after
                 that
                 fulness
                 of
                 communion
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 can
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 by
                 the
                 pipe
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 rivers
                 ,
                 the
                 ocean
                 of
                 unspeakable
                 delights
                 in
                 the
                 Lord.
                 O
                 therefore
                 brethren
                 ,
                 eye
                 heaven
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 Marriage-feast
                 ;
                 the
                 eye
                 affecteth
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 not
                 appear
                 distinctly
                 what
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 ,
                 yet
                 some
                 hints
                 are
                 given
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 may
                 conceive
                 how
                 transcendent
                 the
                 delights
                 of
                 heaven
                 will
                 be
                 above
                 all
                 we
                 enjoy
                 below
                 .
                 What
                 Solomon
                 dehorts
                 men
                 from
                 as
                 an
                 occasion
                 of
                 lusting
                 after
                 wine
                 ;
                 
                   look
                   not
                   upon
                   the
                   wine
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   red
                   ,
                   when
                   it
                   giveh
                   his
                   colour
                   in
                   the
                   cup
                   ,
                
                 moves
                 it self
                 aright
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 sparkles
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 hath
                 a
                 pure
                 colour
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 look
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 be
                 enticed
                 by
                 it
                 .
                 But
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 feast
                 of
                 wine
                 ,
                 of
                 new
                 wine
                 ,
                 more
                 excellent
                 ,
                 transcendent
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 spirits
                 and
                 vigour
                 ;
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 brethren
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 serious
                 contemplation
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 behold
                 how
                 it
                 sparkles
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 spirit
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 wine
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
                 maketh
                 the
                 Spirits
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 to
                 exult
                 ,
                 and
                 triumph
                 in
                 his
                 glorious
                 praise
                 ,
                 a
                 duty
                 so
                 far
                 above
                 our
                 cold
                 and
                 heavy
                 frames
                 here
                 below
                 .
                 O
                 methinks
                 this
                 should
                 somewhat
                 quicken
                 
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 raise
                 our
                 desires
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 drinking
                 this
                 wine
                 new
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 that
                 here
                 we
                 drink
                 only
                 sacramentally
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 deceitful
                 meats
                 ,
                 your
                 expectations
                 cannot
                 be
                 so
                 high
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 abundantly
                 more
                 to
                 admire
                 .
              
               
                 Fifth
                 Use
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 and
                 encouragement
                 to
                 the
                 
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 necessities
                 of
                 their
                 various
                 conditions
                 ,
                 if
                 so
                 be
                 that
                 the
                 Saints
                 shall
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 unto
                 the
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 unto
                 this
                 Feast
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   Here
                   is
                   matter
                   of
                   encouragement
                   against
                   the
                   troubles
                   and
                   afflictions
                   the
                   Saints
                   meet
                   with
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   world
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 wherein
                 at
                 present
                 the
                 world
                 smiles
                 upon
                 Religion
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 like
                 the
                 Crocodiles
                 smiles
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 devour
                 them
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 yea
                 indeed
                 ,
                 her
                 very
                 embraces
                 are
                 killing
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 times
                 should
                 but
                 turn
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 world
                 still
                 ,
                 it
                 hates
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 would
                 discover
                 it self
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 more
                 plainly
                 then
                 now
                 it
                 doth
                 ;
                 the
                 times
                 will
                 not
                 bear
                 hostility
                 against
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 but
                 suppose
                 such
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 temptation
                 may
                 come
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 this
                 may
                 encourage
                 us
                 against
                 it
                 (
                 brethren
                 )
                 :
                 What
                 though
                 the
                 world
                 may
                 give
                 you
                 gall
                 and
                 vinegar
                 to
                 drink
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 before
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 now
                 going
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 of
                 new
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 with
                 
                 him
                 at
                 his
                 Table
                 in
                 the
                 Fathers
                 kingdom
                 to
                 eternity
                 .
                 Indeed
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 refreshing
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 in
                 this
                 Feast
                 of
                 wine
                 on
                 the
                 lees
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 poor
                 and
                 dark
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 allay
                 the
                 bitterest
                 cup
                 which
                 God
                 puts
                 into
                 his
                 peoples
                 hands
                 to
                 drink
                 ;
                 witness
                 this
                 comfortable
                 Prophesie
                 ,
                 
                   Though
                   you
                   have
                   the
                   bread
                   of
                   afflictions
                   ,
                   and
                   water
                   of
                   adversities
                   ,
                   yet
                   will
                   I
                   not
                   remove
                   your
                   Teachers
                   any
                   more
                   into
                   a
                   corner
                   ;
                   give
                   wine
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 
                 Prov.
                 31.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   This
                   will
                   sweeten
                   all
                
                 ;
                 one
                 taste
                 of
                 honey
                 and
                 sweetness
                 at
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 Rod
                 ,
                 (
                 and
                 all
                 wicked
                 men
                 are
                 but
                 Gods
                 rod
                 to
                 chasten
                 his
                 people
                 )
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 taste
                 enlightneth
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 reviveth
                 the
                 poor
                 drooping
                 fainting
                 soul
                 ;
                 Ah
                 what
                 are
                 the
                 
                 joys
                 of
                 Heaven
                 then
                 !
                 Again
                 ,
                 suppose
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 persecution
                 for
                 righteousness
                 sake
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 for
                 thy
                 sins
                 that
                 thou
                 smartest
                 ;
                 yet
                 this
                 brethren
                 ,
                 methinks
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 
                 were
                 more
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 would
                 allay
                 the
                 smart
                 ;
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 room
                 for
                 one
                 sigh
                 ,
                 nor
                 one
                 groan
                 more
                 ,
                 no
                 interruption
                 will
                 be
                 in
                 your
                 joy
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 suppose
                 it
                 be
                 sin
                 that
                 most
                 troubles
                 thee
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 bitter
                 thing
                 indeed
                 to
                 a
                 gracious
                 heart
                 :
                 O
                 remember
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 swallowing
                 up
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   encouragement
                   to
                   a
                   poor
                   soul
                   that
                   longs
                   ,
                   and
                   presseth
                   hard
                   after
                   a
                   fuller
                   communion
                   and
                   fellowship
                   with
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   cannot
                   reach
                   it
                
                 ;
                 but
                 still
                 let
                 them
                 attain
                 to
                 what
                 they
                 can
                 ,
                 their
                 desires
                 are
                 higher
                 ,
                 and
                 reaching
                 after
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 desire
                 
                 speaks
                 emptiness
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 hunger
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 hath
                 pain
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 restless
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 .
                 O
                 remember
                 brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 an
                 entrance
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 where
                 you
                 shall
                 ever
                 be
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 ever
                 drinking
                 with
                 him
                 this
                 new
                 wine
                 in
                 his
                 Fathers
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 at
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 :
                 suppose
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 that
                 to
                 satisfie
                 and
                 fill
                 thee
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 pipe
                 (
                 though
                 the
                 Conduits
                 run
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 be
                 a
                 feast
                 of
                 fat
                 things
                 )
                 still
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 more
                 ;
                 there
                 brethren
                 ,
                 your
                 desires
                 will
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 ,
                 your
                 enjoyments
                 will
                 be
                 above
                 your
                 desires
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 crucified
                 sitting
                 with
                 us
                 at
                 the
                 Table
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 reviving
                 of
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 quickly
                 loseth
                 that
                 poor
                 imperfect
                 glimpse
                 he
                 had
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 shall
                 thy
                 eye
                 be
                 satisfied
                 with
                 seeing
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 thine
                 ear
                 with
                 hearing
                 his
                 blessed
                 voice
                 :
                 there
                 shall
                 thy
                 soul
                 be
                 filled
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 alway
                 filled
                 ,
                 because
                 alway
                 swallowed
                 up
                 in
                 this
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   It
                   is
                   matter
                   of
                   encouragement
                   to
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   are
                   not
                   admitted
                   to
                   every
                   dish
                   ,
                   or
                   every
                   course
                   in
                   this
                   Feast
                   of
                   fat
                   things
                   ,
                   this
                   Marriage-feast
                   upon
                   earth
                
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 satisfied
                 in
                 some
                 ,
                 to
                 admit
                 them
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 have
                 received
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 appears
                 not
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 their
                 own
                 spirits
                 are
                 not
                 free
                 to
                 enjoy
                 them
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 way
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 the
                 places
                 where
                 they
                 live
                 ,
                 some
                 stumbling
                 block
                 or
                 other
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 cannot
                 get
                 over
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 mourn
                 after
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 cannot
                 enjoy
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 remove
                 all
                 stumbling
                 blocks
                 ,
                 and
                 help
                 his
                 people
                 so
                 to
                 prize
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 upon
                 every
                 slight
                 matter
                 to
                 be
                 kept
                 from
                 
                 them
                 :
                 but
                 suppose
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 come
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 thy
                 soul
                 longs
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 more
                 then
                 many
                 that
                 do
                 enjoy
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 couldst
                 without
                 sin
                 .
                 Be
                 of
                 good
                 comfort
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 lose
                 many
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 sitting
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 at
                 the
                 round
                 table
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 what
                 thou
                 losest
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 it
                 
                 be
                 meer
                 tenderness
                 of
                 Conscience
                 which
                 keepeth
                 thee
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 perverseness
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 sure
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 inward
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 otherwise
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 please
                 ,
                 supply
                 it
                 otherwise
                 ;
                 but
                 however
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 admitted
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 unto
                 the
                 Marriage-supper
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 make
                 amends
                 for
                 all
                 .
                 Though
                 far
                 be
                 it
                 from
                 me
                 to
                 strengthen
                 any
                 mans
                 hands
                 in
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 excuses
                 will
                 speak
                 loud
                 enough
                 for
                 us
                 in
                 Gods
                 ears
                 ,
                 whatever
                 they
                 do
                 in
                 mans
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 pipe
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 comfort
                 that
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 sea
                 ?
                 O
                 methinks
                 this
                 should
                 put
                 on
                 such
                 above
                 others
                 ,
                 make
                 a
                 vertue
                 of
                 necessity
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 long
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 mayst
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   serve
                   to
                   allay
                   the
                   bitterness
                   of
                   death
                   :
                
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 bitter
                 thing
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 bitter
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 ,
                 having
                 the
                 sting
                 of
                 sin
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 a
                 trap-door
                 ,
                 
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 to
                 let
                 them
                 sink
                 or
                 drop
                 into
                 the
                 everlasting
                 flames
                 ,
                 this
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 bitter
                 :
                 But
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 some
                 sort
                 bitter
                 also
                 ,
                 nature
                 is
                 dissolved
                 by
                 it
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 find
                 by
                 continual
                 experience
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 hanging
                 back
                 ;
                 But
                 methinks
                 ,
                 this
                 consideration
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   an
                   entrance
                   into
                   this
                   Marriage-feast
                   ,
                
                 should
                 much
                 sweeten
                 it
                 to
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God.
                 Our
                 Saviours
                 death
                 was
                 the
                 bitterest
                 that
                 ever
                 was
                 endured
                 ,
                 O
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 deadly
                 cup
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 was
                 it
                 that
                 sweetned
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 consideration
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 drink
                 this
                 new
                 wine
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 his
                 fathers
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 there
                 feast
                 with
                 him
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 
                   for
                   the
                   joy
                   that
                   was
                   set
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   he
                   endured
                   the
                   Cross
                
                 ;
                 so
                 brethren
                 ,
                 do
                 but
                 set
                 before
                 you
                 continually
                 this
                 joy
                 ,
                 this
                 pouring
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 
                 of
                 Christ
                 upon
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 those
                 immediate
                 ,
                 sincere
                 ;
                 full
                 ,
                 constant
                 ,
                 and
                 eternal
                 delights
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 in
                 the
                 light
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 it
                 swallow
                 not
                 up
                 the
                 bitterness
                 of
                 death
                 unto
                 you
                 ?
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
                 
                 —
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 Here
                 is
                 the
                 second
                 Consideration
                 of
                 
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 a
                 doleful
                 consideration
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 all
                 such
                 as
                 were
                 not
                 ready
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   the
                   door
                   was
                   shut
                
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 sence
                 of
                 shutting
                 the
                 door
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 I
                 suppose
                 is
                 easily
                 understood
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 an
                 entrance
                 is
                 denied
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 without
                 ;
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 they
                 that
                 were
                 within
                 ,
                 were
                 shut
                 in
                 by
                 the
                 shutting
                 of
                 the
                 door
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 conceive
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 thing
                 meant
                 here
                 ;
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 the
                 Verse
                 being
                 to
                 shew
                 the
                 different
                 end
                 of
                 a
                 believer
                 and
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ;
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 received
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 is
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 clapt
                 against
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Doctrine
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 sad
                 word
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   the
                   Gate
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   heaven
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   door
                   will
                   be
                   clapt
                   against
                   all
                   formal
                   Professors
                   ,
                   and
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   ready
                   to
                   enter
                   with
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 implied
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 words
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   that
                   were
                   ready
                   ,
                   entred
                   with
                   Christ
                   into
                   the
                   Marriage
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   door
                   was
                   shut
                
                 ;
                 upon
                 whom
                 ?
                 surely
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 not
                 ready
                 for
                 that
                 his
                 coming
                 ;
                 whatever
                 hopes
                 they
                 are
                 big
                 with
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 prove
                 abortive
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 door
                 of
                 entrance
                 into
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 outer
                 door
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 which
                 I
                 may
                 call
                 a
                 door
                 of
                 hope
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Hypocrite
                 hath
                 not
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 a
                 pinch
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 well-grounded
                 hope
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   wicked
                   is
                   driven
                   away
                   in
                   his
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   righteous
                   hath
                   hope
                   in
                   his
                   death
                   .
                
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 door
                 of
                 hope
                 
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 none
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
                 ;
                 but
                 his
                 hope
                 which
                 he
                 had
                 before
                 ,
                 many
                 times
                 at
                 death
                 ,
                 is
                 like
                 the
                 giving
                 up
                 of
                 the
                 Ghost
                 ;
                 
                 
                   without
                   are
                   dogs
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 either
                 filthy
                 persons
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 with
                 the
                 Dog
                 returneth
                 to
                 the
                 vomit
                 again
                 ,
                 after
                 their
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 vomiting
                 up
                 their
                 sweet
                 morsels
                 ;
                 such
                 as
                 with
                 the
                 Dog
                 are
                 sometimes
                 
                 sin-sick
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 to
                 vomit
                 up
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 their
                 stomacks
                 ,
                 but
                 return
                 to
                 it
                 again
                 with
                 delight
                 after
                 their
                 repentance
                 ,
                 and
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 prayers
                 ;
                 these
                 are
                 shut
                 out
                 .
                 Dogs
                 also
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 barking
                 ,
                 biting
                 ,
                 foul-mouth'd
                 ,
                 false
                 Teachers
                 ?
                 such
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 ,
                 
                   Beware
                   of
                   Dogs
                   ,
                   evil
                   workers
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                   concision
                
                 ;
                 beware
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 would
                 bring
                 in
                 the
                 
                 circumcision
                 as
                 necessary
                 to
                 Salvation
                 ;
                 beware
                 of
                 these
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Dogs
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 may
                 seem
                 never
                 so
                 zealous
                 and
                 holy
                 ,
                 have
                 a
                 sheep-skin
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Dogs
                 ,
                 and
                 Woolves
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   Sorcerers
                   ,
                   Whoremongers
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   Idolaters
                   ,
                   and
                   whosoever
                   loveth
                   and
                   maketh
                   a
                   lye
                   .
                
                 Why
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 Hypocrites
                 sure
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 down-right
                 profane
                 persons
                 ?
                 brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 live
                 in
                 these
                 sins
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 carry
                 a
                 fair
                 shew
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 
                   gate
                   shall
                   be
                   shut
                   against
                   them
                   ,
                
                 whoever
                 they
                 be
                 .
                 As
                 for
                 Adultery
                 ,
                 or
                 whoring
                 ,
                 though
                 men
                 be
                 not
                 guilty
                 of
                 the
                 outward
                 act
                 ,
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 heart-adultery
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 contemplative
                 wickedness
                 ?
                 against
                 which
                 Job
                 resolveth
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   made
                   a
                   Govenant
                   with
                   mine
                   eye
                   ,
                   why
                   should
                   I
                   think
                   upon
                   a
                   maid
                   ?
                   he
                   that
                   lusteth
                   after
                   her
                   beauty
                   in
                   the
                   heart
                   ,
                   commits
                
                 
                 
                   adultery
                   with
                   her
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 yea
                 brethren
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 spirits
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 and
                 oyl
                 of
                 sin
                 are
                 squeezed
                 out
                 ,
                 or
                 extracted
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 Limbeck
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 more
                 deadly
                 and
                 dangerous
                 ;
                 
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 eat
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 him
                 no
                 great
                 hurt
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 oyl
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 deadly
                 ,
                 haply
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Murtherer
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 many
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 Godliness
                 ,
                 never
                 imbrued
                 his
                 hands
                 in
                 blood
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 heart
                 hath
                 been
                 steeped
                 in
                 blood
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 envious
                 and
                 malicious
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 with
                 wishes
                 and
                 desires
                 of
                 revenge
                 and
                 malice
                 murther
                 and
                 bury
                 all
                 his
                 neighbours
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 make
                 no
                 pictures
                 of
                 Images
                 ,
                 or
                 fall
                 down
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 them
                 any
                 absolute
                 or
                 relative
                 worship
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 Idols
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 we
                 love
                 money
                 ,
                 are
                 covetous
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 idolatry
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 down
                 to
                 our
                 own
                 parts
                 ,
                 our
                 own
                 gifts
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 like
                 it
                 well
                 ;
                 these
                 brethren
                 ,
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 door
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 love
                 and
                 make
                 lyes
                 ,
                 though
                 officious
                 lyes
                 ,
                 to
                 help
                 others
                 ;
                 nothing
                 more
                 ordinary
                 in
                 mens
                 Callings
                 and
                 Shops
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 lye
                 ,
                 and
                 speak
                 falsly
                 for
                 a
                 little
                 advantage
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 have
                 a
                 colour
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 shew
                 of
                 Profession
                 ,
                 and
                 allow
                 themselves
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 
                   They
                   shall
                   be
                   shut
                   out
                
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 shall
                 be
                 clapt
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   many
                   shall
                   seek
                   to
                   enter
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   able
                   .
                
                 No
                 marvel
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Gate
                 is
                 not
                 only
                 strait
                 ,
                 but
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 strait
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 it
                 stands
                 open
                 in
                 mens
                 lives
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 strive
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 fall
                 short
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 this
                 strait
                 Gate
                 is
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 cannot
                 enter
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 proof
                 of
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 ;
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 stay
                 long
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 indeed
                 is
                 it
                 needful
                 ,
                 having
                 spoken
                 before
                 to
                 their
                 surprizal
                 .
              
               
                 Only
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 Point
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 confirm
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 some
                 short
                 application
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 our selves
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   the
                   unreadiness
                   
                   here
                   supposed
                   ?
                
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 against
                 them
                 that
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 ;
                 
                   And
                   then
                   the
                   shutting
                   of
                   the
                   door
                   ,
                
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 that
                 ?
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   is
                   meant
                   by
                   this
                   unreadiness
                   ?
                
                 I
                 hope
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 altogether
                 forgotten
                 what
                 was
                 spoken
                 lately
                 to
                 the
                 readiness
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 you
                 remember
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 easily
                 conceive
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 unready
                 ;
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 readiness
                 for
                 an
                 abundant
                 entrance
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 for
                 an
                 entrance
                 into
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 remember
                 they
                 were
                 such
                 things
                 as
                 these
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   There
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   pardon
                   of
                   a
                   mans
                   sins
                   ,
                   a
                   righteousness
                   of
                   faith
                   in
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   else
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   never
                   ready
                
                 ;
                 Every
                 
                 unbeliever
                 therefore
                 is
                 unready
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 be
                 as
                 specious
                 in
                 his
                 shews
                 and
                 pretences
                 as
                 he
                 may
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 unready
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 his
                 sins
                 condemned
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Joh.
                 3.
                 
                 And
                 though
                 the
                 Gate
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 Grace
                 ●●and
                 open
                 for
                 sinners
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Gate
                 of
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 whereby
                 an
                 entrance
                 is
                 made
                 into
                 Glory
                 ,
                 stands
                 not
                 open
                 to
                 any
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 have
                 the
                 robes
                 of
                 their
                 elder
                 Brother
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 
                 upon
                 them
                 .
                 Ah
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 word
                 is
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   shall
                   die
                   in
                   your
                   sins
                
                 ;
                 then
                 surely
                 brethren
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   door
                   will
                   be
                   shut
                   against
                   them
                   .
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   There
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   dying
                   to
                   sin
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   a
                   pardon
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   before
                   we
                   can
                   be
                   ready
                
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 ;
                 the
                 roots
                 must
                 be
                 withered
                 before
                 the
                 wall
                 be
                 tumbled
                 down
                 ;
                 therefore
                 every
                 unmortified
                 man
                 or
                 woman
                 is
                 unready
                 .
                 Hear
                 this
                 word
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 ye
                 whose
                 Lusts
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 their
                 full
                 strength
                 ,
                 your
                 pride
                 and
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 sensoriousness
                 ,
                 your
                 looseness
                 and
                 wantonness
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   that
                   walk
                   with
                   a
                   froward
                   mouth
                   ,
                   and
                   perverse
                   lips
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   whose
                   hearts
                   devise
                   mischief
                   ,
                   whose
                   feet
                   make
                   haste
                   to
                   do
                   evil
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 ill
                 sign
                 that
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 is
                 mortified
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 an
                 abomination
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 speaks
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 not
                 clap
                 the
                 door
                 against
                 all
                 such
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ?
                 
                   no
                   evil
                   can
                   dwell
                   with
                
                 
                 God.
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 cherish
                 that
                 old
                 man
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 rub
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 chafe
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 pour
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 strong
                 drink
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   aqua
                   vitae
                
                 ,
                 and
                 spirits
                 into
                 him
                 ;
                 by
                 your
                 meditations
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 lustful
                 ,
                 proud
                 ,
                 passionate
                 thoughts
                 nourish
                 your
                 sins
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 blow
                 up
                 the
                 coal
                 into
                 a
                 flame
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 far
                 from
                 mortifying
                 your
                 lusts
                 :
                 instead
                 of
                 bringing
                 water
                 and
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 kill
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 you
                 bring
                 to
                 the
                 
                 flame
                 :
                 well
                 ,
                 all
                 unmortified
                 persons
                 are
                 unready
                 ,
                 let
                 our
                 profession
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 will
                 be
                 clapt
                 upon
                 such
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 altogether
                 unmortified
                 ,
                 have
                 done
                 nothing
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 mortified
                 as
                 he
                 should
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 for
                 some
                 acts
                 may
                 cherish
                 sin
                 ,
                 use
                 the
                 bellows
                 to
                 the
                 fire
                 within
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 costs
                 him
                 bitterness
                 afterward
                 ;
                 he
                 liveth
                 not
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 course
                 :
                 If
                 he
                 do
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 for
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 jealous
                 of
                 himself
                 how
                 the
                 case
                 stands
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 unready
                 that
                 hath
                 no
                 real
                 holiness
                 put
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 without
                 it
                 
                   none
                   shall
                   see
                   God
                
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 his
                 
                   prima
                   facie
                
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 see
                 the
                 image
                 and
                 comeliness
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 
                 there
                 :
                 If
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 own
                 any
                 bastards
                 ,
                 any
                 supposititious
                 children
                 ,
                 changelings
                 that
                 Satan
                 laies
                 in
                 the
                 lap
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 rocks
                 in
                 the
                 Cradle
                 of
                 security
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 shut
                 the
                 door
                 against
                 them
                 .
                 This
                 real
                 holiness
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   conformity
                   to
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   our
                   understandings
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   light
                   as
                   he
                   is
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   darkness
                   in
                   him
                   .
                
                 In
                 our
                 wills
                 and
                 affections
                 ,
                 conformity
                 to
                 his
                 will
                 revealed
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 A
                 holy
                 disposition
                 of
                 heart
                 to
                 do
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 suffer
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 delight
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 which
                 occasioneth
                 our
                 grief
                 when
                 we
                 cannot
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 holiness
                 .
                 Hear
                 this
                 then
                 ye
                 that
                 never
                 mind
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 purblind
                 ignorant
                 creatures
                 ,
                 stubborn
                 rebellious
                 creatures
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 iron
                 sinnews
                 and
                 brazen
                 faces
                 ,
                 which
                 refuse
                 to
                 return
                 or
                 to
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 blazen
                 your
                 iniquities
                 before
                 you
                 continually
                 by
                 his
                 Heralds
                 ,
                 which
                 cry
                 aloud
                 ,
                 and
                 teach
                 Jacob
                 their
                 transgressions
                 ,
                 and
                 Israel
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 spare
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 spare
                 themselves
                 ,
                 yet
                 you
                 refuse
                 to
                 return
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 ashamed
                 to
                 conform
                 to
                 
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 you
                 never
                 were
                 brought
                 to
                 that
                 sweet
                 submissive
                 frame
                 of
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   what
                   wouldst
                   thou
                   have
                   me
                   to
                   do
                   ?
                
                 
                 Well
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 unready
                 ,
                 the
                 gate
                 will
                 be
                 clapt
                 against
                 thee
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 others
                 are
                 unready
                 ;
                 And
                 who
                 are
                 those
                 ?
                 Such
                 as
                 have
                 received
                 work
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   they
                   have
                   not
                   done
                   it
                   ,
                
                 men
                 of
                 no
                 action
                 for
                 Christ
                 ;
                 then
                 the
                 Apostle
                 was
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 their
                 work
                 he
                 gave
                 them
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 Christ
                 had
                 wrought
                 out
                 a
                 perfect
                 righteousness
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 went
                 up
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   the
                   world
                   seeth
                   him
                   no
                   more
                   ,
                
                 
                 and
                 this
                 the
                 Spirit
                 convinceth
                 the
                 world
                 of
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 done
                 that
                 work
                 perfectly
                 ,
                 heaven
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 held
                 him
                 :
                 Remember
                 
                 this
                 then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   unready
                   that
                   have
                   not
                   done
                   their
                   work
                   ,
                   whether
                   Magistrates
                   ,
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   or
                   private
                   people
                   :
                
                 He
                 giveth
                 to
                 his
                 servants
                 ,
                 some
                 five
                 talents
                 ,
                 some
                 ten
                 ,
                 some
                 two
                 ,
                 some
                 one
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 had
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 haply
                 out
                 of
                 envy
                 at
                 others
                 who
                 had
                 more
                 ,
                 or
                 dejection
                 and
                 discouragement
                 ,
                 or
                 thinking
                 he
                 had
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 could
                 do
                 little
                 good
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 hid
                 it
                 in
                 a
                 Napkin
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 not
                 trade
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 
                   was
                   the
                   gate
                   open
                   to
                   him
                   ?
                
                 No
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   wicked
                   and
                   sloathful
                   servant
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Master
                   to
                   him
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 is
                 cast
                 off
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   merchandise
                   os
                   wisdom
                   is
                   better
                   then
                   the
                   merchandise
                   of
                   silver
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   gain
                   thereof
                   then
                
                 
                 
                   fine
                   gold
                
                 :
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 gain
                 and
                 improvement
                 that
                 cometh
                 by
                 using
                 the
                 wisdom
                 and
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 the
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 which
                 God
                 giveth
                 us
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   the
                   tongue
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   is
                   as
                   choice
                   silver
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   lips
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                   feed
                   many
                   .
                
                 Do
                 we
                 do
                 our
                 work
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 
                 or
                 have
                 we
                 never
                 set
                 stroke
                 in
                 it
                 ?
                 God
                 hath
                 given
                 some
                 charge
                 of
                 souls
                 ,
                 how
                 little
                 have
                 they
                 done
                 in
                 it
                 ?
                 Masters
                 of
                 Families
                 have
                 the
                 charge
                 of
                 children
                 ,
                 of
                 servants
                 ,
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 nothing
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 gifts
                 and
                 parts
                 enough
                 for
                 every
                 thing
                 else
                 .
                 Well
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 such
                 shall
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 also
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 to
                 shew
                 you
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 sorts
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 likely
                 be
                 unready
                 in
                 some
                 ,
                 or
                 all
                 these
                 respects
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   such
                   as
                   trisle
                   away
                   their
                   time
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                
                 spending
                 their
                 strength
                 for
                 that
                 which
                 profiteth
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   labouring
                   for
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   meat
                   which
                   perisheth
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   not
                   endure
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   :
                
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 that
                 which
                 kept
                 them
                 from
                 coming
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 one
                 could
                 not
                 have
                 while
                 ,
                 another
                 could
                 not
                 have
                 while
                 :
                 a
                 man
                 cannot
                 have
                 two
                 treasures
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 had
                 two
                 hearts
                 ,
                 two
                 contrary
                 treasures
                 ,
                 earth
                 and
                 heaven
                 both
                 ;
                 and
                 
                   where
                   the
                   treasure
                   is
                   ,
                   there
                   will
                   the
                   heart
                   be
                   also
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                 while
                 men
                 are
                 so
                 altogether
                 taken
                 up
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 but
                 neglect
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 are
                 found
                 unready
                 .
                 ●et
                 worldlings
                 hear
                 this
                 word
                 and
                 tremble
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 others
                 be
                 likely
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 unready
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   are
                   the
                   men
                
                 .
                 Even
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 unready
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 world
                 likely
                 will
                 put
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 order
                 ,
                 off
                 the
                 hinges
                 ;
                 
                   take
                   heed
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   your
                   hearts
                   be
                   not
                   at
                   any
                   time
                   overcharged
                   with
                   the
                   cares
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                
                 because
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 time
                 but
                 that
                 day
                 may
                 overtake
                 
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 will
                 be
                 taken
                 unawares
                 ;
                 therefore
                 much
                 more
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 drowned
                 and
                 buried
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 be
                 unready
                 .
              
               
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Such
                   as
                   do
                   but
                   dally
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   eternity
                
                 ;
                 they
                 spend
                 themselves
                 and
                 their
                 strength
                 to
                 feed
                 a
                 formality
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 forth
                 broad
                 and
                 pleasant
                 leaves
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 all
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 repentance
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 great
                 works
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 ,
                 they
                 scarse
                 ever
                 meddle
                 with
                 them
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 they
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 here
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 opinions
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 flattering
                 parasite
                 Preachers
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 seared
                 and
                 daubed
                 up
                 ;
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 are
                 likely
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 unready
                 ,
                 none
                 in
                 more
                 danger
                 then
                 a
                 formal
                 professor
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Such
                   as
                   fail
                   in
                   the
                   midst
                   of
                   their
                   Christian
                   course
                   ,
                
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 these
                 Virgins
                 did
                 ;
                 usually
                 such
                 are
                 hardly
                 recovered
                 again
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 they
                 wandered
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 from
                 mountain
                 to
                 hill
                 ,
                 from
                 creature
                 to
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   the
                   unclean
                   spirit
                   is
                   gone
                   out
                   of
                   a
                
                 
                 man
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Such
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Laodiceans
                   ,
                   spised
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   mouth
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                
                 which
                 none
                 returneth
                 to
                 again
                 ;
                 the
                 Dog
                 returneth
                 to
                 
                 the
                 vomit
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 a
                 man
                 ;
                 our
                 time
                 is
                 fruitful
                 in
                 experiences
                 of
                 this
                 kind
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 here
                 shut
                 against
                 those
                 Virgins
                 which
                 failed
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 it
                 of
                 a
                 total
                 Apostacy
                 ,
                 not
                 partial
                 declinings
                 ;
                 such
                 the
                 Saints
                 themselves
                 had
                 ,
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 other
                 lost
                 all
                 ,
                 true
                 saving
                 grace
                 they
                 had
                 none
                 ,
                 their
                 form
                 ,
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 it
                 went
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 expect
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 their
                 Lord
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   door
                   is
                   shut
                
                 ,
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   that
                   an
                   entrance
                   into
                   heaven
                   is
                   denyed
                   unto
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   ready
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 mansion
                 made
                 ready
                 for
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 made
                 ready
                 for
                 these
                 mansions
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 door
                 into
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 beard
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   enter
                   ,
                   must
                   enter
                   in
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 have
                 access
                 by
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 shut
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 shut
                 up
                 his
                 bowels
                 and
                 tender
                 mercies
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 
                 opened
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 here
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 shut
                 up
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 compassion
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   when
                   they
                   cry
                   and
                   call
                   ,
                   shut
                   out
                   their
                   prayers
                
                 ;
                 they
                 have
                 clapt
                 the
                 door
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 and
                 lockt
                 them
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 will
                 he
                 shut
                 up
                 
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 lock
                 it
                 against
                 them
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 Time
                 was
                 when
                 the
                 Jews
                 might
                 have
                 found
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   shall
                   seek
                   
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   find
                   me
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   dye
                   in
                   your
                   sins
                   .
                
                 Indeed
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 door
                 may
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 a
                 man
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 after
                 Gods
                 waiting
                 upon
                 a
                 people
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   sware
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   wrath
                   ,
                   they
                   should
                   never
                   enter
                   into
                   his
                   rest
                   ,
                
                 which
                 was
                 a
                 type
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 those
                 that
                 were
                 invited
                 to
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   not
                   taste
                   of
                   my
                   dainties
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   worthy
                
                 ;
                 If
                 men
                 refuse
                 and
                 reject
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 either
                 professedly
                 or
                 in
                 practise
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 turn
                 the
                 key
                 of
                 heaven
                 gates
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 more
                 hope
                 for
                 
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Arguments
                 to
                 confirm
                 this
                 a
                 little
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   this
                   feast
                   in
                   heaven
                   admitteth
                   no
                   Guests
                   without
                   a
                   wedding
                   garment
                   ,
                   without
                   holiness
                   no
                   entrance
                   into
                   heaven
                   ,
                   no
                   man
                
                 
                 
                   shall
                   see
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   except
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   have
                   known
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   have
                   known
                   him
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   life
                   eternal
                   :
                
                 for
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 puts
                 them
                 together
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   know
                   that
                   we
                   know
                   him
                   ,
                   or
                   rather
                   are
                   known
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                
                 else
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 entrance
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   knoweth
                   no
                   man
                
                 ,
                 will
                 acknowledge
                 none
                 then
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 a
                 wedding-garment
                 here
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 administrations
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 ;
                 a
                 person
                 may
                 creep
                 into
                 the
                 feast
                 withont
                 the
                 wedding-garment
                 indeed
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 word
                 preached
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 distinguishing
                 Ordinances
                 men
                 may
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 haply
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 wedding-garment
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Matthew
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 shall
                 not
                 abide
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   bind
                   him
                   hand
                   and
                   foot
                   ,
                   and
                   cast
                   him
                   out
                
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 ●eaveth
                 the
                 admittance
                 
                 of
                 them
                 into
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 and
                 visible
                 communion
                 in
                 his
                 ordinances
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 judge
                 but
                 according
                 to
                 appearance
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 rules
                 of
                 charity
                 ;
                 yet
                 himself
                 cometh
                 and
                 vieweth
                 the
                 guests
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 fit
                 to
                 be
                 owned
                 as
                 the
                 guests
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 have
                 entrance
                 there
                 ,
                 he
                 whose
                 eyes
                 are
                 a
                 flame
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 or
                 like
                 it
                 ,
                 piercing
                 into
                 the
                 inwards
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 our
                 spirits
                 are
                 cloathed
                 with
                 .
                 And
                 if
                 he
                 takes
                 it
                 so
                 ill
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 creep
                 into
                 the
                 Communion
                 of
                 his
                 Saints
                 and
                 Ordinances
                 here
                 below
                 without
                 a
                 wedding-garment
                 ;
                 Surely
                 then
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 admit
                 any
                 to
                 this
                 feast
                 of
                 new
                 wine
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 without
                 such
                 a
                 wedding-garment
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Argument
                 or
                 Consideration
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 out
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   unready
                   shall
                   not
                   enter
                   ,
                
                 the
                 door
                 shall
                 be
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   they
                   have
                   neglected
                   ,
                   despised
                   the
                   
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   the
                   door
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   the
                   key
                   of
                   David
                   ,
                
                 and
                 openeth
                 
                 and
                 shutteth
                 ,
                 therefore
                 now
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 rejected
                 ;
                 the
                 door
                 hath
                 stood
                 open
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 long
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   the
                   day
                   long
                   hath
                   he
                   stretched
                   out
                   his
                   hands
                   to
                   a
                   rebellious
                   and
                   gain-saying
                   people
                   ;
                   he
                   would
                   have
                   gathered
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   would
                   not
                   ,
                
                 therefore
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 despise
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 have
                 despised
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 that
                 would
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 by
                 whom
                 alone
                 there
                 is
                 access
                 to
                 the
                 Father
                 and
                 to
                 this
                 glory
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 neither
                 ;
                 they
                 have
                 resisted
                 the
                 motions
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 offering
                 to
                 convince
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 resist
                 them
                 ,
                 clap
                 the
                 door
                 against
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   now
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   our
                   working
                   and
                   Gods
                   waiting
                   is
                   at
                   an
                   end
                
                 ;
                 God
                 hath
                 long
                 waited
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 end
                 of
                 waiting
                 ,
                 he
                 seeth
                 it
                 would
                 do
                 no
                 good
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 sinners
                 could
                 for
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 or
                 pain
                 ,
                 or
                 death
                 ,
                 hold
                 their
                 vanities
                 ,
                 keep
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 their
                 sweet
                 morsels
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 never
                 spit
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 therefore
                 
                   now
                   he
                   will
                   wait
                   no
                   more
                
                 ;
                 though
                 men
                 were
                 unready
                 when
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 stay
                 a
                 while
                 longer
                 ,
                 wait
                 a
                 year
                 longer
                 :
                 O
                 if
                 it
                 might
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 what
                 new
                 creatures
                 would
                 men
                 become
                 ?
                 they
                 will
                 promise
                 fair
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 waiting
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 stay
                 a
                 jot
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 warning
                 enough
                 ,
                 the
                 cry
                 hath
                 past
                 before
                 him
                 often
                 enough
                 ,
                 
                   Behold
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   cometh
                   ,
                   go
                   ye
                   forth
                   to
                   meet
                   him
                   ,
                
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 taken
                 the
                 warning
                 ;
                 now
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 and
                 receiveth
                 his
                 own
                 which
                 were
                 ready
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 waiting
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 .
                 Though
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 
                 intreated
                 to
                 spare
                 a
                 barren
                 tree
                 or
                 Vineyard
                 a
                 year
                 or
                 two
                 longer
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 waiting
                 is
                 at
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 seeth
                 nothing
                 will
                 do
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 down
                 with
                 them
                 by
                 the
                 roots
                 ,
                 into
                 the
                 fire
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 time
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 work
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 puting
                 on
                 Christ
                 then
                 :
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 gather
                 Manna
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 upon
                 the
                 six
                 daies
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 none
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 upon
                 the
                 seventh
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 understand
                 this
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 resurrection
                 from
                 the
                 dead
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 clear
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 
                   tree
                   falleth
                   so
                   it
                   lyoth
                   ,
                   either
                   hell-ward
                   or
                
                 
                 heaven-ward
                 :
                 But
                 if
                 of
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 ever
                 this
                 may
                 sometimes
                 through
                 the
                 exceeding
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 repentance
                 and
                 faith
                 to
                 some
                 ,
                 yet
                 ordinarily
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 .
                 Alas
                 they
                 have
                 enough
                 to
                 do
                 to
                 bear
                 the
                 weakness
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 can
                 mind
                 little
                 else
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 return
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 
                 but
                 feignedly
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 with
                 Judas
                 ;
                 and
                 usually
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 sinner
                 hath
                 so
                 long
                 trampled
                 under
                 foot
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 giveth
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 never
                 repent
                 or
                 believe
                 ,
                 
                   seeing
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   see
                   and
                   not
                   perceive
                   ,
                
                 
                 &c.
                 
                   least
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   converted
                   and
                   he
                   should
                   heal
                   them
                   ,
                
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   Let
                   him
                   that
                   is
                   filthy
                   be
                   filthy
                   still
                   ,
                   let
                   him
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   is
                   an
                   hypocrite
                   ,
                   be
                   an
                   hypocrite
                   still
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 fearful
                 indeed
                 .
                 So
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Arguments
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 ,
                 Then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   have
                   we
                   all
                   of
                   us
                   to
                   bless
                   the
                   Lord
                   for
                   ,
                   that
                   yet
                   the
                   door
                   is
                   not
                   shut
                   against
                   us
                   ,
                
                 as
                 we
                 may
                 hope
                 ;
                 indeed
                 if
                 God
                 have
                 sealed
                 up
                 any
                 heart
                 under
                 hardness
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 its
                 long
                 resisting
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 ,
                 woful
                 is
                 his
                 condition
                 :
                 but
                 doth
                 he
                 not
                 breath
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 stir
                 and
                 strive
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 good
                 sign
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 done
                 with
                 thee
                 yet
                 ,
                 his
                 waiting
                 and
                 striving
                 time
                 is
                 not
                 over
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   hath
                   not
                   given
                   thee
                   over
                   yet
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 What
                 have
                 we
                 to
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 ?
                 what
                 are
                 our
                 lives
                 Brethren
                 good
                 to
                 us
                 for
                 in
                 any
                 respect
                 besides
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 work
                 out
                 our
                 salvation
                 ,
                 make
                 sure
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 heaven
                 ,
                 get
                 our
                 wedding-garment
                 on
                 ,
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 for
                 righteousness
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 nakedness
                 may
                 not
                 appear
                 ,
                 for
                 heaven
                 will
                 not
                 bear
                 the
                 nakedness
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 ;
                 now
                 ,
                 though
                 sinners
                 have
                 neglected
                 this
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 alas
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 we
                 are
                 exceeding
                 busie
                 ,
                 making
                 provision
                 for
                 our
                 lusts
                 ,
                 our
                 pride
                 ,
                 our
                 luxury
                 ,
                 our
                 backs
                 ,
                 our
                 bellies
                 ,
                 provision
                 for
                 our
                 wives
                 ,
                 our
                 children
                 ,
                 but
                 none
                 for
                 our
                 poor
                 souls
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 this
                 ,
                 he
                 waiteth
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 standeth
                 open
                 :
                 If
                 you
                 had
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 been
                 cut
                 off
                 a
                 year
                 or
                 a
                 moneth
                 ago
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grave
                 had
                 shut
                 her
                 mouth
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 have
                 found
                 heaven
                 shut
                 against
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 hell
                 opening
                 her
                 mouth
                 wide
                 for
                 to
                 swallow
                 you
                 up
                 ?
                 Yea
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 day
                 he
                 should
                 come
                 ,
                 Ah
                 I
                 fear
                 ,
                 I
                 fear
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 secure
                 as
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 sure
                 of
                 our
                 conditions
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 find
                 the
                 gate
                 clapt
                 against
                 our
                 souls
                 :
                 O
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 admire
                 his
                 patience
                 and
                 long-suffering
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 draweth
                 out
                 our
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 holdeth
                 his
                 bowels
                 open
                 ,
                 his
                 arms
                 open
                 to
                 receive
                 us
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Then
                 it
                 may
                 serve
                 to
                 lay
                 before
                 us
                 the
                 doleful
                 condition
                 of
                 poor
                 trifling
                 creatures
                 ,
                 trifling
                 professors
                 ,
                 that
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 the
                 ado
                 they
                 make
                 with
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 trimming
                 
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 going
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 to
                 buy
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   found
                   unready
                   ,
                   the
                   door
                   is
                   clapt
                   against
                   them
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 that
                 none
                 of
                 your
                 poor
                 souls
                 may
                 ever
                 see
                 that
                 woful
                 day
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 then
                 know
                 to
                 your
                 bitterness
                 and
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 sin
                 away
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 an
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 while
                 the
                 door
                 stood
                 open
                 to
                 receive
                 you
                 :
                 Ah
                 surely
                 there
                 will
                 nothing
                 wound
                 poor
                 sinners
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 was
                 ,
                 I
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 happy
                 ,
                 I
                 might
                 have
                 had
                 heaven
                 ,
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 stood
                 open
                 to
                 me
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 alas
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 ;
                 did
                 it
                 make
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 weep
                 for
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 not
                 her
                 condition
                 sad
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 make
                 your
                 hearts
                 bleed
                 ?
                 O
                 sure
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 every
                 
                 such
                 thought
                 to
                 Esau
                 ,
                 prophane
                 Esau
                 ,
                 poor
                 Esau
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 blessing
                 was
                 gone
                 he
                 sought
                 it
                 with
                 tears
                 ,
                 every
                 thought
                 sure
                 of
                 this
                 time
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   might
                   have
                   had
                   the
                   blessing
                   ,
                   but
                   wretch
                   that
                   I
                   was
                   ,
                   I
                   sinned
                   it
                   away
                   ,
                   I
                   despised
                   it
                   ,
                   preferred
                   a
                   mess
                   of
                   pottage
                   before
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   now
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   recovery
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 Every
                 thought
                 sure
                 in
                 hell
                 ,
                 that
                 heaven
                 gate
                 did
                 stand
                 open
                 to
                 you
                 sinners
                 ,
                 you
                 had
                 as
                 fair
                 offers
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 as
                 long
                 a
                 season
                 and
                 opportunity
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 gone
                 ,
                 will
                 fetch
                 blood
                 from
                 your
                 very
                 hearts
                 and
                 souls
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 condition
                 is
                 sad
                 and
                 doleful
                 !
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 It
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 lay
                 these
                 things
                 to
                 heart
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 minded
                 them
                 ;
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 true
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   need
                   had
                   we
                   to
                   look
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   be
                   found
                   ready
                   to
                   enter
                   ?
                
                 which
                 is
                 an
                 Exhortation
                 .
                 I
                 have
                 already
                 prest
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 promise
                 left
                 of
                 entering
                 ,
                 &
                 a
                 threatning
                 also
                 that
                 some
                 shall
                 not
                 enter
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 here
                 by
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 who
                 enter
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 foolish
                 against
                 whom
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Hebrews
                   ,
                   Take
                   heed
                   lest
                   any
                   of
                   you
                   fall
                   short
                   through
                   unbelief
                   ,
                
                 
                 as
                 those
                 fell
                 short
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 maketh
                 that
                 use
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 warn
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 ,
                 though
                 Disciples
                 in
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 doubtless
                 in
                 reality
                 such
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 from
                 this
                 example
                 ,
                 I
                 desire
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 both
                 mine
                 own
                 and
                 your
                 hearts
                 may
                 be
                 quickned
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 us
                 ,
                 lest
                 when
                 all
                 comes
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 heaven
                 clapt
                 upon
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Then
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 bitterness
                 and
                 the
                 bonds
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 have
                 yet
                 your
                 filthy
                 garments
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 your
                 rotten
                 
                 filthy
                 rags
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 services
                 ,
                 duties
                 ,
                 prayers
                 ,
                 alms
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 
                 those
                 were
                 a
                 wedding-garment
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 more
                 profane
                 it
                 
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 cloath
                 your selves
                 with
                 violence
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 a
                 Cloak
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 cursing
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 a
                 garment
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 
                 prophane
                 persons
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 sake
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 consider
                 this
                 doleful
                 word
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   gate
                   will
                   be
                   shut
                   against
                   you
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   be
                   found
                   unready
                   for
                   the
                   appearing
                   of
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 you
                 but
                 your
                 consciences
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 can
                 a
                 drunkard
                 ,
                 a
                 swearer
                 ,
                 a
                 blasphemer
                 ,
                 be
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 can
                 you
                 hold
                 up
                 your
                 heads
                 sinners
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 appears
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 with
                 comfort
                 ?
                 Ah
                 no.
                 Either
                 men
                 believe
                 not
                 this
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 present
                 ,
                 they
                 put
                 it
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 affected
                 with
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 preach
                 this
                 day
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 hell
                 were
                 at
                 sinners
                 backs
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 were
                 at
                 your
                 backs
                 now
                 ready
                 to
                 call
                 for
                 you
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 little
                 startled
                 .
                 That
                 I
                 would
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 without
                 any
                 more
                 ifs
                 and
                 ands
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 more
                 delaies
                 ,
                 set
                 about
                 this
                 work
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 lest
                 the
                 gate
                 be
                 clapt
                 upon
                 you
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 too
                 long
                 delayed
                 it
                 already
                 ,
                 therefore
                 now
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 ,
                 set
                 about
                 the
                 work
                 .
              
               
                 
                   What
                   would
                   you
                   have
                   us
                   to
                   do
                   ?
                
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ;
                 I
                 answer
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 more
                 delay
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   consider
                   your
                   waies
                   ,
                   and
                   turn
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   to
                   repent
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   believe
                   ,
                   and
                   believe
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   repent
                   .
                
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 hearts
                 to
                 believe
                 this
                 terrible
                 threatning
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 your
                 hearts
                 might
                 be
                 shaken
                 (
                 sinners
                 )
                 out
                 of
                 your
                 security
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 you
                 make
                 nothing
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 that
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 shutting
                 out
                 ,
                 or
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 consider
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 your selves
                 are
                 as
                 likely
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 the
                 door
                 shut
                 upon
                 you
                 as
                 any
                 others
                 ;
                 O
                 therefore
                 learn
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 a
                 necessity
                 of
                 believing
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 a
                 necessity
                 of
                 repenting
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 were
                 shut
                 out
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 unbelief
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 what
                 answer
                 your
                 hearts
                 
                 will
                 make
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 If
                 believing
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 never
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 do
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 believed
                 ;
                 alway
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 a
                 good
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 good
                 faith
                 towards
                 God
                 and
                 Christ
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 never
                 lookt
                 upon
                 the
                 Brazen
                 Serpent
                 for
                 healing
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 were
                 never
                 wounded
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 them
                 thatare
                 wounded
                 .
                 You
                 that
                 are
                 all
                 faith
                 now
                 ,
                 before
                 
                 God
                 have
                 touched
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 your
                 sins
                 in
                 order
                 before
                 you
                 ;
                 if
                 ever
                 God
                 come
                 and
                 shew
                 you
                 your
                 guilt
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 nothing
                 but
                 doubting
                 ,
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 and
                 terrors
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 an
                 evident
                 sign
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 sinner
                 never
                 did
                 believe
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 maketh
                 so
                 light
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 indeed
                 :
                 the
                 door
                 stands
                 open
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 are
                 invited
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 enter
                 in
                 by
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 into
                 the
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 O
                 therefore
                 be
                 exhorted
                 sinners
                 ,
                 now
                 while
                 the
                 door
                 stands
                 open
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 enter
                 in
                 ,
                 
                   take
                   heed
                   you
                   fall
                   not
                   short
                   by
                   your
                   unbelief
                
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 upon
                 this
                 faith
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 follow
                 a
                 Gospel-repentance
                 ,
                 a
                 melting
                 and
                 mourning
                 over
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 whose
                 love
                 and
                 bowels
                 you
                 have
                 abused
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 constrain
                 you
                 to
                 another
                 course
                 of
                 life
                 then
                 you
                 have
                 led
                 ,
                 quite
                 contrary
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 same
                 men
                 :
                 O
                 break
                 off
                 your
                 sins
                 by
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 be
                 abrupt
                 
                 in
                 your
                 repentance
                 ,
                 in
                 greatest
                 haste
                 ;
                 men
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 hard
                 to
                 break
                 off
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 design
                 for
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 or
                 suddenly
                 to
                 leave
                 their
                 companions
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 degrees
                 they
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   break
                   off
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 Again
                 ,
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 For
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 somewhat
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 of
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 lest
                 when
                 all
                 comes
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 be
                 shut
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 as
                 upon
                 those
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 me
                 thinks
                 if
                 we
                 did
                 but
                 consider
                 how
                 many
                 poor
                 souls
                 of
                 great
                 hope
                 have
                 gone
                 out
                 and
                 sunk
                 under
                 such
                 a
                 sad
                 disappointment
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 enough
                 to
                 startle
                 us
                 all
                 :
                 O
                 look
                 to
                 your
                 footing
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 Jesus
                 sake
                 look
                 to
                 your
                 Evidences
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 is
                 coming
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 ready
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 entrance
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 pass
                 for
                 what
                 we
                 will
                 here
                 among
                 men
                 .
                 I
                 cannot
                 stand
                 to
                 press
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 already
                 spoken
                 much
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 purpose
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 consider
                 ,
                 that
                 upon
                 this
                 moment
                 of
                 time
                 ,
                 (
                 for
                 our
                 lives
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 eternity
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 )
                 a
                 hand
                 breadth
                 ,
                 a
                 shadow
                 ,
                 a
                 vapor
                 ,
                 nothing
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 lived
                 thirty
                 ,
                 sixty
                 
                 years
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 the
                 season
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 in
                 your
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 like
                 a
                 dream
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 ?
                 but
                 as
                 short
                 as
                 this
                 time
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   upon
                   it
                   depends
                   eternity
                
                 ;
                 he
                 hangeth
                 the
                 heavyest
                 weights
                 upon
                 the
                 weakest
                 wires
                 :
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 if
                 men
                 did
                 but
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 were
                 present
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 upon
                 their
                 
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   eternity
                   to
                   be
                   enjoyed
                   or
                   lost
                   ,
                   an
                   eternity
                   to
                   be
                   endured
                   or
                   avoided
                   ,
                   an
                   endless
                   happiness
                   or
                   endless
                   misery
                
                 ;
                 this
                 should
                 make
                 you
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 sure
                 you
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 lest
                 this
                 gate
                 be
                 shut
                 upon
                 you
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 live
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 dye
                 to
                 eternity
                 ;
                 how
                 careful
                 was
                 that
                 Painter
                 of
                 every
                 line
                 ,
                 very
                 exact
                 ,
                 took
                 much
                 time
                 to
                 draw
                 a
                 piece
                 ,
                 O
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   Eternitati
                   pingo
                
                 .
                 As
                 you
                 live
                 here
                 ,
                 so
                 shall
                 you
                 live
                 to
                 eternity
                 :
                 If
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 lye
                 down
                 in
                 an
                 eternal
                 bed
                 of
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 in
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 shall
                 your
                 souls
                 be
                 rouled
                 up
                 together
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 make
                 it
                 your
                 work
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ready
                 for
                 his
                 appearing
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 entrance
                 into
                 everlasting
                 joyes
                 ,
                 a
                 feast
                 which
                 never
                 shall
                 have
                 end
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Though
                 time
                 be
                 short
                 whereupon
                 eternity
                 depends
                 ,
                 yet
                 you
                 have
                 time
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 none
                 but
                 the
                 present
                 time
                 be
                 yours
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 past
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 may
                 produce
                 ,
                 whether
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 it
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   while
                   it
                   is
                   called
                   to
                   day
                
                 ;
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 had
                 a
                 long
                 day
                 ,
                 our
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 hath
                 had
                 already
                 ,
                 some
                 six
                 ,
                 some
                 seven
                 ,
                 some
                 eleven
                 hours
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 day
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 wanted
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 wasted
                 it
                 ,
                 trifled
                 it
                 away
                 ,
                 but
                 since
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 time
                 ,
                 let
                 this
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 :
                 
                   O
                   the
                   long-suffering
                   of
                   God
                   should
                   lead
                   you
                   to
                   repentance
                   :
                
                 Ah
                 blessed
                 
                 are
                 your
                 ears
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 eyes
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 see
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 held
                 out
                 before
                 you
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 arms
                 stretched
                 out
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 long
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 you
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 door
                 open
                 ,
                 stand
                 open
                 for
                 poor
                 sinners
                 to
                 come
                 :
                 Your
                 ears
                 ,
                 they
                 hear
                 the
                 joyful
                 sound
                 ,
                 now
                 you
                 are
                 called
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 intreated
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 say
                 ,
                 sinners
                 ,
                 another
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 gave
                 you
                 space
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 space
                 to
                 make
                 sure
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 neglected
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 This
                 opportunity
                 and
                 season
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 headlong
                 ,
                 it
                 staies
                 not●
                 ,
                 maketh
                 haste
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 keep
                 pace
                 with
                 your
                 season
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 make
                 haste
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 once
                 lost
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 recovered
                 again
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 greatest
                 haste
                 I
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 about
                 this
                 work
                 ,
                 lest
                 at
                 last
                 you
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 all
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 all
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 a
                 Lady
                 that
                 likely
                 spent
                 her
                 time
                 vainly
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 she
                 came
                 to
                 her
                 death-bed
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 she
                 lamentably
                 cryeth
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   time
                   ,
                   time
                   ,
                   a
                   world
                   of
                   wealth
                   for
                   a
                   moment
                   of
                   time
                   ,
                   an
                   inch
                   of
                   time
                   .
                
                 Opportunity
                 is
                 bald
                 behind
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hold
                 to
                 
                 be
                 taken
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 only
                 by
                 redeeming
                 it
                 ;
                 double
                 your
                 diligence
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 lost
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 your
                 season
                 ;
                 have
                 you
                 been
                 idling
                 and
                 loytering
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 harvest
                 ?
                 Now
                 therefore
                 lay
                 about
                 you
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 earnestly
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 opportunity
                 cannot
                 be
                 recalled
                 when
                 once
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 third
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 would
                 the
                 damned
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 damned
                 from
                 under
                 such
                 means
                 and
                 mercies
                 as
                 you
                 enjoy
                 ,
                 give
                 for
                 one
                 of
                 their
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 of
                 their
                 Sermons
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 many
                 daies
                 you
                 enjoy
                 !
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 help
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Consider
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   the
                   door
                   be
                   shut
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   none
                   else
                   can
                   open
                   it
                
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 himself
                 open
                 it
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 you
                 then
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 sinners
                 think
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 sad
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   door
                   shall
                   be
                   shut
                   ,
                
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 can
                 bring
                 a
                 golden
                 key
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 that
                 shall
                 open
                 it
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 key
                 of
                 David
                 only
                 that
                 can
                 open
                 and
                 shut
                 this
                 door
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 alone
                 hath
                 the
                 Wards
                 of
                 ,
                 
                 your
                 keys
                 are
                 not
                 fitted
                 for
                 this
                 lock
                 ;
                 he
                 shutteth
                 therefore
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   no
                   man
                   openeth
                
                 ,
                 none
                 else
                 whatsoever
                 openeth
                 :
                 Nor
                 will
                 he
                 open
                 it
                 himself
                 any
                 more
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 full
                 well
                 upon
                 whom
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 he
                 shutteth
                 the
                 gate
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 who
                 are
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 not
                 his
                 ;
                 who
                 are
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 not
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 consider
                 it
                 ,
                 now
                 while
                 you
                 have
                 time
                 ,
                 before
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 ,
                 while
                 there
                 is
                 hope
                 concerning
                 this
                 thing
                 ;
                 O
                 let
                 not
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 nor
                 your
                 sinful
                 pleasures
                 eat
                 out
                 all
                 your
                 time
                 ,
                 consume
                 your
                 season
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 could
                 open
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 heaven
                 for
                 you
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 could
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 somewhat
                 indeed
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 baffle
                 so
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 trifle
                 away
                 their
                 souls
                 as
                 they
                 do
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 nor
                 be
                 perswaded
                 by
                 any
                 thing
                 which
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 weakness
                 can
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 nor
                 by
                 what
                 is
                 delivered
                 in
                 a
                 better
                 manner
                 by
                 others
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 it
                 to
                 your
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 come
                 to
                 heaven
                 gate
                 and
                 find
                 it
                 shut
                 against
                 you
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 you
                 shall
                 know
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 warning
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   flee
                   from
                   the
                   wrath
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   have
                   a
                   heart
                   to
                   embrace
                   it
                   .
                
                 Thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Application
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 
                   Verses
                   11
                   ,
                   12.
                   
                
                 
                   Afterwards
                   came
                   also
                   the
                   other
                   Virgins
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   to
                   us
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   answered
                   and
                   said
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   verily
                   I
                   say
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   .
                
              
               
                 I
                 Would
                 take
                 up
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 brief
                 Notes
                 from
                 these
                 words
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   men
                   may
                   come
                   very
                   near
                   to
                   heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   be
                   shut
                   out
                   ,
                   never
                   enter
                   into
                   heaven
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 Which
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 much
                 what
                 the
                 same
                 with
                 a
                 former
                 observation
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 to
                 it
                 here
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 to
                 refresh
                 your
                 memories
                 ,
                 and
                 but
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 plainly
                 taken
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 Parable
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 they
                 kept
                 their
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 long
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 very
                 point
                 of
                 the
                 Bride-grooms
                 coming
                 ;
                 yea
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 was
                 shut
                 and
                 others
                 received
                 ,
                 which
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 judgement
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 each
                 particular
                 souls
                 particular
                 day
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 now
                 enquire
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 come
                 (
                 mind
                 you
                 )
                 after
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 bounce
                 against
                 heaven
                 gate
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 ●ay
                 ,
                 they
                 cry
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   to
                   us
                
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 gate
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 seek
                 it
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 too
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 very
                 earnest
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 doubling
                 of
                 the
                 expression
                 imports
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 cold
                 frozen
                 prayer
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 many
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 yea
                 sometimes
                 many
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 puts
                 up
                 ,
                 but
                 an
                 earnest
                 cry
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   save
                   us
                   ,
                   shut
                   us
                   not
                   out
                   ,
                   save
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   perish
                   ,
                   we
                   sink
                   ,
                   hell
                   opens
                   her
                   mouth
                   to
                   swallow
                   us
                   up
                   ,
                   O
                   quickly
                   open
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   or
                   we
                   are
                   gone
                   .
                
                 Did
                 not
                 Israel
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 and
                 march
                 through
                 the
                 wilderness
                 ,
                 and
                 through
                 many
                 difficulties
                 ,
                 and
                 enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 temptations
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 borders
                 of
                 
                   Canaan
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   fell
                   back
                   again
                   ,
                
                 were
                 turned
                 into
                 the
                 wilderness
                 again
                 ?
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   sware
                   they
                   should
                   never
                   enter
                   into
                   his
                   rest
                   :
                   Many
                   run
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   all
                   obtain
                   not
                
                 ;
                 yea
                 some
                 do
                 run
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 until
                 
                 they
                 be
                 even
                 within
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Goal
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 there
                 sink
                 and
                 perish
                 .
                 So
                 Joash
                 did
                 ,
                 he
                 ran
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fell
                 short
                 when
                 all
                 was
                 
                 
                 done
                 .
                 And
                 when
                 many
                 fell
                 back
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Judas
                 continued
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 Bag
                 its
                 likely
                 kept
                 him
                 more
                 then
                 Christ
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 
                 continued
                 until
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 perished
                 .
                 There
                 was
                 but
                 one
                 step
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 between
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 and
                 heaven
                 ,
                 he
                 went
                 very
                 far
                 ,
                 did
                 much
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 kept
                 all
                 those
                 things
                 from
                 his
                 youth
                 ;
                 yet
                 there
                 was
                 one
                 thing
                 wanting
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 could
                 
                 not
                 reach
                 too
                 ;
                 our
                 Saviour
                 convinced
                 him
                 thereby
                 how
                 short
                 he
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 need
                 of
                 a
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 find
                 not
                 that
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 any
                 more
                 :
                 How
                 near
                 was
                 Ananias
                 to
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 he
                 professed
                 Christ
                 in
                 those
                 persecuting
                 times
                 ,
                 owned
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 seems
                 his
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 distrust
                 was
                 not
                 killed
                 ;
                 he
                 went
                 far
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 sell
                 all
                 he
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 lay
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 Apostles
                 feet
                 ,
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 piece
                 of
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 only
                 a
                 little
                 reservation
                 in
                 hypocrisie
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 carried
                 him
                 aside
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 perished
                 .
                 To
                 make
                 this
                 a
                 little
                 better
                 appear
                 ,
                 consider
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   the
                   light
                   and
                   principles
                   of
                   nature
                   will
                   carry
                   a
                   man
                   very
                   far
                
                 ;
                 how
                 far
                 did
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Heathens
                 go
                 ?
                 how
                 Saint-like
                 would
                 they
                 speak
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 heroically
                 and
                 self-denyingly
                 would
                 they
                 act
                 many
                 times
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 whole
                 course
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 shame
                 of
                 most
                 Christians
                 ;
                 the
                 sparks
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 kindling
                 will
                 rise
                 and
                 flie
                 upward
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 fall
                 short
                 :
                 
                 Because
                 alas
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 leads
                 us
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 strength
                 no
                 man
                 shall
                 prevail
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 must
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 .
                 The
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 a
                 mysterie
                 hid
                 from
                 ages
                 ,
                 from
                 all
                 people
                 ,
                 but
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 pleased
                 by
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 to
                 make
                 manifest
                 the
                 savour
                 thereof
                 .
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 other
                 name
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 name
                 o●
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 whereby
                 men
                 can
                 be
                 saved
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Because
                 alas
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 but
                 they
                 
                   hold
                   the
                   truth
                   in
                   unrighteousness
                
                 ;
                 though
                 
                 they
                 do
                 much
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 light
                 more
                 abundant
                 in
                 them
                 then
                 they
                 walk
                 up
                 to
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 imprisoned
                 in
                 their
                 understandings
                 ,
                 not
                 shed
                 abroad
                 upon
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 could
                 see
                 nothing
                 but
                 folly
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 worse
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 every
                 one
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 condemned
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Common
                   grace
                   and
                   gifts
                   of
                   grace
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   carry
                   a
                   man
                   very
                   far
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   taste
                   of
                   the
                   heavenly
                   gift
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   powers
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   come
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 seem
                 to
                 enliven
                 and
                 warm
                 the
                 affections
                 ,
                 and
                 carry
                 out
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 do
                 great
                 things
                 ;
                 as
                 those
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 Ananias
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 .
              
               
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 these
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   mans
                   secret
                   false
                   ends
                   concurring
                   ,
                   help
                   to
                   carry
                   on
                   a
                   man
                   far
                   .
                   Judas
                
                 had
                 the
                 bag
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 loved
                 more
                 then
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 he
                 had
                 the
                 bag
                 he
                 was
                 well
                 enough
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 follow
                 on
                 ;
                 so
                 long
                 as
                 there
                 were
                 loaves
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 by
                 following
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 multitudes
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 throng
                 upon
                 him
                 ?
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 knew
                 their
                 deepest
                 ends
                 ,
                 though
                 haply
                 they
                 saw
                 them
                 not
                 ;
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 too
                 deep
                 for
                 themselves
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 for
                 him
                 .
                 So
                 many
                 ends
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 springs
                 and
                 weights
                 there
                 are
                 upon
                 
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 add
                 somewhat
                 of
                 strength
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 course
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 indeed
                 the
                 marrow
                 of
                 the
                 bones
                 that
                 moysten
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 life
                 and
                 vigor
                 to
                 his
                 actions
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 cannot
                 keep
                 his
                 conscience
                 quiet
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 roused
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 dogged
                 ,
                 and
                 snarls
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 quiet
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 stop
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 it
                 with
                 some
                 duty
                 and
                 service
                 ,
                 and
                 following
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 externals
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 a
                 mans
                 glory
                 and
                 honour
                 ,
                 specially
                 when
                 Religion
                 is
                 in
                 repute
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 dishonour
                 to
                 be
                 esteemed
                 otherwise
                 ;
                 mens
                 reputations
                 will
                 carry
                 them
                 further
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 aware
                 of
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 God
                 were
                 discountenanced
                 ,
                 yet
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 go
                 far
                 in
                 them
                 upon
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 name
                 much
                 set
                 by
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 couragious
                 heroical
                 spirit
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 suffer
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 love
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 then
                 ,
                 love
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 honour
                 ,
                 or
                 somewhat
                 else
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 when
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 carry
                 a
                 man
                 near
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 shall
                 fall
                 short
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 upon
                 these
                 two
                 considerations
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 because
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 may
                 come
                 near
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 delude
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   they
                   never
                   were
                   ingra●ted
                   into
                   him
                
                 ;
                 and
                 historical
                 faith
                 and
                 temporarie
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 comply
                 with
                 the
                 times
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 miraculous
                 too
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 never
                 implanted
                 into
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 come
                 near
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 be
                 he
                 Christless
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 undone
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 will
                 in
                 giving
                 those
                 gifts
                 ,
                 those
                 common
                 gifts
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 honour
                 himself
                 by
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 may
                 never
                 have
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 tend
                 to
                 their
                 further
                 sinking
                 and
                 condemnation
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 all
                 those
                 things
                 ,
                 though
                 precious
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 yet
                 
                   they
                   never
                   change
                   a
                   mans
                   heart
                   ,
                
                 it
                 remaineth
                 the
                 same
                 still
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 never
                 do
                 him
                 real
                 spiritual
                 good
                 ;
                 Judas
                 a
                 traytor
                 ,
                 
                 a
                 Devil
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 appeared
                 not
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 because
                 cloathed
                 over
                 with
                 so
                 many
                 common
                 gifts
                 and
                 graces
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Ananias
                 his
                 heart
                 was
                 not
                 throughly
                 changed
                 .
                 Alas
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 giving
                 of
                 these
                 gifts
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 do
                 much
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 gift
                 of
                 prayer
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 gift
                 of
                 prophecying
                 ,
                 or
                 preaching
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 do
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 pass
                 for
                 eminent
                 persons
                 with
                 men
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 like
                 flowers
                 laid
                 in
                 a
                 window
                 ,
                 as
                 Doctor
                 Preston
                 compareth
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 ;
                 Or
                 else
                 ,
                 as
                 outlandish
                 plants
                 removed
                 into
                 another
                 Countrey
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 prosper
                 not
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 soil
                 is
                 not
                 changed
                 ;
                 the
                 grace
                 they
                 have
                 doth
                 not
                 
                   redundare
                   in
                   personam
                
                 ,
                 make
                 their
                 persons
                 good
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 pearl
                 in
                 a
                 swines
                 snou●
                 ,
                 changeth
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 swine
                 ;
                 the
                 pearl
                 is
                 a
                 pearl
                 and
                 precious
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 swine
                 is
                 a
                 swine
                 ,
                 and
                 filthy
                 in
                 her
                 disposition
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 beauty
                 in
                 a
                 whorish
                 woman
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 beautiful
                 and
                 lovely
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 is
                 nevertheless
                 whorish
                 and
                 abominable
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 the
                 Attainments
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 by
                 common
                 grace
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 ends
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 carry
                 him
                 very
                 far
                 ,
                 put
                 a
                 great
                 lustre
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 seem
                 to
                 bid
                 fair
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 carry
                 a
                 man
                 after
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 change
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 admittance
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 shut
                 out
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 go
                 so
                 far
                 and
                 yet
                 fall
                 short
                 ,
                 
                 What
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 never
                 set
                 foot
                 forward
                 toward
                 heaven
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 many
                 come
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 word
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 or
                 constantly
                 ;
                 I
                 make
                 account
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 little
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 doing
                 ,
                 the
                 practising
                 :
                 What
                 have
                 you
                 done
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 ?
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 did
                 all
                 
                 those
                 things
                 ,
                 he
                 thought
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 from
                 his
                 youth
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 he
                 fell
                 short
                 :
                 Thou
                 never
                 didst
                 any
                 of
                 those
                 things
                 ,
                 thou
                 never
                 didst
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 ,
                 worship
                 him
                 as
                 thou
                 oughtest
                 ,
                 makest
                 nothing
                 of
                 renting
                 his
                 name
                 in
                 pieces
                 ,
                 of
                 prophaning
                 his
                 day
                 :
                 what
                 else
                 meaneth
                 so
                 many
                 idling
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 sporting
                 themselves
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 walking
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 drinking
                 upon
                 the
                 Sabbath-day
                 ?
                 thy
                 parents
                 ,
                 thou
                 never
                 didst
                 honour
                 them
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 an
                 unclean
                 wretch
                 ,
                 injurious
                 ,
                 thy
                 tongue
                 taught
                 to
                 tell
                 lyes
                 and
                 speak
                 folly
                 ,
                 a
                 covetous
                 wretch
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 do
                 you
                 mean
                 ?
                 sure
                 you
                 will
                 never
                 come
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 near
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 :
                 If
                 any
                 perish
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 the
                 sinners
                 are
                 sure
                 
                 to
                 perish
                 .
                 They
                 fell
                 short
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 you
                 that
                 never
                 came
                 out
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ?
                 if
                 you
                 are
                 yet
                 by
                 your
                 flesh-pots
                 ,
                 your
                 Garlick
                 and
                 Onions
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 beaten
                 off
                 your
                 loathsom
                 delights
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 your
                 mirth
                 ,
                 and
                 company
                 ,
                 and
                 gaming
                 ,
                 and
                 dicing
                 ,
                 and
                 drabbing
                 ,
                 and
                 drinking
                 :
                 
                   Must
                   a
                   mans
                   righteousness
                   exceed
                   the
                   righteousness
                   of
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   or
                   he
                   cannot
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 Do
                 you
                 believe
                 
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 What
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 then
                 ,
                 that
                 art
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 what
                 they
                 did
                 ?
                 they
                 prayed
                 often
                 ,
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 long
                 ;
                 they
                 fasted
                 often
                 ,
                 they
                 gave
                 much
                 alms
                 ,
                 paid
                 tythe
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 no
                 extortioners
                 ,
                 nor
                 unjust
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 art
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 no
                 drunkards
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 drunkard
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 no
                 unclean
                 adulterers
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 art
                 one
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 fell
                 short
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 wilt
                 thou
                 appear
                 ?
                 the
                 Lord
                 shew
                 you
                 how
                 unlikely
                 you
                 are
                 for
                 heaven
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 this
                 sheweth
                 also
                 the
                 woful
                 condition
                 of
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 carry
                 a
                 sair
                 sail
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 to
                 be
                 driven
                 with
                 as
                 fair
                 a
                 gale
                 as
                 any
                 ;
                 only
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Leak
                 spr●ng
                 in
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 sink
                 ,
                 or
                 rock
                 themselves
                 just
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 harbour
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 saddest
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 storm
                 they
                 have
                 ridden
                 out
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 indured
                 many
                 a
                 wave
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 split
                 themselves
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 harbour
                 ,
                 within
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 land
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 miscarrying
                 just
                 at
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 Refuge
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 high
                 must
                 such
                 mens
                 hopes
                 have
                 been
                 !
                 and
                 how
                 low
                 will
                 their
                 hearts
                 sink
                 now
                 when
                 so
                 ●adly
                 disappointed
                 ?
                 hope
                 so
                 disappointed
                 maketh
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 confoundeth
                 the
                 soul
                 :
                 as
                 Esau
                 his
                 hopes
                 were
                 at
                 the
                 highest
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 with
                 his
                 Venison
                 to
                 his
                 ●ather
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 kill
                 the
                 heart
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 above
                 all
                 others
                 ,
                 hypocrites
                 will
                 be
                 cloathed
                 with
                 the
                 deepest
                 confusion
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 men
                 of
                 the
                 fairest
                 hopes
                 for
                 heaven
                 .
                 Therefore
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   went
                   away
                   sorrowful
                
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 more
                 light
                 then
                 
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 surely
                 had
                 a
                 conviction
                 that
                 Jesus
                 was
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 &
                 that
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 advantagious
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 coming
                 
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 put
                 back
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   went
                   away
                   sorrowful
                
                 :
                 another
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 repulse
                 :
                 hypocrites
                 have
                 great
                 enlightnings
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 
                   a
                   taste
                   of
                   the
                   heavenly
                   gift
                   ,
                
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 Israel
                 had
                 a
                 bunch
                 of
                 grapes
                 to
                 taste
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 and
                 encourage
                 them
                 to
                 go
                 in
                 to
                 possess
                 it
                 .
                 
                 
                 O
                 this
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 turned
                 them
                 back
                 into
                 the
                 wilderness
                 for
                 their
                 rebellion
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 perish
                 there
                 ,
                 was
                 a
                 great
                 aggravation
                 of
                 their
                 misery
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 never
                 come
                 so
                 near
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 tasted
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 known
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 lost
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 deprived
                 themselves
                 of
                 .
                 So
                 here
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 hypocrites
                 have
                 many
                 a
                 taste
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 some
                 glimmerings
                 of
                 heavens
                 light
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 somewhat
                 they
                 have
                 to
                 draw
                 them
                 on
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 borders
                 ,
                 therefore
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 turned
                 off
                 here
                 and
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 O
                 sure
                 it
                 will
                 much
                 aggravate
                 their
                 misery
                 :
                 Ah
                 wretch
                 that
                 I
                 was
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 so
                 near
                 ,
                 take
                 so
                 much
                 pains
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 miss
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 doleful
                 ditty
                 of
                 hypocrites
                 to
                 eternity
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 teach
                 all
                 young
                 beginners
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 now
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 starting
                 in
                 the
                 race
                 that
                 is
                 set
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   you
                   look
                   to
                   it
                
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   be
                   so
                   furnished
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   able
                   to
                   run
                   so
                   as
                   to
                   obtain
                
                 ;
                 
                 you
                 are
                 now
                 launching
                 into
                 the
                 deep
                 ,
                 O
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 privy
                 leak
                 somewhere
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 small
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 may
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 sink
                 you
                 even
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 haven
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 worth
                 your
                 pains
                 to
                 look
                 into
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 your
                 condition
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 cost
                 you
                 many
                 an
                 hour
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 hot
                 and
                 cold
                 fit
                 ,
                 yet
                 give
                 it
                 not
                 over
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 of
                 this
                 one
                 thing
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 be
                 bottomed
                 on
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 his
                 fear
                 put
                 in
                 you
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 shall
                 never
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 never
                 fall
                 short
                 .
                 If
                 once
                 you
                 be
                 but
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 the
                 reason
                 why
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 entred
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   were
                   not
                   in
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 nothing
                 but
                 their
                 own
                 account
                 ,
                 their
                 own
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 they
                 could
                 rap
                 and
                 rend
                 ,
                 and
                 get
                 from
                 the
                 creature
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 was
                 nothing
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 might
                 carry
                 them
                 thus
                 far
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 make
                 way
                 for
                 their
                 entrance
                 into
                 glory
                 ;
                 therefore
                 let
                 me
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 one
                 thing
                 necessary
                 sure
                 ,
                 neglect
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 is
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 teach
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 even
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 not
                 only
                 begun
                 ,
                 but
                 gone
                 far
                 ,
                 taken
                 much
                 pains
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 to
                 tremble
                 and
                 fear
                 ,
                 lest
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 ,
                 we
                 fall
                 short
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 offer
                 violence
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 while
                 we
                 are
                 here
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 ;
                 therefore
                 now
                 let
                 us
                 press
                 ,
                 and
                 spare
                 no
                 pains
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 to
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 .
              
               
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   That
                   what
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   we
                   do
                   it
                   in
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 else
                 what
                 do
                 we
                 differ
                 in
                 our
                 work
                 from
                 the
                 glistering
                 Sinners
                 among
                 the
                 heathens
                 ?
                 And
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   That
                   our
                   hearts
                   be
                   changed
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   better
                   ,
                   and
                   growing
                   liker
                   heaven
                   every
                   day
                   then
                   other
                   ,
                   else
                   they
                   will
                   nothing
                   avail
                   us
                   at
                   all
                
                 ;
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 our
                 prayers
                 ,
                 preaching
                 ,
                 gifts
                 ,
                 performances
                 ,
                 priviledges
                 ;
                 nothing
                 but
                 an
                 interest
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 heart
                 sanctified
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 will
                 give
                 entrance
                 into
                 heaven
                 ;
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 Another
                 Note
                 I
                 will
                 take
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 Virgins
                 crying
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 now
                 when
                 they
                 saw
                 the
                 Gate
                 of
                 heaven
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   the
                   hearts
                   of
                   sinners
                   are
                   full
                   of
                   self-confidence
                   and
                   presumption
                
                 ;
                 That
                 they
                 could
                 have
                 an
                 heart
                 to
                 cry
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 open
                 
                 the
                 door
                 to
                 them
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 shut
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 strange
                 presumption
                 and
                 boldness
                 indeed
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 one
                 word
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 themselves
                 ,
                 why
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 entrance
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 ,
                 &c.
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 any
                 pleadings
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 they
                 were
                 dumb
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 such
                 as
                 those
                 in
                 Mat.
                 7.
                 had
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 themselves
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 preached
                 in
                 their
                 streets
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 had
                 eat
                 and
                 drunk
                 in
                 his
                 presence
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 Lamps
                 burning
                 until
                 a
                 little
                 before
                 thy
                 appearing
                 ;
                 we
                 walked
                 in
                 fellowship
                 with
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 truly
                 admitted
                 now
                 into
                 thy
                 presence
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 endeavoured
                 to
                 get
                 some
                 oyl
                 to
                 renew
                 our
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 though
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 found
                 none
                 ;
                 but
                 however
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 very
                 strong
                 impudence
                 ,
                 and
                 confident
                 presumption
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 Sinners
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 turns
                 them
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 turned
                 o●f
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 will
                 offer
                 violence
                 to
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Whence
                   ariseth
                   this
                   ?
                   Haply
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   ignorance
                   whereupon
                   heaven
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   ,
                   upon
                   what
                   conditions
                   ;
                   or
                   else
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   presence
                   of
                   their
                   eternal
                   misery
                
                 ;
                 now
                 they
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 sinking
                 to
                 hell
                 ,
                 they
                 begin
                 to
                 cry
                 out
                 for
                 opening
                 of
                 heaven
                 Gate
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Gate
                 is
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 cried
                 before
                 :
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 insist
                 upon
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Only
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 of
                 Application
                 :
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 marvel
                 
                 
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 sinners
                 are
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 boldness
                 and
                 presumption
                 ;
                 now
                 let
                 us
                 tell
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 will
                 set
                 life
                 and
                 death
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 it
                 set
                 before
                 you
                 many
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 every
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 every
                 opportunity
                 almost
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 hang
                 out
                 a
                 flag
                 of
                 defiance
                 against
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 made
                 a
                 covenant
                 with
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 agreement
                 with
                 hell
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 they
                 make
                 account
                 shall
                 stand
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 say
                 what
                 he
                 will
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 tell
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 break
                 that
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 he
                 disanulleth
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 he
                 heareth
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 both
                 they
                 and
                 death
                 are
                 under
                 his
                 command
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 may
                 disanull
                 their
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 Soveraign
                 over
                 them
                 all
                 ;
                 yet
                 they
                 believe
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 rage
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 confident
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 the
                 very
                 overflowing
                 scourge
                 cometh
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 confident
                 to
                 go
                 ,
                 and
                 cry
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 very
                 gate
                 of
                 mercy
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 :
                 O
                 say
                 sinners
                 ,
                 here
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 peace
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 walk
                 after
                 the
                 imaginations
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 to
                 add
                 drunkenness
                 to
                 thirst
                 ;
                 tho●gh
                 God
                 have
                 told
                 such
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   His
                   anger
                   shall
                   smoke
                   against
                   that
                   man
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 confident
                 
                 nothing
                 will
                 drive
                 them
                 to
                 seek
                 a
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 their
                 peace
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 deliverance
                 ;
                 and
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 hell
                 opened
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 moved
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 gates
                 of
                 heaven
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 Christ
                 to
                 appear
                 in
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 face
                 and
                 boldness
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   teach
                   us
                   to
                   have
                   an
                   holy
                   jealousie
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   holy
                   pitty
                   over
                   poor
                   creatures
                   that
                   can
                   be
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   upon
                   their
                   death-beds
                   ,
                   so
                   confident
                   ,
                   so
                   presumptuous
                   ,
                   they
                   can
                   come
                   to
                   God
                   without
                   a
                   Christ
                   ,
                   having
                   all
                   their
                   life
                   long
                   trampled
                   his
                   precious
                   blood
                   under
                   their
                   feet
                   ,
                   rested
                   in
                   their
                   formalities
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   can
                   cry
                   out
                   then
                   to
                   God
                   to
                   open
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   thy
                   were
                   the
                   only
                   Saints
                   upon
                   earth
                   ,
                   and
                   were
                   the
                   only
                   men
                   of
                   faith
                   .
                
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 may
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 but
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ;
                 how
                 have
                 they
                 carried
                 it
                 in
                 their
                 lives
                 :
                 they
                 would
                 never
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 call
                 upon
                 God
                 morning
                 and
                 evening
                 ,
                 to
                 pray
                 in
                 closet
                 ,
                 in
                 family
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 sure
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 now
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 stick
                 to
                 appear
                 and
                 cry
                 for
                 heaven
                 without
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 presumption
                 will
                 not
                 prosper
                 ,
                 though
                 believing
                 alway
                 prosper
                 ;
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 the
                 Gate
                 of
                 heaven
                 shut
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 your
                 souls
                 shut
                 out
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 your
                 extremity
                 have
                 a
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 in
                 your
                 mouths
                 ,
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 betimes
                 ,
                 before
                 hand
                 ;
                 but
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 .
              
               
               
                 The
                 third
                 Note
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 is
                 this
                 ;
                 
                   Though
                   men
                   will
                   not
                   come
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   Christ
                   for
                   Grace
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   will
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   for
                   Glory
                   .
                
                 While
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 dispensing
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 they
                 neglect
                 him
                 and
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 busied
                 about
                 somewhat
                 else
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 dispense
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 then
                 every
                 one
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   Luke
                   14.
                   18.
                   
                   They
                   cannot
                   come
                   ,
                   but
                   now
                   they
                   will
                   come
                   .
                
                 This
                 is
                 clear
                 in
                 the
                 present
                 case
                 :
                 These
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 Grace
                 ;
                 for
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 many
                 times
                 they
                 were
                 beaten
                 off
                 from
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 fastned
                 again
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 Lamps
                 failed
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 sparks
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 kindling
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 some
                 common
                 work
                 at
                 most
                 ;
                 then
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 when
                 they
                 repulsed
                 them
                 ,
                 sent
                 them
                 away
                 empty
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sold
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 by
                 no
                 means
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 that
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 now
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 dispensed
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 n
                 ow
                 they
                 cry
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 taken
                 this
                 course
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 cryed
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 Lamps
                 were
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 see
                 our
                 own
                 sparks
                 dye
                 before
                 they
                 reach
                 heaven
                 .
                 O
                 pardon
                 this
                 our
                 Hypocrisie
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 give
                 us
                 of
                 thine
                 oyl
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 the
                 Olive-tree
                 ,
                 pour
                 out
                 of
                 thy
                 oyl
                 into
                 our
                 vessels
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 in
                 truth
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 had
                 oyl
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 entred
                 with
                 Christ
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 see
                 now
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Gate
                 was
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 wedding
                 Garment
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 beholding
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 let
                 them
                 in
                 to
                 the
                 Feast
                 without
                 one
                 ;
                 though
                 heaven
                 would
                 have
                 held
                 them
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 while
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 entred
                 in
                 that
                 condition
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   would
                   not
                   come
                   to
                   Christ
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   life
                
                 ;
                 that
                 they
                 
                 might
                 have
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 Glory
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 Glory
                 .
                 
                   Ye
                   shall
                   seek
                
                 
                 
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   not
                   find
                   me
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   die
                   in
                   your
                   sins
                   .
                
                 This
                 is
                 Esau's
                 case
                 :
                 prophane
                 Esau
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 keep
                 his
                 birth-right
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 seek
                 it
                 again
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 lost
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 blessing
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 without
                 the
                 birth-right
                 ;
                 he
                 could
                 part
                 with
                 the
                 birth-right
                 for
                 a
                 mess
                 of
                 pottage
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 lust
                 rather
                 then
                 extreme
                 hunger
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 some
                 think
                 )
                 but
                 the
                 blessing
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 seek
                 it
                 with
                 tears
                 .
              
               
               
                 The
                 grounds
                 of
                 this
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ;
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   principle
                   indelebly
                   written
                   in
                   nature
                   ,
                   to
                   will
                   happiness
                   the
                   end
                   in
                   general
                
                 ;
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 happiness
                 is
                 not
                 that
                 which
                 cometh
                 under
                 deliberation
                 and
                 matter
                 of
                 choice
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 the
                 means
                 that
                 tend
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 :
                 no
                 man
                 living
                 can
                 possibly
                 prevail
                 with
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 miserable
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 natural
                 as
                 for
                 the
                 fire
                 to
                 fly
                 upward
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 stone
                 to
                 decline
                 downward
                 .
                 A
                 Balaam
                 would
                 die
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 the
                 rigteous
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 his
                 Sorceries
                 and
                 Enchantments
                 against
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 and
                 Divinations
                 against
                 Israel
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 he
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 have
                 cursed
                 Israel
                 fain
                 ,
                 if
                 God
                 would
                 have
                 hearkened
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 a
                 deadly
                 enemy
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 scarce
                 have
                 desired
                 to
                 come
                 where
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 ;
                 As
                 I
                 have
                 heard
                 of
                 some
                 whose
                 spleen
                 hath
                 been
                 so
                 great
                 against
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 never
                 come
                 thither
                 ;
                 such
                 are
                 worse
                 then
                 
                   Balaam
                   ,
                   yet
                   he
                   would
                   die
                   the
                   death
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                   .
                
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   of
                   the
                   woful
                   ataxie
                   and
                   disorder
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   all
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                   whereby
                   we
                   are
                   in
                   all
                   things
                   preposterous
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   supernatural
                
                 ;
                 in
                 things
                 purely
                 natural
                 and
                 civil
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 expect
                 the
                 end
                 without
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 none
                 but
                 fools
                 and
                 mad
                 men
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 would
                 live
                 and
                 have
                 his
                 health
                 ,
                 this
                 he
                 desireth
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 eat
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 perswade
                 him
                 to
                 starve
                 himself
                 with
                 hunger
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 take
                 physick
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 loathsom
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 bitter
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 &
                 what
                 ever
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   skin
                   for
                   skin
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   he
                   hath
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   give
                   for
                   his
                   life
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 highest
                 end
                 he
                 hath
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 in
                 spirituals
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 but
                 confusion
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 we
                 do
                 confusedly
                 aim
                 at
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 ;
                 doubtless
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 veriest
                 unbeliever
                 that
                 heareth
                 this
                 ,
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 cannot
                 with
                 all
                 the
                 arguments
                 you
                 can
                 bring
                 ,
                 make
                 him
                 willing
                 to
                 perish
                 in
                 an
                 everlasting
                 separation
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 understand
                 any
                 thing
                 what
                 he
                 saith
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 this
                 without
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 without
                 this
                 union
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 made
                 meet
                 for
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   of
                   mens
                   unbelief
                   and
                   unacquaintance
                   with
                   the
                   mysterie
                   of
                   salvation
                   ,
                   the
                   mysterie
                   of
                   free
                   Grace
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 must
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 Grace
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 can
                 have
                 no
                 Glory
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   That
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                 
                   and
                   the
                   life
                
                 ;
                 they
                 think
                 he
                 will
                 save
                 them
                 upon
                 any
                 terms
                 ;
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Saviour
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 sinners
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Saviour
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 let
                 Ministers
                 say
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 but
                 time
                 to
                 cry
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 when
                 the
                 Gate
                 is
                 shut
                 ,
                 as
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 do
                 .
                 Ah
                 brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 had
                 been
                 acquainted
                 with
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 must
                 have
                 their
                 oyl
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 should
                 never
                 hold
                 out
                 ,
                 nor
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 would
                 they
                 not
                 instead
                 of
                 those
                 trifling
                 ,
                 impertinent
                 endeavours
                 ,
                 made
                 some
                 application
                 to
                 him
                 all
                 that
                 while
                 ?
                 but
                 they
                 saw
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 hid
                 from
                 their
                 eyes
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   will
                   give
                   Grace
                   and
                   Glory
                   ,
                
                 and
                 never
                 will
                 he
                 
                 give
                 Glory
                 sure
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 give
                 not
                 Grace
                 .
                 O
                 for
                 hearts
                 to
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 cure
                 of
                 this
                 disorder
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   of
                   the
                   enmity
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   our
                   hearts
                   against
                   Grace
                   ,
                
                 nothing
                 is
                 more
                 contrary
                 :
                 wherevever
                 Grace
                 cometh
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 continuall
                 quarrel
                 between
                 it
                 and
                 sin
                 :
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 he
                 must
                 have
                 no
                 peace
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 continually
                 lust
                 against
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 endure
                 
                 the
                 lustings
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 against
                 it self
                 .
                 O
                 brethren
                 then
                 ,
                 where
                 a
                 heart
                 is
                 altogether
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 what
                 an
                 enemy
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Author
                 of
                 Grace
                 ?
                 (
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   you
                   ,
                   while
                   you
                   were
                   enemies
                   in
                   your
                   minds
                   through
                
                 
                 
                   wicked
                   works
                   ,
                   hath
                   he
                   reconciled
                   :
                
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 hardly
                 come
                 to
                 an
                 enemy
                 to
                 help
                 him
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 be
                 in
                 very
                 great
                 straits
                 indeed
                 :
                 as
                 when
                 men
                 are
                 sinking
                 into
                 hell
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 entrance
                 into
                 heaven
                 :
                 for
                 then
                 their
                 misery
                 is
                 present
                 and
                 imminent
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 avoiding
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 hell
                 is
                 at
                 their
                 backs
                 ,
                 the
                 avengers
                 of
                 blood
                 are
                 now
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 hurry
                 them
                 away
                 to
                 destruction
                 :
                 therefore
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 high
                 time
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 but
                 while
                 they
                 can
                 but
                 keep
                 these
                 things
                 at
                 a
                 distance
                 ,
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 heaven
                 and
                 hell
                 ,
                 they
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 yet
                 as
                 great
                 as
                 their
                 enmity
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 overlaid
                 by
                 the
                 present
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 their
                 necessity
                 and
                 danger
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 if
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 brings
                 in
                 any
                 soul
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 Grace
                 here
                 ,
                 while
                 he
                 is
                 dispensing
                 Grace
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Lord
                 let
                 the
                 Sinner
                 see
                 his
                 sins
                 in
                 order
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 see
                 the
                 hand-writing
                 upon
                 the
                 wall
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   Mene
                   ,
                   Mene
                
                 ,
                 until
                 God
                 write
                 his
                 condemnation
                 upon
                 his
                 Conscience
                 in
                 bloody
                 Characters
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 visible
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 that
                 runs
                 may
                 read
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 careth
                 not
                 for
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 heaven
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 neglect
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 God
                 sheweth
                 him
                 the
                 rivers
                 of
                 burning
                 brimstone
                 ,
                 sheweth
                 the
                 teeth
                 of
                 the
                 worm
                 which
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 fasten
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 opens
                 a
                 mans
                 ears
                 to
                 hear
                 Satan
                 come
                 jingling
                 with
                 his
                 chain
                 to
                 fetch
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 tear
                 it
                 away
                 whether
                 he
                 will
                 or
                 no
                 :
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 mind
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 go
                 and
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 open
                 to
                 me
                 .
              
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 
                   But
                   you
                   will
                   say
                   ,
                   If
                   he
                   be
                   such
                   an
                   enemy
                   to
                   Grace
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   Christ
                   ,
                   as
                   dispensing
                   Grace
                   ,
                   is
                   he
                   not
                   much
                   more
                   an
                   enemy
                   to
                   Christ
                   ,
                   as
                   glorious
                   ,
                   and
                   receiving
                   sinners
                   to
                   Glory
                   ?
                
                 Yea
                 brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 for
                 my
                 part
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 such
                 enemies
                 to
                 an
                 heavenly
                 work
                 ,
                 a
                 glorious
                 state
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 admitted
                 with
                 such
                 hearts
                 as
                 they
                 have
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 weary
                 place
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 endure
                 the
                 reflection
                 of
                 the
                 sun
                 upon
                 a
                 burnish'd
                 soul
                 ▪
                 how
                 will
                 they
                 endure
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 righteousness
                 himself
                 ?
                 but
                 the
                 sence
                 of
                 their
                 danger
                 ,
                 and
                 looking
                 upon
                 heaven
                 as
                 a
                 place
                 of
                 freedom
                 from
                 the
                 torments
                 of
                 the
                 condemned
                 ,
                 not
                 as
                 upon
                 an
                 holy
                 place
                 ,
                 wherein
                 Grace
                 is
                 made
                 glorious
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 desire
                 to
                 enter
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 have
                 done
                 there
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 entred
                 in
                 this
                 unready
                 condition
                 ?
                 heaven
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 too
                 hot
                 to
                 hold
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 freed
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 from
                 misery
                 ,
                 happy
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 ,
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 mind
                 not
                 that
                 the
                 happiness
                 of
                 heaven
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 Grace
                 first
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 meet
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 no
                 happiness
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 What
                 is
                 more
                 tedious
                 to
                 them
                 then
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 Holiness
                 upon
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 then
                 spiritual
                 communion
                 with
                 God
                 ?
                 they
                 cannot
                 bear
                 this
                 .
                 All
                 delight
                 ariseth
                 from
                 suittableness
                 between
                 the
                 object
                 and
                 faculty
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 grief
                 and
                 trouble
                 from
                 the
                 unsuitableness
                 of
                 the
                 object
                 and
                 faculty
                 ,
                 and
                 truly
                 Grace
                 glorified
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 unsuitable
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 they
                 apprehending
                 that
                 misery
                 is
                 approaching
                 ,
                 would
                 go
                 any
                 wihther
                 for
                 shelter
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   now
                   they
                   can
                   keep
                   their
                   lusts
                   no
                   longer
                   ,
                   therefore
                   now
                   they
                   would
                   have
                   heaven
                
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 the
                 sinner
                 can
                 keep
                 his
                 lust
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 for
                 no
                 other
                 Master
                 nor
                 Lord
                 ,
                 he
                 cares
                 for
                 no
                 other
                 pleasure
                 ;
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 are
                 the
                 fools
                 paradise
                 to
                 the
                 wanton
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 sport
                 and
                 pastime
                 to
                 the
                 young
                 gallant
                 ,
                 they
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 serious
                 .
                 If
                 men
                 could
                 keep
                 
                 the
                 world
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 never
                 desire
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 heaven
                 ;
                 they
                 could
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 have
                 their
                 heaven
                 upon
                 earth
                 ;
                 their
                 inward
                 thought
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   continue
                   for
                   ever
                   ,
                   they
                   call
                   their
                   houses
                   after
                   their
                   own
                   names
                   ,
                
                 and
                 they
                 think
                 as
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 
                 when
                 they
                 see
                 they
                 can
                 hold
                 the
                 world
                 no
                 longer
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 ;
                 therefore
                 they
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 Grace
                 ,
                 so
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 can
                 have
                 their
                 fill
                 of
                 these
                 delights
                 ;
                 if
                 men
                 be
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 close
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 have
                 no
                 open
                 prophaness
                 or
                 lust
                 ,
                 yet
                 some
                 secret
                 Dalilah
                 they
                 have
                 that
                 they
                 delight
                 themselves
                 with
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 pangs
                 of
                 hell
                 begin
                 to
                 catch
                 hold
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 consciences
                 do
                 catch
                 of
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 to
                 flame
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 going
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 other
                 way
                 with
                 them
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 at
                 the
                 brink
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 the
                 flame
                 catcheth
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 those
                 Executioners
                 in
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 then
                 ,
                 O
                 for
                 heaven
                 ;
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 deliver
                 us
                 ,
                 save
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   may
                   serve
                   then
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   place
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   justifie
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                
                 :
                 let
                 him
                 be
                 for
                 ever
                 clear
                 when
                 he
                 judgeth
                 ,
                 and
                 justified
                 when
                 he
                 speaks
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 speaks
                 condemnation
                 and
                 everlasting
                 separation
                 from
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 many
                 men
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 Summon
                 ;
                 
                   if
                   you
                   call
                   then
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   answer
                   you
                   not
                   ,
                
                 if
                 you
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 give
                 you
                 this
                 answer
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 ,
                 blame
                 your selves
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 but
                 justifie
                 him
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 because
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 had
                 heaven
                 and
                 salvation
                 in
                 his
                 ways
                 ;
                 
                   If
                   you
                   had
                   sought
                   early
                   ,
                   you
                   should
                   have
                   found
                   ,
                
                 but
                 you
                 never
                 seek
                 him
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Gate
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 you
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 keep
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 Pardon
                 ,
                 might
                 have
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 live
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 now
                 your
                 sins
                 leave
                 you
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 leaves
                 you
                 ,
                 or
                 you
                 must
                 leave
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 your
                 souls
                 from
                 you
                 ,
                 now
                 you
                 will
                 come
                 and
                 cry
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 just
                 and
                 righteous
                 if
                 he
                 cast
                 you
                 out
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   serve
                   then
                   to
                   humble
                   us
                   brethren
                   ,
                   all
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                   before
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 frame
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 hearts
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 so
                 loved
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 nothing
                 was
                 too
                 dear
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 his
                 very
                 life
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 so
                 unkind
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 beholding
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 until
                 we
                 cannot
                 subsist
                 without
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 upon
                 the
                 matter
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 do
                 but
                 make
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 our
                 sinning
                 stock
                 all
                 the
                 dayes
                 of
                 our
                 lives
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 we
                 can
                 sin
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 serve
                 our
                 own
                 turns
                 upon
                 him
                 meerly
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 entrance
                 into
                 heaven
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 desire
                 him
                 not
                 for
                 any
                 loveliness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 the
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 revealed
                 by
                 him
                 :
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 great
                 cause
                 of
                 humbling
                 ?
                 As
                 suppose
                 a
                 Prince
                 that
                 
                   deperit
                   virginem
                
                 ,
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 ragged
                 ,
                 filthy
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 even
                 dies
                 for
                 love
                 of
                 her
                 :
                 so
                 be
                 that
                 she
                 will
                 but
                 come
                 and
                 take
                 him
                 ,
                 she
                 shall
                 have
                 all
                 the
                 priviledges
                 of
                 a
                 wife
                 ;
                 his
                 honour
                 shall
                 be
                 hers
                 ,
                 his
                 crown
                 hers
                 ,
                 his
                 beauty
                 hers
                 :
                 she
                 shall
                 be
                 like
                 him
                 also
                 ,
                 be
                 she
                 as
                 uncomely
                 as
                 she
                 may
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 put
                 off
                 his
                 comliness
                 upon
                 her
                 :
                 no
                 ,
                 she
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 of
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 until
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 she
                 is
                 even
                 perishing
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 cometh
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 have
                 his
                 Glory
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 himself
                 ,
                 meerly
                 to
                 serve
                 her self
                 upon
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 great
                 unkindness
                 !
                 
                   do
                   you
                   thus
                   requite
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   ye
                   foolish
                   people
                   and
                   unwise
                   ?
                
                 And
                 thus
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 all
                 us
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 Lord
                 mightily
                 change
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   It
                   may
                   serve
                   to
                   convince
                   us
                   of
                   our
                   folly
                   herein
                   :
                
                 folly
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 we
                 cannot
                 endure
                 the
                 imputation
                 of
                 :
                 But
                 what
                 greater
                 folly
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 dis-joyn
                 the
                 end
                 from
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 specially
                 where
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 so
                 necessary
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 to
                 happiness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 means
                 so
                 absolutely
                 necessary
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 ?
                 surely
                 then
                 this
                 is
                 gross
                 folly
                 :
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 fool
                 that
                 would
                 have
                 health
                 and
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 not
                 eat
                 ,
                 nor
                 drink
                 ,
                 nor
                 sleep
                 ,
                 nor
                 recreate
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 use
                 the
                 means
                 :
                 well
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 this
                 blessed
                 slate
                 after
                 death
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 carried
                 to
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 natural
                 impetus
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 necessary
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 enter
                 or
                 perish
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 means
                 is
                 as
                 absolutely
                 necessary
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 stands
                 open
                 ,
                 while
                 his
                 bowels
                 and
                 bosom
                 are
                 open
                 and
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 us
                 ,
                 for
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 remedy
                 ;
                 we
                 may
                 enter
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 while
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 open
                 ,
                 afterward
                 we
                 cannot
                 .
                 Now
                 is
                 not
                 he
                 a
                 fool
                 in
                 grain
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 trifle
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 stands
                 open
                 ,
                 and
                 even
                 goeth
                 a
                 begging
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 think
                 to
                 enter
                 when
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 ?
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 folly
                 fils
                 every
                 sinners
                 heart
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 else
                 so
                 few
                 are
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   seek
                   him
                   early
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   find
                   him
                   ?
                   You
                   are
                   wise
                   for
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                
                 and
                 men
                 will
                 
                 speak
                 well
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 well
                 to
                 your selves
                 ;
                 but
                 you
                 are
                 fools
                 in
                 Gods
                 account
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 account
                 of
                 Saints
                 and
                 Angels
                 ,
                 they
                 speak
                 not
                 well
                 of
                 you
                 ;
                 witness
                 the
                 Fool
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 that
                 spent
                 himself
                 for
                 vanity
                 ,
                 and
                 neglected
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 which
                 that
                 night
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 so
                 convince
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 dare
                 to
                 linger
                 and
                 trifle
                 away
                 our
                 day
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 lest
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 cry
                 ,
                 the
                 door
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 so
                 far
                 shewed
                 us
                 this
                 our
                 folly
                 ,
                 as
                 now
                 while
                 the
                 Gate
                 stands
                 open
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 ready
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 our
                 oyl
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 off
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 too
                 late
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   bless
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   magnifie
                   that
                   Grace
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   towards
                   us
                   :
                   when
                   others
                   are
                   mourning
                   ,
                   ye
                   may
                   rejoyce
                   ;
                   when
                   others
                   howl
                   for
                   sorrow
                   of
                   heart
                   ,
                   you
                   may
                   sing
                   for
                   joy
                   of
                   heart
                   ;
                   when
                   others
                   are
                   crying
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   be
                   singing
                   everlasting
                   Halelu●ahs
                   .
                
                 Thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 Grace
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 Glory
                 ,
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 but
                 Christ
                 ,
                 with
                 him
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 shall
                 be
                 given
                 in
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 him
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 it
                 long
                 before
                 thou
                 have
                 him
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 whence
                 isit
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 trifling
                 away
                 thy
                 time
                 ,
                 going
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sell
                 ?
                 whence
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 the
                 free
                 mercy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 towards
                 thee
                 ?
                 magnifie
                 him
                 ,
                 give
                 him
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 it
                 for
                 ever
                 and
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 
                   Verse
                   12.
                   
                
                 
                   But
                   he
                   answered
                   and
                   said
                   ,
                   verily
                   I
                   say
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   .
                
              
               
                 HEre
                 is
                 the
                 sad
                 Catastrophe
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 hopes
                 of
                 the
                 Hypocrite
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 wherewith
                 I
                 shall
                 conclude
                 my
                 thoughts
                 upon
                 this
                 Text
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 beaten
                 off
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 door
                 was
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 they
                 come
                 and
                 bounce
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 open
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 open
                 the
                 Gate
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 shut
                 upon
                 you
                 ?
                 upon
                 what
                 acquaintance
                 shall
                 I
                 do
                 this
                 for
                 you
                 ?
                 you
                 are
                 strangers
                 to
                 me
                 verily
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 .
                 In
                 this
                 similitude
                 is
                 held
                 
                 out
                 to
                 us
                 the
                 doom
                 of
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 not
                 found
                 ready
                 for
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 Or
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 ,
                 rather
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 doom
                 ;
                 the
                 door
                 was
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 are
                 excluded
                 heaven
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 entrance
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 repulse
                 ;
                 and
                 here
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 given
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 in
                 
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 equivalent
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 shutting
                 the
                 door
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 more
                 ;
                 the
                 same
                 reason
                 is
                 there
                 given
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 here
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 note-worthy
                 in
                 these
                 words
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 briefly
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 dismiss
                 all
                 ,
                 winding
                 it
                 up
                 in
                 one
                 application
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   many
                   that
                   profess
                   to
                   know
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   yet
                   are
                   not
                   known
                   of
                   him
                
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Such
                   as
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   know
                   ,
                   shall
                   not
                   enter
                
                 ;
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 plead
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 opened
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 denial
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 presupposed
                 ,
                 and
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 included
                 in
                 the
                 exceptive
                 particle
                 
                   but
                   ;
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   But
                   he
                   answered
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 open
                 the
                 door
                 to
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   Whatever
                   formal
                   Professors
                   may
                   delude
                   themselves
                   with
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   known
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   then
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   declared
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   knoweth
                   them
                   not
                   .
                
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 First
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   many
                   that
                   profess
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   know
                   him
                   ,
                   yet
                   are
                   never
                   known
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 That
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 the
                 Text
                 is
                 as
                 clear
                 as
                 the
                 noon-day
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 go
                 forth
                 to
                 meet
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 had
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 took
                 pains
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 ;
                 do
                 but
                 add
                 that
                 other
                 Text
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 will
                 need
                 no
                 more
                 proof
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   
                   Many
                   shall
                   say
                   unto
                   me
                   at
                   that
                   day
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   to
                   us
                
                 ;
                 just
                 as
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 door
                 was
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 there
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 here
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 they
                 plead
                 ?
                 O
                 say
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   have
                   prophesied
                   in
                   thy
                   name
                   ,
                   and
                   done
                   many
                   wonderful
                   works
                   ,
                   wrought
                   miracles
                   in
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   Christ
                   ;
                   thou
                   hast
                   eat
                   and
                   drank
                   in
                   our
                   streets
                
                 ;
                 surely
                 prophecying
                 and
                 working
                 miracles
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 will
                 amount
                 to
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 profession
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 they
                 must
                 needs
                 have
                 his
                 name
                 called
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 could
                 do
                 such
                 things
                 in
                 his
                 name
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 mark
                 the
                 return
                 ,
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   never
                   knew
                   you
                   :
                
                 never
                 knew
                 you
                 ,
                 not
                 before
                 time
                 ,
                 nor
                 
                 since
                 the
                 world
                 began
                 did
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 ;
                 but
                 chiefly
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 you
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 when
                 your
                 profession
                 was
                 at
                 the
                 highest
                 ,
                 when
                 your
                 Grace
                 was
                 most
                 green
                 upon
                 the
                 house-top
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 knew
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 therefore
                 now
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Here
                 I
                 shall
                 only
                 endeavour
                 to
                 open
                 to
                 you
                 what
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 by
                 Christs
                 knowing
                 of
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 next
                 Note
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 would
                 hasten
                 to
                 an
                 end
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 not
                 understand
                 the
                 wayes
                 of
                 an
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 the
                 close
                 contrivances
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 know
                 who
                 they
                 are
                 :
                 and
                 properly
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 paint
                 of
                 the
                 sepulchre
                 can
                 hide
                 the
                 rottenness
                 within
                 from
                 his
                 al-seeing
                 eye
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 fair
                 
                 leaves
                 that
                 can
                 deceive
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 cover
                 the
                 rottenness
                 of
                 the
                 root
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 did
                 he
                 not
                 understand
                 Judas
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
                 ,
                 and
                 knew
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 white
                 Devil
                 ,
                 a
                 son
                 of
                 perdition
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 followed
                 him
                 as
                 his
                 Saviour
                 ?
                 well
                 were
                 it
                 for
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 if
                 in
                 this
                 sense
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 not
                 know
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 surely
                 their
                 hearts
                 do
                 so
                 conclude
                 with
                 those
                 Atheists
                 in
                 the
                 Psalm
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   beholdeth
                   it
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   there
                   knowledge
                   in
                   the
                   most
                   high
                   ?
                
                 but
                 thus
                 
                 he
                 doth
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 appears
                 plainly
                 by
                 his
                 not
                 knowing
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 afterwards
                 we
                 shall
                 mention
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 appears
                 by
                 his
                 declaration
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   knoweth
                   them
                   not
                
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 full
                 well
                 to
                 whom
                 he
                 speaketh
                 this
                 fearful
                 sentence
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   Yet
                   after
                   the
                   manner
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 yet
                 we
                 must
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 not
                 to
                 know
                 them
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 so
                 deformed
                 and
                 dis-figured
                 ,
                 so
                 utterly
                 unlike
                 the
                 men
                 you
                 were
                 when
                 you
                 came
                 out
                 of
                 my
                 hands
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 .
                 As
                 Jobs
                 friends
                 when
                 they
                 came
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 his
                 visage
                 being
                 so
                 marred
                 with
                 the
                 affliction
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   knew
                   him
                   not
                
                 ;
                 which
                 some
                 understand
                 as
                 a
                 weak
                 affirmative
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 they
                 scarce
                 knew
                 him
                 ;
                 is
                 this
                 Job
                 their
                 ancient
                 friend
                 ?
                 Is
                 this
                 Naomi
                 ?
                 they
                 scarce
                 knew
                 her
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 same
                 person
                 that
                 formerly
                 ,
                 she
                 was
                 so
                 altered
                 ;
                 paint
                 will
                 exceedingly
                 deform
                 
                 them
                 that
                 use
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 ;
                 but
                 sure
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 Hpyocrisie
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 deformity
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 picture
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   changeth
                   himself
                   into
                   an
                   Angel
                   of
                   light
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 look
                 upon
                 this
                 speech
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 thus
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 such
                 strange
                 apparrel
                 on
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 
                 such
                 paint
                 ,
                 such
                 deformity
                 ,
                 so
                 ugly
                 have
                 you
                 made
                 your selves
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 you
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   is
                   said
                   not
                   to
                   know
                   them
                   ,
                   in
                   that
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   approve
                   of
                   them
                
                 ;
                 in
                 this
                 sense
                 knowing
                 persons
                 and
                 things
                 is
                 often
                 taken
                 ,
                 
                   Psalm
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   Lord
                   knoweth
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   upright
                   ,
                
                 the
                 righteous
                 ,
                 he
                 approveth
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 this
                 be
                 not
                 all
                 in
                 that
                 expression
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 and
                 by
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   deligheth
                   in
                   his
                   way
                   ,
                   he
                   knoweth
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   Well
                   done
                   ,
                   good
                   and
                   faithful
                   servant
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 he
                 approveth
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 
                 Jews
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   One
                   inwardly
                   and
                   circumcised
                   in
                   heart
                   ,
                   whose
                   praise
                
                 
                 
                   is
                   not
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   but
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 approved
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 approved
                 by
                 God.
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   That
                   evil
                   which
                   I
                   do
                   ,
                   I
                   allow
                
                 
                 not
                 ;
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 I
                 approve
                 not
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 I
                 judge
                 and
                 condemn
                 my self
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 allow
                 not
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 to
                 come
                 nearer
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 expression
                 ,
                 applyed
                 to
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   set
                   up
                   Kings
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   knew
                   it
                   not
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 by
                 me
                 ,
                 by
                 my
                 advice
                 ,
                 I
                 approved
                 not
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   They
                   would
                   needs
                   have
                   a
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   yielded
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   them
                   indeed
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   was
                   in
                   wrath
                   and
                   displeasure
                
                 ;
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 it
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 never
                 approved
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 else
                 he
                 did
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 reproved
                 them
                 for
                 it
                 also
                 at
                 that
                 very
                 time
                 by
                 the
                 Prophet
                 Samuel
                 .
                 And
                 by
                 Jeroboam
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 was
                 his
                 disposing
                 hand
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 of
                 providence
                 he
                 gave
                 the
                 ten
                 Tribes
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 approved
                 not
                 of
                 their
                 revolting
                 ;
                 the
                 people
                 had
                 no
                 command
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 did
                 they
                 stay
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 separate
                 from
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 David
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   know
                   men
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   not
                   only
                   approveth
                   of
                   them
                   in
                   their
                   wayes
                   ,
                   but
                   loveth
                   and
                   favoureth
                   them
                
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 love
                 them
                 nor
                 favour
                 them
                 :
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 know
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 his
                 commandments
                 ;
                 so
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 know
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 loveth
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 that
                 may
                 be
                 understood
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   that
                   loveth
                   God
                   ,
                   is
                   known
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 is
                 loved
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 favoured
                 of
                 him
                 :
                 
                   For
                   he
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   loveth
                   me
                   ,
                   my
                   Father
                   will
                   love
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   love
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   manifest
                   my self
                   to
                   him
                   .
                
                 In
                 the
                 Hebrew
                 Verbs
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 
                 affection
                 is
                 included
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 this
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 Love
                 breedeth
                 familiarity
                 ,
                 and
                 familiarity
                 breedeth
                 knowledge
                 and
                 acquaintance
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 where
                 
                 no
                 love
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 estrangedness
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 ends
                 in
                 a
                 not
                 knowing
                 of
                 a
                 Person
                 ;
                 so
                 then
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 many
                 that
                 profess
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 he
                 loveth
                 them
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   knowing
                   here
                   spoken
                   of
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   also
                   an
                   owning
                   of
                   them
                   for
                   his
                   own
                   ;
                   an
                   acknowledging
                   of
                   them
                   :
                   You
                   only
                   have
                   I
                   known
                   ,
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 )
                 
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   People
                   and
                   Nations
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   therefore
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   pass
                   by
                   you
                   unpunished
                
                 ;
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 I
                 have
                 owned
                 you
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 families
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 :
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 taken
                 for
                 my
                 family
                 :
                 I
                 have
                 owned
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 be
                 visited
                 with
                 the
                 stripes
                 and
                 rods
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 destroy
                 .
                 So
                 saith
                 he
                 to
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   thee
                   by
                   name
                
                 ;
                 (
                 that
                 
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 I
                 acknowledge
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 own
                 thee
                 in
                 a
                 neer
                 manner
                 indeed
                 ;
                 therefore
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Amos
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   chastise
                   every
                   son
                   whom
                   I
                   receive
                   :
                
                 this
                 knowing
                 them
                 
                 then
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 such
                 an
                 acknowledging
                 of
                 them
                 for
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 were
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 never
                 given
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 nor
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 acknowledgeth
                 them
                 not
                 as
                 his
                 in
                 so
                 near
                 a
                 relation
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   knoweth
                   them
                   not
                   by
                   experience
                   ,
                
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 he
                 hath
                 had
                 no
                 experience
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 touch
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 vertue
                 might
                 go
                 forth
                 from
                 him
                 to
                 heal
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 pardon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 he
                 never
                 had
                 a
                 touch
                 of
                 faith
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 know
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 known
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 known
                 that
                 vertue
                 went
                 forth
                 from
                 him
                 to
                 heal
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 no
                 acquaintance
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   never
                   acquainted
                   themselves
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   hearts
                   were
                   alway
                   estranged
                   and
                   far
                   from
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 though
                 they
                 drew
                 near
                 with
                 their
                 lips
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 never
                 touched
                 one
                 with
                 another
                 ;
                 they
                 rested
                 in
                 somewhat
                 else
                 ,
                 as
                 gifts
                 and
                 miracles
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 by
                 experience
                 of
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 letting
                 out
                 his
                 healing
                 
                 power
                 upon
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   knoweth
                   them
                   not
                
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 
                   he
                   careth
                   not
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   nor
                   their
                   souls
                   ,
                   to
                   defend
                   them
                   ,
                   save
                   them
                   :
                   let
                   them
                   do
                   what
                   they
                   will
                   ,
                   be
                   regardeth
                   them
                   not
                   :
                
                 As
                 in
                 that
                 first
                 Psalm
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   knoweth
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   ungodly
                   shall
                   perish
                   :
                
                 by
                 the
                 opposite
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 appeareth
                 ,
                 that
                 Gods
                 knowing
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 keep
                 it
                 from
                 perishing
                 ,
                 the
                 antecedent
                 including
                 the
                 consequent
                 many
                 
                 times
                 in
                 the
                 Hebrew
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 perishing
                 of
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 ungodly
                 ,
                 the
                 Consequent
                 including
                 the
                 Antecedent
                 ,
                 his
                 not
                 knowing
                 of
                 their
                 way
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 on●
                 ,
                 
                   Thou
                   hast
                   known
                   my
                   soul
                   in
                   adversity
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 meaning
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 a
                 care
                 
                 of
                 me
                 in
                 six
                 and
                 seven
                 troubles
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 that
                 no
                 more
                 were
                 laid
                 on
                 then
                 I
                 could
                 bear
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 me
                 that
                 the
                 Spirit
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 made
                 did
                 not
                 fail
                 &c.
                 so
                 the
                 righteous
                 man
                 knoweth
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 his
                 beast
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 he
                 knoweth
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 tender
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 some
                 understand
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   sheep
                   hear
                   my
                   voyce
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   know
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   follow
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   give
                   them
                   eternal
                   life
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   know
                   them
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                
                 ;
                 now
                 many
                 professors
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 regardeth
                 them
                 not
                 what
                 becometh
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 sink
                 or
                 or
                 swim
                 ,
                 shift
                 for
                 themselves
                 ,
                 take
                 their
                 own
                 course
                 ,
                 he
                 regardeth
                 them
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 who
                 these
                 are
                 among
                 professors
                 that
                 the
                 
                   Lord
                   knoweth
                   not
                
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 you
                 easily
                 understand
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 meerly
                 formal
                 ,
                 have
                 a
                 Lamp
                 and
                 no
                 Oyl
                 ,
                 a
                 form
                 and
                 no
                 power
                 .
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 The
                 next
                 Note
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 remember
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   such
                   as
                   he
                   knoweth
                   not
                   ,
                   shall
                   never
                   enter
                   into
                   this
                   Marriage-Feast
                   ,
                
                 the
                 door
                 is
                 shut
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 th●s
                 is
                 given
                 as
                 a
                 reason
                 ,
                 wherefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 would
                 not
                 open
                 it
                 to
                 them
                 upon
                 their
                 crying
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 answered
                 and
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 reason
                 you
                 should
                 expect
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 door
                 opened
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Matthew
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 know
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 sends
                 them
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   .
                
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Because
                 many
                 that
                 profess
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 are
                 very
                 strangers
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 shall
                 not
                 have
                 the
                 door
                 opened
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 knew
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 he
                 never
                 knew
                 them
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 never
                 any
                 acquaintance
                 ;
                 now
                 strangers
                 that
                 we
                 never
                 saw
                 ,
                 who
                 useth
                 to
                 admit
                 to
                 a
                 Marriage-feast
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 familiars
                 and
                 favorites
                 ;
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 knew
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 surely
                 they
                 are
                 strangers
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 knoweth
                 all
                 his
                 own
                 children
                 ,
                 his
                 own
                 sheep
                 ,
                 let
                 their
                 condition
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 under
                 never
                 such
                 desertions
                 and
                 cloudings
                 ,
                 and
                 questionings
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 :
                 A
                 woman
                 may
                 forget
                 her
                 children
                 ,
                 but
                 God
                 cannot
                 forget
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 if
                 once
                 acquainted
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 writes
                 their
                 names
                 before
                 him
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 upon
                 his
                 very
                 heart
                 they
                 are
                 written
                 ,
                 
                 whither
                 nothing
                 can
                 come
                 to
                 blot
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 now
                 many
                 a
                 professor
                 is
                 a
                 meer
                 stranger
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 throng
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 never
                 toucheth
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 had
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 touch
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 stranger
                 to
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 holiness
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 &
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 surely
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 admit
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 place
                 ●or
                 strangers
                 ,
                 but
                 ●or
                 favourites
                 ;
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 friends
                 of
                 the
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 that
                 must
                 hear
                 his
                 voyce
                 ,
                 &
                 behold
                 his
                 bea●ty
                 ,
                 &
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 it
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 which
                 every
                 professor
                 ,
                 alas
                 is
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Because
                 of
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 which
                 indeed
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 estrangedness
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 professor
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 from
                 them
                 ;
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 reason
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 would
                 feed
                 upon
                 husks
                 rather
                 then
                 go
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ?
                 O
                 his
                 stomack
                 was
                 too
                 big
                 to
                 acknowledge
                 his
                 failing
                 to
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 he
                 could
                 hold
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 plainly
                 in
                 the
                 poor
                 woman
                 that
                 had
                 spent
                 all
                 she
                 had
                 upon
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 a
                 stout
                 heart
                 would
                 not
                 down
                 while
                 she
                 had
                 a
                 peny
                 .
                 And
                 surely
                 you
                 see
                 you
                 see
                 here
                 these
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 went
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 oyl
                 ,
                 but
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 where
                 they
                 could
                 beg
                 or
                 buy
                 of
                 any
                 body
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 too
                 stomachful
                 and
                 slout
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   submitted
                   not
                   to
                   the
                   righteousness
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 an
                 
                 act
                 of
                 submission
                 and
                 self-emptying
                 indeed
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 righteous
                 and
                 stand
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 ;
                 this
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 heaven
                 by
                 their
                 own
                 works
                 ,
                 or
                 never
                 have
                 it
                 :
                 so
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 would
                 have
                 oyl
                 sowewhere
                 short
                 of
                 Christ
                 ▪
                 or
                 they
                 would
                 go
                 without
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 do
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 proud
                 beggers
                 ,
                 proud
                 of
                 rags
                 filthy
                 rags
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 the
                 proud
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 admit
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 nearest
                 comm●nion
                 with
                 himself
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 open
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 professor
                 ,
                 who
                 will
                 spin
                 his
                 own
                 web
                 ,
                 and
                 〈…〉
                 lk
                 by
                 sparks
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 kindling
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 by
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 to
                 their
                 Herb
                 to
                 heal
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 Christ
                 the
                 Physitian
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 so
                 stout
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 take
                 what
                 followeth
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 regard
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 near
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 friends
                 ,
                 but
                 afar
                 off
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 .
                 They
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 them
                 ;
                 he
                 approveth
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 careth
                 not
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 admit
                 them
                 .
                 David
                 that
                 had
                 but
                 a
                 
                 spark
                 of
                 the
                 holiness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 holy
                 one
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 God
                 equal
                 with
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 know
                 a
                 wicked
                 person
                 ,
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ye
                   workers
                   of
                   iniquity
                   ,
                
                 away
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 company
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 companion
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 fear
                 God
                 ,
                 both
                 small
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 great
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 were
                 a
                 King
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 vile
                 person
                 he
                 contemned
                 ,
                 be
                 he
                 as
                 great
                 as
                 he
                 would
                 ,
                 away
                 with
                 him
                 from
                 me
                 ,
                 what
                 communion
                 can
                 light
                 &
                 darkness
                 have
                 ?
                 can
                 they
                 dwell
                 together
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   ,
                   ye
                   workers
                   of
                   iniquity
                
                 ;
                 into
                 that
                 holy
                 place
                 none
                 that
                 defileth
                 can
                 enter
                 :
                 now
                 in
                 this
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 two
                 things
                 .
                 (
                 1.
                 )
                 That
                 they
                 do
                 work
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 some
                 sin
                 they
                 live
                 in
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 many
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 their
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 .
                 (
                 2.
                 )
                 That
                 the
                 very
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 and
                 all
                 their
                 shew
                 ,
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 working
                 of
                 iniquity
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 workers
                 of
                 some
                 iniquity
                 or
                 other
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 either
                 ,
                 in
                 an
                 outward
                 gross
                 manner
                 ,
                 as
                 gross
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 more
                 closely
                 and
                 inwardly
                 ,
                 as
                 close
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 nor
                 own
                 them
                 .
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 gross
                 hypocrites
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 their
                 hands
                 full
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 bribes
                 ,
                 their
                 houses
                 are
                 builded
                 by
                 wrong
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 chambers
                 by
                 unrighteousnes●
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 bless
                 themselves
                 in
                 being
                 a
                 people
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 surely
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 away
                 with
                 this
                 :
                 such
                 are
                 the
                 gross
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 all
                 the
                 week
                 long
                 make
                 a
                 trade
                 of
                 lying
                 in
                 their
                 shops
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 callings
                 ,
                 of
                 swea●ing
                 &
                 forswearing
                 ,
                 of
                 drunkenness
                 and
                 adultery
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 and
                 wipe
                 their
                 mouths
                 with
                 the
                 Harlot
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   hey
                   have
                   done
                   no
                   wickedness
                
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 pure
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 eys
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 washed
                 ,
                 &c.
                 come
                 upon
                 these
                 days
                 and
                 
                 sit
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 as
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 delivered
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 abominations
                 ;
                 the
                 drunkard
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 swearer
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 as
                 good
                 Christians
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 though
                 all
                 have
                 their
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 and
                 theirs
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 th
                 〈…〉
                 e
                 are
                 lying
                 words
                 you
                 trust
                 unto
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 deceive
                 you
                 ;
                 for
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                 
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   hear
                   when
                   you
                   make
                   many
                   prayers
                   ,
                   your
                   hands
                   are
                   full
                   of
                   blood
                
                 ;
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 regard
                 the
                 services
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 people
                 ;
                 he
                 examineth
                 mens
                 hands
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 hard
                 with
                 labouring
                 in
                 their
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 if
                 so
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 your
                 words
                 
                   that
                   are
                   smo●ther
                   then
                   oyl
                
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 serve
                 your
                 turn
                 ,
                 
                   Quid
                   verba
                   cum
                   sacta
                   videam
                
                 ?
                 to
                 cry
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 go
                 and
                 serve
                 ,
                 and
                 drudge
                 
                 for
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 their
                 good
                 Lord
                 ;
                 will
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 search
                 this
                 out
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 such
                 a
                 person
                 as
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 (
                 2.
                 )
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 it
                 is
                 more
                 secret
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 but
                 
                 he
                 regardeth
                 iniquity
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 heart
                 he
                 works
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 with
                 his
                 hands
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 he
                 may
                 wash
                 his
                 hands
                 with
                 Pilat
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 his
                 heart
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 do
                 mens
                 mouths
                 water
                 after
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   stoln
                   waters
                   and
                   bread
                   eaten
                   in
                   secret
                
                 ;
                 if
                 
                 they
                 durst
                 do
                 it
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 being
                 discovered
                 and
                 ashamed
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 a
                 galled
                 conscience
                 ▪
                 a
                 secret
                 lust
                 ,
                 a
                 secret
                 wound
                 which
                 bleedeth
                 inwardly
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 visible
                 ,
                 is
                 as
                 deadly
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 ;
                 now
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 be
                 it
                 never
                 so
                 secret
                 ;
                 let
                 Judas
                 cover
                 his
                 Treasury
                 never
                 so
                 close
                 ,
                 and
                 Ananias
                 and
                 Saphira
                 their
                 double
                 dealing
                 ,
                 their
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 no
                 purpose
                 ;
                 burning
                 lips
                 and
                 a
                 wicked
                 heart
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 a
                 Potsherd
                 covered
                 over
                 with
                 silver
                 
                 dross
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 a
                 glorious
                 shew
                 ,
                 burning
                 of
                 lips
                 with
                 love
                 ,
                 much
                 love
                 shewed
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 base
                 as
                 a
                 Potsherd
                 ,
                 a
                 vessel
                 of
                 dishonour
                 fitted
                 to
                 distruction
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 never
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 dasht
                 in
                 pieces
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 it self
                 materially
                 it
                 be
                 good
                 ,
                 yet
                 as
                 they
                 use
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 a
                 cloak
                 for
                 their
                 sin
                 ,
                 a
                 fair
                 skin
                 over
                 ,
                 a
                 belly
                 full
                 of
                 Garbidge
                 and
                 
                 filthiness
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 iniquity
                 ;
                 
                   it
                   is
                   iniquity
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   even
                   your
                   sol●mn
                   meetings
                   ,
                   Incense
                   is
                   an
                   abomination
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   weary
                   to
                   bear
                   them
                   .
                
                 What
                 was
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 why
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 but
                 flatterwith
                 their
                 mouths
                 ,
                 their
                 hearts
                 were
                 not
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 hated
                 it
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 working
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 working
                 out
                 a
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 with
                 much
                 pains
                 ,
                 and
                 sticking
                 there
                 ;
                 the
                 prayer
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 is
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 abomination
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 amount
                 to
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 to
                 filthy
                 garments
                 ,
                 filthy
                 rags
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 these
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 us
                 :
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 shall
                 not
                 dwel
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 Dine
                 and
                 Sup
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 the
                 feast
                 of
                 new
                 Wine
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 open
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 greater
                 iniquity
                 then
                 hypocrisie
                 ?
                 
                   Simulata
                   sanctitas
                   ,
                   duplex
                   iniquitas
                
                 ;
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 when
                 he
                 thinketh
                 he
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 then
                 his
                 hypocrisie
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 height
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 admit
                 any
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 .
                 Not
                 our
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Conclusion
                 :
                 that
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 declared
                 openly
                 to
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 owneth
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 their
                 seeming
                 delight
                 in
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 following
                 of
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 profession
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 doom
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 receive
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   knoweth
                   them
                   not
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 also
                 plain
                 from
                 this
                 Text
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 from
                 that
                 in
                 
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   
                   At
                   that
                   day
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 general
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 every
                 particular
                 souls
                 .
                 Dooms
                 day
                 they
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 and
                 then
                 will
                 I
                 say
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   ,
                
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 Why
                 is
                 this
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 many
                 Professors
                 shall
                 have
                 this
                 doom
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                   ,
                   I
                   never
                   knew
                   you
                
                 ;
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 thus
                 declared
                 from
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 himself
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 the
                 Office
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 Judge
                 ;
                 God
                 hath
                 appointed
                 to
                 judge
                 the
                 world
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 by
                 one
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 shal
                 pronounce
                 the
                 Sentence
                 either
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 mouth
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 ministration
                 of
                 Angels
                 ;
                 but
                 rather
                 
                 me
                 thinks
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 mouth
                 this
                 word
                 shal
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 which
                 shal
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 flaming
                 two
                 edged
                 Sword
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 bones
                 &
                 bowels
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 divide
                 them
                 in
                 sunder
                 for
                 ever
                 here
                 sinners
                 are
                 shut
                 up
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 upon
                 their
                 hearts
                 already
                 ,
                 and
                 hypocrites
                 are
                 lyable
                 to
                 this
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 held
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 shall
                 be
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 doom
                 ,
                 therefore
                 then
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 declared
                 ;
                 a
                 Prisoner
                 feareth
                 what
                 the
                 sentence
                 may
                 be
                 before
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 triall
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 hypocrites
                 sometimes
                 may
                 have
                 some
                 foretaste
                 ,
                 some
                 fearfulness
                 may
                 surprise
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 skin
                 it
                 over
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 declared
                 by
                 the
                 Judge
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 must
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   For
                   a
                   confirmation
                   of
                   the
                   words
                   of
                   his
                   servants
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   everlasting
                   rebuke
                   of
                   their
                   unbelief
                   of
                   his
                   Word
                   by
                   them
                
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 message
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 formalists
                 in
                 the
                 mouths
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 your
                 form
                 of
                 godliness
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 you
                 through
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 fail
                 you
                 sooner
                 or
                 latter
                 ;
                 your
                 fig
                 leaves
                 will
                 not
                 shadow
                 you
                 from
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ,
                 the
                 hope
                 of
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 shall
                 perish
                 and
                 give
                 up
                 the
                 Ghost
                 ,
                 God
                 loatheth
                 no
                 sort
                 of
                 sinners
                 more
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 take
                 themselves
                 to
                 be
                 highly
                 favoured
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 deeply
                 abhorred
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 scarce
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 but
                 hath
                 his
                 shifts
                 to
                 put
                 by
                 an
                 hundred
                 such
                 thrusts
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Sword
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 deceived
                 heart
                 within
                 him
                 ,
                 telling
                 him
                 he
                 hath
                 fruit
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 leaves
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 fru●t
                 found
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 testimonies
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 conclude
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 person
                 abhorred
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 his
                 hopes
                 are
                 high
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 word
                 fasteneth
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 apt
                 to
                 think
                 the
                 Minister
                 too
                 straite
                 when
                 he
                 goeth
                 to
                 the
                 quick
                 ,
                 and
                 tels
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 iniquity
                 be
                 regarded
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 but
                 keep
                 their
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 doubt
                 not
                 of
                 their
                 salvation
                 :
                 well
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 dash
                 this
                 presumption
                 of
                 theirs
                 ,
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 see
                 their
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 forlorn
                 condition
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 make
                 them
                 see
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 servants
                 word
                 will
                 not
                 convince
                 them
                 ,
                 his
                 shall
                 ,
                 and
                 confound
                 them
                 also
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 pronounceth
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 
                   Verily
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 sinners
                 own
                 conscience
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 justified
                 :
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 let
                 Ministers
                 say
                 what
                 they
                 can
                 ,
                 be
                 they
                 never
                 such
                 Bonerges
                 ,
                 thundring
                 from
                 heaven
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 beaten
                 off
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 last
                 come
                 bouncing
                 at
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   open
                   to
                   us
                   .
                
                 The
                 Ministers
                 have
                 often
                 enough
                 told
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 they
                 cry
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 not
                 hear
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 but
                 appear
                 before
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 to
                 be
                 consumed
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 himself
                 he
                 speaks
                 ,
                 he
                 declareth
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 full
                 conviction
                 to
                 their
                 consciences
                 ;
                 for
                 he
                 with
                 his
                 Word
                 reacheth
                 the
                 soul
                 and
                 conscience
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 now
                 their
                 confidence
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 dashed
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 word
                 more
                 hath
                 a
                 sinner
                 then
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 himself
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 confirm
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 his
                 servants
                 ,
                 his
                 faithful
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 spoken
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 this
                 cometh
                 to
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 slighted
                 ,
                 they
                 thought
                 God
                 would
                 be
                 more
                 merciful
                 then
                 those
                 bloody
                 Ministers
                 are
                 ,
                 who
                 wound
                 and
                 spare
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 now
                 make
                 them
                 know
                 that
                 whose
                 sins
                 they
                 retain
                 ,
                 
                   clave
                   non
                   errante
                
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 right
                 application
                 of
                 the
                 threatnings
                 and
                 terrors
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 not
                 
                 one
                 word
                 of
                 theirs
                 shall
                 fall
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 the
                 mind
                 of
                 Christ
                 what
                 ever
                 you
                 thought
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 another
                 Argument
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 For
                 a
                 Declaration
                 and
                 Vindication
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 Wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 Holiness
                 ;
                 his
                 Wisdom
                 in
                 that
                 now
                 hypocrites
                 shall
                 see
                 there
                 was
                 nothing
                 could
                 be
                 hid
                 from
                 his
                 eys
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 through
                 and
                 through
                 ,
                 even
                 when
                 they
                 made
                 the
                 
                 most
                 dazling
                 profession
                 to
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 piercing
                 eye
                 saw
                 through
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 sinner
                 there
                 in
                 that
                 Psalm
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 language
                 of
                 all
                 hypocrites
                 in
                 heart
                 ,
                 
                   Tush
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 
                 
                   seeth
                   not
                   ,
                   neither
                   doth
                   the
                   God
                   of
                
                 Jacob
                 
                   regard
                   it
                
                 ?
                 doth
                 he
                 look
                 to
                 the
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 mans
                 ends
                 ,
                 the
                 secrets
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 carry
                 fair
                 outwardly
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 pass
                 the
                 test
                 ?
                 yea
                 with
                 men
                 :
                 but
                 thou
                 shalt
                 know
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 men
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 God
                 ;
                 you
                 may
                 juggle
                 so
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 cast
                 a
                 mist
                 before
                 mens
                 eyes
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 before
                 his
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 you
                 think
                 you
                 can
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 now
                 manifest
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 all
                 of
                 you
                 been
                 a
                 deceived
                 people
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 thought
                 to
                 deceive
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 now
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 God
                 of
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 that
                 searcheth
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 recompence
                 into
                 your
                 bosoms
                 the
                 very
                 secrets
                 of
                 your
                 iniquity
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 his
                 justice
                 and
                 holiness
                 ;
                 because
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 hath
                 flourished
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 had
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 many
                 common
                 gifts
                 ,
                 and
                 flourished
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 made
                 a
                 great
                 shew
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 hath
                 born
                 with
                 much
                 patience
                 ;
                 Justice
                 hath
                 been
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 asleep
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 repay
                 them
                 into
                 their
                 own
                 bosoms
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 his
                 holiness
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 thought
                 God
                 was
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 as
                 themselves
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 reprove
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 their
                 sins
                 in
                 order
                 before
                 them
                 .
                 Now
                 he
                 will
                 keep
                 silence
                 no
                 longer
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 appear
                 how
                 he
                 hateth
                 all
                 their
                 hypocrisie
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 fathered
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 men
                 have
                 looked
                 upon
                 them
                 as
                 Saints
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 his
                 holiness
                 will
                 endure
                 no
                 longer
                 ,
                 but
                 shake
                 them
                 off
                 ;
                 they
                 shall
                 now
                 see
                 that
                 such
                 impure
                 hearts
                 he
                 cannot
                 away
                 with
                 ,
                 to
                 dwell
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 though
                 with
                 much
                 patience
                 he
                 did
                 bear
                 them
                 here
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 he
                 never
                 knew
                 them
                 here
                 ,
                 never
                 owned
                 them
                 ,
                 cared
                 for
                 them
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 height
                 of
                 their
                 profession
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   Because
                   now
                   is
                   the
                   separating
                   time
                   ,
                   nothing
                   is
                   hid
                   that
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   made
                   manifest
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 in
                 another
                 place
                 ,
                 though
                 chaff
                 may
                 go
                 for
                 wheat
                 ,
                 and
                 gilt
                 for
                 Gold
                 ,
                 and
                 alchimy
                 for
                 gold
                 ,
                 and
                 dross
                 and
                 tin
                 for
                 silver
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 separated
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 high
                 time
                 now
                 to
                 unmask
                 the
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 long
                 enough
                 deluded
                 himself
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 now
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 make
                 it
                 known
                 ,
                 himself
                 will
                 declare
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 their
                 false
                 imaginations
                 :
                 but
                 enough
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 to
                 wind
                 up
                 all
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Application
                 :
                 In
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   a
                   terrible
                   word
                   to
                   all
                   Formalists
                   ,
                   all
                   gross
                   and
                
                 
                 
                 
                   close
                   hypocrites
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 search
                 you
                 out
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 it
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 terrour
                 ,
                 a
                 shaking
                 in
                 your
                 bones
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 shaken
                 off
                 your
                 security
                 .
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 that
                 are
                 terrible
                 to
                 you
                 herein
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 your
                 portion
                 ,
                 I
                 must
                 deliver
                 it
                 to
                 you
                 .
                 Let
                 not
                 any
                 poor
                 trembling
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 catch
                 at
                 the
                 dogs
                 portion
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 dogs
                 should
                 at
                 the
                 childrens
                 bread
                 ,
                 God
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 such
                 sadned
                 ,
                 nor
                 would
                 I
                 speak
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 the
                 grief
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 God
                 hath
                 wounded
                 .
                 But
                 for
                 Hypocrites
                 and
                 Formalists
                 let
                 me
                 speak
                 it
                 :
                 1.
                 
                 He
                 knoweth
                 you
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Therefore
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 know
                 you
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 knoweth
                 you
                 .
                 And
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 you
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   knoweth
                   you
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 understands
                 you
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 windows
                 of
                 Chrystal
                 into
                 your
                 breasts
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   is
                   naked
                   before
                   him
                   with
                   whom
                   you
                   have
                   to
                   do
                
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 are
                 a
                 little
                 affected
                 with
                 hearing
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 innocent
                 a
                 person
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 unworthily
                 ,
                 treacherously
                 and
                 cruelly
                 handled
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 you
                 take
                 your selves
                 to
                 be
                 
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   received
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   grace
                   and
                   supplication
                   ,
                
                 and
                 mourn
                 over
                 Christ
                 whom
                 you
                 have
                 crucified
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 but
                 a
                 natural
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 be
                 as
                 much
                 affected
                 or
                 moved
                 with
                 hearing
                 any
                 sad
                 story
                 of
                 another
                 person
                 :
                 Believe
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 whether
                 you
                 see
                 this
                 deceit
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 it
                 .
                 Your
                 ends
                 are
                 deep
                 in
                 your
                 actions
                 which
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 much
                 self-denyal
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 even
                 then
                 in
                 that
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 end
                 for
                 self
                 at
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 the
                 commanding
                 wheel
                 that
                 setteth
                 all
                 a
                 work
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 is
                 too
                 deep
                 for
                 any
                 other
                 to
                 discern
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 your selves
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 seeth
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 all
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 your
                 heart
                 .
                 You
                 pray
                 ,
                 and
                 fast
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 are
                 in
                 any
                 distress
                 ,
                 but
                 little
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 carnal
                 end
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 corn
                 ,
                 and
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 oyl
                 ;
                 that
                 you
                 howl
                 upon
                 your
                 beds
                 ,
                 you
                 little
                 think
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   you
                   pray
                   and
                   seek
                   after
                   God
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 ends
                 meerly
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 spend
                 these
                 
                 things
                 upon
                 your
                 lusts
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 some
                 body
                 ,
                 be
                 esteemed
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 be
                 of
                 esteem
                 among
                 the
                 Saints
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 carry
                 it
                 as
                 covertly
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 your
                 own
                 souls
                 are
                 juggled
                 into
                 a
                 delusion
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   yet
                   be
                   not
                   deceived
                   ,
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   mocked
                
                 ;
                 men
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 deceived
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 that
                 their
                 secrets
                 of
                 sinning
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   bread
                   eaten
                   in
                   secret
                
                 ,
                 their
                 morsels
                 under
                 the
                 tongue
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 discovered
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 seeth
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 knoweth
                 you
                 throughly
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   searcheth
                   the
                   hearts
                   ,
                   and
                   tryeth
                   the
                   reins
                   of
                   the
                   sons
                   of
                   men
                   .
                
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   he
                   knoweth
                   you
                   ,
                   therefore
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   know
                   you
                   ,
                   he
                   approveth
                   not
                   of
                   you
                
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 men
                 do
                 approve
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 
                 your
                 praise
                 may
                 be
                 among
                 the
                 Churches
                 ,
                 among
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 your
                 praise
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 loveth
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 savours
                 you
                 not
                 with
                 that
                 favour
                 that
                 he
                 bears
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 indeed
                 some
                 love
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 had
                 to
                 the
                 young
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 that
                 was
                 but
                 near
                 to
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 disallow
                 of
                 a
                 form
                 and
                 profession
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 its
                 use
                 ,
                 the
                 leaves
                 of
                 the
                 trees
                 of
                 righteousness
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 for
                 healing
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 an
                 holy
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 walking
                 to
                 the
                 appearance
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 may
                 
                 win
                 others
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 perish
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 profession
                 may
                 serve
                 as
                 a
                 Motive
                 to
                 quicken
                 up
                 themselves
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 the
                 power
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 godliness
                 be
                 not
                 good
                 and
                 necessary
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 men
                 take
                 up
                 a
                 form
                 ?
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 good
                 ,
                 why
                 rest
                 they
                 in
                 a
                 form
                 and
                 neglect
                 it
                 ?
                 but
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 know
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   ever
                   you
                   dream
                   of
                   now
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   pronounce
                   that
                   sentence
                   upon
                   you
                   at
                   that
                   day
                   ,
                   O
                   that
                   dreadful
                   sentence
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   knoweth
                   you
                   not
                   ,
                   he
                   never
                   knew
                   you
                   .
                
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 but
                 single
                 out
                 any
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 tell
                 us
                 we
                 are
                 the
                 men
                 ,
                 what
                 agonies
                 would
                 it
                 put
                 us
                 into
                 ?
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 make
                 sinners
                 ears
                 tingle
                 to
                 hear
                 this
                 word
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                 Jesus
                 :
                 O
                 let
                 fearfulness
                 surprize
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 ;
                 yea
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 make
                 your
                 hearts
                 to
                 bleed
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 heart-strings
                 crack
                 within
                 you
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 pierce
                 you
                 through
                 with
                 the
                 sorrows
                 of
                 hell
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 his
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 discoursing
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 temperance
                 ,
                 and
                 Judgement
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 be
                 so
                 great
                 as
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 Foelix
                 ,
                 a
                 great
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 stout
                 hearted
                 sinner
                 tremble
                 that
                 was
                 not
                 converted
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 when
                 the
                 
                 sentence
                 is
                 pronounced
                 against
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 himself
                 ?
                 for
                 while
                 you
                 hear
                 Preachers
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 terrible
                 when
                 the
                 conscience
                 is
                 opened
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Cordial
                 at
                 hand
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 once
                 pronounced
                 by
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 remedy
                 ;
                 if
                 one
                 word
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Souldiers
                 came
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 asked
                 them
                 whom
                 they
                 sought
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   am
                   he
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ;
                 this
                 struck
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ;
                 souldiers
                 in
                 such
                 Garrisons
                 in
                 Countries
                 
                 
                 kept
                 by
                 the
                 sword
                 they
                 were
                 won
                 by
                 ,
                 use
                 to
                 to
                 be
                 men
                 of
                 stoutest
                 spirits
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 dare
                 sometimes
                 the
                 very
                 Devil
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 one
                 word
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ's
                 mouth
                 struck
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 surely
                 this
                 word
                 of
                 sentence
                 will
                 speak
                 men
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 lowermost
                 pit
                 :
                 It
                 will
                 speak
                 them
                 dumb
                 forthwith
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 for
                 themselves
                 ;
                 It
                 will
                 speak
                 them
                 into
                 confusion
                 and
                 amazement
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 speak
                 them
                 into
                 the
                 flames
                 of
                 hell
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 :
                 
                   O
                   this
                   roaring
                   of
                   the
                   Lyon
                   of
                   the
                   tribe
                   of
                
                 Judah
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   may
                   abide
                   ?
                   If
                   the
                   Law
                   was
                   so
                   terrible
                   in
                   the
                   giving
                   ,
                   what
                   will
                   it
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   execution
                   ?
                
                 You
                 read
                 how
                 the
                 Mountains
                 shook
                 ,
                 &
                 Moses
                 himself
                 trembled
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   the
                   sentence
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   is
                   nothing
                   to
                   the
                   sentence
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   as
                   this
                   condemnation
                   of
                   hypocrites
                   will
                   be
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 
                 in
                 appearance
                 owned
                 Christ
                 ,
                 followed
                 him
                 ,
                 done
                 much
                 in
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 profess
                 
                   he
                   never
                   knew
                   them
                
                 ,
                 they
                 pretended
                 acquaintance
                 with
                 him
                 now
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 own
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 You
                 then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 only
                 a
                 semblance
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 you
                 seem
                 to
                 have
                 somewhat
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 nothing
                 ,
                 then
                 shall
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 you
                 that
                 which
                 you
                 seemed
                 to
                 have
                 ,
                 then
                 your
                 vizard
                 will
                 be
                 pluckt
                 off
                 ;
                 you
                 pretend
                 to
                 be
                 friends
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 and
                 Mother
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 will
                 he
                 profess
                 he
                 knoweth
                 you
                 not
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 preach
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 preach
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 your
                 own
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 own
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 say
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 rest
                 in
                 this
                 your
                 form
                 ,
                 this
                 you
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 plead
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 stay
                 your selves
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 you
                 ,
                 O
                 but
                 we
                 do
                 lean
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 so
                 you
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 mark
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 you
                 lean
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   among
                
                 
                 
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   build
                   up
                   Sion
                   with
                   blood
                   ,
                   and
                   Jerusalem
                   with
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   the
                   heads
                   thereof
                   judge
                   for
                   reward
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Priests
                   teach
                   for
                   hire
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 their
                 tongues
                 may
                 be
                 hired
                 to
                 say
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 pass
                 any
                 judgement
                 right
                 or
                 wrong
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 lean
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 say
                 you
                 lean
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 be
                 drunk
                 ,
                 swear
                 ,
                 lye
                 ,
                 cheat
                 ,
                 over-reach
                 ,
                 be
                 filthy
                 and
                 unclean
                 ,
                 allow
                 your
                 ●elves
                 in
                 
                   c
                   〈…〉
                   mplative
                   wickedness
                
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 such
                 .
                 
                 You
                 that
                 
                   regard
                   any
                   iniquity
                
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 little
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 secret
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 own
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 here
                 own
                 you
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 will
                 he
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 ●o
                 the
                 judgement
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 mayest
                 soar
                 a
                 higher
                 pitch
                 in
                 
                 respect
                 of
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 gifts
                 ,
                 and
                 confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 pretend
                 to
                 live
                 higher
                 then
                 other
                 men
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 men
                 of
                 higher
                 dispensations
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 now
                 do
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 as
                 the
                 Eagle
                 ,
                 when
                 at
                 the
                 highest
                 pitch
                 ,
                 hath
                 a
                 learing
                 eye
                 after
                 her
                 prey
                 below
                 ;
                 so
                 have
                 they
                 such
                 a
                 learing
                 eye
                 ,
                 a
                 lingering
                 heart
                 after
                 their
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 mouths
                 water
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 shame
                 .
                 O
                 surely
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 never
                 own
                 such
                 ,
                 fear
                 and
                 tremble
                 at
                 this
                 word
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 it
                 concerneth
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 such
                 souls
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 amazement
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 made
                 no
                 other
                 reckoning
                 but
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 heaven
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 Countrey
                 should
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 the
                 men
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   have
                   done
                   much
                   ,
                   suffered
                   much
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   wrought
                   wonders
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 all
                 comes
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   heart
                   was
                   never
                   right
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   the
                   heart-searching
                   Judge
                   will
                   never
                   own
                   them
                   ,
                   never
                   care
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   become
                   of
                   them
                   what
                
                 
                 
                   will
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   never
                   know
                   their
                   souls
                   .
                
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 for
                 a
                 searching
                 word
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   be
                   not
                   deceived
                   ,
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   mocked
                   ,
                   he
                   knoweth
                   a
                
                 Balaam
                 
                   to
                   be
                   a
                
                 Balaam
                 ,
                 
                   though
                   he
                   profess
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   love
                   to
                
                 Israel
                 :
                 
                   And
                   O
                
                 
                 
                   if
                   he
                   would
                   give
                   me
                   a
                   house
                   full
                   of
                   gold
                   and
                   silver
                   ,
                   I
                   cannot
                   go
                   beyond
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ;
                   And
                   O
                   that
                   my
                   latter
                   end
                   might
                   be
                   as
                   his
                   :
                
                 Yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 can
                 see
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 wretch
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 :
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 searching
                 word
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 
                   Whether
                   ever
                   we
                   have
                   known
                   him
                   ,
                   or
                   be
                   known
                   of
                   him
                
                 ;
                 have
                 you
                 
                 ever
                 touched
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 touch
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 pardon
                 of
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 your
                 corruptions
                 ?
                 and
                 have
                 you
                 found
                 healing
                 come
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 known
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 his
                 death
                 ,
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 
                 If
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 none
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 whose
                 ever
                 you
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 own
                 you
                 be
                 sure
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 sons
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 friends
                 ,
                 to
                 admit
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 feast
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 be
                 his
                 indeed
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 
                 with
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 following
                 after
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 resting
                 in
                 somewhat
                 else
                 beside
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 Do
                 not
                 think
                 your
                 crying
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 you
                 may
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 short
                 ;
                 did
                 not
                 Judas
                 come
                 with
                 his
                 
                   hail
                   Master
                   ,
                   and
                   kiss
                   him
                   ,
                
                 and
                 yet
                 his
                 heart
                 full
                 of
                 treason
                 against
                 him
                 ?
                 was
                 this
                 his
                 kindness
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 kiss
                 him
                 ,
                 salute
                 him
                 with
                 a
                 kiss
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 homage
                 or
                 obedience
                 in
                 shew
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 our
                 lives
                 deliver
                 him
                 up
                 to
                 be
                 scourged
                 by
                 our
                 loosness
                 of
                 carriage
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 
                 no
                 difference
                 between
                 us
                 and
                 other
                 men
                 ,
                 open
                 the
                 mouths
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 constantly
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 a
                 returning
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 own
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 think
                 you
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 be
                 contented
                 to
                 be
                 uncertain
                 in
                 our
                 conditions
                 ,
                 lest
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 disowned
                 ,
                 shut
                 out
                 at
                 that
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 all
                 labour
                 and
                 be
                 exhorted
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 study
                 to
                 approve
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 to
                 men
                 ;
                 a
                 needful
                 lesson
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 our
                 wisdom
                 surely
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 if
                 men
                 know
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 own
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 favour
                 us
                 as
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 precious
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 not
                 know
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 will
                 this
                 countervail
                 ?
                 O
                 Brethren
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 your
                 praise
                 be
                 
                 not
                 of
                 men
                 but
                 of
                 God!
                 O
                 how
                 apt
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 lifted
                 up
                 and
                 cheared
                 if
                 men
                 think
                 well
                 of
                 us
                 !
                 and
                 dejected
                 if
                 we
                 suffer
                 in
                 their
                 breasts
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 disown
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 would
                 go
                 to
                 our
                 hearts
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 quiet
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 that
                 fearful
                 sentence
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 :
                 If
                 Christ
                 disown
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 if
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 should
                 own
                 us
                 ?
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 own
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 should
                 it
                 discourage
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 own
                 us
                 .
                 
                   O
                   labour
                   to
                   be
                   more
                   inward
                   Christians
                   ,
                   and
                   build
                   your
                   comforts
                   upon
                   the
                   sure
                   mercies
                   of
                
                 David
                 
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 .
                 No
                 matter
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 rising
                 way
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 rising
                 Sun
                 ;
                 Look
                 to
                 the
                 mind
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 keep
                 a
                 conscience
                 void
                 of
                 offence
                 toward
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 this
                 your
                 work
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 him
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 your
                 gifts
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 your
                 duties
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 your
                 graces
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 knoweth
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 is
                 known
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 be
                 known
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Here
                 is
                 an
                 encouraging
                 word
                 to
                 poor
                 doubting
                 souls
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 pass
                 this
                 fearful
                 sentence
                 upon
                 themselves
                 ,
                 sooner
                 then
                 many
                 a
                 wretched
                 hard-hearted
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 it
                 properly
                 belongs
                 ;
                 No
                 matter
                 man
                 ,
                 though
                 thy
                 gifts
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 great
                 as
                 another
                 mans
                 ,
                 thou
                 canst
                 do
                 little
                 ,
                 or
                 hast
                 not
                 those
                 sweet
                 refreshings
                 and
                 enlargements
                 which
                 another
                 hath
                 ;
                 Is
                 thy
                 heart
                 approved
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 canst
                 thou
                 approve
                 thy
                 soul
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   thou
                   lovest
                   him
                
                 ?
                 as
                 
                   Peter
                   ,
                   Lord
                   thou
                   knowest
                   that
                   I
                   love
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 other
                 Saints
                 do
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 great
                 things
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 thee
                 call
                 for
                 ;
                 yet
                 thou
                 lovest
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 wouldst
                 fain
                 love
                 him
                 more
                 ;
                 
                   be
                   of
                   good
                
                 
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   ,
                   for
                   thou
                   art
                   known
                   of
                   him
                   :
                   If
                   any
                   man
                   love
                   God
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   
                   known
                   of
                   God.
                
                 A
                 Judas
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 open
                 professor
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 .
                 And
                 a
                 poor
                 Nicodemus
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 dare
                 but
                 come
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 a
                 very
                 shallow
                 Scholar
                 in
                 Christ's
                 School
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 discouragement
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 .
                 And
                 Judas
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 a
                 renowned
                 Teacher
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 behold
                 how
                 the
                 one
                 betrayes
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 sticks
                 to
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 professeth
                 him
                 openly
                 
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 that
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 was
                 most
                 discouragement
                 against
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 therefore
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 though
                 your
                 grace
                 be
                 weak
                 and
                 little
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 approve
                 thy
                 heart
                 thou
                 lovest
                 him
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 in
                 heaven
                 nor
                 in
                 earth
                 thou
                 wouldest
                 have
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 thy
                 infirmities
                 be
                 many
                 ,
                 temptations
                 be
                 many
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 poor
                 wearied
                 creature
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 thine
                 own
                 heart
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   of
                   good
                   comfort
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   hath
                   already
                   owned
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   own
                   thee
                   in
                   that
                   day
                   .
                
                 And
                 me
                 thinks
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 on
                 the
                 one
                 hand
                 when
                 such
                 bold
                 confident
                 souls
                 ,
                 that
                 make
                 no
                 other
                 reckoning
                 but
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 reckon
                 without
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 meet
                 with
                 so
                 sad
                 a
                 disappointment
                 ;
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 an
                 admittance
                 ,
                 they
                 meet
                 with
                 
                   I
                   know
                   you
                   not
                
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 their
                 hearts
                 dye
                 within
                 them
                 !
                 So
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 trembling
                 ,
                 doubting
                 Thomas
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 knoweth
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 himself
                 nor
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 searching
                 ,
                 and
                 trying
                 ,
                 and
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 fasting
                 ,
                 and
                 humbling
                 ,
                 &
                 running
                 ,
                 and
                 pressing
                 hard
                 forward
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 get
                 little
                 ground
                 of
                 his
                 corruptions
                 ,
                 which
                 much
                 discourageth
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 he
                 walks
                 tremblingly
                 ,
                 lest
                 he
                 should
                 receive
                 this
                 fearful
                 sentence
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   knoweth
                   him
                   not
                   ,
                   hath
                   never
                   had
                   any
                   thing
                   to
                   do
                   with
                   him
                
                 ;
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 his
                 profession
                 ,
                 sin
                 is
                 in
                 strength
                 ,
                 corruption
                 prevails
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 bitterness
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 .
                 O
                 when
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 doubting
                 creature
                 that
                 haply
                 many
                 times
                 looks
                 for
                 nothing
                 but
                 a
                 fearful
                 sentence
                 ,
                 
                   depart
                   from
                   me
                
                 ,
                 shall
                 have
                 this
                 pronounced
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   come
                   thou
                   poor
                   soul
                   ,
                   I
                   know
                   thee
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   known
                   thee
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   though
                   thou
                   hast
                   been
                   doubting
                   of
                   my
                   love
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   know
                   thee
                   ;
                   though
                   thou
                   hast
                   been
                   made
                   black
                   with
                   affliction
                   ,
                   and
                   thy
                   visage
                   so
                   marr'd
                   ,
                   as
                   others
                   knew
                   thee
                   not
                   ,
                   refuge
                   failed
                   thee
                   ,
                   no
                   man
                   cared
                   for
                   thee
                   ,
                   for
                   thy
                   soul
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   know
                   thee
                   ;
                   though
                   thou
                   hast
                   been
                   wounded
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   many
                   sins
                   ,
                   many
                   temptations
                   ,
                   and
                   walked
                   under
                   many
                   a
                   discouraged
                   heart
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   know
                   thee
                   .
                
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 this
                 be
                 as
                 everlasting
                 
                 life
                 from
                 eternal
                 death
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ▪
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 soul
                 shall
                 now
                 have
                 now
                 more
                 place
                 for
                 doubting
                 ,
                 the
                 satisfaction
                 shall
                 come
                 with
                 a
                 mandamus
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 speak
                 salvation
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 cannot
                 refuse
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   desire
                   accomplished
                   is
                   a
                   tree
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                
                 as
                 hope
                 deferred
                 is
                 a
                 sickness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 where
                 a
                 man
                 could
                 
                 scarce
                 act
                 hope
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 some
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ;
                 O
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 against
                 their
                 hope
                 ,
                 own
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 to
                 eternity
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 unspeakably
                 sweet
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 fill
                 them
                 with
                 fulness
                 of
                 joy
                 and
                 glory
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Time
                 and
                 Text.
                 
              
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
           
             
             
             
               CHRIST
               the
               Sun
               of
               Righteousness
               ,
               hath
               healing
               in
               his
               wings
               for
               sinners
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   MAL.
                   4.
                   2.
                   
                
                 
                   But
                   unto
                   you
                   that
                   fear
                   my
                   name
                   ,
                   shall
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                   and
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   Calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                   .
                
              
               
                 MAlachy
                 is
                 the
                 proper
                 name
                 of
                 this
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 it
                 signifieth
                 an
                 Angel
                 or
                 Messenger
                 ,
                 only
                 with
                 the
                 addition
                 of
                 (
                 '
                 )
                 as
                 is
                 usual
                 when
                 common
                 names
                 are
                 made
                 proper
                 .
                 He
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 called
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 an
                 Angel
                 incarnate
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 have
                 imagined
                 ,
                 nor
                 ye●
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 revelation
                 by
                 Angels
                 .
                 But
                 haply
                 the
                 name
                 might
                 be
                 put
                 on
                 him
                 without
                 〈…〉
                 foreknowledge
                 of
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 call
                 him
                 unto
                 ▪
                 haply
                 〈…〉
                 Prophetical
                 Spirit
                 it
                 might
                 appear
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 make
                 h
                 〈…〉
                 Messenger
                 :
                 But
                 however
                 ,
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 ●e
                 was
                 and
                 〈…〉
                 mporarie
                 with
                 Nehemiah
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 exhor
                 〈…〉
                 to
                 the
                 building
                 of
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 as
                 Haggai
                 and
                 〈…〉
                 those
                 corruptions
                 among
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 〈…〉
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 sheweth
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 among
                 〈…〉
                 over
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 as
                 marriage
                 with
                 〈…〉
                 ng
                 
                 the
                 tythes
                 ,
                 Chap.
                 3.
                 8.
                 
                 Depravation
                 of
                 Divine
                 worship
                 ,
                 Chap.
                 1.
                 13.
                 and
                 2.
                 8.
                 
                 And
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 last
                 of
                 the
                 Prophets
                 ,
                 they
                 themselves
                 acknowledge
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 admonisheth
                 them
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 take
                 heed
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 keep
                 that
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 expect
                 no
                 more
                 Prophets
                 until
                 the
                 great
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 come
                 (
                 and
                 John
                 his
                 fore-runner
                 )
                 .
                 God
                 did
                 in
                 Babylon
                 
                 cause
                 Visions
                 to
                 perish
                 from
                 among
                 them
                 in
                 anger
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 none
                 to
                 tell
                 when
                 this
                 calamity
                 shall
                 end
                 (
                 said
                 they
                 in
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 )
                 and
                 now
                 again
                 he
                 causeth
                 it
                 to
                 cease
                 from
                 them
                 ;
                 that
                 their
                 expectations
                 of
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 that
                 great
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 Elias
                 his
                 fore-runner
                 might
                 be
                 raised
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 by
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 Prophecy
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 the
                 more
                 ready
                 ▪
                 to
                 receive
                 Christ
                 that
                 great
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 praise
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 revealed
                 ;
                 the
                 Law
                 and
                 Prophets
                 Prophecy
                 until
                 
                   John
                   ;
                   Zech.
                
                 and
                 Elizab.
                 and
                 Simeon
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Baptist
                 ,
                 were
                 so
                 immediately
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 rather
                 shewed
                 him
                 ,
                 pointed
                 at
                 him
                 come
                 ,
                 than
                 prophesied
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 .
              
               
                 After
                 he
                 had
                 reproved
                 those
                 corruptions
                 among
                 them
                 (
                 as
                 you
                 hear
                 )
                 he
                 threatneth
                 spiritual
                 Judgements
                 on
                 them
                 :
                 he
                 tells
                 them
                 their
                 expectations
                 would
                 be
                 frustrated
                 ,
                 they
                 looked
                 for
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 that
                 would
                 heal
                 all
                 their
                 troubles
                 :
                 No
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ▪
                 )
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 as
                 you
                 dream
                 not
                 of
                 :
                 they
                 looked
                 for
                 peace
                 ,
                 but
                 behold
                 trouble
                 ;
                 for
                 light
                 ,
                 but
                 behold
                 darkness
                 ;
                 they
                 looked
                 for
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 shadowing
                 from
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 but
                 behold
                 (
                 saith
                 he
                 )
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 burn
                 like
                 an
                 Oven
                 .
                 What
                 day
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 is
                 very
                 much
                 questioned
                 ,
                 some
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 last
                 Judgement
                 only
                 ,
                 and
                 suitably
                 they
                 understand
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 last
                 appearing
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 illustrious
                 appearing
                 :
                 But
                 this
                 seemeth
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 All
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 intended
                 here
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 seemeth
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 growing
                 up
                 as
                 Calves
                 ;
                 now
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 perfection
                 in
                 glory
                 .
                 Nor
                 yet
                 secondly
                 do
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 only
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 their
                 calami●y
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 suffered
                 so
                 much
                 under
                 the
                 Grecians
                 ,
                 Kings
                 of
                 Syria
                 and
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 the
                 Seleucidae
                 and
                 
                   Lagidae
                   ▪
                
                 (
                 the
                 two
                 leggs
                 of
                 that
                 Image
                 in
                 Dan.
                 as
                 some
                 understand
                 
                 it
                 .
                 )
                 though
                 this
                 also
                 might
                 partly
                 be
                 meant
                 :
                 But
                 this
                 day
                 I
                 understand
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 Christ's
                 appearing
                 and
                 manifestation
                 to
                 Israel
                 ;
                 which
                 to
                 some
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 rejoycing
                 indeed
                 ,
                 to
                 others
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 gloomyness
                 (
                 according
                 to
                 
                 that
                 in
                 this
                 third
                 Chapter
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   Angel
                   of
                   the
                   Covenant
                   shall
                   suddenly
                
                 
                 
                   come
                   into
                   the
                   Temple
                   ,
                   but
                   who
                   may
                   abide
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   his
                   coming
                   ?
                   and
                   who
                   shall
                   stand
                   when
                   he
                   appeareth
                   ?
                   for
                   he
                   is
                   like
                   the
                   Refiners
                   fire
                   ,
                   and
                   like
                   Fullers
                   Soap
                   .
                
                 And
                 (
                 alas
                 !
                 )
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 them
                 would
                 be
                 found
                 but
                 dross
                 ,
                 and
                 stubble
                 ,
                 which
                 must
                 be
                 purged
                 away
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 abide
                 the
                 fire
                 .
                 So
                 when
                 they
                 rejected
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 how
                 fearful
                 a
                 day
                 came
                 on
                 them
                 ?
                 who
                 could
                 abide
                 it
                 ?
                 At
                 the
                 destruction
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 1100000.
                 slain
                 ,
                 (
                 beside
                 near
                 100000.
                 taken
                 captive
                 )
                 This
                 day
                 burned
                 like
                 an
                 Oven
                 ;
                 O!
                 a
                 devouring
                 fire
                 it
                 was
                 :
                 so
                 fearful
                 a
                 thing
                 it
                 s
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 Christ
                 come
                 on
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 sleight
                 it
                 and
                 reject
                 it
                 :
                 Greatest
                 love
                 rejected
                 ,
                 turns
                 into
                 greatest
                 displeasure
                 ;
                 flaming
                 love
                 into
                 flaming
                 wrath
                 ;
                 heat
                 of
                 affection
                 into
                 a
                 burning
                 of
                 an
                 oven
                 ,
                 a
                 furnace
                 .
                 Hear
                 and
                 tremble
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 at
                 this
                 ,
                 we
                 who
                 now
                 have
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 lest
                 we
                 find
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 so
                 terrible
                 to
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 now
                 ,
                 lest
                 those
                 mourners
                 in
                 Zion
                 (
                 that
                 did
                 wait
                 for
                 the
                 consolation
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 did
                 fear
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 were
                 tender
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 tremble
                 at
                 this
                 his
                 word
                 )
                 should
                 be
                 discouraged
                 ;
                 he
                 opens
                 here
                 a
                 creek
                 to
                 let
                 them
                 in
                 to
                 hide
                 themselves
                 ;
                 provideth
                 a
                 shadow
                 ,
                 a
                 skreen
                 to
                 set
                 between
                 them
                 and
                 this
                 consuming
                 fire
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 my
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   But
                   unto
                   you
                   that
                   fear
                   my
                   name
                   ,
                   shall
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 )
                 
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   :
                   Ye
                   that
                   tremble
                   at
                   my
                   word
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   scorched
                   ,
                   nor
                   this
                   smell
                   of
                   the
                   fire
                   pass
                   on
                   you
                   ;
                   as
                   it
                   was
                   with
                   the
                   three
                   children
                   .
                
                 The
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 wounding
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 healing
                 to
                 you
                 :
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 into
                 a
                 burning
                 oven
                 as
                 stubble
                 or
                 hay
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                   and
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                   .
                
              
               
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 words
                 are
                 nothing
                 else
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 conceive
                 )
                 but
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 tempered
                 into
                 a
                 cordial
                 for
                 poor
                 drooping
                 Spirits
                 ,
                 which
                 might
                 now
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 faint
                 to
                 hear
                 how
                 terrible
                 a
                 day
                 this
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 be
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 had
                 expected
                 ,
                 promising
                 themselves
                 so
                 much
                 happiness
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 expectations
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 frustrated
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 make
                 them
                 ashamed
                 of
                 their
                 hope
                 .
              
               
                 
                   But
                   unto
                   you
                   that
                   fear
                   my
                   name
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 Here
                 is
                 Christ
                 promised
                 (
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 the
                 substance
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 mediator
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 surety
                 of
                 it
                 )
                 and
                 with
                 him
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 :
                 Syn●●hdochi
                 understood
                 in
                 these
                 few
                 things
                 here
                 implyed
                 and
                 expressed
                 ,
                 as
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 growth
                 ,
                 going
                 on
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 growing
                 fat
                 ,
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 prosperping
                 into
                 a
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 yea
                 an
                 everlasting
                 Kingdom
                 .
                 The
                 Text
                 then
                 you
                 see
                 (
                 being
                 the
                 summ
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 )
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 a
                 bundle
                 of
                 promises
                 made
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord.
                 I
                 may
                 not
                 stand
                 to
                 open
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 until
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 particularly
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 lest
                 I
                 hold
                 you
                 too
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 porch
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 view
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 inner
                 rooms
                 of
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 sweetness
                 and
                 comfort
                 .
              
               
                 Therefore
                 first
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 that
                 promise
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   unto
                   you
                   that
                   fear
                   my
                   name
                   shall
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 before
                 we
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 promise
                 it self
                 ,
                 something
                 we
                 must
                 say
                 to
                 the
                 notion
                 under
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 represented
                 in
                 this
                 promise
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 
                   a
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 from
                 whence
                 we
                 will
                 observe
                 this
                 Note
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   is
                   a
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   .
                
                 
              
               
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 things
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 here
                 to
                 be
                 cleared
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 .
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 a
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 that
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 ;
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 granted
                 that
                 it
                 s
                 he
                 who
                 is
                 here
                 meant
                 ,
                 there
                 need
                 not
                 much
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 good
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 its
                 a
                 particular
                 promise
                 of
                 Christ-God
                 ,
                 manifested
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 (
                 surely
                 )
                 none
                 will
                 question
                 :
                 for
                 who
                 else
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 's
                 that
                 good
                 Physitian
                 that
                 can
                 give
                 healing
                 but
                 he
                 ?
                 
                   I
                   am
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   healeth
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 will
                 appear
                 better
                 afterward
                 .
                 Let
                 me
                 add
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 a
                 Scripture
                 or
                 two
                 more
                 to
                 back
                 this
                 with
                 ,
                 That
                 Christ
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 Metaphor
                 of
                 a
                 Sun
                 ,
                 arise
                 and
                 shine
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 their
                 low
                 and
                 afflicted
                 state
                 )
                 he
                 commands
                 Babylon
                 to
                 come
                 down
                 ,
                 
                 so
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 lift
                 up
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 arise
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 dust
                 wherein
                 they
                 had
                 wallowed
                 :
                 Why
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 thy
                 light
                 is
                 come
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 risen
                 on
                 thee
                 :
                 and
                 who
                 is
                 this
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 he
                 that
                 was
                 given
                 
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   light
                   to
                   lighten
                   the
                   Gentiles
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   his
                   people
                   Israel
                   ?
                
                 
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 heavens
                 and
                 earth
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 
                 breaks
                 out
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 a
                 glorious
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 thing
                 glorious
                 whose
                 beauty
                 before
                 did
                 not
                 appear
                 ,
                 yea
                 puts
                 glory
                 on
                 things
                 that
                 had
                 none
                 before
                 ;
                 its
                 strange
                 to
                 see
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 things
                 how
                 glorious
                 (
                 even
                 over-dazling
                 the
                 eyes
                 )
                 they
                 appear
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 shines
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 have
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 glory
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 .
                 And
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 verse
                 ,
                 darkness
                 shall
                 cover
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 gross
                 darkness
                 the
                 people
                 :
                 But
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 arise
                 on
                 thee
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 it
                 s
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 that
                 light
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 that
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Add
                 but
                 that
                 place
                 in
                 Luke
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 day-spring
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 ,
                 visiting
                 us
                 through
                 the
                 tender
                 mercies
                 of
                 our
                 God
                 :
                 its
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 word
                 there
                 is
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 )
                 ,
                 which
                 signifieth
                 
                 either
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 most
                 ordinarily
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Suns
                 rising
                 ,
                 the
                 East
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 some
                 render
                 it
                 ,
                 a
                 branch
                 that
                 did
                 arise
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 Jess
                 .
                 But
                 me
                 thinks
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 agreeable
                 to
                 the
                 scope
                 of
                 the
                 place
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 next
                 words
                 are
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 light
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sit
                 in
                 darkness
                 :
                 therefore
                 we
                 may
                 here
                 note
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 day-spring
                 ,
                 or
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 the
                 Sun
                 it self
                 by
                 a
                 Metonymie
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Sun
                 by
                 a
                 Metaphor
                 put
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 which
                 rising
                 ,
                 maketh
                 it
                 day
                 ;
                 yea
                 some
                 there
                 are
                 that
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 understood
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 at
                 noon-day
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 to
                 the
                 meridian
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 shineth
                 most
                 gloriously
                 and
                 most
                 hot
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 that
                 in
                 Matthew
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 Sun
                 riseth
                 
                 they
                 wither
                 that
                 spring
                 up
                 quickly
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 no
                 root
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 arising
                 to
                 its
                 height
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 scorcheth
                 and
                 withereth
                 .
                 And
                 this
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 altogether
                 reject
                 here
                 ,
                 because
                 this
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 spoken
                 then
                 comparatively
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 promise
                 is
                 made
                 here
                 to
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 did
                 then
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 afterward
                 fear
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 had
                 had
                 some
                 influence
                 on
                 them
                 ;
                 therefore
                 this
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 meant
                 of
                 his
                 rising
                 to
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 when
                 manifested
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 .
                 I
                 mean
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 light
                 manifested
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 were
                 his
                 own
                 diminution
                 :
                 but
                 haply
                 more
                 of
                 this
                 afterward
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 will
                 consider
                 it
                 only
                 absolutely
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 this
                 Sun.
                 The
                 Lord
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 and
                 a
                 shield
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 how
                 can
                 he
                 so
                 be
                 ,
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 God
                 was
                 in
                 Christ
                 reconciling
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 himself
                 ?
                 So
                 of
                 a
                 consuming
                 fire
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 becometh
                 a
                 refreshing
                 Sun
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 influences
                 on
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 wherein
                 is
                 Christ
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Sun
                 ?
                 We
                 might
                 follow
                 the
                 
                 Metaphor
                 very
                 far
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 too
                 far
                 neither
                 .
                 We
                 abhor
                 that
                 dotage
                 of
                 the
                 Manichees
                 ,
                 who
                 said
                 Christ's
                 body
                 went
                 no
                 further
                 then
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 it
                 was
                 incorporated
                 ,
                 on
                 which
                 account
                 they
                 worship
                 the
                 Sun.
                 But
                 we
                 will
                 a
                 little
                 instance
                 in
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 particulars
                 ,
                 wherein
                 the
                 resemblance
                 holdeth
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 the
                 Sun.
                 
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 called
                 Sol
                 from
                 Solus
                 ,
                 he
                 only
                 hath
                 the
                 ruling
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ascribed
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 is
                 one
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 two
                 natures
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 Christ
                 ,
                 one
                 person
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 God
                 and
                 man
                 truly
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 one
                 Mediator
                 between
                 God
                 and
                 man
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 him
                 as
                 man
                 ,
                 not
                 excluding
                 the
                 God-head
                 :
                 but
                 to
                 suit
                 to
                 the
                 weakness
                 of
                 poor
                 unbelieving
                 creatures
                 ,
                 
                 we
                 may
                 go
                 the
                 more
                 boldly
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 distance
                 between
                 us
                 now
                 being
                 not
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 he
                 having
                 taken
                 part
                 of
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 
                 whereof
                 the
                 children
                 ,
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ,
                 are
                 partakers
                 .
                 It
                 s
                 true
                 ,
                 many
                 false
                 Christs
                 there
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 there
                 are
                 now
                 in
                 
                 our
                 daies
                 ;
                 but
                 these
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 blazing
                 Comets
                 ,
                 make
                 a
                 little
                 streaming
                 light
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 into
                 a
                 filthy
                 slime
                 at
                 last
                 .
                 There
                 are
                 also
                 some
                 Parelii
                 (
                 as
                 they
                 call
                 them
                 )
                 images
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 made
                 in
                 a
                 cloud
                 ,
                 fitly
                 disposed
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 reflexion
                 of
                 his
                 beams
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 !
                 how
                 soon
                 do
                 these
                 images
                 and
                 appearances
                 vanish
                 ,
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 by
                 any
                 disturbance
                 the
                 clouds
                 cease
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 disposed
                 ;
                 the
                 Image
                 of
                 a
                 beauty
                 in
                 a
                 glass
                 ,
                 in
                 water
                 ,
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 the
                 beauty
                 it self
                 :
                 So
                 do
                 all
                 false
                 Christs
                 ,
                 and
                 false
                 Saviours
                 whoever
                 vanish
                 .
                 He
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 heavens
                 .
                 Moon
                 and
                 stars
                 have
                 their
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 one
                 star
                 differs
                 from
                 another
                 in
                 glory
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 like
                 to
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Sun.
                 O!
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 
                 put
                 the
                 excellence
                 of
                 glory
                 on
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 the
                 shining
                 forth
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 glory
                 :
                 he
                 speaks
                 
                 here
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 incarnate
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 did
                 shine
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 people
                 could
                 not
                 behold
                 ;
                 so
                 now
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 shineth
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 )
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 behold
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 dazles
                 our
                 eyes
                 stedfastly
                 to
                 behold
                 this
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 doth
                 to
                 behold
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 
                 his
                 glory
                 :
                 Here
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 mercy
                 ,
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 in
                 Christ
                 :
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 of
                 divine
                 attributes
                 ,
                 they
                 all
                 shine
                 forth
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 
                 each
                 with
                 his
                 peculiar
                 glory
                 .
                 The
                 Temple
                 ,
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 filled
                 it
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 stand
                 before
                 him
                 to
                 minister
                 sometimes
                 .
                 So
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 placed
                 his
                 name
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 filled
                 him
                 with
                 his
                 glory
                 :
                 therefore
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Prophet
                 )
                 
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   risen
                   on
                   thee
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 
                 Christ
                 is
                 manifested
                 to
                 thee
                 :
                 was
                 not
                 his
                 glory
                 so
                 great
                 as
                 to
                 confound
                 John
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 vessel
                 fitted
                 to
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 those
                 glorious
                 revelations
                 from-him
                 ?
                 He
                 fell
                 at
                 his
                 feet
                 as
                 one
                 dead
                 at
                 the
                 sight
                 
                 of
                 him
                 in
                 that
                 vision
                 .
                 How
                 glorious
                 is
                 an
                 Angel
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 very
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 was
                 an
                 astonishment
                 to
                 John
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 the
                 Angels
                 ?
                 If
                 the
                 Moon
                 be
                 so
                 glorious
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 light
                 in
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 filsall
                 things
                 capable
                 of
                 its
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 hath
                 never
                 the
                 less
                 ;
                 the
                 twinkling
                 Tapers
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 their
                 light
                 ,
                 some
                 more
                 some
                 less
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 Moon
                 hath
                 much
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 much
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 's
                 borrowed
                 light
                 ?
                 First
                 ,
                 she
                 hath
                 it
                 not
                 in
                 her self
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 such
                 abundance
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 hath
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 s
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 Saints
                 they
                 are
                 lights
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 (
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 )
                 but
                 alas
                 !
                 like
                 poor
                 
                 candles
                 that
                 burn
                 dim
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 through
                 the
                 thickness
                 of
                 the
                 damps
                 of
                 corruption
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 burn
                 blew
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 〈…〉
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 light
                 in
                 the
                 socket
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 up
                 and
                 sometimes
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 moment
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 it
                 would
                 go
                 out
                 ▪
                 the
                 Angels
                 and
                 spirits
                 of
                 just
                 men
                 made
                 perfect
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 stars
                 shining
                 more
                 gloriously
                 and
                 constantly
                 :
                 But
                 alas
                 !
                 nothing
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 he
                 sheds
                 the
                 light
                 abroad
                 throughout
                 
                 the
                 whole
                 hemisphere
                 at
                 once
                 :
                 Set
                 up
                 many
                 lights
                 at
                 once
                 in
                 a
                 dark
                 night
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 give
                 light
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 poor
                 and
                 weak
                 a
                 〈…〉
                 light
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 shineth
                 they
                 appear
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 Sun
                 should
                 so
                 long
                 fill
                 the
                 world
                 with
                 his
                 light
                 and
                 have
                 never
                 the
                 less
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 admirable
                 .
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 shadow
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 to
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 
                 true
                 light
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 light
                 as
                 that
                 nothing
                 else
                 deserveth
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 a
                 light
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 the
                 subject
                 is
                 recipient
                 ,
                 a
                 glorious
                 spirit
                 is
                 before
                 a
                 vile
                 body
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 is
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 above
                 the
                 Suns
                 light
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 for
                 fulness
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 comparison
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 hardly
                 any
                 thing
                 obvious
                 to
                 ou●
                 senses
                 (
                 which
                 are
                 to
                 ●et
                 in
                 light
                 to
                 the
                 understand
                 〈…〉
                 )
                 that
                 is
                 more
                 glorious
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 more
                 ●it
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 his
                 fulness
                 of
                 Light
                 by
                 .
                 Light
                 maketh
                 manifest
                 all
                 things
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 that
                 maketh
                 things
                 manifest
                 is
                 the
                 Light
                 :
                 now
                 
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 its
                 true
                 ,
                 discovers
                 much
                 ,
                 that
                 before
                 it
                 arose
                 appeared
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 its
                 possible
                 to
                 hide
                 from
                 its
                 light
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 in
                 the
                 depths
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 it
                 discovereth
                 not
                 any
                 of
                 those
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 the
                 secrets
                 of
                 hearts
                 ,
                 there
                 's
                 no
                 suitableness
                 between
                 such
                 a
                 cause
                 and
                 such
                 an
                 effect
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 searcheth
                 all
                 the
                 deep
                 things
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 Marrow
                 
                 of
                 their
                 bones
                 (
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 deepest
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 the
                 most
                 coverings
                 upon
                 coverings
                 )
                 he
                 searcheth
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 doth
                 Christ
                 the
                 ends
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 most
                 hidden
                 usually
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 designs
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 deep
                 as
                 the
                 Marrow
                 in
                 the
                 bones
                 ,
                 cloathed
                 over
                 with
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 skin
                 ,
                 and
                 bones
                 ,
                 pretence
                 upon
                 pretence
                 ,
                 but
                 Christ
                 this
                 Light
                 is
                 so
                 piercing
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hiding
                 any
                 thing
                 from
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 The
                 Sun
                 ,
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 is
                 in
                 heaven
                 ;
                 there
                 he
                 made
                 a
                 Tabernacle
                 for
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 seat
                 of
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 from
                 whence
                 he
                 views
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 under
                 his
                 Government
                 ;
                 
                 there
                 is
                 his
                 Palace
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 thence
                 he
                 dispenceth
                 light
                 and
                 influence
                 .
                 So
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 s
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 (
                 for
                 so
                 oftentimes
                 the
                 Church
                 is
                 called
                 )
                 there
                 the
                 Lord
                 placeth
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 ;
                 as
                 he
                 saith
                 of
                 Israel
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   will
                   place
                   my
                   Tabernacle
                   among
                   them
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   dwell
                   in
                   the
                   midst
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 He
                 walks
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 golden
                 Candlesticks
                 to
                 behold
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 nigh
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 dispence
                 of
                 
                 his
                 light
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 influence
                 .
                 So
                 doth
                 the
                 Sun
                 communicate
                 of
                 his
                 light
                 to
                 the
                 Moon
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Stars
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 upon
                 earth
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 understand
                 all
                 this
                 of
                 Christ
                 his
                 person
                 meerly
                 ,
                 but
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 by
                 the
                 Church
                 to
                 make
                 manifest
                 the
                 mercy
                 and
                 wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 are
                 the
                 raies
                 and
                 beams
                 (
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 open
                 that
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Text.
                 )
                 But
                 his
                 Tabernacle
                 is
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 thence
                 he
                 shines
                 forth
                 on
                 many
                 others
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 earth
                 is
                 lightned
                 by
                 the
                 raies
                 from
                 heaven
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 warming
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 how
                 cold
                 and
                 frozen
                 are
                 those
                 Northern
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 because
                 remote
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
                 how
                 cold
                 is
                 the
                 hemisphere
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 set
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ?
                 ●ow
                 warm
                 when
                 it
                 shines
                 ▪
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 's
                 the
                 
                 Author
                 of
                 heat
                 ;
                 the
                 Winter
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 the
                 Summer
                 is
                 come
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 rain
                 is
                 over
                 ,
                 the
                 flowers
                 appear
                 on
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 singing
                 of
                 birds
                 heard
                 :
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 Christ
                 is
                 revealed
                 in
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 warmeth
                 the
                 coldest
                 heart
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 frozen
                 in
                 our
                 affections
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 waters
                 frozen
                 up
                 ,
                 cannot
                 run
                 this
                 way
                 nor
                 that
                 way
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 ,
                 nor
                 move
                 towards
                 God.
                 Then
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 s
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 a
                 hot
                 gleamfrom
                 him
                 that
                 thaws
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 melts
                 all
                 ,
                 warmeth
                 all
                 again
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 also
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 Sun.
                 
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 influence
                 (
                 which
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 heat
                 nor
                 light
                 at
                 least
                 )
                 and
                 therefore
                 Philosophers
                 tell
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 gold
                 is
                 concocted
                 in
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 whither
                 its
                 light
                 cannot
                 come
                 .
                 And
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 that
                 calls
                 forth
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 winter
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 cold
                 were
                 retired
                 ,
                 the
                 sap
                 recoiling
                 to
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 there
                 to
                 be
                 preserved
                 until
                 a
                 season
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 warmth
                 ,
                 and
                 influence
                 thereof
                 calls
                 it
                 forth
                 again
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 grass
                 ,
                 and
                 fruits
                 ,
                 plants
                 and
                 herbs
                 ,
                 put
                 forth
                 ,
                 bud
                 and
                 blossom
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 spring
                 )
                 so
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 is
                 renewed
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 it
                 s
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 
                 from
                 heaven
                 shineth
                 forth
                 ,
                 and
                 conveighing
                 secretly
                 the
                 powerful
                 influences
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 (
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 as
                 dead
                 and
                 dry
                 sticks
                 before
                 ,
                 as
                 trees
                 that
                 are
                 starven
                 with
                 the
                 frost
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 dead
                 )
                 then
                 they
                 put
                 forth
                 again
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 grow
                 green
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 that
                 was
                 little
                 worth
                 before
                 ,
                 becometh
                 a
                 golden
                 Vial
                 full
                 of
                 odours
                 ,
                 it
                 s
                 concocted
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 spices
                 flow
                 forth
                 in
                 the
                 garden
                 inclosed
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 dispels
                 the
                 mists
                 and
                 fogs
                 which
                 are
                 unwholsom
                 ,
                 would
                 poison
                 the
                 air
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 thick
                 clouds
                 which
                 would
                 muffle
                 up
                 the
                 Sun
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 this
                 by
                 daily
                 experience
                 .
                 So
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 all
                 the
                 mists
                 ,
                 fogs
                 ,
                 and
                 clouds
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 he
                 dispels
                 them
                 for
                 his
                 name
                 sake
                 ,
                 he
                 blots
                 out
                 the
                 transgressions
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 as
                 a
                 cloud
                 .
                 It
                 s
                 the
                 very
                 heat
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 consumeth
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 melts
                 away
                 those
                 clouds
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 intercept
                 not
                 our
                 communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 O!
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 streamings
                 of
                 our
                 filthy
                 hearts
                 would
                 gather
                 into
                 a
                 thick
                 
                 cloud
                 and
                 cover
                 his
                 face
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 that
                 the
                 warm
                 beams
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 did
                 continually
                 dispell
                 them
                 and
                 scatter
                 them
                 ;
                 we
                 should
                 never
                 enjoy
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 an
                 hour
                 together
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 his
                 names
                 sake
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 cloud
                 of
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 diseases
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 never
                 so
                 great
                 and
                 black
                 clouds
                 they
                 are
                 compassed
                 about
                 with
                 ;
                 their
                 day
                 is
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 gloominess
                 and
                 thick
                 darkness
                 ,
                 how
                 come
                 these
                 to
                 be
                 dispelled
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 breaking
                 forth
                 on
                 poor
                 sinners
                 that
                 doth
                 it
                 ?
                 one
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 reconciled
                 to
                 him
                 puts
                 an
                 end
                 unto
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 sweet
                 intercourse
                 between
                 the
                 earth
                 and
                 the
                 clouds
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 clouds
                 and
                 the
                 earth
                 :
                 for
                 its
                 the
                 Sun
                 that
                 exhales
                 the
                 vapours
                 from
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 draweth
                 them
                 up
                 into
                 the
                 middle
                 region
                 of
                 the
                 air
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 with
                 the
                 cold
                 of
                 the
                 air
                 its
                 condensed
                 into
                 a
                 cloud
                 ,
                 and
                 hangs
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 dissolved
                 ,
                 and
                 render
                 it self
                 to
                 the
                 earth
                 again
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 fruitful
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 dew
                 is
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 begotten
                 ,
                 only
                 is
                 not
                 far
                 lifted
                 up
                 above
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 cold
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 is
                 congealed
                 into
                 little
                 drops
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 sweetly
                 distills
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 draweth
                 out
                 the
                 hearts
                 ,
                 the
                 affections
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 prayers
                 ,
                 sweet
                 breathings
                 after
                 himself
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 prayers
                 come
                 down
                 again
                 sometimes
                 on
                 the
                 same
                 soul
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 on
                 another
                 place
                 :
                 they
                 fall
                 ,
                 but
                 abundance
                 of
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 and
                 blessing
                 ,
                 and
                 mercy
                 is
                 poured
                 out
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 on
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 become
                 fruitful
                 .
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 may
                 be
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 the
                 Sun
                 Giant-like
                 rejoyceth
                 to
                 run
                 his
                 race
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 can
                 turn
                 him
                 back
                 ?
                 alas
                 !
                 all
                 the
                 clouds
                 that
                 gather
                 about
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 our
                 apprehensions
                 might
                 haply
                 seem
                 to
                 threaten
                 a
                 blotting
                 of
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 a
                 clogging
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 below
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 s
                 true
                 ,
                 prayer
                 once
                 did
                 hold
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 course
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 looks
                 like
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 command
                 ,
                 
                   Sun
                   stand
                   thou
                   still
                
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 prayer
                 may
                 do
                 much
                 with
                 Jesus
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 hinder
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 course
                 ,
                 riding
                 on
                 in
                 his
                 triumphant
                 charriot
                 ,
                 conquering
                 and
                 to
                 conquer
                 ,
                 enlightning
                 poor
                 dark
                 places
                 and
                 people
                 .
                 Before
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 a
                 little
                 apply
                 this
                 to
                 our selves
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 be
                 a
                 Sun
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 
                 
                 that
                 have
                 this
                 Sun
                 risen
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Sun
                 be
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 day
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 Sun
                 up
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 among
                 us
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 gone
                 forth
                 as
                 a
                 Gyant
                 to
                 run
                 his
                 race
                 among
                 us
                 ?
                 we
                 now
                 have
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 Grace
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 long
                 ,
                 or
                 how
                 short
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 declining
                 in
                 some
                 respects
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 shadows
                 of
                 the
                 evening
                 growing
                 low
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 and
                 stirred
                 up
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 our
                 day
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 our
                 day
                 !
                 our
                 great
                 work
                 ,
                 
                   which
                   is
                   to
                   work
                   out
                   our
                   salvation
                   with
                
                 
                 
                   fear
                   and
                   trembling
                
                 .
                 I
                 doubt
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Sun
                 should
                 set
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 night
                 come
                 on
                 you
                 ,
                 wherein
                 no
                 man
                 can
                 work
                 ,
                 you
                 should
                 have
                 
                 this
                 work
                 yet
                 to
                 do
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 especially
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 into
                 whose
                 hearts
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 hath
                 shone
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 should
                 you
                 walk
                 as
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   in
                   surfetting
                   and
                   drunkenness
                
                 !
                 I
                 mean
                 not
                 with
                 meat
                 and
                 fire
                 only
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 with
                 any
                 creature-comforts
                 ,
                 and
                 delights
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 Christ
                 ;
                 away
                 then
                 with
                 all
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 all
                 practices
                 which
                 did
                 suit
                 better
                 with
                 the
                 times
                 of
                 ignorance
                 and
                 blindness
                 and
                 now
                 walk
                 as
                 becometh
                 the
                 light
                 and
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Sun
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 ashamed
                 to
                 behold
                 you
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Such
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 then
                 hath
                 not
                 risen
                 on
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 walk
                 at
                 uncertainties
                 ,
                 know
                 not
                 whither
                 they
                 go
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 thinketh
                 he
                 is
                 as
                 sure
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 die
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 rode
                 to
                 hell
                 ;
                 only
                 some
                 go
                 in
                 the
                 broad
                 trodden
                 path
                 ,
                 open
                 prophane
                 impudent
                 sinners
                 ;
                 some
                 steal
                 thither
                 behind
                 the
                 hedge
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 going
                 to
                 hell
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 a
                 closure
                 ,
                 walk
                 hidden
                 from
                 others
                 and
                 from
                 themselves
                 .
                 Many
                 night-Birds
                 there
                 are
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 indeed
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 one
                 respect
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 because
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 dispensation
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 yet
                 in
                 
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 inward
                 revealing
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 strangers
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 though
                 we
                 fly
                 about
                 in
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 are
                 but
                 Owls
                 and
                 Bats
                 ,
                 darkness
                 agreeth
                 better
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 our
                 souls
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 our
                 works
                 are
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 .
                 How
                 sad
                 a
                 consideration
                 is
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 light
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 children
                 of
                 darkness
                 !
                 〈◊〉
                 noon-day
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 heighth
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 Sun
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 at
                 the
                 meridian
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 stumbling
                 and
                 groping
                 as
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 not
                 knowing
                 whither
                 we
                 go
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 As
                 there
                 is
                 this
                 difference
                 of
                 persons
                 where
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 ,
                 from
                 them
                 where
                 he
                 cometh
                 not
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 families
                 
                 and
                 people
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 people
                 and
                 family
                 is
                 that
                 where
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 in
                 Egyptian
                 darkness
                 !
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 not
                 risen
                 unto
                 any
                 soul
                 among
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 know
                 him
                 not
                 experimentally
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 in
                 blindness
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 none
                 can
                 help
                 another
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 Israelites
                 and
                 Egyptians
                 (
                 though
                 they
                 dealed
                 among
                 one
                 another
                 )
                 in
                 one
                 family
                 there
                 was
                 light
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 there
                 was
                 nothing
                 but
                 gross
                 darkness
                 that
                 might
                 be
                 felt
                 .
                 O
                 who
                 would
                 live
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 family
                 !
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 haste
                 out
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 ?
                 you
                 would
                 think
                 that
                 a
                 sad
                 conditioned
                 house
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 and
                 warmth
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 never
                 entreth
                 into
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 places
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 live
                 in
                 it
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 is
                 nothing
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 total
                 absence
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 where
                 neither
                 Husband
                 ,
                 nor
                 Wife
                 ,
                 nor
                 Fellow-servant
                 ,
                 nor
                 Children
                 ,
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 have
                 had
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 shining
                 into
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 
                   Gross
                   darkness
                   shall
                   cover
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Prophet
                 )
                 
                   But
                   on
                   Zion
                   shall
                   the
                   Glory
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Lord
                   arise
                
                 .
                 Look
                 into
                 what
                 families
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 put
                 your selves
                 :
                 no
                 man
                 would
                 content
                 himself
                 to
                 live
                 in
                 a
                 dungeon
                 continually
                 ;
                 that
                 family
                 is
                 worse
                 where
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 hath
                 never
                 come
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 take
                 notice
                 how
                 sweet
                 a
                 condition
                 it
                 must
                 
                 needs
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 an
                 union
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 especially
                 where
                 that
                 fellowship
                 is
                 constant
                 :
                 truly
                 light
                 is
                 sweet
                 ,
                 
                   And
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   pleasant
                   thing
                   to
                   behold
                   the
                   Sun
                
                 (
                 saith
                 
                   Solomon
                   )
                
                 :
                 
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 !
                 poor
                 sinners
                 in
                 a
                 dark
                 condition
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 become
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 what
                 its
                 worth
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 glimpse
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 :
                 poor
                 creatures
                 that
                 for
                 half
                 an
                 year
                 together
                 are
                 without
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 how
                 sweet
                 a
                 condition
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 Sun
                 shining
                 on
                 them
                 .
                 
                   Mary
                   Magdalen
                
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 (
                 when
                 she
                 wanted
                 her
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 her
                 Lord
                 )
                 with
                 many
                 tears
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 want
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 joy
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 presence
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 light
                 is
                 there
                 in
                 that
                 soul
                 :
                 what
                 joy
                 ,
                 what
                 peace
                 ,
                 what
                 comfort
                 ,
                 what
                 warmth
                 ,
                 what
                 melting
                 over
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 !
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 little
                 heaven
                 on
                 earth
                 indeed
                 ,
                 this
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 We
                 may
                 hence
                 learn
                 then
                 brethren
                 ,
                 whence
                 cometh
                 all
                 
                 our
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 warmth
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 fruitful
                 influences
                 ,
                 
                 whereby
                 we
                 spring
                 forth
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 forth
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 Thy
                 heart
                 was
                 as
                 very
                 a
                 dungeon
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 darkness
                 and
                 bugs
                 ,
                 frogs
                 and
                 serpents
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 came
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 lightned
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 God
                 was
                 pleased
                 to
                 shine
                 on
                 thee
                 ,
                 yea
                 into
                 thy
                 heart
                 more
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 freely
                 with
                 his
                 presence
                 to
                 scatter
                 those
                 lusts
                 thy
                 soul
                 was
                 full
                 of
                 before
                 .
                 Art
                 thou
                 enabled
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 to
                 bud
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 a
                 good
                 thought
                 ?
                 its
                 from
                 hence
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 hath
                 arisen
                 on
                 thee
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 received
                 some
                 influence
                 from
                 him
                 :
                 doth
                 it
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 blossom
                 ,
                 a
                 good
                 word
                 ,
                 holy
                 communication
                 ?
                 its
                 from
                 the
                 same
                 principle
                 :
                 doth
                 the
                 fruit
                 knit
                 and
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 a
                 ripeness
                 ,
                 increase
                 into
                 an
                 holy
                 action
                 ,
                 an
                 holy
                 walking
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 whence
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 doth
                 the
                 Marigold
                 open
                 ?
                 its
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 *
                 :
                 do
                 our
                 hearts
                 open
                 ?
                 are
                 our
                 hearts
                 enlarged
                 ?
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 forget
                 not
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 think
                 ,
                 the
                 sparks
                 are
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 kindling
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 we
                 should
                 hence
                 learn
                 to
                 whom
                 ,
                 to
                 your
                 all
                 give
                 the
                 Praise
                 ,
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 all
                 .
                 Let
                 the
                 Moon
                 and
                 Stars
                 then
                 fall
                 down
                 before
                 this
                 Sun
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 Josephs
                 dream
                 :
                 they
                 shine
                 but
                 with
                 a
                 borrowed
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 borrower
                 is
                 servant
                 to
                 the
                 lender
                 .
                 How
                 do
                 the
                 Birds
                 each
                 morning
                 chant
                 and
                 chirp
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 little
                 spirits
                 are
                 revived
                 by
                 the
                 Sun
                 rising
                 on
                 them
                 ?
                 and
                 shall
                 our
                 mouths
                 be
                 sealed
                 up
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 hath
                 visited
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 quickned
                 them
                 ,
                 enlightned
                 them
                 ?
                 The
                 Stars
                 you
                 know
                 appear
                 not
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 ariseth
                 in
                 his
                 Glory
                 :
                 O
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 so
                 should
                 we
                 when
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 in
                 competition
                 with
                 our
                 names
                 ,
                 not
                 appear
                 ,
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 nothing
                 ,
                 to
                 decrease
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 may
                 increase
                 ;
                 Let
                 him
                 have
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Then
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 learn
                 to
                 prize
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 
                 set
                 a
                 true
                 esteem
                 on
                 him
                 :
                 should
                 we
                 want
                 the
                 Sun
                 for
                 one
                 moneth
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 value
                 should
                 we
                 set
                 on
                 it
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 worth
                 indeed
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 value
                 things
                 by
                 their
                 enjoyment
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 by
                 their
                 〈…〉
                 an
                 t
                 :
                 now
                 thou
                 hast
                 the
                 Sun-shine
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 sweet
                 refreshing
                 warming
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 O
                 prize
                 it
                 ;
                 every
                 one
                 is
                 looking
                 at
                 and
                 admiring
                 a
                 Comet
                 ,
                 but
                 who
                 considereth
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
                 who
                 admireth
                 that
                 ?
                 prizeth
                 that
                 ?
                 how
                 much
                 ado
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 with
                 us
                 to
                 bring
                 us
                 to
                 this
                 ?
                 he
                 is
                 fain
                 to
                 put
                 us
                 in
                 a
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 bear
                 the
                 iniquities
                 of
                 our
                 
                 youth
                 ,
                 to
                 hide
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 walk
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 will
                 prize
                 it
                 ;
                 what
                 a
                 grief
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 trouble
                 to
                 our selves
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 folly
                 is
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 grieve
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 grieve
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 might
                 save
                 all
                 this
                 ?
                 O
                 labour
                 then
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 beg
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 shut
                 not
                 the
                 windows
                 against
                 the
                 
                 shinings
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 :
                 sometimes
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 getteth
                 within
                 a
                 sinner
                 for
                 all
                 his
                 fence
                 and
                 guard
                 ,
                 light
                 cometh
                 in
                 at
                 some
                 chink
                 ,
                 beginneth
                 to
                 discover
                 the
                 condition
                 in
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 sheweth
                 him
                 the
                 filthy
                 vermine
                 that
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 run
                 away
                 with
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 heart
                 swarms
                 withal
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 saw
                 not
                 before
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 clap
                 to
                 the
                 window
                 ,
                 to
                 smother
                 the
                 light
                 with
                 both
                 hands
                 ,
                 puts
                 it
                 away
                 ,
                 he
                 desires
                 not
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 are
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 be
                 ignorant
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 
                 have
                 healed
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 canst
                 thou
                 tell
                 ,
                 whether
                 ever
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 healed
                 till
                 thou
                 die
                 ?
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 of
                 this
                 !
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 bring
                 the
                 blackness
                 of
                 darkness
                 on
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 provoke
                 God
                 to
                 clap
                 the
                 everlasting
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 on
                 you
                 ,
                 wherein
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 reserved
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 .
                 Oh
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 saying
                 ,
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   him
                   that
                   is
                   ignorant
                   ,
                   be
                   ignorant
                   still
                
                 ;
                 the
                 time
                 may
                 come
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 hour
                 of
                 darkness
                 shall
                 fall
                 on
                 your
                 souls
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 
                 would
                 give
                 a
                 world
                 then
                 but
                 for
                 a
                 glimpse
                 of
                 that
                 light
                 you
                 now
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 fence
                 your selves
                 against
                 ;
                 when
                 your
                 works
                 of
                 darkness
                 and
                 secret
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 (
                 for
                 whose
                 sake
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 )
                 do
                 fly
                 in
                 your
                 face
                 ,
                 buffet
                 you
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 tear
                 your
                 throat
                 out
                 ,
                 hale
                 you
                 before
                 the
                 judgement-seat
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 for
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 far
                 from
                 you
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 enlightned
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 ;
                 
                   Therefore
                   now
                   the
                   things
                   which
                   belong
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   your
                   peace
                   ,
                   are
                   hid
                   from
                   your
                   eyes
                   .
                
                 He
                 might
                 pitty
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 and
                 weep
                 over
                 her
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 her
                 condition
                 was
                 past
                 cure
                 ;
                 I
                 would
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 here
                 were
                 not
                 such
                 ;
                 yea
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 sh
                 〈…〉
                 ing
                 out
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 the
                 light
                 in
                 the
                 room
                 ,
                 when
                 its
                 fullest
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 windows
                 be
                 clapt
                 too
                 ?
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 ?
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 become
                 a
                 dungeon
                 ?
                 we
                 complain
                 many
                 times
                 of
                 a
                 dark
                 ,
                 and
                 sad
                 ,
                 and
                 dead
                 condition
                 :
                 the
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 shut
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 we
                 
                 have
                 thought
                 ;
                 Oh
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 full
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 have
                 knowledge
                 and
                 heat
                 enough
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 warmed
                 with
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 Christ
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 matters
                 not
                 for
                 altogether
                 so
                 strict
                 a
                 walking
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 have
                 gotten
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 secret
                 frowardness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 is
                 provoked
                 to
                 withdraw
                 ,
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 darkness
                 again
                 .
                 Therefore
                 take
                 we
                 heed
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 we
                 hide
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 from
                 our selves
                 by
                 such
                 wantonness
                 under
                 the
                 beams
                 of
                 Grace
                 .
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 learn
                 we
                 not
                 to
                 rest
                 in
                 the
                 common
                 
                 influences
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 he
                 shineth
                 on
                 the
                 good
                 and
                 bad
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 shineth
                 only
                 on
                 the
                 heads
                 of
                 some
                 ,
                 but
                 into
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 others
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 )
                 the
                 
                 passages
                 between
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 the
                 heart
                 are
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 light
                 seizeth
                 on
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 affections
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 understanding
                 ;
                 the
                 Sun
                 may
                 shine
                 on
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 mayst
                 have
                 much
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 head
                 full
                 of
                 notion
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 weed
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 shines
                 on
                 the
                 weeds
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 on
                 the
                 flowers
                 ;
                 on
                 the
                 dunghill
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 on
                 the
                 garden
                 ;
                 the
                 dunghil
                 never
                 savours
                 so
                 bad
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 beateth
                 most
                 on
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 steams
                 are
                 there
                 then
                 ,
                 enough
                 to
                 poyson
                 a
                 man
                 !
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 shining
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 on
                 some
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 what
                 doth
                 it
                 but
                 raise
                 steams
                 of
                 lust
                 within
                 ?
                 men
                 are
                 more
                 vile
                 ,
                 more
                 wicked
                 ,
                 their
                 guilt
                 greater
                 ,
                 their
                 condemnation
                 surer
                 ,
                 their
                 sins
                 more
                 loathsom
                 to
                 God
                 then
                 any
                 others
                 ;
                 therefore
                 stay
                 not
                 here
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 except
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 the
                 light
                 we
                 receive
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 do
                 scatter
                 our
                 lusts
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 the
                 light
                 that
                 is
                 saving
                 indeed
                 :
                 except
                 thou
                 find
                 that
                 it
                 change
                 thee
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 transform
                 thy
                 heart
                 into
                 his
                 image
                 from
                 Glory
                 to
                 Glory
                 :
                 if
                 thou
                 find
                 thou
                 art
                 rather
                 changed
                 from
                 dishonour
                 to
                 dishonour
                 ,
                 from
                 one
                 vile
                 affection
                 to
                 
                 another
                 ,
                 (
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 the
                 Apostle
                 cals
                 them
                 )
                 all
                 the
                 light
                 thou
                 hast
                 received
                 ,
                 is
                 nothing
                 .
                 
              
               
                 Tenthly
                 ,
                 They
                 are
                 not
                 friends
                 to
                 Christ
                 then
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 would
                 make
                 more
                 Suns
                 then
                 one
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Glory
                 a
                 glo
                 〈…〉
                 s
                 Sun
                 enough
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 light
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 sufficient
                 for
                 us
                 all
                 ?
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 heat
                 and
                 influence
                 in
                 him
                 for
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 flattering
                 our selves
                 and
                 others
                 into
                 a
                 rivalship
                 with
                 Christ
                 ?
                 how
                 gross
                 are
                 the
                 Papists
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ?
                 making
                 the
                 Saints
                 their
                 mediatour
                 of
                 satisfaction
                 and
                 intercession
                 both
                 ?
                 I
                 do
                 them
                 no
                 wrong
                 :
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 their
                 
                 Missall
                 ,
                 praying
                 for
                 pardon
                 by
                 the
                 merits
                 of
                 their
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 praying
                 to
                 them
                 to
                 intercede
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 yea
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Virgin
                 to
                 command
                 her
                 son
                 ;
                 O
                 horrid
                 !
                 but
                 in
                 them
                 it
                 s
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 because
                 either
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 Egyptian
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 denied
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 
                   or
                   given
                   up
                   to
                   strong
                   delusions
                   to
                   believe
                   a
                   lye
                
                 ;
                 
                 but
                 for
                 us
                 that
                 have
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 rich
                 manner
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 have
                 a
                 Pope
                 in
                 our
                 bellies
                 ,
                 the
                 indignity
                 is
                 much
                 greater
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 how
                 prone
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 set
                 up
                 our
                 own
                 works
                 ,
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 say
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 clean
                 ,
                 and
                 throughly
                 purged
                 from
                 this
                 evil
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 were
                 but
                 ashamed
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 that
                 we
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ;
                 for
                 then
                 it
                 s
                 not
                 so
                 deeply
                 chargable
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 doubt
                 )
                 it
                 s
                 on
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 .
                 Therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 of
                 setting
                 up
                 any
                 spark
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 kindling
                 (
                 or
                 of
                 his
                 kindling
                 )
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 in
                 defiance
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 in
                 opposition
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 partnership
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 our
                 salvation
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 comfort
                 ,
                 or
                 peace
                 ,
                 or
                 joy
                 of
                 faith
                 :
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 him
                 not
                 the
                 whole
                 ,
                 we
                 do
                 much
                 dishonour
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 we
                 much
                 wrong
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 .
                 No
                 readier
                 way
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 to
                 bring
                 an
                 eclipse
                 ,
                 then
                 when
                 the
                 Moon
                 wil
                 be
                 interposing
                 between
                 the
                 Sun
                 &
                 the
                 Earth
                 .
              
               
                 Eleventhly
                 ,
                 What
                 enemies
                 are
                 they
                 then
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 to
                 
                 Mankind
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 pluck
                 the
                 Sun
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Firmament
                 ?
                 would
                 we
                 not
                 account
                 him
                 a
                 desperate
                 enemy
                 that
                 would
                 endeavour
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 are
                 they
                 any
                 better
                 ?
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 much
                 worse
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 pluck
                 away
                 our
                 Christ
                 from
                 us
                 ?
                 whether
                 they
                 be
                 sins
                 ,
                 or
                 lusts
                 within
                 ,
                 which
                 do
                 indeed
                 rather
                 cloud
                 or
                 eclipse
                 at
                 most
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 who
                 would
                 even
                 pluck
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 throne
                 that
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 set
                 for
                 him
                 in
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 deny
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 bought
                 them
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 will
                 not
                 yield
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 most
                 high
                 God
                 ,
                 equal
                 to
                 the
                 Father
                 ;
                 
                 though
                 Christ
                 counted
                 it
                 no
                 robbery
                 ,
                 they
                 count
                 it
                 a
                 robbery
                 for
                 him
                 be
                 equal
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 Can
                 a
                 creature-Christ
                 be
                 a
                 sufficient
                 Christ
                 to
                 give
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 healing
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ?
                 will
                 this
                 ever
                 satisfie
                 any
                 tender
                 conscience
                 ,
                 quiet
                 any
                 trouble
                 〈…〉
                 ul
                 ?
                 let
                 it
                 go
                 then
                 for
                 a
                 damnable
                 heresie
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 abhor
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 beware
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 nothing
                 is
                 so
                 gross
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 these
                 times
                 Sathan
                 
                 finds
                 some
                 vent
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 bewail
                 it
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 that
                 ever
                 any
                 poor
                 creatures
                 that
                 expect
                 salvation
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 should
                 attempt
                 such
                 an
                 high
                 indignity
                 against
                 him
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 to
                 kiss
                 
                 him
                 with
                 Judas
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 to
                 betray
                 him
                 ?
                 with
                 Joab
                 to
                 kiss
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 to
                 stab
                 him
                 ?
                 he
                 that
                 would
                 bring
                 the
                 Sun
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 light
                 and
                 condition
                 of
                 the
                 Moon
                 ,
                 were
                 a
                 wretched
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 the
                 case
                 in
                 hand
                 .
              
               
                 Twelfthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 admire
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 the
                 tender
                 mercy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 would
                 give
                 us
                 such
                 a
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 
                 righteousness
                 !
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 left
                 the
                 world
                 in
                 a
                 Chaos
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 commanded
                 the
                 light
                 to
                 shine
                 out
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 never
                 set
                 any
                 Sun
                 in
                 the
                 Firmament
                 ,
                 who
                 could
                 have
                 charged
                 any
                 thing
                 on
                 him
                 ?
                 But
                 he
                 knew
                 what
                 a
                 miserable
                 world
                 it
                 would
                 it
                 be
                 without
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 little
                 of
                 the
                 beauty
                 ,
                 and
                 excellence
                 ,
                 and
                 perfection
                 of
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 wisdom
                 would
                 appear
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 Sun.
                 But
                 here
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 shining
                 forth
                 more
                 of
                 his
                 ●enderness
                 and
                 bowels
                 unto
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 in
                 a
                 dark
                 and
                 dead
                 condition
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 tender
                 mercy
                 of
                 our
                 God
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 day-spring
                 from
                 an
                 high
                 hath
                 visited
                 us
                 ;
                 here
                 are
                 the
                 soundings
                 of
                 his
                 bowels
                 toward
                 us
                 indeed
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 were
                 forlorn
                 and
                 
                 helpless
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 to
                 cause
                 this
                 day-spring
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 to
                 visit
                 us
                 .
                 And
                 truly
                 for
                 us
                 in
                 this
                 Land
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 have
                 we
                 had
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 risen
                 on
                 us
                 ?
                 and
                 that
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 set
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 altogether
                 eclipsed
                 by
                 the
                 world
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ;
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 stood
                 still
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 and
                 not
                 hastened
                 to
                 a
                 setting
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 unspeakable
                 mercy
                 ,
                 admire
                 it
                 ,
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 his
                 praises
                 !
              
               
                 Thirteenthly
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 Then
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 exhorted
                 to
                 set
                 our
                 
                 selves
                 in
                 the
                 warm
                 Sun.
                 I
                 mean
                 ,
                 to
                 wait
                 diligently
                 on
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 for
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 Orb
                 in
                 which
                 he
                 moveth
                 in
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 the
                 Heavens
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 wheel
                 about
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 the
                 Orb
                 ,
                 to
                 communicate
                 his
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 influences
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 its
                 observable
                 ,
                 that
                 David
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   had
                   rather
                   be
                   a
                   door-keeper
                   in
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   house
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   then
                   dwell
                   in
                   the
                   tents
                   of
                   wickedness
                
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Shield
                 ,
                 Glory
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Defence
                 round
                 about
                 them
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 door-keeper
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 because
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 in
                 a
                 special
                 manner
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 not
                 experience
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 where
                 and
                 how
                 come
                 in
                 your
                 warmings
                 on
                 your
                 spirits
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 doth
                 he
                 not
                 breath
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 feed
                 there
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 ?
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 
                 peevish
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 the
                 Suns
                 influence
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 did
                 shine
                 in
                 his
                 chamber
                 ,
                 did
                 move
                 there
                 ,
                 or
                 shine
                 on
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 or
                 move
                 there
                 ,
                 were
                 he
                 not
                 most
                 justly
                 deprived
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 Here
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 here
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 preached
                 and
                 heard
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Seals
                 ,
                 and
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 above
                 others
                 in
                 private
                 ;
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 maditation
                 of
                 the
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 thou
                 art
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 set
                 our
                 faces
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 towards
                 the
                 Sun.
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 this
                 clear
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 an
                 Eagle
                 indeed
                 ,
                 one
                 that
                 is
                 gloriously
                 born
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 though
                 Owls
                 are
                 blinded
                 by
                 it
                 ?
                 How
                 will
                 this
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 darken
                 the
                 beauty
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 here
                 ?
                 You
                 complain
                 of
                 earthliness
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 are
                 fast
                 glewed
                 to
                 the
                 world
                 .
                 O
                 beg
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 turn
                 your
                 eyes
                 toward
                 himself
                 ,
                 toward
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 behold
                 this
                 Sun
                 in
                 his
                 strength
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 this
                 do
                 not
                 make
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 dull
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 excellence
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 shall
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 none
                 but
                 Christ
                 ,
                 none
                 but
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 would
                 make
                 us
                 sparkle
                 ,
                 like
                 Diamonds
                 ,
                 lying
                 under
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 :
                 it
                 s
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 this
                 that
                 Christians
                 are
                 like
                 Diamonds
                 in
                 the
                 dirt
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 sparkle
                 ,
                 as
                 Moses
                 face
                 did
                 shine
                 ;
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 contract
                 the
                 beams
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 burning
                 glass
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 the
                 heart
                 on
                 fire
                 with
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 then
                 our
                 affections
                 will
                 flame
                 ,
                 then
                 shall
                 we
                 be
                 a
                 zealous
                 people
                 of
                 good
                 works
                 ;
                 otherwise
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Fourteenthly
                 ,
                 Arise
                 then
                 and
                 shine
                 ,
                 thou
                 poor
                 fearing
                 soul
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 liest
                 in
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 be
                 inlightned
                 ,
                 lift
                 up
                 thy
                 eyes
                 thou
                 that
                 languishest
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 spirit
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 faint
                 within
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 even
                 dying
                 ,
                 and
                 couldst
                 with
                 fears
                 of
                 thy
                 condition
                 :
                 Oh
                 thy
                 light
                 is
                 come
                 !
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 the
                 Firmament
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 clouded
                 from
                 thee
                 ?
                 what
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 much
                 darkness
                 in
                 thee
                 of
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 of
                 discomfort
                 ,
                 thou
                 walkest
                 in
                 darkness
                 and
                 
                 seest
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 may
                 be
                 up
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 appear
                 not
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 day
                 with
                 thee
                 (
                 poor
                 soul
                 )
                 and
                 thou
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 light
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 beholdest
                 not
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 b●●ms
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ,
                 thou
                 mayst
                 have
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 that
                 reacheth
                 the
                 parts
                 where
                 the
                 light
                 cometh
                 not
                 .
                 And
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 at
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 Christ
                 :
                 what
                 though
                 the
                 clouds
                 of
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 errour
                 ,
                 prophaness
                 and
                 idolatry
                 
                 gather
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 to
                 threaten
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 how
                 soon
                 can
                 he
                 dispel
                 them
                 ,
                 consume
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 brightness
                 of
                 his
                 glorious
                 appearance
                 ?
                 what
                 if
                 the
                 Dogs
                 do
                 bark
                 at
                 the
                 Moon
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
                 will
                 that
                 hinder
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 course
                 ?
                 what
                 though
                 the
                 People
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 scorched
                 with
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 (
                 as
                 some
                 Pagans
                 are
                 )
                 do
                 curse
                 the
                 Sun
                 ?
                 can
                 they
                 hinder
                 his
                 course
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 :
                 as
                 a
                 strong
                 man
                 he
                 will
                 run
                 his
                 race
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 shall
                 hinder
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 those
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 made
                 fruitful
                 he
                 will
                 burn
                 up
                 and
                 consume
                 ;
                 therefore
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 that
                 hast
                 much
                 deadness
                 ,
                 and
                 coldness
                 ,
                 and
                 hardness
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 influence
                 enough
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 act
                 faith
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 set
                 thy self
                 under
                 his
                 influence
                 ,
                 wait
                 on
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 it
                 come
                 not
                 into
                 thee
                 ,
                 to
                 warm
                 ,
                 to
                 melt
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 fruitful
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 second
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 .
                 But
                 lest
                 I
                 should
                 dwell
                 too
                 long
                 on
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 if
                 ▪
                 I
                 should
                 at
                 large
                 handle
                 every
                 part
                 ,
                 therefore
                 I
                 will
                 rather
                 sum
                 up
                 several
                 things
                 in
                 one
                 Observation
                 ,
                 and
                 its
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Vnto
                   them
                   that
                   fear
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   shall
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   ,
                   or
                   d●th
                   arise
                   with
                
                 
                 
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                
                 .
                 Wherein
                 I
                 will
                 labour
                 to
                 unfold
                 several
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 of
                 all
                 to
                 our selves
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 What
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 here
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 I
                 conceive
                 by
                 the
                 coherence
                 of
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 that
                 hereby
                 are
                 meant
                 such
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 the
                 Prophet
                 had
                 denounced
                 the
                 fearful
                 threatnings
                 of
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   a
                   fire
                   ;
                   oven
                   ,
                   to
                   consume
                   the
                   stubble
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 they
                 were
                 afraid
                 ,
                 they
                 feared
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 judgements
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 too
                 much
                 dismayed
                 at
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 tels
                 ▪
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 them
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 refreshing
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 .
                 The
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 ,
                 and
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 afraid
                 of
                 the
                 judgements
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 hang
                 bound
                 up
                 in
                 a
                 black
                 cloud
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 womb
                 of
                 a
                 threatning
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 
                   Josiah
                   was
                   afraid
                   ,
                   and
                   rent
                   his
                   clothes
                   ,
                   and
                   humbled
                   himself
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   heart
                   was
                   tender
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   did
                   tremble
                   at
                   this
                   fearful
                   word
                   ,
                   the
                   judgement
                   threatned
                   against
                   Hierusalem
                   .
                
                 A
                 stout
                 ,
                 stubborn
                 ,
                 
                 brawny
                 ,
                 hard
                 heart
                 never
                 melts
                 nor
                 moveth
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 those
                 are
                 afraid
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 judgement
                 do
                 break
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 decree
                 bring
                 forth
                 ,
                 the
                 clouds
                 pour
                 out
                 upon
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 afraid
                 .
                 So
                 
                   David
                   was
                   afraid
                   of
                   the
                   judgement
                   of
                   God
                   executed
                   on
                
                 
                 
                   Vzzah
                   ,
                   and
                   afraid
                   of
                   the
                   Angel
                   of
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 Now
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 promiseth
                 a
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 shall
                 arise
                 with
                 healing
                 ;
                 such
                 fear
                 hath
                 torment
                 in
                 it
                 and
                 anguish
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 hath
                 need
                 of
                 healing
                 ;
                 but
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 restrained
                 either
                 to
                 their
                 persons
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 their
                 conditions
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 the
                 prophesies
                 are
                 Divine
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 of
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 author
                 ,
                 with
                 whom
                 1000
                 years
                 are
                 but
                 as
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 allow
                 to
                 them
                 a
                 greater
                 latitude
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 is
                 agreeable
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 fulfilled
                 punctually
                 at
                 once
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 springing
                 accomplishment
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 germinant
                 throughout
                 many
                 ages
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 height
                 or
                 fulness
                 of
                 them
                 may
                 refer
                 them
                 to
                 some
                 age
                 ;
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 prophesies
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 most
                 true
                 of
                 that
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 the
                 saving
                 vertues
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 therefore
                 for
                 persons
                 we
                 must
                 not
                 confine
                 it
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 no
                 nor
                 for
                 things
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 sort
                 of
                 fear
                 which
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 meant
                 by
                 the
                 series
                 of
                 the
                 context
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 as
                 all
                 other
                 promises
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 applyable
                 to
                 any
                 condition
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 its
                 suitable
                 .
                 As
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Joshuah
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   ,
                   never
                   leave
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 is
                 applyed
                 to
                 want
                 in
                 outward
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 encourage
                 them
                 to
                 walk
                 without
                 covetousness
                 .
                 
                 Therefore
                 ;
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Fearing
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 meant
                 such
                 as
                 God
                 hath
                 begun
                 to
                 work
                 on
                 ,
                 hath
                 convinced
                 them
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 wrath
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fear
                 wrought
                 in
                 such
                 an
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 Jaylour
                 came
                 springing
                 in
                 and
                 trembling
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 three
                 
                 thousand
                 in
                 Acts
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 the
                 Promise
                 may
                 be
                 applyable
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   Christ
                   will
                   arise
                   on
                   them
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                
                 ;
                 though
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 that
                 it
                 s
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 in
                 any
                 equal
                 latitude
                 with
                 this
                 fear
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 conviction
                 and
                 fear
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 haply
                 never
                 any
                 healing
                 for
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Such
                 as
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 his
                 Goodness
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 hath
                 i●
                 )
                 
                   Such
                   as
                   fear
                   his
                   Name
                
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 himself
                 be
                 in
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 they
                 cannot
                 see
                 him
                 face
                 to
                 face
                 ,
                 as
                 Moses
                 did
                 ;
                 they
                 seek
                 not
                 〈…〉
                 t
                 s●gns
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 see
                 him
                 but
                 darkly
                 and
                 through
                 a
                 glass
                 :
                 though
                 they
                 see
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 being
                 invisible
                 ,
                 ●et
                 by
                 his
                 〈◊〉
                 they
                 know
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 greatest
                 part
                 of
                 his
                 
                 name
                 is
                 Mercy
                 (
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 Exodus
                 )
                 and
                 his
                 name
                 speaks
                 
                 his
                 nature
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   God
                   ,
                   gracious
                   and
                   merciful
                   ,
                   long-suffering
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 O!
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 arise
                 on
                 them
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 but
                 little
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 more
                 :
                 Some
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 fearing
                 him
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 manner
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 made
                 good
                 to
                 them
                 already
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 put
                 his
                 fear
                 into
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 here
                 is
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 the
                 displaying
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 .
                 Alas
                 !
                 many
                 times
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 fear
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 are
                 under
                 cloudings
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 temptation
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 sore
                 pestered
                 with
                 them
                 :
                 Sometime
                 the
                 prevailing
                 of
                 sin
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 darkning
                 and
                 disquieting
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 :
                 Sometime
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 darkness
                 and
                 see
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 fear
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Lord.
                 Now
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 will
                 arise
                 with
                 healing
                 in
                 his
                 wings
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 That
                 Christ
                 the
                 Covenant
                 is
                 meant
                 ,
                 I
                 told
                 you
                 before
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 a
                 reason
                 of
                 this
                 title
                 ,
                 why
                 a
                 Sun
                 ?
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 at
                 large
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 why
                 so
                 called
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 further
                 question
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 speak
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 One
                 reason
                 may
                 be
                 because
                 of
                 his
                 perfection
                 ;
                 there
                 should
                 nothing
                 be
                 wanting
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 all
                 perfections
                 which
                 were
                 just
                 and
                 fit
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 Mediator
                 to
                 have
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 some
                 think
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Hebraism
                 in
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   ;
                   the
                   righteous
                   Sun
                   ,
                   the
                   absolutely
                   perfect
                   Sun
                   :
                
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 Sun
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 spot
                 ,
                 no
                 wrinkle
                 ,
                 no
                 darkness
                 ,
                 no
                 deficiency
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 of
                 heat
                 ,
                 of
                 influences
                 ,
                 of
                 pains
                 in
                 wheeling
                 about
                 his
                 Church
                 continually
                 for
                 their
                 supply
                 and
                 refreshing
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Because
                 in
                 him
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 was
                 eminently
                 conspicuous
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ;
                 Some
                 imperfect
                 footsteps
                 of
                 righteousness
                 there
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 of
                 holiness
                 and
                 conformity
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 some
                 lineaments
                 of
                 his
                 Image
                 ,
                 but
                 very
                 naked
                 ,
                 they
                 want
                 their
                 filling
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 garnishing
                 with
                 colours
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 do
                 while
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 :
                 and
                 there
                 are
                 so
                 many
                 blots
                 ,
                 and
                 blurs
                 ,
                 and
                 stains
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 scarce
                 appears
                 many
                 times
                 ;
                 witness
                 the
                 choicest
                 examples
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 as
                 〈◊〉
                 Moses
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 look
                 on
                 him
                 at
                 the
                 water
                 of
                 Meri●ah
                 ,
                 you
                 
                 would
                 scarce
                 have
                 thought
                 him
                 so
                 meek
                 a
                 man
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 David
                 in
                 
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Vriah
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 dealing
                 with
                 Mephibosheth
                 .
                 These
                 were
                 shadows
                 cast
                 on
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 so
                 conspicuous
                 ;
                 the
                 glass
                 is
                 dimmed
                 ,
                 and
                 defiled
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 not
                 so
                 transparent
                 :
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 a
                 pure
                 glass
                 of
                 divine
                 attributes
                 and
                 perfections
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 of
                 this
                 righteousness
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 .
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 conspicuous
                 in
                 him
                 was
                 the
                 vindictive
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 his
                 justice
                 is
                 manifested
                 in
                 calling
                 sinners
                 to
                 an
                 account
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 the
                 Angels
                 ,
                 the
                 Sodomites
                 ,
                 the
                 old
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 us
                 in
                 our
                 times
                 ,
                 his
                 dealings
                 do
                 speak
                 him
                 to
                 
                 be
                 a
                 just
                 God
                 :
                 but
                 never
                 any
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 his
                 dealing
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 equal
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 all
                 essential
                 glory
                 ;
                 yet
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 surety
                 for
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 vail
                 his
                 glory
                 with
                 raggs
                 of
                 flesh
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 children
                 partake
                 of
                 the
                 
                 same
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 his
                 incomprehensible
                 love
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 so
                 appear
                 under
                 the
                 sins
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 find
                 them
                 like
                 a
                 poisoned
                 garment
                 ,
                 inflamed
                 with
                 wrath
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 drink
                 up
                 the
                 cup
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 were
                 amazed
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 compassed
                 about
                 with
                 fear
                 ,
                 surrounded
                 with
                 fear
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 hath
                 it
                 )
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 a
                 bloody
                 sweat
                 ,
                 put
                 
                 him
                 into
                 an
                 agony
                 .
                 A
                 strong
                 potion
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 that
                 casts
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Life
                 and
                 Glory
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 sweat
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 lay
                 him
                 under
                 reproach
                 and
                 shame
                 ,
                 cloud
                 Gods
                 face
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 cost
                 him
                 the
                 very
                 blood
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 joy
                 ▪
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 put
                 up
                 strong
                 cries
                 and
                 tears
                 ,
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 intreated
                 to
                 let
                 the
                 cup
                 pass
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 spare
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 O!
                 here
                 the
                 Justice
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 conspicuous
                 in
                 him
                 .
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 never
                 
                 was
                 there
                 such
                 a
                 pattern
                 of
                 righteousness
                 in
                 God
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 spare
                 sin
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 his
                 dearest
                 Son
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 !
                 shall
                 sons
                 by
                 adoption
                 think
                 to
                 make
                 bold
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 smart
                 for
                 it
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 ?
                 Take
                 heed
                 you
                 watchless
                 ,
                 careless
                 walkers
                 before
                 God.
                 O!
                 what
                 shall
                 become
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 then
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 never
                 the
                 better
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 whose
                 sins
                 shall
                 be
                 charged
                 on
                 their
                 own
                 account
                 ?
                 Did
                 it
                 amaze
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 With
                 what
                 hearts
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 (
                 sinners
                 )
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 look
                 an
                 angry
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 flaming
                 indignation
                 shall
                 stream
                 forth
                 on
                 your
                 souls
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
                 ?
                 O!
                 think
                 on
                 it
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 tremble
                 :
                 but
                 this
                 by
                 the
                 by
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 He
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 conceive
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 fulfilling
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 promises
                 that
                 were
                 made
                 of
                 him
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 made
                 many
                 promises
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   the
                   woman
                
                 
                 
                   shall
                   break
                   the
                   serpents-head
                
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 in
                 
                   Abraham
                   ,
                   in
                   his
                   seed
                   all
                   the
                   Nations
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   should
                   be
                   blessed
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   a
                   Virgin
                   should
                   conceive
                   and
                   bear
                   a
                   son
                   ,
                   whose
                   name
                   should
                   be
                   Immannuel
                   ,
                   God
                   with
                
                 
                 us
                 ;
                 signifying
                 the
                 union
                 of
                 natures
                 in
                 his
                 person
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 if
                 Christ
                 had
                 not
                 come
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 promise
                 ,
                 where
                 had
                 been
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 God
                 his
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 and
                 therefore
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 declare
                 his
                 righteousness
                 for
                 the
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 past
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 forbearance
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 
                 when
                 all
                 the
                 Fathers
                 had
                 believed
                 in
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 revealed
                 ,
                 they
                 dyed
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 not
                 having
                 received
                 the
                 promises
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 not
                 having
                 seen
                 Christ
                 come
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 for
                 the
                 accomplishment
                 of
                 their
                 redemption
                 ,
                 though
                 afar
                 off
                 they
                 beheld
                 them
                 and
                 embraced
                 them
                 :
                 Abraham
                 saw
                 his
                 day
                 and
                 was
                 glad
                 .
                 Now
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 the
                 faith
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 ,
                 grounded
                 on
                 the
                 faithfulness
                 of
                 God
                 who
                 had
                 promised
                 ;
                 they
                 without
                 us
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 were
                 not
                 made
                 perfect
                 ,
                 though
                 through
                 forbearance
                 
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 their
                 sins
                 were
                 passed
                 over
                 ;
                 yet
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 returned
                 on
                 them
                 again
                 ,
                 if
                 Christ
                 had
                 not
                 come
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 promise
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 herein
                 now
                 Christ
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 concerneth
                 most
                 his
                 first
                 appearing
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 though
                 for
                 these
                 ends
                 and
                 purposes
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 he
                 doth
                 arise
                 unto
                 every
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 .
                 Now
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 also
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 by
                 his
                 arising
                 on
                 any
                 soul
                 that
                 stands
                 in
                 need
                 of
                 him
                 now
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 arising
                 on
                 them
                 then
                 :
                 for
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 fail
                 in
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 given
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 where
                 were
                 his
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 consideration
                 wherefore
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 meritorious
                 cause
                 of
                 our
                 justification
                 in
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 called
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   our
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 set
                 forth
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 for
                 a
                 propitiation
                 through
                 faith
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 called
                 
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 accepteth
                 of
                 the
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 paid
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 God
                 (
                 as
                 he
                 imputeth
                 it
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 doth
                 not
                 impute
                 our
                 sins
                 on
                 us
                 )
                 
                   Enter
                   not
                   into
                   Judgement
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 )
                 
                 
                   with
                   thy
                   servant
                   ,
                   for
                   in
                   thy
                   sight
                   shall
                   no
                   flesh
                   be
                   justified
                   ;
                   not
                   by
                   
                   the
                   works
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   but
                   by
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   Jesus
                   :
                
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 he
                 is
                 called
                 a
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 he
                 doth
                 by
                 his
                 influences
                 on
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 work
                 on
                 them
                 a
                 similitude
                 ,
                 a
                 likeness
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 beget
                 an
                 inherent
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 putting
                 inward
                 principles
                 and
                 seeds
                 into
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 from
                 whence
                 flow
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 holy
                 conversation
                 ;
                 in
                 this
                 also
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 :
                 the
                 Apostle
                 is
                 clear
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 made
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 us
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 sanctification
                 and
                 redemption
                 ;
                 which
                 sanctification
                 
                 is
                 sometimes
                 called
                 in
                 Scripture
                 righteousness
                 .
                 So
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 chosen
                 us
                 in
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 adoption
                 of
                 Sons
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 holy
                 and
                 unblamable
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 him
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 brought
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 
                 state
                 and
                 condition
                 ,
                 by
                 beholding
                 him
                 ,
                 by
                 lying
                 in
                 his
                 beams
                 with
                 our
                 faces
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 with
                 open
                 face
                 .
                 Now
                 all
                 shadows
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 ceremonies
                 ,
                 and
                 vails
                 ,
                 (
                 such
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 Legal
                 administration
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 were
                 on
                 him
                 )
                 being
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 changed
                 into
                 his
                 Image
                 from
                 glory
                 to
                 glory
                 .
                 In
                 all
                 these
                 respects
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 :
                 and
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 second
                 thing
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 then
                 ,
                 What
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 on
                 them
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 understand
                 it
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 of
                 those
                 times
                 that
                 feared
                 his
                 name
                 ;
                 then
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 understood
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 as
                 if
                 that
                 Christ
                 had
                 never
                 shined
                 on
                 them
                 :
                 for
                 ,
                 how
                 come
                 they
                 then
                 to
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 yet
                 owned
                 them
                 as
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 Covenant
                 ?
                 but
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 understood
                 thus
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 behold
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 glorious
                 manner
                 arising
                 ;
                 they
                 that
                 should
                 live
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 day
                 .
                 Many
                 waited
                 for
                 the
                 consolation
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 as
                 Zach.
                 and
                 Simeon
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 could
                 not
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 had
                 no
                 influence
                 from
                 Christ
                 on
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 among
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 before
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 had
                 a
                 dawning
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 had
                 some
                 glimmerings
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 shine
                 through
                 all
                 the
                 darkness
                 and
                 shadows
                 of
                 the
                 Ceremonies
                 :
                 Christ
                 was
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 as
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 the
                 picturre
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 shadow
                 .
                 But
                 now
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 very
                 image
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 .
                 )
                 So
                 that
                 this
                 rising
                 on
                 them
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 
                 may
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 to
                 some
                 height
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 his
                 first
                 appearing
                 :
                 for
                 I
                 find
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 Matthew
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 word
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 is
                 rendered
                 .
                 When
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 risen
                 ,
                 it
                 withereth
                 :
                 
                 
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 s
                 up
                 and
                 at
                 an
                 height
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 withereth
                 .
              
               
                 So
                 now
                 ,
                 (
                 though
                 before
                 they
                 had
                 the
                 dawning
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 some
                 scattering
                 beams
                 fore-running
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 )
                 yet
                 now
                 
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 greatest
                 glory
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 came
                 that
                 his
                 people
                 might
                 have
                 light
                 and
                 might
                 have
                 it
                 more
                 abundantly
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 now
                 to
                 us
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 on
                 whom
                 he
                 hath
                 shone
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 rise
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 breaks
                 through
                 any
                 clouds
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Martyr
                 at
                 the
                 stake
                 cryed
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   shine
                   on
                   me
                   :
                
                 he
                 meant
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 shew
                 him
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ,
                 break
                 in
                 on
                 the
                 heart
                 with
                 more
                 light
                 and
                 warmth
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 armed
                 against
                 that
                 tertible
                 death
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 encounter
                 with
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 the
                 Firmament
                 broke
                 out
                 in
                 a
                 glorious
                 manner
                 through
                 the
                 thick
                 clouds
                 ,
                 as
                 an
                 Emblem
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 an
                 earnest
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 visible
                 evidence
                 or
                 testimony
                 to
                 the
                 standers
                 by
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 now
                 I
                 conceive
                 ,
                 when
                 on
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 in
                 his
                 first
                 agonies
                 ,
                 the
                 throws
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 to
                 bring
                 forth
                 the
                 child
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 his
                 troubles
                 of
                 heart
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 thick
                 darkness
                 on
                 him
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 breaks
                 forth
                 on
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 a
                 glorious
                 discovery
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 yea
                 with
                 an
                 hint
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 its
                 arising
                 on
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 as
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 Israel
                 :
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 Israel
                 is
                 called
                 his
                 arising
                 on
                 them
                 ;
                 so
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 eminent
                 
                 manner
                 appear
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 either
                 after
                 desertion
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 comfort
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 or
                 after
                 desertion
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 there
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 arise
                 on
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 thing
                 is
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 difficult
                 ,
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 Metaphors
                 it
                 is
                 cloathed
                 with
                 ,
                 one
                 on
                 another
                 :
                 For
                 first
                 ,
                 the
                 natural
                 Sun
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 have
                 wings
                 .
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 then
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 being
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 natural
                 Sun
                 ,
                 is
                 also
                 said
                 to
                 have
                 wings
                 ;
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 therefore
                 a
                 little
                 unfold
                 it
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 first
                 see
                 what
                 are
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 natural
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 Metaphorical
                 :
                 the
                 raies
                 ,
                 the
                 beams
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 we
                 read
                 of
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 morning
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 
                 would
                 flie
                 away
                 to
                 the
                 ends
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 but
                 the
                 dawnings
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ?
                 the
                 eye-lids
                 of
                 the
                 morning
                 ,
                 as
                 Job
                 calls
                 
                 
                 it
                 :
                 the
                 first
                 breakin
                 gs
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 peepeth
                 above
                 the
                 Horizon
                 ,
                 the
                 raies
                 and
                 streamings
                 of
                 light
                 scattered
                 before
                 the
                 appearing
                 os
                 the
                 Sun
                 :
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 governing
                 and
                 viewing
                 the
                 earth
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 dawning
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 is
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 the
                 eye-lids
                 ,
                 opening
                 before
                 the
                 eye
                 do
                 appear
                 when
                 it
                 awakeneth
                 .
                 So
                 Caryl
                 and
                 Mercer
                 .
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 is
                 conceived
                 )
                 for
                 several
                 reasons
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 because
                 as
                 wings
                 and
                 feathers
                 compass
                 ,
                 clothe
                 and
                 adorn
                 the
                 fowl
                 whose
                 wings
                 they
                 are
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 rayes
                 do
                 clothe
                 ,
                 and
                 compass
                 ,
                 and
                 adorn
                 the
                 Sun
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ;
                 how
                 naked
                 would
                 a
                 bird
                 be
                 without
                 his
                 feathers
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 naked
                 would
                 the
                 Sun
                 be
                 without
                 his
                 raies
                 and
                 beams
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 swift
                 motion
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 his
                 diurnal
                 course
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 
                   Psalm
                   19.
                   
                   He
                   rejoyceth
                   as
                   a
                   Gyant
                   to
                   run
                   his
                   race
                   :
                
                 but
                 no
                 sooner
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 up
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 doth
                 in
                 a
                 manner
                 spread
                 his
                 raies
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 Hemisphere
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 bird
                 quickly
                 when
                 she
                 riseth
                 spreadeth
                 her
                 wings
                 abroad
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 
                   Egypitans
                   Hieroglyph
                
                 .
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 was
                 a
                 fowl
                 spreading
                 long
                 wings
                 every
                 way
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 a
                 fowl
                 ,
                 are
                 those
                 under
                 which
                 she
                 gathereth
                 her
                 young
                 ,
                 cherisheth
                 them
                 ,
                 refresheth
                 ,
                 warmeth
                 
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 grow
                 and
                 increase
                 :
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 are
                 those
                 whereby
                 the
                 creatures
                 in
                 their
                 kind
                 are
                 healed
                 and
                 cherished
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 how
                 the
                 body
                 will
                 be
                 benummed
                 ,
                 and
                 languish
                 with
                 the
                 cold
                 of
                 the
                 night
                 :
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 beams
                 come
                 to
                 beat
                 on
                 it
                 again
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 quicken
                 and
                 revive
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 now
                 for
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 his
                 wings
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ?
                 whatever
                 answers
                 to
                 this
                 Sun-beams
                 are
                 his
                 wings
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 are
                 these
                 ?
                 In
                 a
                 word
                 then
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Word
                 and
                 Spirit
                 especially
                 ;
                 not
                 excluding
                 other
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 these
                 especially
                 ;
                 yea
                 (
                 truly
                 )
                 the
                 Spirit
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 other
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 to
                 be
                 these
                 wings
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 .
                 The
                 Spirit
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 even
                 whereby
                 he
                 cometh
                 and
                 preacheth
                 to
                 men
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 asar
                 off
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 preach
                 peace
                 ;
                 by
                 which
                 also
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 he
                 went
                 and
                 preached
                 to
                 the
                 Spirits
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 are
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 
                 when
                 he
                 sent
                 to
                 preach
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 which
                 Noah
                 preached
                 to
                 them
                 (
                 who
                 was
                 a
                 Preacher
                 of
                 righteousness
                 )
                 
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 went
                 and
                 preached
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 our
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 haply
                 for
                 divers
                 reasons
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 these
                 proceeding
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 raies
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 proceed
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 sends
                 forth
                 his
                 beams
                 and
                 influences
                 in
                 a
                 powerful
                 manner
                 ;
                 so
                 Christ
                 sends
                 forth
                 his
                 light
                 and
                 his
                 truth
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 as
                 a
                 person
                 in
                 the
                 Trinity
                 proceedeth
                 from
                 him
                 as
                 from
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 to
                 his
                 
                 office
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 an
                 enlightening
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 a
                 quickning
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 a
                 comforting
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 so
                 he
                 proceedeth
                 from
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   I
                   will
                   send
                   you
                   the
                   Comforter
                
                 
                 
                   from
                   the
                   Father
                
                 ;
                 he
                 poured
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 on
                 his
                 Apostles
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 in
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 preach
                 the
                 Gospel
                 to
                 the
                 Nations
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Word
                 he
                 sends
                 it
                 
                 forth
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 proceedeth
                 a
                 two-edged
                 sword
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 Word
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 beams
                 supply
                 the
                 absence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 supply
                 his
                 absence
                 ;
                 therefore
                 while
                 he
                 was
                 yet
                 present
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 was
                 not
                 yet
                 given
                 ,
                 not
                 poured
                 out
                 in
                 that
                 fulness
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 go
                 ,
                 he
                 comforts
                 his
                 Disciples
                 with
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 he
                 went
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 send
                 them
                 the
                 Comforter
                 ,
                 another
                 
                 Comforter
                 ;
                 himself
                 was
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 would
                 send
                 them
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 was
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 should
                 lead
                 them
                 into
                 all
                 truth
                 ,
                 bring
                 all
                 things
                 to
                 their
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 their
                 Comforter
                 ,
                 and
                 help
                 their
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 supply
                 the
                 absence
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 Yea
                 better
                 then
                 if
                 he
                 himself
                 were
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 as
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 is
                 come
                 into
                 such
                 an
                 house
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 beams
                 thereof
                 are
                 come
                 in
                 ,
                 which
                 do
                 supply
                 the
                 absence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 better
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 beams
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 our
                 houses
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 swiftness
                 of
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 ages
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 .
                 O!
                 how
                 swift
                 are
                 the
                 beams
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 darted
                 from
                 heaven
                 to
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 over-spread
                 the
                 whole
                 Horizon
                 ?
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 his
                 Word
                 being
                 quickned
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 doth
                 run
                 very
                 swiftly
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 
                 hath
                 it
                 )
                 in
                 how
                 short
                 a
                 time
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 age
                 of
                 the
                 Apostles
                 )
                 did
                 it
                 overspread
                 the
                 Horizon
                 ,
                 gotten
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 Rome
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 mightily
                 did
                 it
                 prevail
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Jews
                 did
                 contradict
                 ,
                 and
                 blaspheme
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 endeavour
                 to
                 take
                 off
                 the
                 wheels
                 of
                 his
                 Chariots
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 went
                 on
                 never
                 the
                 slower
                 for
                 that
                 ,
                 it
                 grew
                 and
                 multiplyed
                 ;
                 
                 Converts
                 unto
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 were
                 as
                 thick
                 as
                 the
                 morning
                 dew
                 on
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 generated
                 by
                 the
                 
                 Sun.
                 
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 beams
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 carry
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 refreshing
                 along
                 with
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 languishing
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 creatures
                 ,
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 and
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spirit
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 carries
                 light
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   thy
                   Word
                   is
                   a
                   light
                   to
                   my
                   feet
                
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 Christ
                 considered
                 alone
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 that
                 is
                 here
                 resembled
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 I
                 told
                 you
                 before
                 ;
                 their
                 sound
                 is
                 gone
                 forth
                 into
                 all
                 the
                 earth
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 preached
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 peace
                 and
                 reconciliation
                 through
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 heat
                 ;
                 O!
                 how
                 doth
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 come
                 under
                 an
                 Ordinance
                 with
                 an
                 heartless
                 mind
                 ,
                 cold
                 and
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 doth
                 burn
                 within
                 him
                 ,
                 while
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 hath
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 those
                 Ordinances
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 refreshings
                 do
                 arise
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 weary
                 soul
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 createth
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 the
                 lips
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 certain
                 undoubted
                 peace
                 ,
                 he
                 doubleth
                 it
                 for
                 emphasis
                 :
                 that
                 peace
                 which
                 
                 passeth
                 understanding
                 :
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 surely
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 suddenly
                 too
                 ,
                 not
                 long
                 ,
                 he
                 delights
                 not
                 to
                 hold
                 poor
                 souls
                 in
                 anxiety
                 &
                 trouble
                 ,
                 only
                 what
                 he
                 seeth
                 needful
                 for
                 their
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 fetching
                 them
                 off
                 themselves
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 Christ
                 sweet
                 to
                 them
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 precious
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 Other
                 reasons
                 might
                 haply
                 be
                 given
                 ,
                 why
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 Ordinances
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 the
                 wings
                 thereof
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 shall
                 suffice
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 fifth
                 thing
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 this
                 is
                 large
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 large
                 as
                 our
                 spiritual
                 maladies
                 are
                 :
                 some
                 say
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 more
                 wholsom
                 then
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 where
                 it
                 cometh
                 with
                 its
                 beams
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 purge
                 the
                 air
                 wherein
                 we
                 breath
                 ,
                 consuming
                 the
                 noysom
                 vapours
                 that
                 arise
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 infect
                 it
                 quickly
                 ,
                 purging
                 the
                 earth
                 from
                 its
                 dregs
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 should
                 quickly
                 find
                 the
                 offensiveness
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 by
                 the
                 breaking
                 forth
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Truth
                 ,
                 doth
                 heal
                 the
                 air
                 ,
                 consume
                 and
                 scatter
                 the
                 venomous
                 errors
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 we
                 should
                 quickly
                 be
                 all
                 poysoned
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 be
                 makes
                 manifest
                 their
                 folly
                 to
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 proceed
                 no
                 further
                 .
                 He
                 heals
                 the
                 waters
                 ,
                 the
                 waters
                 of
                 the
                 Sanctuary
                 :
                 how
                 often
                 have
                 they
                 been
                 polluted
                 ,
                 yea
                 poysoned
                 by
                 some
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 
                 healed
                 them
                 again
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 .
                 Again
                 ,
                 he
                 heals
                 the
                 earth
                 of
                 its
                 barrenness
                 ;
                 in
                 Winter
                 the
                 earth
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 languishing
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 things
                 withered
                 and
                 dead
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 returneth
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 heal
                 it
                 ?
                 To
                 it
                 s
                 here
                 (
                 Beloved
                 )
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Word
                 and
                 Spirit
                 that
                 opens
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 moistens
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 sweetly
                 refresheth
                 it
                 ,
                 calls
                 forth
                 the
                 fruits
                 thereof
                 :
                 The
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 they
                 are
                 called
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 are
                 called
                 ,
                 the
                 precious
                 fruits
                 ,
                 put
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 Sun
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 Moon
                 (
                 which
                 shines
                 by
                 a
                 derived
                 influence
                 
                 from
                 the
                 Sun
                 :
                 )
                 how
                 precious
                 are
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 love
                 ,
                 meekness
                 ,
                 joy
                 in
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 ,
                 humility
                 ,
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 precious
                 fruits
                 put
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 Spirit
                 beating
                 upon
                 our
                 barren
                 hearts
                 ;
                 indeed
                 he
                 maketh
                 the
                 barren
                 Wilderness
                 to
                 become
                 a
                 garden
                 of
                 God.
                 Again
                 ,
                 he
                 healeth
                 ,
                 he
                 reviveth
                 the
                 spirits
                 which
                 languish
                 and
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 Birds
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 Winter
                 are
                 hard
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 lye
                 you
                 hardly
                 know
                 where
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 dead
                 or
                 dying
                 :
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 returneth
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 refresh
                 and
                 revive
                 their
                 little
                 spirits
                 that
                 were
                 left
                 before
                 ?
                 The
                 night
                 brings
                 a
                 heaviness
                 and
                 burthen
                 along
                 with
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 morning
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 ariseth
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 enliven
                 and
                 lighten
                 ?
                 Oh!
                 so
                 it
                 s
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 can
                 say
                 by
                 experience
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 darkness
                 hath
                 been
                 long
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 no
                 comfort
                 ,
                 no
                 refreshing
                 ,
                 no
                 breathing
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 to
                 their
                 apprehensions
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 on
                 their
                 hearts
                 .
                 O
                 ▪
                 how
                 have
                 hands
                 hanged
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 knees
                 feeble
                 ,
                 and
                 knock
                 one
                 against
                 another
                 for
                 feebleness
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 within
                 them
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 dye
                 :
                 But
                 now
                 ,
                 no
                 sooner
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 looked
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 their
                 ankle-bones
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 the
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 their
                 strength
                 ,
                 as
                 Neh.
                 8.
                 but
                 I
                 intend
                 not
                 here
                 much
                 
                 to
                 expatiate
                 ,
                 only
                 these
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 first
                 thing
                 in
                 this
                 healing
                 which
                 is
                 brought
                 under
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 is
                 pardon
                 for
                 our
                 sins
                 ;
                 
                   who
                   forgiveth
                   all-thy
                   iniquities
                   ,
                   and
                   healeth
                   all-thy
                   diseases
                   :
                
                 these
                 are
                 exegetical
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 or
                 may
                 so
                 be
                 looked
                 on
                 .
                 Sin
                 
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 cuts
                 off
                 a
                 creature
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 maketh
                 a
                 wound
                 ,
                 which
                 now
                 is
                 healed
                 and
                 made
                 up
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 pardoned
                 ;
                 
                   Make
                   the
                   heart
                   of
                   this
                   people
                   fat
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   their
                   ears
                   be
                   heavy
                   ;
                   their
                   eyes
                   closed
                   ,
                   lest
                   at
                   any
                   time
                   they
                   should
                   see
                   with
                   their
                   eyes
                   ,
                   or
                
                 
                 
                 
                   hear
                   with
                   their
                   ears
                   ,
                   or
                   understand
                   with
                   their
                   hearts
                   ,
                   lest
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   converted
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   should
                   heal
                   them
                   :
                
                 which
                 Mark
                 reads
                 
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   lest
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   converted
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   sins
                   be
                   forgiven
                   them
                   .
                
                 So
                 then
                 forgiveness
                 and
                 healing
                 are
                 all
                 one
                 ;
                 and
                 its
                 one
                 thing
                 surely
                 included
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Prophet
                 
                   Hosea
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   heal
                   their
                   back-slidings
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   love
                   them
                   freely
                
                 ;
                 the
                 justification
                 freely
                 by
                 
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 it
                 .
                 )
                 Poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 thou
                 that
                 ever
                 knewest
                 what
                 sin
                 was
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 wound
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 thy
                 soul
                 ;
                 knewest
                 that
                 thy
                 pardon
                 is
                 a
                 healing
                 to
                 thee
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 this
                 arising
                 with
                 healing
                 in
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 is
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 ;
                 he
                 conveyeth
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 merit
                 thereof
                 ,
                 maketh
                 it
                 over
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 believeth
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 doing
                 away
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 guilt
                 .
                 So
                 as
                 a
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 properly
                 he
                 healeth
                 :
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 He
                 taketh
                 away
                 also
                 the
                 anguish
                 and
                 trouble
                 that
                 did
                 arise
                 from
                 sin
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 as
                 when
                 a
                 wound
                 is
                 healed
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 anguish
                 and
                 smart
                 is
                 taken
                 away
                 ,
                 though
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 healing
                 ,
                 (
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 )
                 when
                 searched
                 and
                 tented
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 smart
                 and
                 sore
                 ,
                 yet
                 afterward
                 it
                 s
                 taken
                 away
                 by
                 degrees
                 :
                 I
                 know
                 some
                 of
                 you
                 have
                 felt
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 some
                 at
                 present
                 may
                 feel
                 the
                 grief
                 of
                 your
                 wounds
                 .
                 O!
                 how
                 they
                 will
                 throb
                 ,
                 and
                 beat
                 ,
                 and
                 burn
                 ,
                 and
                 smart
                 sometimes
                 :
                 broken
                 bones
                 are
                 nothing
                 to
                 a
                 broken
                 heart
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 broken
                 flesh
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 a
                 broken
                 bone
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 heals
                 the
                 broken
                 in
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 bindeth
                 up
                 their
                 wounds
                 ;
                 
                   I
                   have
                   seen
                   his
                   waies
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   heal
                   him
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 he
                 speaks
                 to
                 
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 disconsolate
                 soul
                 under
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 
                   He
                   was
                   wrath
                   and
                   smote
                   him
                   ,
                   yea
                   he
                   hid
                   him
                   and
                   was
                   wrath
                   :
                
                 
                 O
                 how
                 this
                 troubles
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 !
                 he
                 cannot
                 but
                 have
                 his
                 heart
                 full
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 terrour
                 ,
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 hidden
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 did
                 walk
                 frowardly
                 before
                 me
                 ,
                 gave
                 me
                 not
                 my
                 ends
                 in
                 smiting
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 will
                 heal
                 him
                 :
                 and
                 wherein
                 doth
                 this
                 healing
                 consist
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ▪
                 in
                 restoring
                 joy
                 and
                 comfort
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 now
                 was
                 over-whelmed
                 with
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 his
                 heart
                 now
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 sink
                 and
                 fail
                 within
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 lest
                 it
                 should
                 so
                 do
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 is
                 this
                 but
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 Spirit
                 therein
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 comforting
                 Spitit
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 create
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 the
                 lips
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 peace
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 Here
                 is
                 a
                 healing
                 indeed
                 ,
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 broken
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 broken
                 bones
                 ;
                 it
                 s
                 the
                 work
                 that
                 the
                 Father
                 sent
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 for
                 
                 
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 in
                 an
                 especial
                 manner
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 annointed
                 him
                 for
                 ,
                 poured
                 out
                 the
                 Spirit
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 annointed
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 oyl
                 of
                 
                 gladness
                 above
                 his
                 fellows
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 speak
                 in
                 due
                 season
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 bind
                 up
                 the
                 broken
                 spirits
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 our
                 dear
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 he
                 delighteth
                 to
                 do
                 this
                 will
                 and
                 work
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 .
                 O!
                 he
                 loveth
                 to
                 be
                 doing
                 with
                 broken
                 hearts
                 :
                 And
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 had
                 some
                 work
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 among
                 us
                 now
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 heart
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 heal
                 us
                 ;
                 it
                 s
                 his
                 delight
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 second
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 his
                 cordials
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 his
                 purgatives
                 ,
                 his
                 lenitives
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 his
                 corrosives
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 with
                 healing
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 anguish
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 to
                 purge
                 away
                 the
                 filth
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 the
                 running
                 putrifying
                 sore
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 run
                 ,
                 and
                 defile
                 ,
                 and
                 pollute
                 all
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 taketh
                 in
                 hand
                 :
                 
                   How
                   much
                   more
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   shall
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   Christ
                   purge
                   our
                   consciences
                   from
                   dead
                
                 
                 
                   works
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   serve
                   the
                   living
                   God.
                
                 With
                 corrosives
                 he
                 eats
                 down
                 the
                 proud
                 flesh
                 and
                 the
                 dead
                 flesh
                 ;
                 he
                 dryeth
                 up
                 the
                 bloody
                 issues
                 :
                 then
                 the
                 person
                 was
                 healed
                 when
                 she
                 touched
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 hem
                 of
                 his
                 garment
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 troubles
                 many
                 a
                 heart
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 their
                 sins
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 the
                 returning
                 and
                 recoyling
                 of
                 sin
                 on
                 them
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 occasioneth
                 the
                 questioning
                 of
                 their
                 peace
                 and
                 comfort
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 had
                 .
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 one
                 cryeth
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 of
                 that
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 walks
                 heavily
                 and
                 sadly
                 !
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 he
                 will
                 arise
                 with
                 healing
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 for
                 all
                 these
                 distempers
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 another
                 healing
                 is
                 the
                 taking
                 away
                 his
                 anger
                 manifested
                 in
                 outward
                 calamities
                 or
                 diseases
                 in
                 a
                 people
                 or
                 person
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   will
                   heal
                   their
                   back-slidings
                   and
                   love
                   them
                   freely
                   ,
                   for
                   mine
                   anger
                   is
                   turned
                   away
                   :
                
                 either
                 to
                 turn
                 away
                 the
                 affliction
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 the
                 anger
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 sting
                 ;
                 the
                 inflamation
                 of
                 any
                 affliction
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 an
                 itch
                 ,
                 a
                 scab
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 fired
                 with
                 the
                 anger
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 enough
                 to
                 consume
                 and
                 destroy
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 challengeth
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 priviledge
                 ,
                 
                   See
                   now
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   ,
                   even
                   I
                   am
                   he
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   God
                   with
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   kill
                   and
                   I
                   make
                   alive
                   ,
                   I
                   wound
                   and
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   heal
                   ,
                   I
                   wound
                   their
                   comforts
                   ,
                   wound
                   their
                   peace
                   ,
                   lay
                   them
                   a
                   gasping
                   ,
                   a
                   dying
                   ;
                   art
                   thou
                   not
                   he
                   that
                   kelled'st
                
                 Rah
                 .
                 
                   and
                   wounded
                   the
                   Dragon
                
                 ?
                 So
                 Job
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 sore
                 ,
                 and
                 bindeth
                 up
                 ,
                 he
                 woundeth
                 
                 and
                 his
                 hands
                 make
                 whole
                 .
                 
                   Come
                   say
                   they
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   return
                   to
                   the
                   
                   Lord
                   ,
                   for
                   he
                   hath
                   torn
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   heal
                   us
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   smitten
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   bind
                   us
                   up
                   ,
                   after
                   two
                   daies
                   will
                   he
                   revive
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   third
                   day
                
                 
                 
                   we
                   shall
                   live
                   in
                   his
                   sight
                
                 ;
                 Healing
                 upon
                 the
                 returning
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 is
                 a
                 choice
                 mercy
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 their
                 returning
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 healing
                 unto
                 returning
                 .
                 
                   Behold
                   I
                   will
                   bring
                   it
                   health
                   and
                   cure
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   cure
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   return
                   to
                   them
                   abundance
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   peace
                
                 ,
                 after
                 be
                 had
                 threatened
                 to
                 destroy
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 anger
                 by
                 the
                 Caldeans
                 ;
                 So
                 then
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 (
                 Beloved
                 )
                 that
                 the
                 trouble
                 of
                 spirit
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 God
                 hath
                 laid
                 his
                 hand
                 on
                 thy
                 family
                 ,
                 on
                 thy
                 person
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 little
                 enough
                 to
                 bring
                 down
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 iniquity
                 of
                 thy
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 and
                 wean
                 thee
                 from
                 the
                 creature
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 return
                 if
                 thou
                 return
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 return
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 thee
                 ;
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 anger
                 that
                 inflameth
                 the
                 Visitation
                 (
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 healing
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 )
                 though
                 we
                 are
                 kept
                 under
                 it
                 .
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 these
                 particulars
                 touching
                 healing
                 .
              
               
                 You
                 see
                 then
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   will
                   arise
                   unto
                   them
                   that
                   fear
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   with
                   healing
                   under
                   his
                   wings
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 conveigh
                 to
                 them
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 cleansing
                 ,
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 freedom
                 from
                 calamities
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 evil
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 hope
                 it
                 is
                 sufficiently
                 proved
                 by
                 the
                 several
                 particulars
                 ;
                 there
                 have
                 been
                 many
                 Scriptures
                 produced
                 to
                 prove
                 it
                 in
                 each
                 particular
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 any
                 longer
                 insist
                 on
                 that
                 part
                 ,
                 but
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 be
                 divers
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 take
                 notice
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 hence
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 comprehensive
                 evil
                 sin
                 is
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 healing
                 (
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 
                 main
                 thing
                 in
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 )
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 lead
                 us
                 ,
                 being
                 a
                 relative
                 to
                 some
                 distemper
                 or
                 other
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 wound
                 ,
                 or
                 both
                 ,
                 for
                 diseases
                 many
                 times
                 are
                 caused
                 by
                 wounds
                 ;
                 that
                 its
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 a
                 wound
                 might
                 easily
                 be
                 proved
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   whole
                   head
                   is
                   sick
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   whole
                   heart
                   faint
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   Crown
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   head
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   sole
                   of
                   the
                   foot
                   ,
                   nothing
                   but
                   wounds
                   ,
                   and
                   bruises
                   ,
                   and
                   putrifying
                   sores
                   .
                
                 O!
                 how
                 loathsom
                 are
                 these
                 sores
                 !
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 read
                 of
                 the
                 plague
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 a
                 hard
                 heart
                 ,
                 the
                 stone
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Ezekiel
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 
                 
                 under
                 the
                 notion
                 of
                 a
                 flock
                 to
                 be
                 fed
                 and
                 guided
                 ?
                 the
                 diseased
                 have
                 ye
                 not
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 neither
                 have
                 ye
                 healed
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 sick
                 ,
                 neither
                 have
                 you
                 bound
                 up
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 brokon
                 ,
                 diseased
                 and
                 sick
                 .
                 I
                 might
                 here
                 by
                 an
                 enumeration
                 of
                 particulars
                 ,
                 shew
                 that
                 every
                 sin
                 almost
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 Scripture
                 analogy
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 disease
                 ;
                 To
                 begin
                 with
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 blindness
                 a
                 disease
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 ignorance
                 a
                 blindness
                 of
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 are
                 
                 alienated
                 from
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 (
                 Dear
                 friends
                 )
                 consider
                 it
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 are
                 groping
                 at
                 noon-day
                 ?
                 the
                 light
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 them
                 is
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 how
                 great
                 is
                 that
                 darkness
                 !
                 and
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 also
                 a
                 self-conceipt
                 and
                 pride
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 think
                 
                 of
                 our selves
                 above
                 what
                 we
                 ought
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 head
                 than
                 in
                 other
                 parts
                 ,
                 a
                 dangerous
                 disease
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 knowledge
                 among
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 little
                 heat
                 ,
                 little
                 warmth
                 on
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 little
                 holy
                 walking
                 according
                 unto
                 it
                 :
                 Obstructions
                 between
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 the
                 least
                 diseases
                 among
                 us
                 .
                 Is
                 there
                 not
                 corruption
                 of
                 Judgement
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 dangerous
                 disease
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 never
                 thought
                 so
                 before
                 ,
                 our
                 times
                 would
                 have
                 taught
                 us
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 leprosie
                 in
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 unsound
                 principles
                 is
                 leprous
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 worst
                 kinds
                 also
                 .
                 O
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 vertigo
                 hath
                 taken
                 many
                 !
                 they
                 run
                 round
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 be
                 giddy
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 break
                 themselves
                 .
                 Beloved
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 strong
                 carnal
                 reasonings
                 in
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 whereby
                 almost
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 make
                 any
                 thing
                 good
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 forward
                 ;
                 we
                 shall
                 make
                 it
                 seem
                 reasonable
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 ,
                 
                   cum
                   rations
                   insanire
                
                 .
                 Go
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 a
                 stone
                 there
                 ?
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 the
                 least
                 diseases
                 :
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 a
                 plague
                 there
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ▪
                 and
                 what
                 stubborness
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 frowardness
                 of
                 heart
                 there
                 is
                 ?
                 we
                 might
                 instance
                 
                 in
                 many
                 :
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 are
                 there
                 not
                 eyes
                 full
                 of
                 adultry
                 ,
                 like
                 fleams
                 grown
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 do
                 blind
                 ?
                 are
                 there
                 not
                 
                 pearls
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 dear
                 to
                 us
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 our
                 covetousness
                 else
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 envy
                 but
                 a
                 blood-shotten
                 eye
                 ,
                 which
                 proceedeth
                 from
                 a
                 heart
                 full
                 of
                 vexing
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 lust
                 a
                 feavour
                 ,
                 yea
                 an
                 ulcer
                 on
                 the
                 liver
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 dart
                 thrust
                 through
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 rotten
                 communication
                 ,
                 which
                 men
                 make
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 vain
                 and
                 foolish
                 discoursing
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 rottenness
                 of
                 a
                 grave
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 rottenness
                 of
                 lungs
                 breathing
                 forth
                 continually
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 some
                 mens
                 tongues
                 are
                 set
                 on
                 fire
                 of
                 hell
                 !
                 can
                 utter
                 nothing
                 
                 
                 but
                 blasphemies
                 and
                 oaths
                 at
                 every
                 word
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 endless
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 go
                 to
                 particulars
                 .
                 How
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 a
                 dead
                 palsie
                 ,
                 past
                 feeling
                 ,
                 commit
                 all
                 uncleanness
                 with
                 greediness
                 ?
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 .
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 you
                 little
                 think
                 what
                 you
                 are
                 doing
                 ,
                 while
                 you
                 are
                 going
                 on
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 as
                 alas
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 this
                 day
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 !
                 you
                 are
                 either
                 contracting
                 or
                 strengthening
                 the
                 diseases
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 making
                 fresh
                 wounds
                 in
                 your
                 consciences
                 .
                 Ah!
                 how
                 lamentable
                 were
                 his
                 condition
                 that
                 were
                 wounded
                 head
                 and
                 heart
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 sores
                 putrifying
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 very
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 savour
                 of
                 his
                 wounds
                 were
                 enough
                 to
                 make
                 all
                 others
                 ubhor
                 him
                 !
                 yea
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 seeking
                 remedy
                 ,
                 he
                 wounds
                 himself
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 maketh
                 them
                 deeper
                 and
                 deeper
                 ,
                 increaseth
                 his
                 diseases
                 ,
                 he
                 careth
                 not
                 how
                 much
                 he
                 inflameth
                 them
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 every
                 poor
                 sinner
                 you
                 see
                 :
                 O!
                 what
                 sad
                 creatures
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 so
                 many
                 sicknesses
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 deadly
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 many
                 then
                 together
                 ?
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 feel
                 nothing
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 deadly
                 palsie
                 or
                 lethargie
                 feels
                 nothing
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 let
                 alone
                 ,
                 cannot
                 endure
                 to
                 be
                 stirred
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 maketh
                 him
                 sensible
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 O!
                 such
                 a
                 mans
                 condition
                 is
                 very
                 dangerous
                 :
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 O!
                 what
                 malignity
                 is
                 in
                 sin
                 ?
                 the
                 poyson
                 ,
                 and
                 filthyness
                 ,
                 and
                 hurt
                 of
                 all
                 diseases
                 and
                 wounds
                 are
                 little
                 enough
                 to
                 set
                 it
                 forth
                 by
                 :
                 and
                 how
                 sensible
                 are
                 we
                 of
                 a
                 wound
                 ,
                 of
                 a
                 disease
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ?
                 &
                 how
                 insensible
                 of
                 the
                 diseases
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ?
                 Well
                 ,
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 a
                 healing
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 a
                 feeling
                 .
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 a
                 little
                 further
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 sin
                 on
                 this
                 occasion
                 ,
                 which
                 our
                 Doctrine
                 administers
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 is
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 needeth
                 healing
                 is
                 either
                 a
                 disease
                 or
                 wound
                 (
                 they
                 are
                 correlatives
                 )
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 already
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 therefore
                 compared
                 to
                 many
                 sorts
                 of
                 diseases
                 ,
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 putrifying
                 sores
                 ,
                 and
                 bruises
                 :
                 But
                 now
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 to
                 the
                 ill
                 qualities
                 and
                 consequences
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 considered
                 as
                 such
                 ;
                 which
                 may
                 tend
                 to
                 turn
                 our
                 hearts
                 against
                 it
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 pain
                 and
                 anguish
                 in
                 most
                 diseases
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 every
                 wound
                 and
                 bruise
                 ,
                 and
                 especially
                 in
                 cankerings
                 ,
                 festered
                 sores
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 proper
                 passion
                 of
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 pain
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 so
                 hath
                 every
                 sin
                 a
                 pain
                 with
                 it
                 first
                 or
                 last
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 cup
                 of
                 pleasures
                 goeth
                 down
                 merily
                 with
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 it
                 s
                 down
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 cup
                 of
                 trembling
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 do
                 but
                 look
                 on
                 Gain
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 sinned
                 in
                 pouring
                 out
                 his
                 Brothers
                 blood
                 ,
                 he
                 quenched
                 his
                 bloody
                 thirst
                 ,
                 but
                 kindled
                 a
                 fire
                 in
                 his
                 bowels
                 ,
                 
                 which
                 did
                 consume
                 him
                 ;
                 Oh
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 meeteth
                 me
                 ,
                 will
                 kill
                 me
                 ;
                 fear
                 hath
                 torment
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 John
                 saith
                 )
                 and
                 see
                 how
                 full
                 of
                 fears
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 is
                 !
                 
                   The
                   wicked
                   flee
                   ,
                   when
                   none
                   pursueth
                
                 ;
                 the
                 very
                 stones
                 and
                 beasts
                 being
                 at
                 enmity
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 fear
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 murthered
                 by
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 how
                 did
                 
                   Foelix
                   tremble
                   ,
                   when
                   Paul
                   disputed
                   of
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   temperance
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   judgement
                   to
                   come
                
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 can
                 keep
                 out
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 think
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 well
                 :
                 But
                 bring
                 a
                 Sinner
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 but
                 look
                 on
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 righteous
                 Judge
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 most
                 mighty
                 to
                 execute
                 his
                 pleasure
                 on
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 tell
                 me
                 ,
                 whether
                 the
                 stoutest
                 hearted-sinner
                 do
                 not
                 quail
                 ,
                 as
                 usually
                 at
                 the
                 hour
                 of
                 death
                 ?
                 for
                 truly
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 ,
                 men
                 seldom
                 seriously
                 eye
                 their
                 condition
                 before
                 then
                 .
                 How
                 did
                 the
                 Jaylour
                 spring
                 in
                 trembling
                 ,
                 (
                 in
                 the
                 Acts
                 )
                 Ah
                 the
                 Sinners
                 in
                 Sion
                 are
                 afraid
                 ,
                 
                   Fearfulness
                   hath
                   surprized
                   the
                   Hypocrites
                   ;
                   who
                   among
                   us
                   shall
                   dwell
                   with
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   devouring
                   fire
                   ?
                   who
                   shall
                   dwell
                   with
                   everlasting
                   burnings
                   ?
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 the
                 stubble
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 before
                 the
                 fire
                 !
                 no
                 more
                 can
                 sinners
                 endure
                 to
                 look
                 on
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 consuming
                 fire
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 ach
                 ,
                 except
                 altogether
                 hardened
                 from
                 his
                 fear
                 to
                 behold
                 him
                 ;
                 because
                 they
                 know
                 themselves
                 guilty
                 ,
                 and
                 lyable
                 to
                 those
                 burnings
                 .
                 
                   There
                   is
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   a
                   certain
                   fearful
                   looking
                
                 
                 
                   for
                   of
                   judgement
                   and
                   fiery
                   indignation
                   which
                   shall
                   devour
                   the
                   adversaries
                   .
                
                 Can
                 a
                 poor
                 condemned
                 Prisoner
                 look
                 on
                 the
                 Iudge
                 ,
                 think
                 on
                 the
                 Tree
                 on
                 which
                 he
                 must
                 be
                 hanged
                 ,
                 on
                 the
                 fire
                 but
                 with
                 fear
                 and
                 trembling
                 ?
                 
                   Can
                   Belshazzar
                   read
                   his
                   sentence
                   on
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   wall
                   ,
                   the
                   hand-writing
                   ,
                   but
                   with
                   terrour
                   ,
                   his
                   knees
                   knocking
                   one
                   against
                   another
                   ?
                
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 methinks
                 Sinners
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 should
                 not
                 read
                 a
                 leaf
                 in
                 the
                 Bible
                 ,
                 (
                 each
                 leaf
                 concerneth
                 him
                 ,
                 is
                 〈◊〉
                 doom
                 )
                 but
                 he
                 should
                 even
                 smite
                 his
                 thighs
                 together
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 terrour
                 and
                 fear
                 accompanying
                 sin
                 :
                 
                   Memoria
                   testis
                   ,
                   ratio
                   index
                   ,
                   timor
                   carnifex
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Bern.
                 As
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 some
                 antipasts
                 of
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 a
                 bunch
                 of
                 Grapes
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 Cannan
                 ,
                 an
                 earnest
                 of
                 that
                 joy
                 unspeakable
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 Glory
                 so
                 doubtless
                 Sinners
                 they
                 have
                 
                 some
                 hours
                 of
                 darkness
                 coming
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 some
                 wrings
                 and
                 gripes
                 of
                 a
                 guilty
                 conscience
                 ,
                 that
                 sometimes
                 made
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 run
                 to
                 an
                 halter
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 sword
                 for
                 ease
                 ;
                 none
                 knoweth
                 the
                 hell
                 of
                 a
                 guilty
                 conscience
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 felt
                 it
                 .
                 Oh
                 the
                 wrackings
                 ,
                 the
                 distortions
                 of
                 the
                 Soul
                 !
                 The
                 pulling
                 of
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 in
                 pieces
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 rending
                 of
                 the
                 very
                 Bowels
                 in
                 pieces
                 ,
                 with
                 these
                 imprisoned
                 passions
                 in
                 the
                 Soul
                 !
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 Even
                 in
                 sinners
                 that
                 repent
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 though
                 the
                 wound
                 be
                 then
                 healing
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 pain
                 also
                 you
                 know
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 in
                 mercy
                 to
                 rouze
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 shame
                 it
                 out
                 of
                 its
                 evil
                 courses
                 :
                 and
                 is
                 shame
                 nothing
                 ?
                 a
                 man
                 cannot
                 hold
                 up
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 confounded
                 :
                 ye
                 are
                 now
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 ye
                 have
                 done
                 before
                 :
                 
                 can
                 you
                 look
                 back
                 on
                 your
                 former
                 vain
                 and
                 filthy
                 conversation
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 hearts
                 not
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 your
                 consciences
                 not
                 be
                 ashamed
                 ?
                 there
                 is
                 inward
                 shame
                 and
                 confusion
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 appear
                 not
                 outwardly
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   Ezekiel
                   ,
                   Thou
                   shalt
                   remember
                   thy
                   ways
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   ashamed
                   ,
                   that
                   thou
                   mayst
                   remember
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   confounded
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   open
                   thy
                   mouth
                   any
                   more
                   ,
                   because
                   of
                   thy
                   shame
                   ,
                   when
                   I
                   am
                   pacified
                   toward
                   thee
                   .
                
                 There
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 godly
                 sorrow
                 which
                 works
                 repentance
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 was
                 there
                 any
                 repentance
                 without
                 sorrow
                 ;
                 there
                 's
                 a
                 pricking
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 pricking
                 in
                 the
                 reins
                 ,
                 Acts
                 2.
                 37.
                 
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 rest
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 sin
                 and
                 broken
                 bones
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   the
                   bones
                   which
                   thou
                
                 
                 
                   hast
                   broken
                   ,
                   may
                   rejoyce
                
                 .
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 sin
                 that
                 turns
                 away
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 can
                 arise
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 but
                 trouble
                 ?
                 
                   Thou
                   didst
                   hide
                   thy
                   face
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   was
                   troubled
                   .
                
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 thing
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 pain
                 in
                 sin
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 it
                 troubles
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 troubles
                 our
                 houses
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 Cains
                 ;
                 troubles
                 the
                 City
                 and
                 Country
                 ,
                 troubleth
                 Israel
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 In
                 sin
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 or
                 accompanying
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 weakness
                 and
                 indisposedness
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 s
                 but
                 growing
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 seizeth
                 on
                 the
                 spirits
                 ,
                 the
                 vigour
                 first
                 .
                 So
                 how
                 lazie
                 and
                 listless
                 are
                 we
                 for
                 divers
                 days
                 bef●●e
                 it
                 do
                 appear
                 ?
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 afterward
                 .
                 Morbus
                 is
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 How
                 wonderfully
                 doth
                 sin
                 unbefit
                 us
                 for
                 duty
                 ?
                 we
                 even
                 move
                 to
                 it
                 as
                 an
                 arm
                 or
                 foot
                 out
                 of
                 joynt
                 ;
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 endeavours
                 to
                 bow
                 it
                 one
                 way
                 ,
                 it
                 falls
                 quite
                 another
                 way
                 ▪
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 .
                 Lust
                 ;
                 where
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 prevalency
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 wens
                 in
                 a
                 mans
                 body
                 ,
                 which
                 suck
                 up
                 the
                 strength
                 &
                 nourishment
                 ;
                 that
                 which
                 should
                 supply
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 members
                 ,
                 it
                 turns
                 to
                 its
                 own
                 swelling
                 .
                 So
                 doth
                 pride
                 turn
                 that
                 which
                 should
                 humble
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 would
                 inflame
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 melt
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 weakens
                 us
                 ,
                 keepeth
                 our
                 love
                 at
                 an
                 under
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 so
                 livelily
                 &
                 vigorously
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
                   We
                   complain
                   of
                   our
                   weak
                   hands
                   and
                   feeble
                   knees
                   ,
                   our
                   indisposedness
                   to
                   the
                   service
                   of
                   God
                   :
                
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   sin
                   unmortified
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   this
                   makes
                   men
                   reprobate
                   to
                   every
                   good
                   work
                   :
                
                 men
                 of
                 no
                 judgement
                 ,
                 
                 no
                 dexterity
                 at
                 all
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   When
                   we
                   were
                   without
                   strength
                   ,
                   Christ
                   died
                   for
                   the
                   ungodly
                   ,
                   and
                   while
                   we
                   were
                   yet
                   Sinners
                   ,
                   Christ
                   dyed
                
                 
                 
                   for
                   us
                
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 convertible
                 terms
                 ,
                 a
                 sick
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 lame
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 wounded
                 man
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 expect
                 they
                 should
                 walk
                 ,
                 or
                 work
                 ,
                 or
                 run
                 in
                 a
                 race
                 ,
                 it
                 utterly
                 unbefits
                 us
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 good
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 evil
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 disease
                 or
                 wound
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 filthiness
                 and
                 deformity
                 in
                 sin
                 also
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 sight
                 it
                 were
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 full
                 of
                 running
                 sores
                 from
                 
                 head
                 to
                 foot
                 ,
                 all
                 running
                 and
                 rotting
                 ;
                 what
                 filthiness
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 and
                 deformity
                 ?
                 So
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 hath
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 a
                 sore
                 running
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 ceasing
                 ,
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 condition
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 strangely
                 will
                 a
                 fit
                 of
                 sickness
                 change
                 a
                 person
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 rarest
                 piece
                 of
                 beauty
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 quickly
                 becometh
                 a
                 gastly
                 sight
                 ,
                 every
                 part
                 contracting
                 its
                 deformity
                 from
                 the
                 sickness
                 ,
                 all
                 withered
                 and
                 shrivelled
                 ,
                 joynts
                 loosed
                 ,
                 the
                 eye
                 dead
                 and
                 dull
                 ,
                 the
                 face
                 thin
                 ,
                 the
                 knees
                 feeble
                 ,
                 the
                 hand
                 trembling
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 not
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 open
                 our
                 eyes
                 to
                 behold
                 in
                 the
                 glass
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 deformities
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 filthiness
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 may
                 see
                 the
                 lothsomness
                 and
                 ugliness
                 of
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 for
                 ever
                 be
                 haters
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 no
                 more
                 to
                 this
                 head
                 ,
                 That
                 sin
                 is
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 a
                 wound
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Vse
                   2.
                   
                   May
                   be
                   then
                   to
                   put
                   us
                   on
                   to
                   be
                   more
                   serious
                   in
                   viewing
                   our selves
                   in
                   the
                   glass
                   of
                   the
                   Word
                   ,
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   see
                
                 
                 
                   what
                   creatures
                   we
                   are
                   ,
                   and
                   loth
                   our selves
                
                 ;
                 our
                 wounds
                 are
                 so
                 many
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 one
                 wound
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 one
                 disease
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 sound
                 part
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 how
                 pale
                 and
                 lean
                 do
                 our
                 souls
                 sometimes
                 look
                 with
                 envy
                 at
                 others
                 ?
                 how
                 are
                 we
                 swelled
                 with
                 pride
                 ?
                 how
                 great
                 and
                 unweildy
                 are
                 our
                 bellies
                 with
                 this
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 do
                 some
                 of
                 
                 our
                 bellies
                 cleave
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 dust
                 !
                 we
                 are
                 bowed
                 down
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 woman
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 lamely
                 do
                 we
                 walk
                 in
                 the
                 ways
                 
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 halting
                 between
                 two
                 ,
                 have
                 a
                 double
                 object
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 the
                 wayes
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 wounds
                 have
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 never
                 searched
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 did
                 but
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 pluck
                 down
                 our
                 feathers
                 ,
                 the
                 proudest
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 great
                 need
                 of
                 this
                 admonition
                 ,
                 because
                 alas
                 ,
                 until
                 we
                 see
                 our selves
                 wounded
                 ,
                 see
                 our
                 deformities
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 care
                 for
                 healing
                 ,
                 for
                 having
                 his
                 comeliness
                 put
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 put
                 a
                 rate
                 upon
                 the
                 mercy
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 rich
                 ,
                 exceeding
                 rich
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 healed
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 have
                 before
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 the
                 many
                 wounds
                 and
                 running
                 sores
                 they
                 are
                 healed
                 of
                 ;
                 
                   When
                   Paul
                   saw
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   the
                   chief
                   of
                   the
                   Sinners
                   ,
                   then
                   he
                   advanceth
                   the
                   free
                   Grace
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   had
                   abounded
                   ,
                   yea
                
                 
                 superabounded
                 ;
                 which
                 a
                 soul
                 cannot
                 admire
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 behold
                 how
                 sin
                 hath
                 abounded
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 all
                 perswaded
                 to
                 this
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 eye
                 our selves
                 more
                 often
                 ,
                 more
                 seriously
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   the
                   glass
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   liberty
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therein
                 see
                 how
                 often
                 ,
                 how
                 grievously
                 we
                 offend
                 him
                 ;
                 see
                 what
                 deformities
                 are
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 admired
                 how
                 the
                 Lord
                 can
                 love
                 such
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 and
                 Sinners
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 ,
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 pardon
                 and
                 deliverance
                 in
                 and
                 through
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 truly
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 willing
                 ,
                 until
                 we
                 be
                 reduced
                 to
                 extremity
                 ;
                 then
                 the
                 Marriner
                 or
                 Merchant
                 will
                 cast
                 out
                 his
                 goods
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 necessity
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 before
                 .
                 Therefore
                 let
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 this
                 duty
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 place
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 be
                 instructed
                 in
                 this
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 healing
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 us
                 .
                 
                   I
                   am
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   healeth
                   thee
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 God
                 to
                 Israel
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   promiseth
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   shall
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   ,
                
                 which
                 were
                 needless
                 ,
                 if
                 healing
                 were
                 in
                 our selves
                 ;
                 some
                 creatures
                 ,
                 if
                 wounded
                 ,
                 healing
                 is
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 fish
                 are
                 said
                 ,
                 if
                 wounded
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 themselves
                 with
                 their
                 own
                 slime
                 ;
                 a
                 Dog
                 licks
                 himself
                 with
                 his
                 tongue
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 sins
                 are
                 not
                 such
                 wounds
                 as
                 will
                 heal
                 themselves
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 accord
                 ;
                 neither
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 a
                 slight
                 cut
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 he
                 heedeth
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 heals
                 of
                 it self
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 least
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 least
                 wound
                 thou
                 makest
                 in
                 thy
                 conscience
                 ,
                 in
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 
                 not
                 heal
                 it self
                 ,
                 nor
                 will
                 a
                 lust
                 heal
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 wear
                 away
                 of
                 its
                 own
                 accord
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 diseases
                 will
                 ,
                 though
                 no
                 physick
                 be
                 administred
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 deadly
                 disease
                 ,
                 it
                 seizeth
                 upon
                 the
                 vitals
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 great
                 difficulty
                 and
                 skill
                 to
                 cure
                 it
                 ;
                 no
                 nor
                 can
                 a
                 man
                 cure
                 himself
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 could
                 ,
                 to
                 what
                 end
                 did
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 undergo
                 all
                 ?
                 why
                 
                   he
                   was
                   smitten
                   for
                   our
                   transgress●●ns
                   ,
                
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 have
                 been
                 healed
                 by
                 any
                 strength
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 without
                 strength
                 ,
                 when
                 Christ
                 dyed
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 bath
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 to
                 other
                 things
                 ,
                 so
                 to
                 this
                 great
                 work
                 ;
                 did
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 vain
                 ?
                 much
                 less
                 then
                 would
                 he
                 do
                 the
                 greatest
                 thing
                 that
                 ever
                 be
                 wrought
                 in
                 vain
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 who
                 
                 can
                 pardon
                 sins
                 but
                 he
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 bind
                 up
                 the
                 broken
                 in
                 spirit
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 who
                 was
                 sent
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 for
                 this
                 very
                 end
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 pour
                 wine
                 and
                 oyl
                 into
                 the
                 wounds
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 good
                 Samaritan
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 give
                 rest
                 for
                 the
                 anguish
                 of
                 the
                 wounds
                 but
                 he
                 ?
                 we
                 cannot
                 heal
                 our selves
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 very
                 marrow
                 of
                 our
                 bones
                 were
                 distilled
                 into
                 continual
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 moysture
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 make
                 a
                 balm
                 to
                 cure
                 a
                 wound
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 nor
                 a
                 cordial
                 to
                 support
                 in
                 one
                 swooning
                 fit
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 considerations
                 wherefore
                 we
                 cannot
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 pity
                 and
                 bowels
                 toward
                 us
                 ,
                 sent
                 us
                 his
                 Son
                 to
                 be
                 our
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 poor
                 sick
                 creatures
                 need
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 
                 could
                 heal
                 our selves
                 ;
                 our
                 wound
                 is
                 incurable
                 ,
                 and
                 refuseth
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 by
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 We
                 know
                 not
                 our
                 diseases
                 ,
                 our
                 distempers
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 a
                 disease
                 is
                 half
                 cured
                 ,
                 if
                 curable
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 known
                 in
                 the
                 cause
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 Physitian
                 mistake
                 the
                 disease
                 ,
                 and
                 mis-applications
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 mistake
                 ,
                 quite
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 disease
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 ruin
                 of
                 the
                 Patient
                 ;
                 such
                 Physitians
                 are
                 of
                 no
                 value
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 should
                 we
                 all
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 ;
                 
                   For
                   we
                   cannot
                   know
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   plague
                   of
                   the
                   heart
                   ;
                   who
                   knows
                   his
                   errors
                   ?
                
                 if
                 we
                 discover
                 one
                 lust
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 breaks
                 out
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 manner
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 hid
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 is
                 ten
                 for
                 
                 one
                 that
                 we
                 never
                 saw
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 then
                 heal
                 them
                 ?
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 seeth
                 our
                 hearts
                 through
                 and
                 through
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 all
                 the
                 malig
                 〈…〉
                 y
                 and
                 poysonous
                 humours
                 that
                 lye
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 knoweth
                 how
                 to
                 purge
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 we
                 know
                 them
                 not
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 We
                 have
                 no
                 desire
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 healed
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 we
                 〈…〉
                 w
                 not
                 what
                 healing
                 means
                 ,
                 being
                 not
                 sensible
                 naturally
                 of
                 
                 our
                 distempers
                 ,
                 and
                 sores
                 that
                 are
                 upon
                 us
                 :
                 no
                 man
                 desires
                 that
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 .
                 We
                 think
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 health
                 and
                 strength
                 of
                 soul
                 ,
                 in
                 as
                 good
                 a
                 condition
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 need
                 nothing
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 
                   poor
                   ,
                   and
                   miserable
                   ,
                   and
                   blind
                   ,
                   and
                   naked
                   ,
                
                 just
                 like
                 a
                 poor
                 man
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 his
                 disease
                 works
                 him
                 off
                 his
                 senses
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 say
                 )
                 he
                 thinkeeh
                 he
                 is
                 well
                 as
                 ever
                 in
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 when
                 alas
                 he
                 is
                 drawi●g
                 nigh
                 the
                 chambers
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 his
                 disease
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 dangerous
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 sin
                 〈…〉
                 s
                 our
                 heads
                 with
                 such
                 fumes
                 of
                 pride
                 and
                 self-confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 carnal
                 reasonings
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 conclude
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 doubt
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 whom
                 this
                 concerneth
                 ,
                 will
                 put
                 it
                 away
                 from
                 us
                 upon
                 this
                 very
                 account
                 ;
                 
                   We
                   are
                   whole
                   ,
                   need
                   not
                   the
                   Physitian
                   ,
                
                 so
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 the
                 tender
                 of
                 a
                 plaister
                 by
                 another
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 thinketh
                 
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 wounds
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 ridiculous
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 more
                 ready
                 to
                 mock
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 receive
                 it
                 ;
                 so
                 far
                 are
                 Sinners
                 from
                 providing
                 an
                 healing
                 for
                 themselves
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 their
                 need
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 desire
                 it
                 not
                 .
                 
                   Depart
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   desire
                   not
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   thy
                   ways
                   ,
                
                 we
                 are
                 well
                 enough
                 without
                 it
                 ;
                 yea
                 more
                 ,
                 
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 our
                 diseases
                 ;
                 not
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 an
                 issue
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 doth
                 him
                 good
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 it
                 stopt
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 many
                 bloody
                 issues
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 and
                 delight
                 ,
                 or
                 pro●t
                 ,
                 or
                 humour
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 things
                 ,
                 we
                 please
                 our selves
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 loath
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 them
                 .
                 Augustine
                 himself
                 was
                 loath
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 so
                 soon
                 of
                 his
                 lust
                 ,
                 not
                 yet
                 Lord
                 ,
                 not
                 yet
                 ,
                 said
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 prayed
                 for
                 healing
                 ;
                 the
                 disease
                 hath
                 seized
                 upon
                 the
                 will
                 it self
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 pleased
                 and
                 taken
                 with
                 the
                 sickness
                 ,
                 the
                 ill
                 savour
                 of
                 our
                 wounds
                 ,
                 the
                 stench
                 of
                 them
                 is
                 sweet
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 stinking
                 nostril
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 we
                 can
                 never
                 heal
                 our selves
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 of
                 this
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 
                   to
                   come
                   with
                   healing
                   under
                   his
                   wings
                   .
                
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 We
                 do
                 reject
                 healing
                 and
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ;
                 
                   When
                   he
                
                 
                 
                   would
                   have
                   healed
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   would
                   not
                   be
                   healed
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 much
                 less
                 can
                 we
                 do
                 it
                 our selves
                 .
                 
                   I
                   would
                   have
                   purged
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   thou
                
                 
                 
                   wast
                   not
                   purged
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 often
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 called
                 upon
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 as
                 often
                 refused
                 ?
                 
                   Hath
                   he
                   not
                   stretched
                   out
                   his
                   hands
                   all
                   the
                   day
                   long
                   ?
                
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 continued
                 long
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 a
                 rebellious
                 ,
                 a
                 disobedient
                 people
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   would
                   none
                   of
                   his
                   counsel
                
                 ;
                 
                 either
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 mean
                 ,
                 as
                 Naaman
                 said
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 bid
                 to
                 go
                 and
                 wash
                 in
                 Jordan
                 seven
                 times
                 and
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 cleansed
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   ,
                   are
                
                 
                 
                   not
                   Abana
                   and
                   Phar●ar
                   ,
                   Rivers
                   of
                   Damascus
                   ,
                   better
                   then
                   all
                   the
                   waters
                   of
                   Israel
                   ?
                
                 so
                 proud
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 opens
                 a
                 fountain
                 for
                 sin
                 and
                 uncleanness
                 ,
                 proclaimeth
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 who
                 ever
                 will
                 let
                 him
                 come
                 ,
                 let
                 his
                 disease
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 bathe
                 in
                 this
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 healed
                 :
                 what
                 saith
                 the
                 proud
                 sinner
                 ,
                 are
                 there
                 not
                 waters
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 our
                 own
                 repentance
                 do
                 it
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 very
                 backward
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 receive
                 even
                 gratis
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 proud
                 Papist
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   heaven
                   gratis
                
                 ;
                 this
                 Pope
                 is
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 bellies
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 it
                 a
                 submission
                 
                   they
                   would
                   not
                   submit
                   to
                   the
                   righteousness
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 So
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 as
                 an
                 unholy
                 ,
                 a
                 contemptible
                 thing
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 trust
                 wholly
                 to
                 this
                 grace
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 not
                 too
                 mean
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 way
                 that
                 God
                 goeth
                 to
                 work
                 with
                 a
                 sinner
                 to
                 heal
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 severe
                 ,
                 a
                 bitter
                 potion
                 they
                 must
                 take
                 down
                 :
                 what
                 ,
                 must
                 we
                 so
                 much
                 bewail
                 our selves
                 ,
                 must
                 we
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 our
                 ways
                 ,
                 rake
                 in
                 our
                 wounds
                 ?
                 this
                 we
                 cannot
                 indure
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 cost
                 us
                 much
                 smart
                 and
                 anguish
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 did
                 David
                 ,
                 and
                 Peter
                 ,
                 and
                 Ephraim
                 ;
                 poor
                 foolish
                 creatures
                 !
                 we
                 had
                 rather
                 dye
                 of
                 our
                 wounds
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 searched
                 ,
                 far
                 from
                 that
                 temper
                 of
                 David
                 we
                 are
                 
                   Search
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   try
                   me
                
                 ;
                 though
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 ,
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 exercised
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 searching
                 and
                 mortification
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 can
                 many
                 times
                 say
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   Lord
                   search
                   us
                
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 it
                 is
                 otherwise
                 with
                 ,
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 light
                 lest
                 our
                 deeds
                 
                 should
                 be
                 discovered
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 shame
                 us
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 Ahab
                 could
                 not
                 indure
                 to
                 hear
                 of
                 his
                 sins
                 ,
                 he
                 hated
                 M●caiah
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 that
                 cursed
                 principle
                 is
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 hearts
                 ;
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 humored
                 and
                 daubed
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 the
                 hurt
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 healed
                 slightly
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 cannot
                 digest
                 the
                 severity
                 and
                 sharpness
                 of
                 the
                 medicines
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 afraid
                 of
                 the
                 wrings
                 and
                 gripes
                 ,
                 the
                 Prayers
                 ,
                 the
                 Fastings
                 it
                 will
                 cost
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 are
                 enemies
                 to
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 If
                 we
                 were
                 never
                 such
                 friends
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 never
                 so
                 fain
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 our
                 power
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 above
                 the
                 sphere
                 of
                 our
                 activity
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 stripes
                 had
                 been
                 laid
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 laid
                 upon
                 Christ
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 whipped
                 with
                 Scorpions
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 every
                 
                 blow
                 would
                 have
                 cut
                 us
                 in
                 sunder
                 ,
                 and
                 given
                 us
                 our
                 portion
                 in
                 that
                 lake
                 that
                 burns
                 with
                 fire
                 and
                 brimstone
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 You
                 see
                 brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 fetched
                 blood
                 at
                 every
                 blow
                 of
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 equal
                 with
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 having
                 an
                 infinite
                 Power
                 and
                 Spirit
                 to
                 uphold
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 he
                 ran
                 down
                 with
                 blood
                 ,
                 dropping
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 !
                 when
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 drowned
                 and
                 overwhelmed
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 veins
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 were
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 opened
                 ;
                 so
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 Spirit
                 was
                 overwhelmed
                 and
                 amazed
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 a
                 manner
                 
                 would
                 now
                 swallow
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   God
                   ,
                   why
                   hast
                   thou
                   forsaken
                   me
                   ?
                
                 all
                 the
                 voins
                 ,
                 the
                 channels
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 were
                 opened
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 the
                 blows
                 did
                 even
                 almost
                 fetch
                 away
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 !
                 witness
                 that
                 Out-cry
                 :
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 poor
                 man
                 i●
                 this
                 had
                 been
                 laid
                 upon
                 him
                 ?
                 Beside
                 ,
                 who
                 can
                 pardon
                 our
                 sins
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 but
                 God
                 that
                 can
                 pardon
                 sins
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 great
                 
                 part
                 of
                 healing
                 ?
                 who
                 can
                 speak
                 peace
                 but
                 he
                 ?
                 He
                 will
                 speak
                 peace
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 one
                 word
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ;
                 he
                 createth
                 the
                 fruit
                 of
                 the
                 lips
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 peace
                 ;
                 assuredly
                 he
                 createth
                 it
                 peace
                 :
                 who
                 can
                 subdue
                 a
                 lust
                 ?
                 all
                 the
                 maceration
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 frame
                 of
                 Nature
                 will
                 bear
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 Hierom
                 ,
                 though
                 his
                 hair
                 did
                 even
                 stand
                 upright
                 with
                 fasting
                 and
                 lying
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 yet
                 all
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 to
                 subdue
                 concupilcence
                 ;
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 taken
                 Gods
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 his
                 help
                 would
                 have
                 come
                 in
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 subdue
                 their
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 stiff-hearted
                 for
                 any
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 none
                 
                 could
                 break
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 sin
                 but
                 he
                 ,
                 by
                 being
                 broken
                 himself
                 for
                 our
                 iniquities
                 ;
                 nor
                 can
                 any
                 do
                 it
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 though
                 wounded
                 ,
                 and
                 bleeding
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 broken
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 himself
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 above
                 the
                 creatures
                 power
                 :
                 therefore
                 we
                 see
                 what
                 poor
                 helpless
                 creature
                 we
                 are
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 rightcousness
                 to
                 arise
                 with
                 healing
                 ;
                 all
                 our
                 influences
                 upon
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 will
                 not
                 heal
                 the
                 least
                 distemper
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 Use
                 shall
                 be
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 us
                 the
                 great
                 necessity
                 that
                 we
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   whole
                   need
                   not
                   the
                   Physitian
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   sick
                   ,
                
                 but
                 the
                 sick
                 need
                 it
                 :
                 now
                 
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 world
                 but
                 a
                 great
                 Hospital
                 full
                 of
                 diseased
                 creatures
                 ?
                 here
                 lies
                 one
                 sick
                 of
                 the
                 Stone
                 ,
                 another
                 of
                 the
                 Palsie
                 ,
                 a
                 third
                 of
                 a
                 Dropsie
                 ,
                 some
                 Lunatick
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 senses
                 ,
                 some
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Gangrene
                 of
                 Error
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 dangerous
                 for
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 hours
                 it
                 creepeth
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 :
                 men
                 sleight
                 the
                 Physitian
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 health
                 ,
                 but
                 once
                 sick
                 and
                 wounded
                 ,
                 then
                 how
                 welcome
                 is
                 he
                 !
                 what
                 need
                 had
                 the
                 poor
                 Traveller
                 ,
                 that
                 fell
                 among
                 theeves
                 ,
                 that
                 left
                 him
                 wounded
                 and
                 half
                 dead
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 Samaritan
                 ,
                 that
                 came
                 and
                 poured
                 in
                 wine
                 and
                 oyl
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 him
                 if
                 
                 God
                 had
                 not
                 so
                 ordered
                 it
                 for
                 him
                 ?
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 Israelite
                 was
                 wounded
                 with
                 the
                 fiery
                 Serpent
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 might
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 heed
                 the
                 Brazen
                 Serpent
                 before
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 he
                 seeth
                 his
                 necessity
                 
                 o●
                 looking
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 his
                 neces●●y
                 would
                 promp
                 him
                 to
                 it
                 ▪
                 if
                 the
                 poor
                 blind
                 man
                 do
                 but
                 hear
                 of
                 Christ
                 passing
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 sensible
                 he
                 is
                 of
                 his
                 necessity
                 and
                 cryeth
                 out
                 to
                 him
                 
                   Jesus
                   thou
                   son
                   of
                   David
                   have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   me
                
                 ;
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 misery
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 diseases
                 and
                 sicknesses
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 are
                 stupifying
                 
                 they
                 seize
                 upon
                 the
                 vitals
                 and
                 spirits
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 violent
                 manner
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 not
                 at
                 first
                 yet
                 after
                 a
                 little
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 past
                 feeling
                 .
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 great
                 work
                 is
                 to
                 bring
                 poor
                 creatures
                 to
                 a●sence
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 until
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 accept
                 of
                 the
                 glad
                 tidings
                 of
                 life
                 and
                 salvation
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 how
                 ever
                 this
                 argues
                 our
                 necessity
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 greater
                 ;
                 thou
                 feelest
                 not
                 that
                 thy
                 hearti
                 stony
                 and
                 hard
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 thinkest
                 that
                 when
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 sinner
                 is
                 displayed
                 ,
                 it
                 belongs
                 not
                 to
                 thee
                 at
                 all
                 ▪
                 alas
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 harder
                 ;
                 tell
                 such
                 stony
                 creatures
                 they
                 have
                 need
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 dissolve
                 this
                 Adamant
                 ,
                 he
                 being
                 the
                 ●oat
                 slain
                 for
                 us
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 Lamb
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 Passover
                 might
                 be
                 either
                 a
                 
                 Goat
                 or
                 a
                 Lamb
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 our
                 Passover
                 ;
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 this
                 concerneth
                 thee
                 not
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 need
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 How
                 doth
                 a
                 tender-hearted
                 Physitian
                 pitty
                 his
                 patient
                 that
                 he
                 seeth
                 desperately
                 sick
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 so
                 stupified
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 look
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 speak
                 to
                 you
                 sinners
                 with
                 such
                 hearts
                 !
                 when
                 we
                 tell
                 you
                 of
                 the
                 plague
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 a
                 most
                 deadly
                 disease
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 when
                 the
                 infection
                 getteth
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 disease
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 scarce
                 any
                 remedy
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 sinners
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 hard
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 perswade
                 them
                 of
                 this
                 !
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 as
                 good
                 condition
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 plague
                 sore
                 upon
                 them
                 then
                 another
                 :
                 dear
                 friends
                 remember
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 plague
                 is
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 families
                 ,
                 these
                 diseases
                 
                 are
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 families
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 many
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ;
                 and
                 whether
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 it
                 or
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 necessity
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 greater
                 ,
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 less
                 sensible
                 we
                 are
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 
                 that
                 saith
                 he
                 seeth
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 blind
                 ,
                 had
                 the
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 a
                 care
                 of
                 all
                 others
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 first
                 need
                 of
                 a
                 cure
                 of
                 his
                 e
                 〈…〉
                 or
                 ,
                 his
                 mis-judging
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 cure
                 of
                 his
                 disease
                 ,
                 what
                 sad
                 moan
                 would
                 Parents
                 make
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 all
                 their
                 children
                 lying
                 of
                 the
                 sickness
                 ,
                 what
                 out-cries
                 would
                 there
                 be
                 as
                 in
                 Egypt
                 when
                 one
                 in
                 a
                 house
                 was
                 dead
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 poor
                 sinners
                 see
                 not
                 that
                 their
                 children
                 are
                 born
                 leprous
                 ,
                 all
                 over
                 leprous
                 ,
                 filthy
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 :
                 O
                 brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 there
                 is
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 all
                 our
                 houses
                 ,
                 for
                 Salvation
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 all
                 our
                 families
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 and
                 cure
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 our
                 children
                 our
                 servants
                 that
                 are
                 all
                 desperately
                 sic
                 of
                 some
                 disease
                 or
                 another
                 !
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 ●hen
                 such
                 as
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 have
                 never
                 been
                 healed
                 ,
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 hath
                 never
                 arisen
                 with
                 healing
                 in
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 healing
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 from
                 under
                 the
                 wings
                 of
                 Christ
                 :
                 know
                 men
                 will
                 be
                 apt
                 ,
                 either
                 to
                 play
                 the
                 Empericks
                 upon
                 themselves
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 some
                 Mountebank
                 or
                 another
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Physitians
                 of
                 no
                 value
                 ,
                 healing
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 may
                 spend
                 all
                 upon
                 such
                 Physicians
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 never
                 the
                 near
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 ▪
                 the
                 poor
                 woman
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 since
                 her
                 bloody
                 issue
                 continued
                 so
                 long
                 it
                 argued
                 she
                 
                 never
                 came
                 to
                 Christ
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 had
                 ,
                 she
                 had
                 been
                 healed
                 long
                 ago
                 :
                 thy
                 sores
                 run
                 as
                 violently
                 as
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 continually
                 polluting
                 all
                 thy
                 ways
                 truly
                 ●his
                 is
                 an
                 argument
                 that
                 ●hrist
                 hath
                 not
                 arisen
                 upon
                 thee
                 for
                 when
                 he
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 a
                 s●ul
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 with
                 healing
                 in
                 his
                 wings
                 ;
                 brethren
                 .
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 have
                 lain
                 at
                 the
                 waters
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 never
                 been
                 put
                 into
                 them
                 ;
                 you
                 ma●
                 have
                 lived
                 where
                 Christ
                 hath
                 been
                 preached
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 that
                 carrieth
                 the
                 healing
                 vertue
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 until
                 he
                 come
                 and
                 breathe
                 in
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 nothing
                 ,
                 brethren
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 ?
                 are
                 not
                 our
                 lusts
                 as
                 strong
                 and
                 lively
                 as
                 ever
                 they
                 were
                 ?
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 as
                 blind
                 wretches
                 groping
                 at
                 noon
                 day
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 ever
                 we
                 were
                 ?
                 are
                 not
                 our
                 hearts
                 as
                 hard
                 as
                 ever
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 harder
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 stone
                 increaseth
                 and
                 groweth
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 ;
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 as
                 licentious
                 ,
                 as
                 loose
                 ,
                 as
                 proud
                 as
                 ever
                 ?
                 why
                 should
                 this
                 
                 be
                 ,
                 ifyou
                 had
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 Christ
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 that
                 such
                 a
                 
                 sinner
                 hath
                 never
                 touched
                 Christ
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 for
                 no
                 sooner
                 did
                 the
                 woman
                 touch
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 vertue
                 came
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 the
                 least
                 touch
                 of
                 faith
                 doth
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 faithless
                 generation
                 are
                 we
                 then
                 !
                 O
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 !
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 thus
                 throng
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 few
                 touch
                 him
                 ?
                 but
                 one
                 poor
                 woman
                 in
                 a
                 whole
                 throng
                 come
                 and
                 steal
                 a
                 touch
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   if
                   she
                   might
                   but
                   touch
                   him
                   ,
                   she
                   should
                   be
                   healed
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 haply
                 now
                 in
                 a
                 Congregation
                 ,
                 there
                 cometh
                 in
                 one
                 poor
                 trembling
                 sinner
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 affections
                 stirred
                 ,
                 his
                 desires
                 are
                 up
                 ,
                 O
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 but
                 touch
                 him
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 well
                 ;
                 when
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 our
                 error
                 .
                 Now
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 what
                 have
                 you
                 been
                 doing
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 eat
                 and
                 drank
                 in
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 heard
                 his
                 Word
                 and
                 Gospel
                 wherein
                 he
                 is
                 lifted
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 healing
                 Serpent
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 healed
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 so
                 often
                 received
                 the
                 Lord
                 his
                 Supper
                 ,
                 the
                 outward
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 not
                 healed
                 ?
                 what
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 been
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 reading
                 ,
                 and
                 coming
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 until
                 you
                 have
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 healed
                 ?
                 what
                 have
                 you
                 been
                 doing
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 never
                 got
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 touch
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 might
                 be
                 healed
                 ?
                 Ah
                 ,
                 sure
                 you
                 have
                 spent
                 your
                 time
                 ,
                 your
                 money
                 upon
                 the
                 Physitians
                 that
                 cannot
                 heal
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 gone
                 to
                 the
                 Disciples
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 expected
                 healing
                 from
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 expected
                 it
                 haply
                 from
                 us
                 in
                 whom
                 healing
                 is
                 not
                 ;
                 as
                 they
                 lookt
                 upon
                 the
                 Apostles
                 ,
                 
                   Why
                   look
                   ye
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   we
                   had
                   done
                
                 
                 
                   this
                   by
                   our
                   own
                   power
                
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 alone
                 can
                 heal
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 yet
                 healed
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 never
                 arise
                 upon
                 you
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 sinners
                 will
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 hath
                 never
                 risen
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 such
                 a
                 great
                 matter
                 ?
                 Indeed
                 I
                 doubt
                 we
                 make
                 a
                 light
                 matter
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 what
                 a
                 great
                 matter
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 hazard
                 but
                 you
                 may
                 die
                 in
                 your
                 sins
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 never
                 rise
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 undoubtedly
                 die
                 in
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 this
                 nothing
                 ?
                 O
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 merciful
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 nature
                 to
                 be
                 merciful
                 ,
                 he
                 triumpheth
                 in
                 exalting
                 that
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 it
                 glorious
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 all
                 light
                 and
                 healing
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 filled
                 the
                 Son
                 now
                 with
                 inlightning
                 and
                 healing
                 influence
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 who
                 
                 will
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 must
                 have
                 it
                 from
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 all
                 power
                 committed
                 
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 medecines
                 are
                 his
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 applying
                 them
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 heals
                 whom
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ;
                 therefore
                 dream
                 not
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 wicked
                 transgressors
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 not
                 your
                 sins
                 healed
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 will
                 be
                 merciful
                 to
                 any
                 but
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 O
                 but
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 our
                 sins
                 healed
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 yet
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 somewhat
                 :
                 but
                 consider
                 what
                 a
                 cold
                 comfort
                 this
                 would
                 be
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 had
                 the
                 plague
                 seised
                 upon
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 violent
                 manner
                 why
                 ,
                 faith
                 he
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 healled
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 be
                 never
                 looks
                 after
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 nor
                 ●●e
                 Physitian
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 groweth
                 worse
                 ,
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 healed
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 not
                 cut
                 thee
                 off
                 before
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 God
                 swear
                 not
                 in
                 his
                 wrath
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 enter
                 into
                 his
                 rest
                 ;
                 or
                 say
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 be
                 healed
                 :
                 O
                 these
                 secret
                 things
                 belong
                 not
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 put
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 presume
                 upon
                 our
                 courses
                 of
                 sinning
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 knew
                 them
                 ,
                 were
                 privy
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 knew
                 certainly
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 have
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 mercy
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 desperate
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 die
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 thy
                 running
                 sores
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 from
                 head
                 to
                 foot
                 ,
                 no
                 sound
                 part
                 ,
                 but
                 loathsome
                 wretches
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 put
                 such
                 into
                 his
                 bosome
                 ?
                 Well
                 consider
                 this
                 for
                 the
                 fourth
                 Application
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 :
                 Such
                 as
                 are
                 not
                 healed
                 of
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 never
                 had
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 arising
                 upon
                 them
                 as
                 yet
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 knew
                 Christ
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 let
                 our
                 knowledge
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 our
                 parts
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 our
                 seeming
                 following
                 Christ
                 be
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 thronging
                 upon
                 him
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 we
                 never
                 yet
                 touched
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 yet
                 shined
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 many
                 such
                 poor
                 ▪
                 Christless
                 souls
                 hear
                 this
                 Word
                 this
                 day
                 !
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Then
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 labour
                 to
                 raise
                 our
                 spirits
                 in
                 admiration
                 of
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 given
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 to
                 provide
                 a
                 healing
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 had
                 faln
                 from
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 grace
                 and
                 goodness
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 had
                 all
                 to
                 be
                 broken
                 and
                 bruised
                 our selves
                 ,
                 broken
                 our
                 b●nes
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 provide
                 a
                 healing
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 could
                 never
                 think
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 mercy
                 ;
                 what
                 were
                 we
                 more
                 to
                 him
                 then
                 Angels
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 let
                 us
                 all
                 lye
                 under
                 our
                 broken
                 bones
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 wounds
                 we
                 had
                 made
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 diseases
                 we
                 had
                 contracted
                 ,
                 who
                 could
                 have
                 had
                 
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 say
                 against
                 him
                 for
                 it
                 ?
                 this
                 the
                 Apostle
                 maketh
                 an
                 argument
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 doubtless
                 a
                 heightening
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 consider
                 how
                 free
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 wounds
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 cured
                 ,
                 and
                 ours
                 healed
                 ,
                 when
                 both
                 alike
                 curable
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 and
                 considering
                 
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 much
                 more
                 serviceable
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 we
                 being
                 creatures
                 of
                 a
                 more
                 glorious
                 ,
                 active
                 nature
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 took
                 not
                 hold
                 of
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 Angels
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 consider
                 we
                 first
                 the
                 infinite
                 disproportion
                 between
                 the
                 Physitian
                 and
                 the
                 Patients
                 :
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 wonderful
                 condescention
                 for
                 a
                 K
                 〈…〉
                 o
                 come
                 off
                 his
                 Throne
                 ,
                 to
                 buckle
                 himself
                 about
                 the
                 business
                 〈…〉
                 eal
                 a
                 worm
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 trodden
                 upon
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 pittieth
                 him
                 to
                 see
                 them
                 bleeding
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 maketh
                 it
                 his
                 business
                 to
                 cure
                 them
                 ;
                 brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 think
                 this
                 strange
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 shadow
                 ,
                 Iacob
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 worm
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Lords
                 ,
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Kings
                 should
                 descend
                 from
                 his
                 Throne
                 ,
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 disrobe
                 himself
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 put
                 
                 on
                 rags
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 to
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 the
                 wounds
                 and
                 diseases
                 of
                 poor
                 sinful
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
                 ,
                 worms
                 and
                 no
                 me
                 〈…〉
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 my
                 tongue
                 is
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 express
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 would
                 thin
                 〈…〉
                 a
                 great
                 matter
                 ,
                 such
                 of
                 us
                 as
                 live
                 in
                 the
                 highest
                 honour
                 ,
                 wear
                 soft
                 raiment
                 ,
                 are
                 delicate
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 in
                 the
                 streets
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 sores
                 ,
                 cast
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 loathing
                 of
                 his
                 person
                 ,
                 to
                 search
                 the
                 wounds
                 ,
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 those
                 loathsome
                 sores
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 love
                 were
                 this
                 !
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 could
                 be
                 content
                 in
                 pitty
                 to
                 give
                 money
                 for
                 others
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 our
                 own
                 hands
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 trial
                 ▪
                 and
                 yet
                 this
                 creature
                 is
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 kind
                 :
                 but
                 what
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 his
                 Christ
                 ?
                 who
                 would
                 do
                 this
                 for
                 a
                 Dog
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 Viper
                 ,
                 a
                 Serpent
                 ,
                 a
                 Toad
                 ,
                 if
                 wounded
                 ,
                 if
                 sick
                 and
                 diseased
                 ?
                 can
                 we
                 conceive
                 what
                 tenderness
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 above
                 what
                 we
                 have
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 kill
                 or
                 destroy
                 such
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 otherwise
                 hurt
                 ,
                 would
                 we
                 heal
                 them
                 ?
                 O
                 herein
                 is
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 !
                 high
                 above
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 as
                 
                 heaven
                 is
                 high
                 above
                 the
                 earth
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 more
                 ready
                 to
                 tread
                 upon
                 Serpents
                 and
                 Dogs
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 put
                 them
                 away
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 dog
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 we
                 that
                 are
                 strangers
                 from
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Promise
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 entereth
                 into
                 a
                 Covenant
                 with
                 us
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 as
                 dogs
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 speaks
                 to
                 the
                 Syraphinitian
                 woman
                 ,
                 all
                 such
                 unclean
                 creatures
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 a
                 generation
                 of
                 Vipers
                 ,
                 as
                 full
                 of
                 venom
                 
                 of
                 sin
                 as
                 a
                 Toad
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 poyson
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 our
                 nature
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 born
                 ;
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 such
                 as
                 we
                 to
                 perish
                 but
                 rather
                 then
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 he
                 himself
                 would
                 become
                 our
                 Physitian
                 :
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 rich
                 grace
                 !
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 In
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 like
                 a
                 Son
                 of
                 righteousness
                 indeed
                 ,
                 doth
                 not
                 stay
                 until
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 the
                 patient
                 do
                 send
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 in
                 the
                 motion
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 Physitians
                 of
                 eminency
                 and
                 worth
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 use
                 to
                 go
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 to
                 bespeak
                 their
                 patients
                 ,
                 to
                 proclaim
                 it
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 who
                 hath
                 any
                 work
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 hi
                 〈…〉
                 that
                 :
                 if
                 any
                 will
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 find
                 the
                 〈…〉
                 out
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 waite
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 Mountebanks
                 use
                 to
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 hang
                 out
                 a
                 bush
                 ,
                 else
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 known
                 that
                 they
                 profess
                 they
                 can
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 pardon
                 the
                 comparison
                 ,
                 for
                 our
                 Saviour
                 compareth
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 a
                 Thief
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 a
                 Mountebank
                 be
                 no
                 better
                 ;
                 yet
                 the
                 comparison
                 is
                 tollerable
                 by
                 that
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 himself
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 rather
                 come
                 to
                 sinners
                 then
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 misc
                 〈…〉
                 ;
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 seek
                 and
                 to
                 save
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 lost
                 :
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 lost
                 creature
                 never
                 will
                 seek
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 wander
                 ,
                 and
                 loseth
                 it self
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 wandring
                 sheep
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   all
                   like
                   sheep
                   have
                   gone
                   astray
                   ,
                
                 yea
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 Saints
                 themselves
                 when
                 once
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 found
                 ,
                 yet
                 will
                 
                 lose
                 themselves
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   gone
                   astray
                   like
                   a
                   lost
                   sheep
                   ,
                   seek
                   thy
                   servant
                
                 ;
                 else
                 we
                 should
                 never
                 find
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 Christ
                 again
                 ;
                 dogs
                 and
                 such
                 kind
                 of
                 creatures
                 ,
                 if
                 lost
                 ,
                 will
                 find
                 the
                 way
                 home
                 ,
                 again
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 sheep
                 will
                 not
                 ;
                 so
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 utterly
                 lost
                 ,
                 
                   Repent
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   come
                   unto
                   you
                   .
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 O
                 repent
                 and
                 turn
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grace
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 come
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 goeth
                 a
                 begging
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 cometh
                 and
                 knocketh
                 at
                 this
                 door
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 door
                 ;
                 at
                 this
                 family
                 and
                 that
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 give
                 entertainment
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   day
                   is
                   Salvation
                   come
                   to
                   thine
                   house
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 Zacheus
                 ;
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 before
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 did
                 indeed
                 
                 run
                 a
                 little
                 for
                 curiosity
                 sake
                 before
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 his
                 person
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 inviteth
                 himsel●
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 invited
                 himself
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 his
                 house
                 ;
                 so
                 ,
                 did
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 come
                 to
                 seek
                 Paul
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 did
                 he
                 find
                 him
                 but
                 in
                 blood
                 ,
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 ears
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ?
                 may
                 we
                 not
                 set
                 to
                 our
                 seals
                 to
                 
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 this
                 ?
                 
                   That
                   he
                   is
                   found
                   of
                   such
                   as
                   never
                   sought
                   him
                
                 ;
                 
                 may
                 we
                 not
                 say
                 truly
                 ,
                 that
                 alas
                 ,
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 own
                 families
                 were
                 poor
                 ,
                 dark
                 ,
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 hard-hearted
                 creatures
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 thought
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 first
                 came
                 and
                 brought
                 healing
                 to
                 us
                 the
                 Son
                 doth
                 not
                 stay
                 until
                 he
                 be
                 called
                 up
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 riseth
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 accord
                 upon
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 though
                 by
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 a
                 Babe
                 ,
                 and
                 uncircumcised
                 creature
                 in
                 heart
                 and
                 lips
                 ,
                 doth
                 invite
                 you
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 ready
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 cals
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 message
                 I
                 have
                 from
                 Christ
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sweet
                 one
                 ,
                 to
                 invite
                 every
                 poor
                 wounded
                 Sinner
                 ,
                 
                 ev
                 〈…〉
                 poor
                 diseased
                 creature
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 for
                 healing
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 bespeak
                 you
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 himself
                 would
                 bespeak
                 you
                 ,
                 were
                 he
                 upon
                 earth
                 ,
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 melting
                 heart
                 and
                 sence
                 of
                 your
                 condition
                 .
                 
                   O
                   why
                   will
                   ye
                   die
                
                 ?
                 is
                 the
                 expostulation
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 why
                 will
                 you
                 die
                 of
                 your
                 wounds
                 ,
                 of
                 your
                 plague-sores
                 ?
                 here
                 is
                 balm
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 healing
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 but
                 accept
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 do
                 not
                 slight
                 it
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 run
                 away
                 from
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ;
                 Hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 been
                 at
                 all
                 this
                 pains
                 to
                 procure
                 ▪
                 a
                 medicine
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 cast
                 it
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 slight
                 it
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Here
                 is
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
                 toward
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 we
                 cannot
                 tell
                 our
                 Physitian
                 what
                 we
                 ail
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 knoweth
                 our
                 diseases
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 him
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 convinced
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ;
                 Physitians
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 see
                 into
                 the
                 inward
                 parts
                 ,
                 into
                 the
                 veins
                 ,
                 the
                 arteries
                 ,
                 the
                 liver
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 judge
                 according
                 to
                 outward
                 symptoms
                 ,
                 or
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Patients
                 relation
                 of
                 his
                 disease
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 often
                 do
                 they
                 miscarry
                 and
                 mistake
                 ?
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 he
                 so
                 heals
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 knoweth
                 all
                 our
                 diseases
                 ,
                 he
                 needs
                 not
                 feel
                 our
                 pulse
                 to
                 see
                 how
                 they
                 beat
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 tell
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 poor
                 burthened
                 soul
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 sin-guilty
                 soul
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 all
                 the
                 guilt
                 ,
                 and
                 ta●es
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 his
                 own
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 takes
                 occasion
                 to
                 heal
                 it
                 .
                 
                   I
                   have
                   seen
                   his
                   ways
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   was
                   walking
                
                 
                 
                   on
                   in
                   the
                   stubborness
                   of
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   were
                   smitten
                   ,
                   he
                   saw
                   not
                   his
                   own
                   ways
                   ,
                   how
                   froward
                   they
                   were
                   ,
                   nor
                   his
                   own
                   heart
                   ,
                   how
                   hard
                   it
                   was
                
                 ;
                 but
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   seen
                   his
                   wayes
                   ▪
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   heal
                   him
                
                 ;
                 Alas
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 might
                 Paul
                 have
                 been
                 before
                 he
                 had
                 known
                 his
                 disease
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 opened
                 it
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 come
                 and
                 convinced
                 him
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 David
                 and
                 Peter
                 .
              
               
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Yet
                 further
                 consider
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 herein
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 herein
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 that
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 our
                 unkind
                 dealing
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 giveth
                 not
                 over
                 the
                 work
                 ;
                 would
                 not
                 an
                 able
                 Physitian
                 take
                 it
                 ill
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 Patient
                 should
                 go
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 run
                 to
                 a
                 cheating
                 Mountebank
                 ,
                 and
                 prefer
                 him
                 before
                 him
                 ?
                 were
                 not
                 this
                 enough
                 to
                 lose
                 a
                 Physitian
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 all
                 do
                 so
                 ?
                 
                   He
                   stretched
                   on
                   t
                   his
                   hands
                   all
                   the
                   day
                   long
                   to
                   a
                   gainsaying
                   and
                   rebellious
                   people
                
                 ;
                 one
                 runs
                 to
                 one
                 
                 thing
                 ,
                 another
                 to
                 another
                 ;
                 
                   The
                   Prodigal
                   to
                   his
                   husks
                   ,
                   rather
                   then
                   to
                   his
                   Father
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   poor
                   woman
                   to
                   her
                   Physitian
                   of
                   no
                   〈…〉
                   lue
                   ,
                   rather
                   then
                   to
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 if
                 Sinners
                 can
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 lick
                 over
                 their
                 sores
                 with
                 a
                 good
                 tongue
                 ,
                 a
                 smooth
                 tongue
                 ,
                 crying
                 peace
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 peace
                 ;
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 when
                 Conscience
                 is
                 quieted
                 upon
                 mistaken
                 grounds
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 quiet
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 little
                 duty
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 well
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 skin
                 over
                 their
                 wounds
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 well
                 enough
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 stick
                 any
                 where
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 heal
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 do
                 Persons
                 beside
                 themselves
                 abuse
                 their
                 Physitian
                 ?
                 many
                 times
                 fly
                 in
                 their
                 face
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 do
                 Sinners
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 with
                 his
                 cordials
                 in
                 one
                 hand
                 ,
                 his
                 purgatives
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 purge
                 ,
                 to
                 cleanse
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 fly
                 in
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 use
                 him
                 most
                 unkindly
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 overcome
                 ,
                 giveth
                 us
                 not
                 over
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 hath
                 healed
                 us
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 distempers
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 can
                 endure
                 to
                 be
                 kicked
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 bowels
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 blood
                 trampled
                 under
                 foot
                 by
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 heal
                 !
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 doth
                 endure
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 healeth
                 them
                 .
                 Is
                 not
                 all
                 this
                 unkindness
                 ?
                 what
                 can
                 move
                 him
                 to
                 give
                 us
                 over
                 ?
                 surely
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 his
                 bowels
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 unsearchable
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 so
                 often
                 grieved
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 kicked
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 since
                 he
                 had
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 our
                 souls
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 of
                 healing
                 mercy
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 had
                 been
                 undone
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 Oh
                 here
                 is
                 unsearchable
                 mercy
                 ,
                 we
                 wound
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 heals
                 us
                 :
                 we
                 sleightly
                 esteem
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 mercy
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 even
                 while
                 he
                 is
                 pouring
                 it
                 out
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 so
                 dearly
                 loveth
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 blood
                 is
                 not
                 too
                 dear
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 no
                 nor
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 bowels
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 rich
                 Grace
                 indeed
                 to
                 poor
                 froward-hearted
                 Sinners
                 !
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Herein
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 doth
                 appear
                 to
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 multitude
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 depth
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 of
                 our
                 wounds
                 ,
                 or
                 deadliness
                 of
                 our
                 diseases
                 ,
                 that
                 discourageth
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 him
                 turn
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 the
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 alone
                 .
                 O
                 saith
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 Patient
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 the
                 plague
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 seized
                 upon
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 upon
                 his
                 vitals
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 my
                 ski
                 〈…〉
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 labour
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 spots
                 appear
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hope
                 ,
                 no
                 healing
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 m●dleth
                 with
                 a
                 Sinner
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 the
                 plague
                 in
                 his
                 very
                 heart
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 sores
                 running
                 upon
                 their
                 tongues
                 ,
                 and
                 upon
                 their
                 hands
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 their
                 very
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 spirits
                 poysoned
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 it
                 in
                 hand
                 :
                 truly
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 how
                 deeply
                 rooted
                 our
                 ●nsts
                 were
                 in
                 our
                 very
                 hearts
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 admiration
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 were
                 healed
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 grudgings
                 of
                 the
                 old
                 disease
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 are
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 our selves
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 the
                 plague
                 is
                 cured
                 at
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 or
                 curing
                 rather
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 did
                 not
                 know
                 what
                 a
                 weary
                 hand
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 with
                 us
                 before
                 he
                 began
                 with
                 us
                 ?
                 he
                 knew
                 what
                 ulcerations
                 would
                 be
                 continually
                 breaking
                 out
                 that
                 must
                 be
                 lanced
                 and
                 searched
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 never
                 turned
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 his
                 work
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 Chyrurgion
                 meeteth
                 with
                 a
                 
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 bruises
                 ,
                 and
                 putrifying
                 sores
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 never
                 been
                 opened
                 ,
                 nor
                 mollified
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 have
                 festered
                 and
                 rotted
                 ;
                 O
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 endure
                 to
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 Patient
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 stench
                 of
                 his
                 wounds
                 and
                 ●ores
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 it
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 loathsom
                 running
                 sores
                 are
                 nothing
                 to
                 the
                 rottenness
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 O
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   superfluity
                   of
                   naughtiness
                   ,
                
                 
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 scum
                 of
                 scums
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 excrement
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 :
                 now
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 think
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 should
                 endure
                 the
                 stench
                 of
                 our
                 loathsom
                 souls
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 running
                 sores
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 heal
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 yet
                 gave
                 over
                 any
                 that
                 he
                 undertook
                 to
                 heal
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 greatness
                 ,
                 the
                 multitude
                 ,
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 of
                 his
                 diseases
                 ;
                 I
                 know
                 poor
                 misgiving
                 hearts
                 will
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 and
                 mourn
                 ,
                 as
                 poor
                 creatures
                 without
                 hope
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 consider
                 how
                 many
                 their
                 sores
                 are
                 ,
                 their
                 diseases
                 are
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 loathsom
                 running
                 sores
                 ,
                 bloody
                 issues
                 !
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 loathsom
                 to
                 our selves
                 ,
                 that
                 see
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 have
                 a
                 stinking
                 nostril
                 ,
                 their
                 minds
                 whereby
                 they
                 conceive
                 
                 of
                 things
                 ,
                 are
                 impure
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 cannot
                 apprehend
                 them
                 as
                 so
                 loathsom
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 that
                 seeth
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 the
                 venom
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 .
                 O
                 sure
                 they
                 are
                 much
                 more
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 sure
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 rotten
                 soul
                 as
                 mine
                 ,
                 saith
                 one
                 ;
                 such
                 a
                 rotten
                 heart
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 ,
                 so
                 besotted
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 so
                 unclean
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 mistake
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 would
                 never
                 be
                 so
                 made
                 manifest
                 ,
                 the
                 exceeding
                 abundance
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 such
                 sinners
                 as
                 thou
                 art
                 in
                 thine
                 own
                 apprehension
                 ;
                 with
                 a
                 Paul
                 ,
                 a
                 Manasses
                 ,
                 a
                 Magdalen
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 Sinners
                 ;
                 O
                 say
                 not
                 your
                 cases
                 are
                 desperate
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 healing
                 for
                 your
                 wounds
                 ;
                 nothing
                 maketh
                 a
                 Sinners
                 case
                 desperate
                 ,
                 but
                 his
                 own
                 despairing
                 ,
                 his
                 final
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 his
                 despair
                 of
                 the
                 mercy
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 faithfulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 this
                 great
                 undertaking
                 of
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 O
                 what
                 tenderness
                 is
                 manifested
                 in
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 the
                 cure
                 !
                 and
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 when
                 bowels
                 themselves
                 are
                 the
                 constitution
                 of
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ;
                 where
                 love
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 compassion
                 it
                 ●elf
                 setteth
                 the
                 Physitian
                 awork
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 can
                 you
                 imagine
                 when
                 a
                 Father
                 is
                 a
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 a
                 poor
                 diseased
                 child
                 ,
                 or
                 wounded
                 ,
                 cryeth
                 out
                 for
                 healing
                 ;
                 can
                 you
                 imagine
                 with
                 what
                 an
                 heart
                 he
                 goeth
                 about
                 it
                 ?
                 if
                 it
                 would
                 do
                 the
                 cure
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 endure
                 all
                 the
                 lancings
                 ,
                 take
                 down
                 all
                 bitter
                 potions
                 ;
                 O
                 every
                 grone
                 and
                 out-cry
                 of
                 his
                 Patient
                 goes
                 to
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 tender
                 ;
                 by
                 these
                 affections
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 pleased
                 darkly
                 to
                 shadow
                 out
                 to
                 us
                 his
                 heart
                 toward
                 us
                 ;
                 
                   Even
                   as
                   a
                   Father
                   pittieth
                   his
                   children
                   ,
                   so
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   pittieth
                   them
                   that
                   fear
                   him
                
                 ;
                 that
                 
                 are
                 wonnded
                 in
                 any
                 kind
                 ,
                 either
                 in
                 their
                 peace
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 their
                 holiness
                 .
                 But
                 this
                 will
                 appear
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 but
                 a
                 few
                 particulars
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 In
                 that
                 he
                 himself
                 hath
                 taken
                 the
                 bitterest
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 physick
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 wormwood
                 and
                 the
                 gall
                 !
                 they
                 went
                 into
                 his
                 bowels
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 not
                 delight
                 to
                 cure
                 by
                 lancings
                 ,
                 by
                 searings
                 ,
                 and
                 canterizings
                 ;
                 no
                 :
                 but
                 he
                 took
                 down
                 himself
                 the
                 purge
                 that
                 set
                 him
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 sweat
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 drunk
                 up
                 every
                 drop
                 of
                 our
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 moysture
                 ,
                 and
                 marrow
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 never
                 have
                 seen
                 through
                 it
                 ;
                 this
                 he
                 takes
                 himself
                 ,
                 himself
                 is
                 lanced
                 you
                 know
                 by
                 the
                 Soldiers
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 from
                 thence
                 came
                 water
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 the
                 ingredients
                 of
                 the
                 healing
                 medicine
                 for
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 being
                 rightly
                 tempered
                 :
                 like
                 a
                 tender
                 Mother
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 child
                 be
                 sick
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 purged
                 ;
                 she
                 her self
                 takes
                 the
                 purge
                 ,
                 endures
                 the
                 wrings
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 its
                 working
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 effect
                 may
                 be
                 suckt
                 by
                 the
                 child
                 who
                 lies
                 at
                 the
                 breast
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 resemblance
                 of
                 this
                 rich
                 Grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 if
                 men
                 were
                 our
                 Physitians
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 would
                 prescribe
                 us
                 ,
                 their
                 purgations
                 ,
                 and
                 pilgrims
                 ,
                 whippings
                 ,
                 macerating
                 our
                 flesh
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 bleed
                 and
                 die
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 not
                 so
                 ;
                 if
                 either
                 the
                 Physitian
                 or
                 the
                 Patient
                 must
                 die
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 the
                 poor
                 ,
                 diseased
                 ,
                 wounded
                 Patient
                 shall
                 die
                 ,
                 the
                 Physit
                 〈…〉
                 himself
                 dieth
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 live
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 blood
                 might
                 be
                 our
                 cordial
                 ,
                 his
                 flesh
                 ,
                 our
                 dyet
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 blood
                 our
                 dyet-drink
                 ,
                 that
                 continually
                 by
                 little
                 and
                 little
                 might
                 heal
                 us
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 manner
                 of
                 love
                 is
                 this
                 !
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 do
                 so
                 ?
                 let
                 a
                 Father
                 but
                 examine
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 see
                 ,
                 could
                 he
                 do
                 so
                 for
                 his
                 child
                 ?
                 though
                 a
                 Mother
                 may
                 take
                 down
                 much
                 bitterness
                 for
                 her
                 child
                 ,
                 yet
                 would
                 she
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 open
                 a
                 vein
                 ,
                 to
                 bleed
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 to
                 redeem
                 its
                 life
                 when
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 ?
                 I
                 know
                 David
                 
                 in
                 his
                 passion
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   Would
                   God
                   I
                   had
                   dyed
                   for
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 Absalom
                 had
                 been
                 alive
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 cold
                 bood
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 question
                 ,
                 though
                 his
                 affections
                 were
                 strong
                 to
                 his
                 Son
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 strong
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 Self
                 is
                 a
                 mans
                 nearest
                 friend
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 did
                 it
                 for
                 his
                 poor
                 sinful
                 people
                 ,
                 yea
                 for
                 strangers
                 ,
                 for
                 enemies
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 consider
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 If
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 were
                 Physitians
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 poor
                 wounded
                 creature
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 
                   fell
                   among
                   thieves
                   ,
                   left
                   wounded
                   and
                   half-dead
                   ,
                
                 which
                 of
                 us
                 now
                 could
                 find
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 open
                 our
                 own
                 veins
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 emptied
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 blood
                 and
                 li●e
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 wretch
                 might
                 be
                 supplied
                 ?
                 now
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 for
                 such
                 Sinners
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 pouncing
                 and
                 pricking
                 ,
                 he
                 endures
                 it
                 :
                 lancing
                 ,
                 he
                 endures
                 it
                 ;
                 contusion
                 ,
                 he
                 endures
                 it
                 ;
                 
                   For
                   he
                   was
                   wounded
                   for
                   our
                   transgressions
                   ,
                   bruised
                   for
                   our
                   iniquites
                   ,
                   the
                   chastisement
                   of
                   our
                
                 
                 
                   peace
                   was
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   through
                   his
                   stripes
                   we
                   are
                   healed
                   :
                
                 his
                 stripes
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 bodily
                 buffetings
                 ,
                 his
                 crown
                 of
                 thorns
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 such
                 things
                 were
                 nothing
                 in
                 comparison
                 :
                 no
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 lashing
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 the
                 wounding
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 travel
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 agonies
                 ,
                 wrestlings
                 with
                 his
                 Fathers
                 displeasure
                 to
                 an
                 agony
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 God
                 laid
                 on
                 him
                 so
                 heavily
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 ready
                 to
                 faint
                 and
                 sink
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 soul
                 almost
                 fetched
                 at
                 every
                 blow
                 .
                 O
                 dear
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 the
                 cure
                 of
                 such
                 sinfull
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
                 should
                 cost
                 thee
                 so
                 dear
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 so
                 little
                 prize
                 it
                 !
                 But
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 which
                 he
                 prescribes
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 some
                 bitterness
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 must
                 needs
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 sprinkling
                 from
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 the
                 
                   cup
                   of
                   trembling
                
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 put
                 us
                 into
                 a
                 fear
                 and
                 trembling
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 he
                 seeth
                 needfull
                 to
                 imbitter
                 sin
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 love
                 were
                 perfect
                 here
                 below
                 ,
                 while
                 graces
                 are
                 imperfect
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 ingenuity
                 perfect
                 ;
                 the
                 looking
                 upon
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 greatest
                 imbittering
                 of
                 sin
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 are
                 very
                 dull
                 an
                 〈…〉
                 ow
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 a
                 little
                 taste
                 we
                 must
                 our selves
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 gather
                 from
                 thence
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 indured
                 for
                 us
                 :
                 we
                 that
                 never
                 felt
                 what
                 a
                 wounded
                 Spirit
                 meant
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 the
                 clouding
                 of
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 from
                 us
                 meant
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 may
                 hear
                 of
                 the
                 sufferings
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 be
                 sensible
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 not
                 to
                 prize
                 that
                 love
                 as
                 strong
                 as
                 death
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 hath
                 had
                 a
                 drop
                 or
                 two
                 of
                 scalding
                 wrath
                 fall
                 upon
                 his
                 conscience
                 ,
                 a
                 lash
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 though
                 gently
                 ,
                 upon
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 maketh
                 him
                 roar
                 in
                 the
                 disquietness
                 of
                 his
                 ●oul
                 :
                 O
                 thinketh
                 he
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 drop
                 or
                 two
                 be
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 terror
                 and
                 amazement
                 ,
                 what
                 then
                 was
                 the
                 whole
                 Cup
                 ?
                 what
                 was
                 the
                 dregs
                 ?
                 how
                 should
                 I
                 have
                 born
                 that
                 ,
                 if
                 my
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 had
                 not
                 taken
                 it
                 off
                 for
                 me
                 ?
                 That
                 which
                 did
                 so
                 parch
                 him
                 who
                 was
                 the
                 Green
                 Tree
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 said
                 he
                 thirsted
                 ,
                 surely
                 would
                 have
                 consumed
                 the
                 dry
                 :
                 If
                 he
                 were
                 as
                 a
                 Bottle
                 dryed
                 in
                 the
                 smoak
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 consumed
                 us
                 to
                 ashes
                 :
                 If
                 it
                 made
                 Him
                 sweat
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 manner
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 altogether
                 dissolved
                 our
                 frame
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 have
                 perished
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 O
                 
                 if
                 a
                 little
                 wrath
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 hideth
                 his
                 face
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 Hell
                 in
                 many
                 souls
                 ,
                 What
                 a
                 Hell
                 then
                 had
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 when
                 wrath
                 was
                 poured
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ?
                 for
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 spared
                 a
                 jot
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 wherein
                 doth
                 lie
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 of
                 the
                 core
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 cure
                 ,
                 surely
                 such
                 are
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 he
                 delighteth
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 so
                 neither
                 doth
                 he
                 delight
                 in
                 bringing
                 the
                 creature
                 to
                 life
                 ,
                 through
                 so
                 much
                 bitterness
                 and
                 grief
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 other
                 means
                 would
                 so
                 effectually
                 work
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 with
                 sin
                 as
                 this
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 Wise
                 God
                 surely
                 would
                 take
                 the
                 most
                 effectual
                 course
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 needfull
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 do
                 it
                 .
              
               
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 hatred
                 of
                 sin
                 is
                 never
                 kindly
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 be
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 ye
                 that
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 hate
                 evil
                 ;
                 this
                 takes
                 the
                 ingenuous
                 spirit
                 off
                 from
                 Omissions
                 and
                 Commissions
                 .
              
               
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 consider
                 brethren
                 ,
                 wherefore
                 do
                 we
                 love
                 Him
                 ,
                 but
                 because
                 he
                 loved
                 us
                 ?
                 when
                 his
                 love
                 is
                 revealed
                 and
                 manifested
                 ,
                 this
                 warmeth
                 ,
                 melteth
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 indeareth
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 until
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 be
                 pleased
                 to
                 open
                 and
                 unfold
                 his
                 bowels
                 of
                 love
                 to
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 love
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 whereby
                 should
                 we
                 estimate
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 the
                 unsearchably
                 rich
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 he
                 paid
                 for
                 them
                 ?
                 O
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 every
                 drop
                 of
                 that
                 blessed
                 blood
                 that
                 run
                 trickling
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 especially
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 considered
                 by
                 what
                 means
                 it
                 was
                 squeezed
                 out
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 this
                 setteth
                 a
                 rate
                 upon
                 his
                 love
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 love
                 in
                 word
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 deed
                 and
                 in
                 truth
                 ;
                 if
                 nothing
                 else
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 price
                 to
                 redeem
                 them
                 but
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 go
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 dear
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 drop
                 ;
                 yea
                 not
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 it
                 by
                 opening
                 a
                 vein
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 extract
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 veins
                 by
                 the
                 pores
                 of
                 his
                 body
                 :
                 O
                 by
                 the
                 unspeakable
                 weight
                 of
                 wrath
                 upon
                 his
                 Spirit
                 !
                 Now
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 judge
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 have
                 had
                 a
                 little
                 taste
                 of
                 it
                 our selves
                 ?
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 put
                 into
                 a
                 little
                 sweat
                 in
                 our
                 own
                 wrestlings
                 with
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 O
                 then
                 we
                 see
                 what
                 our
                 Saviour
                 indured
                 for
                 us
                 :
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 set
                 the
                 highest
                 estimate
                 upon
                 love
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 rate
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 would
                 they
                 willingly
                 have
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 hidden
                 from
                 them
                 for
                 a
                 year
                 or
                 two
                 for
                 the
                 dearest
                 friend
                 they
                 have
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ?
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 felt
                 what
                 this
                 lashing
                 of
                 your
                 Spirit
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 your
                 breath
                 was
                 even
                 gone
                 at
                 every
                 blow
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 had
                 fainted
                 except
                 you
                 had
                 believed
                 some
                 secret
                 undiscerned
                 support
                 .
                 Tell
                 me
                 ,
                 would
                 you
                 redeem
                 the
                 life
                 ,
                 yea
                 the
                 souls
                 of
                 your
                 dearest
                 friends
                 that
                 you
                 had
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 by
                 lying
                 under
                 a
                 wounded
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 having
                 a
                 Hell
                 kindled
                 in
                 your
                 souls
                 that
                 should
                 burn
                 all
                 your
                 days
                 ?
                 I
                 cannot
                 tell
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 dear
                 Friends
                 will
                 do
                 much
                 one
                 for
                 another
                 :
                 O
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 lay
                 my
                 hands
                 under
                 their
                 feet
                 to
                 do
                 them
                 good
                 :
                 O
                 I
                 could
                 redeem
                 their
                 lives
                 with
                 my
                 own
                 ,
                 
                   Would
                   God
                   I
                   had
                   died
                   for
                   thee
                   !
                
                 and
                 haply
                 because
                 he
                 saw
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 for
                 his
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 David
                 ,
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 have
                 been
                 content
                 
                 to
                 roar
                 all
                 thy
                 days
                 in
                 the
                 disquietness
                 of
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 waves
                 and
                 billows
                 to
                 go
                 over
                 thee
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 wade
                 in
                 the
                 shallows
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 depths
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 overwhelmed
                 with
                 the
                 displeasure
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 for
                 Absolom
                 ?
                 if
                 so
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 this
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 truest
                 estimate
                 we
                 can
                 take
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 surely
                 the
                 higher
                 our
                 thoughts
                 are
                 ,
                 and
                 deeper
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 larger
                 ,
                 the
                 greater
                 will
                 be
                 our
                 hatred
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 our
                 loathing
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 wrought
                 ,
                 the
                 cure
                 is
                 wrought
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 shall
                 I
                 play
                 with
                 the
                 knife
                 that
                 hath
                 pierced
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 my
                 Saviour
                 ?
                 Shall
                 I
                 harbour
                 that
                 in
                 my
                 bosom
                 that
                 was
                 the
                 sting
                 of
                 my
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 the
                 poyson
                 whereof-drank
                 up
                 his
                 Spirits
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 And
                 then
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 This
                 will
                 heighten
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 loth
                 to
                 grieve
                 him
                 when
                 we
                 love
                 him
                 :
                 O
                 he
                 hath
                 indured
                 enough
                 already
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 he
                 ha●h
                 been
                 wounded
                 ,
                 yea
                 so
                 wounded
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 all
                 over
                 gore
                 for
                 my-sins
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 all
                 one
                 wound
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 I
                 grieve
                 him
                 more
                 ?
                 I
                 am
                 perswaded
                 that
                 the
                 experiences
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 hearts
                 that
                 ever
                 tasted
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 will
                 subscribe
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 reason
                 of
                 our
                 so
                 often
                 grieving
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 have
                 so
                 little
                 impression
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 consequently
                 so
                 little
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 either
                 we
                 never
                 had
                 a
                 strong
                 impression
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 by
                 degrees
                 it
                 doth
                 wear
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 be
                 renewed
                 by
                 a
                 serious
                 contemplation
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 we
                 neglect
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 ;
                 else
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 very
                 tender
                 and
                 fearful
                 of
                 grieving
                 him
                 after
                 the
                 manner
                 we
                 do
                 daily
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 our
                 own
                 smart
                 under
                 the
                 sence
                 of
                 his
                 displeasure
                 will
                 do
                 something
                 :
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 the
                 remembrance
                 
                 of
                 the
                 wormwood
                 and
                 gall
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 something
                 ,
                 make
                 sinners
                 afraid
                 to
                 meddle
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 little
                 enough
                 too
                 ?
                 so
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 childe
                 walks
                 frowardly
                 ,
                 takes
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   le
                   make
                   you
                   remember
                   my
                   fingers
                   a
                   good
                   while
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 deals
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 indured
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 the
                 brunt
                 ;
                 he
                 broke
                 the
                 waves
                 of
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 rock
                 of
                 our
                 salvation
                 ;
                 though
                 we
                 that
                 are
                 lifted
                 up
                 upon
                 that
                 rock
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 under
                 water
                 sometimes
                 by
                 those
                 waves
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 force
                 of
                 them
                 is
                 broken
                 upon
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 would
                 dash
                 us
                 to
                 pieces
                 ,
                 having
                 not
                 co-assistance
                 enough
                 to
                 break
                 them
                 .
                 If
                 ever
                 Peter
                 were
                 solicited
                 to
                 deny
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 again
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 dear
                 it
                 cost
                 me
                 ,
                 was
                 not
                 an
                 awe
                 upon
                 him
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 David
                 ;
                 
                 after
                 those
                 dolefull
                 complaints
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 while
                 under
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 his
                 fathers
                 displeasure
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 more
                 afraid
                 of
                 stollen
                 waters
                 ,
                 though
                 sweet
                 ,
                 and
                 bread
                 eaten
                 in
                 secret
                 ,
                 though
                 pleasant
                 ,
                 after
                 God
                 had
                 kept
                 him
                 awhile
                 ,
                 shut
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   the
                   Chambers
                   of
                   death
                
                 ,
                 made
                 him
                 walk
                 there
                 awhile
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 him
                 know
                 what
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 in
                 sinning
                 away
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 That
                 which
                 he
                 himself
                 prescribeth
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 bitterest
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 he
                 enables
                 the
                 creature
                 to
                 bear
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 lance
                 our
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 us
                 to
                 some
                 grief
                 ,
                 withall
                 he
                 giveth
                 a
                 Cordial
                 that
                 stays
                 us
                 from
                 sinking
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 a
                 right
                 hand
                 cannot
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 ,
                 nor
                 a
                 right
                 foot
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 cannot
                 be
                 dismembred
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 some
                 anguish
                 and
                 trouble
                 ;
                 nor
                 a
                 lust
                 mortified
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 will
                 cost
                 us
                 some
                 heart-aking
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 he
                 quickly
                 stanches
                 the
                 bleeding
                 ,
                 keepeth
                 the
                 heart
                 from
                 sinking
                 ,
                 fainting
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 suffer
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 tryed
                 above
                 what
                 we
                 are
                 able
                 ,
                 but
                 maketh
                 a
                 way
                 to
                 escape
                 ;
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 leave
                 us
                 altogether
                 without
                 his
                 presence
                 
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 dark
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 see
                 him
                 not
                 ;
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 the
                 lot
                 of
                 Judas
                 and
                 Cain
                 would
                 fall
                 upon
                 every
                 such
                 sinner
                 ,
                 nor
                 will
                 he
                 keep
                 it
                 a
                 jot
                 longer
                 upon
                 us
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 lengthen
                 out
                 our
                 patience
                 .
                 But
                 what
                 is
                 all
                 this
                 Brethren
                 to
                 what
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 hath
                 taken
                 down
                 for
                 us
                 ?
                 If
                 darkness
                 be
                 so
                 sad
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 never
                 had
                 but
                 a
                 glimpse
                 of
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 countenance
                 ,
                 what
                 was
                 it
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 felt
                 then
                 ,
                 that
                 had
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 fulness
                 the
                 creature
                 was
                 capable
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 proportionably
                 greater
                 ,
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 iniquity
                 was
                 laid
                 to
                 his
                 charge
                 ?
                 So
                 that
                 in
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 that
                 was
                 wounded
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 healed
                 ;
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 done
                 to
                 us
                 is
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 scratch
                 with
                 a
                 pin
                 to
                 those
                 wounds
                 of
                 his
                 ;
                 he
                 felt
                 all
                 those
                 wrings
                 and
                 pangs
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 effects
                 of
                 the
                 working
                 of
                 the
                 Physick
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 healed
                 after
                 such
                 a
                 manner
                 as
                 this
                 !
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 He
                 doth
                 all
                 this
                 most
                 freely
                 ,
                 expecteth
                 no
                 reward
                 ,
                 as
                 Physicians
                 you
                 know
                 do
                 :
                 the
                 poor
                 woman
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 spent
                 all
                 that
                 she
                 had
                 upon
                 the
                 Physicians
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 she
                 came
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 asked
                 her
                 nothing
                 ,
                 only
                 willingness
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 deliverance
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 his
                 willingness
                 to
                 save
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 a
                 reward
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 himself
                 that
                 giveth
                 the
                 willingness
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 he
                 went
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 throughout
                 the
                 Synagogues
                 
                 and
                 the
                 villages
                 ,
                 healing
                 all
                 their
                 diseases
                 ;
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 freest
                 gift
                 that
                 ever
                 was
                 given
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 himself
                 ,
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 his
                 blood
                 a
                 ransom
                 for
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ?
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 knew
                 we
                 had
                 nothing
                 to
                 give
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 cometh
                 nevertheless
                 freely
                 ;
                 for
                 all
                 he
                 aimeth
                 at
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 grace
                 may
                 have
                 the
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 made
                 glorious
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 poorsinner
                 may
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 whether
                 they
                 have
                 any
                 thing
                 or
                 nothing
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 the
                 creature
                 looks
                 upon
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 money
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 taking
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 reward
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 hinders
                 him
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 great
                 diseases
                 indeed
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 this
                 holy
                 self
                 ,
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 to
                 heal
                 ;
                 poor
                 sinners
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 sores
                 ,
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 bruises
                 ,
                 and
                 putrifying
                 sores
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 corruption
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 hath
                 his
                 bloody
                 issue
                 :
                 now
                 our
                 duties
                 ,
                 
                 or
                 holiness
                 ,
                 which
                 sinners
                 sometimes
                 so
                 much
                 stand
                 upon
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 thought
                 them
                 gain
                 once
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 filthy
                 clouts
                 upon
                 our
                 sores
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 ●ull
                 of
                 the
                 runnings
                 of
                 our
                 sores
                 ,
                 as
                 menstruous
                 cloaths
                 ,
                 defiled
                 with
                 our
                 bloody
                 issues
                 :
                 we
                 think
                 to
                 plaister
                 our
                 wounds
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 salve
                 our
                 consciences
                 with
                 a
                 few
                 duties
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 they
                 come
                 off
                 like
                 filthy
                 clouts
                 from
                 running
                 sores
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 these
                 a
                 reward
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 When
                 a
                 Physician
                 cometh
                 to
                 heal
                 a
                 person
                 of
                 the
                 Plague
                 ,
                 O
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 reward
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 not
                 take
                 all
                 this
                 pains
                 with
                 me
                 for
                 nothing
                 ;
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 rags
                 that
                 come
                 off
                 my
                 sores
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 pains
                 :
                 Is
                 not
                 the
                 Physician
                 much
                 beholding
                 to
                 him
                 think
                 you
                 ?
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 nothing
                 but
                 such
                 rags
                 to
                 give
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 alas
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 washed
                 clean
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ;
                 our
                 services
                 healed
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 be
                 worth
                 any
                 thing
                 :
                 therefore
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 himself
                 freely
                 prepareth
                 the
                 Lances
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 wounds
                 ,
                 convinceth
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 he
                 himself
                 takes
                 the
                 pains
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 vein
                 ,
                 to
                 empty
                 the
                 creature
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 cure
                 him
                 of
                 that
                 Plethory
                 :
                 He
                 it
                 is
                 tempereth
                 the
                 Physick
                 ,
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 charge
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 richest
                 Cordials
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 !
                 tempered
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 blood
                 and
                 water
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 to
                 support
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 when
                 ready
                 to
                 faint
                 :
                 he
                 sitteth
                 over
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 a
                 tender
                 Father
                 over
                 a
                 weak
                 wounded
                 childe
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 what
                 a
                 heart
                 you
                 may
                 imagine
                 ;
                 he
                 provideth
                 Messengers
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 minister
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 watch
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 himself
                 is
                 alway
                 at
                 hand
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 Friends
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 should
                 set
                 so
                 high
                 esteem
                 upon
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 
                 when
                 we
                 were
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 loathsom
                 condition
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 dwell
                 in
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 part
                 of
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 somewhat
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 restorative
                 of
                 ,
                 a
                 healing
                 medicine
                 of
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 perish
                 ;
                 one
                 drop
                 ,
                 every
                 drop
                 of
                 his
                 most
                 precious
                 blood
                 ,
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 the
                 value
                 which
                 the
                 God-head
                 put
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 if
                 a
                 world
                 of
                 pearl
                 could
                 be
                 decocted
                 into
                 a
                 cordial
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 spared
                 it
                 not
                 :
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 visit
                 sinners
                 with
                 this
                 salvation
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 corrosives
                 ,
                 his
                 cordials
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 healing
                 vertue
                 ,
                 and
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 so
                 ready
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 from
                 time
                 to
                 time
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 this
                 freely
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 brings
                 his
                 heart
                 full
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 hands
                 full
                 of
                 reward
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 but
                 healed
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 foolish
                 children
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 fallen
                 and
                 wounded
                 themselves
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 hired
                 to
                 let
                 the
                 Father
                 or
                 the
                 Chyrurgion
                 heal
                 it
                 ,
                 put
                 a
                 plaister
                 upon
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 cryeth
                 out
                 as
                 undone
                 ,
                 had
                 rather
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 then
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 to
                 a
                 stranger
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 seest
                 a
                 poor
                 leprous
                 creature
                 lie
                 languishing
                 at
                 thy
                 gates
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 canst
                 heal
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 ;
                 either
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 his
                 disease
                 ,
                 or
                 distrusts
                 your
                 good
                 will
                 ,
                 or
                 faithfulness
                 ,
                 or
                 something
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 :
                 now
                 where
                 is
                 there
                 a
                 heart
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 tenderness
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 offer
                 him
                 a
                 reward
                 ?
                 I
                 will
                 give
                 thee
                 thus
                 much
                 ,
                 or
                 thus
                 much
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wilt
                 but
                 let
                 me
                 heal
                 thee
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 pitty
                 thy
                 condition
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 his
                 subjects
                 fall
                 out
                 ,
                 they
                 rebel
                 against
                 the
                 King
                 in
                 the
                 war
                 ,
                 the
                 subject
                 is
                 wounded
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 care
                 taken
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 his
                 heart
                 relents
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 not
                 upbraid
                 him
                 with
                 his
                 unkindness
                 ,
                 nor
                 pride
                 ,
                 nor
                 stubbornness
                 ,
                 but
                 intreateth
                 him
                 he
                 will
                 give
                 him
                 leave
                 to
                 heal
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 but
                 suffer
                 his
                 wounds
                 to
                 be
                 searched
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 closed
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 perish
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 pardon
                 all
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 amiss
                 ,
                 begs
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 make
                 him
                 the
                 second
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 near
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 but
                 suffer
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 :
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 rich
                 mercy
                 indeed
                 ,
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 such
                 Paragon
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 :
                 but
                 lo
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 not
                 only
                 promiseth
                 a
                 reward
                 upon
                 our
                 healing
                 ,
                 but
                 maketh
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 willing
                 also
                 ,
                 willing
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 his
                 
                 lusts
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 speak
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 greatest
                 part
                 of
                 our
                 healing
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 sin
                 before
                 ,
                 loved
                 his
                 lusts
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 his
                 life
                 ;
                 O
                 his
                 merry
                 companions
                 were
                 as
                 dear
                 to
                 him
                 as
                 his
                 very
                 eye
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 right
                 hand
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 no
                 more
                 part
                 with
                 one
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 his
                 gain
                 of
                 unrighteousness
                 .
                 Now
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 by
                 proposing
                 of
                 objects
                 ,
                 which
                 have
                 a
                 great
                 force
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 a
                 sweet
                 and
                 yet
                 powerful
                 bowing
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 maketh
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 now
                 he
                 cryeth
                 out
                 with
                 
                   Augustine
                   ,
                   How
                   long
                   Lord
                   ,
                   how
                   long
                   ?
                   this
                   man
                   is
                   in
                   a
                   great
                   measure
                   healed
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   work
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   he
                   rewardeth
                   for
                   this
                   ,
                   promiseth
                   a
                   Crown
                   ,
                   giveth
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   glory
                   ,
                   glory
                   with
                   himself
                   ,
                   fellowship
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   to
                   lye
                   in
                   his
                   bosom
                   to
                   all
                   eternity
                   .
                
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 !
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 only
                 ,
                 if
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 brought
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 vein
                 where
                 these
                 riches
                 lie
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 dig
                 a
                 little
                 by
                 serious
                 contemplating
                 upon
                 it
                 .
                 You
                 will
                 find
                 more
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 able
                 to
                 speak
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 Use
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 warn
                 us
                 that
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 upon
                 this
                 score
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 arise
                 
                   with
                   healing
                   under
                   his
                   wings
                   upon
                   poor
                   sinners
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 to
                 make
                 bold
                 with
                 sin
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 great
                 matter
                 ,
                 the
                 healing
                 vertue
                 of
                 Christ
                 will
                 be
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 magnified
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 desperate
                 is
                 this
                 !
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 think
                 that
                 man
                 were
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 wits
                 ,
                 that
                 upon
                 presumption
                 upon
                 the
                 skill
                 ,
                 and
                 tenderness
                 of
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 should
                 without
                 any
                 care
                 how
                 ,
                 or
                 where
                 ,
                 wound
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 gash
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 Physitian
                 that
                 will
                 heal
                 him
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 dare
                 be
                 so
                 bold
                 
                   to
                   sin
                   ,
                   that
                   grace
                   may
                   abound
                   ,
                
                 and
                 make
                 work
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 meaneth
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 make
                 such
                 a
                 use
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 how
                 did
                 this
                 stir
                 the
                 Apostles
                 spirit
                 ?
                 
                   God
                   forbid
                
                 :
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 recoil
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 startled
                 at
                 some
                 horrid
                 sight
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 Lord
                 forbid
                 you
                 should
                 suck
                 such
                 poyson
                 out
                 of
                 so
                 sweet
                 a
                 flower
                 !
                 This
                 concerneth
                 two
                 sorts
                 of
                 persons
                 ;
                 First
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 yet
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 this
                 healing
                 vertue
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 ,
                 only
                 by
                 the
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 they
                 hear
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 heal
                 the
                 most
                 desperate
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 make
                 bold
                 to
                 continue
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 go
                 on
                 to
                 inflame
                 the
                 reckoning
                 a
                 little
                 higher
                 yet
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 one
                 with
                 Christ
                 to
                 pardon
                 millions
                 as
                 mites
                 ,
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 mountains
                 as
                 mole
                 〈…〉
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 respect
                 his
                 power
                 ;
                 but
                 how
                 dost
                 thou
                 
                 know
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 for
                 thee
                 ,
                 sinner
                 ?
                 or
                 what
                 hope
                 hast
                 thou
                 ,
                 or
                 canst
                 thou
                 have
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 with
                 thoe
                 ?
                 It
                 s
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 sinners
                 do
                 not
                 sin
                 away
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 ;
                 but
                 did
                 ever
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 tell
                 thee
                 that
                 thou
                 shouldest
                 be
                 healed
                 particularly
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 go
                 on
                 rebelling
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 wound
                 upon
                 wound
                 upon
                 thy
                 poor
                 soul
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 deceived
                 sinners
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 insinuations
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 one
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 such
                 Gospel
                 as
                 the
                 Devil
                 preacheth
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 preacheth
                 Christ
                 as
                 an
                 Angel
                 of
                 light
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 close
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 the
                 Law
                 instead
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 such
                 presumption
                 and
                 security
                 usually
                 endeth
                 in
                 dispair
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 may
                 come
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 that
                 make
                 so
                 little
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 may
                 cry
                 out
                 and
                 roar
                 ,
                 O
                 your
                 wounds
                 ,
                 you
                 refused
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 what
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 then
                 say
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 your
                 iniquities
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 dye
                 in
                 your
                 sins
                 ;
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 your
                 presumption
                 then
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 it
                 concerneth
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 had
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 experience
                 of
                 this
                 healing
                 vertue
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 been
                 groaning
                 under
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 and
                 anguish
                 of
                 their
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 are
                 healed
                 through
                 abundant
                 grace
                 .
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 returning
                 to
                 folly
                 any
                 more
                 ;
                 will
                 you
                 make
                 bold
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 known
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 your selves
                 ?
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 as
                 he
                 would
                 himself
                 purge
                 our
                 iniquities
                 ;
                 he
                 took
                 the
                 Physick
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 enjoy●st
                 the
                 cure
                 ;
                 but
                 is
                 it
                 no
                 more
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 the
                 heaviness
                 of
                 his
                 soul
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ;
                 must
                 he
                 bleed
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 bleed
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 bloody
                 issues
                 might
                 be
                 stopt
                 ?
                 did
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 an
                 ecclipse
                 of
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 countenance
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 make
                 so
                 light
                 a
                 matter
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 walk
                 so
                 watchlesly
                 as
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 on
                 to
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 do
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 keeping
                 that
                 fresh
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 what
                 the
                 cure
                 of
                 it
                 cost
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 cause
                 of
                 our
                 so
                 often
                 relapsing
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 we
                 forget
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 our selves
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 strange
                 that
                 the
                 burnt
                 child
                 doth
                 not
                 dread
                 the
                 fire
                 :
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 remember
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 came
                 to
                 search
                 thy
                 wounds
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 thee
                 when
                 he
                 went
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 O
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 remember
                 the
                 stench
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 pluck
                 off
                 the
                 hard
                 crust
                 grown
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 thee
                 see
                 and
                 be
                 sensible
                 of
                 the
                 filthiness
                 in
                 them
                 ?
                 is
                 this
                 forgotten
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 makest
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 sin
                 ?
                 O
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 remember
                 the
                 time
                 when
                 thou
                 wast
                 even
                 
                 weary
                 of
                 thy self
                 ,
                 a
                 burthen
                 to
                 thy self
                 ,
                 thou
                 couldst
                 not
                 rest
                 many
                 a
                 weary
                 day
                 and
                 night
                 ,
                 it
                 cost
                 thee
                 many
                 an
                 aking
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 now
                 so
                 soon
                 art
                 making
                 wounds
                 again
                 ,
                 making
                 work
                 again
                 for
                 Christ
                 ?
                 Surely
                 this
                 is
                 very
                 ill
                 requital
                 of
                 all
                 that
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 .
                 Or
                 what
                 ,
                 can
                 we
                 heal
                 the
                 breaches
                 we
                 make
                 upon
                 our
                 peace
                 by
                 our
                 recidivations
                 when
                 we
                 please
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 had
                 his
                 panacea
                 in
                 his
                 pocket
                 ,
                 that
                 whatever
                 disease
                 he
                 fell
                 into
                 ,
                 whatever
                 wound
                 he
                 should
                 make
                 upon
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 cure
                 it
                 again
                 when
                 he
                 pleased
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 somewhat
                 like
                 ,
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 colour
                 ;
                 but
                 have
                 you
                 the
                 treasuries
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 your
                 own
                 keeping
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 ?
                 or
                 hath
                 any
                 man
                 a
                 pardon
                 in
                 a
                 box
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 deceived
                 Papists
                 are
                 grievously
                 mocked
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ;
                 Alas
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 make
                 wounds
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 cannot
                 heal
                 them
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 break
                 our
                 faces
                 and
                 bones
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 cannot
                 heal
                 them
                 again
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 our
                 comfort
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 grieve
                 him
                 by
                 such
                 careless
                 walking
                 ?
                 what
                 if
                 he
                 resolve
                 to
                 grieve
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 thee
                 enough
                 of
                 thy
                 back-slidings
                 ?
                 Will
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 bitterness
                 in
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 ?
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 heal
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 cost
                 thee
                 many
                 a
                 throb
                 and
                 much
                 smart
                 for
                 this
                 wantonness
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 take
                 
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 :
                 O
                 sickness
                 is
                 chargeable
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 cost
                 thee
                 mourning
                 all
                 thy
                 daies
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Then
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 get
                 under
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 .
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 need
                 of
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 never
                 a
                 whole
                 soul
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 to
                 our
                 own
                 apprehension
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   full
                   of
                   wounds
                   ,
                   the
                   whole
                   head
                   is
                   sick
                   ,
                   the
                   whole
                   heart
                   is
                   faint
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 
                 sent
                 me
                 to
                 tell
                 you
                 where
                 you-may
                 have
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 perswade
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 child
                 and
                 cannot
                 speak
                 .
                 Where
                 is
                 there
                 healing
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ?
                 you
                 know
                 that
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 be
                 told
                 ;
                 why
                 then
                 ,
                 how
                 cometh
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 you
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 set
                 open
                 the
                 Store-house
                 ,
                 the
                 Treasuries
                 of
                 pardoning-mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 healing-mercy
                 ,
                 inviteth
                 all
                 that
                 will
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 come
                 not
                 ?
                 Surely
                 ,
                 either
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 this
                 report
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 your
                 need
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 consider
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 said
                 to
                 that
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 help
                 you
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 perswade
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 must
                 draw
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 poor
                 sinners
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 will
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 only
                 he
                 doth
                 draw
                 ;
                 
                 one
                 way
                 is
                 by
                 proposing
                 the
                 object
                 ,
                 by
                 holding
                 out
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 for
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 let
                 me
                 a
                 little
                 propose
                 something
                 to
                 you
                 to
                 perswade
                 you
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Your
                 need
                 of
                 Christ
                 you
                 have
                 seen
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 wounded
                 ,
                 yea
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 bitten
                 with
                 fiery
                 Serpents
                 ,
                 the
                 venom
                 whereof
                 inflames
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 a
                 Physitian
                 we
                 must
                 have
                 or
                 else
                 dye
                 :
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 healing
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 but
                 through
                 his
                 stripes
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 know
                 of
                 any
                 other
                 Saviour
                 that
                 can
                 deliver
                 ,
                 can
                 heal
                 you
                 ,
                 take
                 him
                 ;
                 follow
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 have
                 spent
                 all
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 fain
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 for
                 healing
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 to
                 come
                 before
                 you
                 have
                 spent
                 all
                 upon
                 other
                 Physitians
                 that
                 cannot
                 cure
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 sinners
                 could
                 but
                 believe
                 this
                 !
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 truth
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 Plaister
                 of
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 ;
                 made
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 or
                 tears
                 ,
                 or
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 or
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 or
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 being
                 a
                 healing
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 will
                 venom
                 the
                 wound
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 yet
                 further
                 work
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 if
                 rested
                 in
                 as
                 a
                 cure
                 .
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 stop
                 the
                 Orifice
                 of
                 the
                 wound
                 with
                 a
                 balm
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 procuring
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 while
                 the
                 sore
                 eats
                 into
                 the
                 soul
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 deeper
                 ,
                 wrankles
                 within
                 .
                 O
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 beginneth
                 at
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 heals
                 it
                 up
                 ;
                 say
                 not
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   Are
                   not
                
                 Abana
                 and
                 Pharpar
                 ,
                 
                   Rivers
                   of
                
                 Damascus
                 ,
                 
                   better
                   then
                   all
                   the
                   waters
                   of
                
                 Israel
                 ?
                 
                   when
                   we
                   must
                   go
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   wash
                   in
                
                 Jordan
                 
                   if
                   we
                   be
                   healed
                
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Consider
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 longer
                 you
                 conceal
                 your
                 wounds
                 and
                 hold
                 off
                 ,
                 the
                 worse
                 will
                 it
                 go
                 with
                 you
                 ;
                 for
                 either
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 let
                 you
                 go
                 on
                 and
                 never
                 heal
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 let
                 you
                 languish
                 away
                 in
                 these
                 waies
                 of
                 sin
                 you
                 please
                 your selves
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 ,
                 the
                 longer
                 the
                 wound
                 is
                 wrankling
                 the
                 worse
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 harder
                 it
                 will
                 go
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 be
                 searched
                 ;
                 when
                 David
                 had
                 turned
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 Christ
                 for
                 so
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Vriah
                 ,
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 somewhat
                 ,
                 it
                 made
                 him
                 roar
                 when
                 the
                 Physick
                 came
                 to
                 work
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 withdrawing
                 from
                 him
                 haply
                 as
                 long
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 while
                 you
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 day
                 ,
                 sinners
                 ,
                 now
                 while
                 healing
                 is
                 tendered
                 ,
                 you
                 would
                 accept
                 of
                 it
                 !
                 the
                 Lord
                 make
                 you
                 willing
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Do
                 but
                 consider
                 ,
                 what
                 thronging
                 there
                 was
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 healing
                 of
                 their
                 bodily
                 distempers
                 ,
                 they
                 brought
                 them
                 from
                 all
                 
                 parts
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 could
                 not
                 come
                 themselves
                 ;
                 and
                 would
                 
                 there
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 like
                 now
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 upon
                 earth
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 would
                 poor
                 Creeples
                 set
                 the
                 best
                 foot
                 forward
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 had
                 diseased
                 creatures
                 ,
                 Lame
                 ,
                 Blind
                 ,
                 Palsie
                 ?
                 &c.
                 O
                 how
                 would
                 they
                 take
                 themselves
                 bound
                 to
                 bring
                 them
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 healing
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 body
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 You
                 would
                 think
                 you
                 were
                 undone
                 if
                 you
                 were
                 lamed
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 not
                 stand
                 upon
                 your
                 legs
                 ;
                 why
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 and
                 a
                 heart
                 .
                 Such
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 lame
                 ,
                 one
                 leg
                 shorter
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 or
                 walks
                 with
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 an
                 higher
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 in
                 a
                 lower
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 halts
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 this
                 nothing
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 a
                 tender
                 mother
                 give
                 now
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 had
                 all
                 her
                 children
                 and
                 self
                 under
                 the
                 plague
                 at
                 once
                 ,
                 or
                 lying
                 of
                 the
                 stone
                 or
                 gout
                 at
                 once
                 ,
                 one
                 cryeth
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 cryeth
                 ,
                 never
                 pain
                 like
                 theirs
                 .
                 What
                 would
                 a
                 mother
                 give
                 now
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 ready
                 would
                 she
                 be
                 to
                 carry
                 them
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 the
                 plague
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 stone
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 no
                 out-cries
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 nor
                 care
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 nay
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 himself
                 ,
                 is
                 first
                 in
                 the
                 thing
                 ,
                 visits
                 with
                 his
                 salvation
                 ,
                 moveth
                 ,
                 intreateth
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 pardon
                 ,
                 of
                 healing
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 ;
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 more
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Consider
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 most
                 freely
                 willing
                 to
                 heal
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 ,
                 and
                 hearty
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 salvation
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 prepared
                 such
                 costly
                 cordials
                 ,
                 made
                 up
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 spirits
                 and
                 his
                 own
                 blood
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 no
                 disease
                 might
                 be
                 so
                 deadly
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 soveraignty
                 of
                 the
                 Medicine
                 should
                 be
                 as
                 lively
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ;
                 did
                 he
                 ever
                 refuse
                 any
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 healing
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 for
                 healing
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 while
                 they
                 came
                 for
                 healing
                 of
                 their
                 bodies
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 
                   ex
                   superabundanti
                   gratia
                
                 ,
                 heal
                 their
                 souls
                 ;
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 ask
                 crums
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 woman
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 giveth
                 them
                 the
                 childrens
                 bread
                 ,
                 his
                 flesh
                 and
                 his
                 blood
                 to
                 eat
                 and
                 to
                 drink
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 food
                 and
                 Physick
                 to
                 heal
                 and
                 nourish
                 them
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 at
                 large
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   none
                   that
                   come
                   unto
                   him
                   he
                   will
                   in
                   any
                   wise
                   cast
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 Therefore
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 to
                 labour
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 give
                 it
                 over
                 until
                 he
                 hath
                 brought
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 set
                 you
                 directly
                 under
                 the
                 beams
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 more
                 direct
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 power
                 they
                 have
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 reason
                 :
                 beams
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 in
                 winter
                 will
                 not
                 heal
                 the
                 earth
                 of
                 its
                 barrenness
                 and
                 frozenness
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 it
                 s
                 bound
                 up
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 some
                 may
                 have
                 some
                 glancing
                 influence
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 some
                 kind
                 of
                 tasts
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 not
                 amount
                 to
                 an
                 healing
                 ,
                 though
                 to
                 an
                 escaping
                 of
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 outward
                 acts
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 healed
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 lusts
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 like
                 sullen
                 weeds
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 live
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 shade
                 and
                 darkness
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 wells
                 ,
                 and
                 pits
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 Sun
                 cometh
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 wherever
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 cometh
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 presently
                 done
                 away
                 .
                 Some
                 things
                 are
                 so
                 gross
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 glimmering
                 of
                 light
                 discovered
                 ,
                 they
                 fly
                 away
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 secret
                 lusts
                 lie
                 so
                 close
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 have
                 cast
                 out
                 their
                 roots
                 so
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 so
                 fastened
                 in
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 do
                 shine
                 in
                 his
                 strength
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 never
                 up
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 never
                 wither
                 nor
                 dye
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 soul
                 be
                 healed
                 ;
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Exhortation
                 .
              
               
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 refreshing
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 tremble
                 at
                 this
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 are
                 indeed
                 sensible
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 sad
                 complaints
                 they
                 make
                 ;
                 I
                 may
                 imagine
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 heareth
                 the
                 moan
                 that
                 every
                 poor
                 sinner
                 maketh
                 over
                 his
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 over
                 his
                 diseases
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 that
                 feels
                 he
                 is
                 wounded
                 ,
                 the
                 heavy
                 groans
                 he
                 fetcheth
                 ,
                 one
                 cryeth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 broken
                 arm
                 ,
                 another
                 of
                 a
                 wounded
                 head
                 ,
                 a
                 third
                 of
                 the
                 stone
                 ,
                 a
                 fourth
                 of
                 the
                 plague
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 it
                 throbs
                 and
                 smarts
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 opens
                 sinners
                 eyes
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 never
                 saw
                 before
                 ,
                 thus
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 them
                 :
                 Why
                 now
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 thy
                 case
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 see
                 and
                 know
                 thy
                 wound
                 ?
                 know
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 healing
                 for
                 thee
                 ,
                 cast
                 not
                 away
                 thy
                 hope
                 ;
                 for
                 so
                 poor
                 creatures
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 healing
                 for
                 me
                 ?
                 there
                 was
                 never
                 wound
                 sure
                 so
                 deep
                 as
                 mine
                 .
                 O
                 never
                 was
                 there
                 disease
                 so
                 loathsom
                 ,
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 pain
                 as
                 mine
                 !
                 yea
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 promise
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   shall
                   arise
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   upon
                   them
                   that
                   fear
                   him
                
                 ;
                 and
                 now
                 thou
                 beginnest
                 to
                 be
                 afraid
                 of
                 him
                 :
                 though
                 before
                 thou
                 knewest
                 him
                 ,
                 thou
                 madest
                 nothing
                 of
                 rebelling
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 thou
                 dost
                 :
                 as
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 bring
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 guilty
                 of
                 anothers
                 murther
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 bleed
                 afresh
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 guilty
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 suppose
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 wounds
                 thee
                 now
                 ,
                 why
                 his
                 blood
                 will
                 issue
                 afresh
                 to
                 heal
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 
                 troubled
                 with
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 in
                 thine
                 eyes
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 thy
                 understanding
                 darkened
                 ?
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 this
                 :
                 how
                 ready
                 was
                 he
                 when
                 the
                 blind
                 men
                 cryed
                 to
                 his
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 receive
                 their
                 sight
                 ?
                 you
                 know
                 he
                 healed
                 them
                 .
                 What
                 ,
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 have
                 thy
                 memory
                 healed
                 of
                 its
                 slipperiness
                 and
                 treachery
                 ?
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 that
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 it
                 for
                 many
                 a
                 one
                 in
                 a
                 strange
                 manner
                 .
                 What
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 thy
                 thoughts
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 are
                 wandering
                 and
                 vain
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 that
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 thy
                 love
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 dissimulation
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 pure
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 ●ervent
                 as
                 it
                 should
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 that
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 thy
                 will
                 ,
                 of
                 its
                 pronness
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 ,
                 thy
                 own
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 that
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 the
                 Irascible
                 part
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 thee
                 of
                 those
                 fears
                 ,
                 and
                 troubles
                 ,
                 and
                 inordinate
                 passions
                 ,
                 vanities
                 ,
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 vain
                 desires
                 .
              
               
                 O
                 but
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 my
                 disease
                 is
                 a
                 Relapse
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 found
                 strength
                 against
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 have
                 fallen
                 back
                 again
                 !
                 Be
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 their
                 back-slidings
                 :
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 sins
                 be
                 
                 talents
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 they
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 forgive
                 an
                 hundred
                 talents
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 thirty
                 pence
                 ;
                 back-sliding
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 compound
                 of
                 all
                 sins
                 ;
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 sadder
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 slighting
                 and
                 undervaluing
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 purged
                 and
                 cleansed
                 ;
                 but
                 is
                 this
                 thy
                 trouble
                 (
                 as
                 this
                 Novatianism
                 is
                 in
                 every
                 poor
                 troubled
                 conscience
                 )
                 to
                 question
                 ,
                 Whether
                 ever
                 God
                 will
                 pardon
                 or
                 heal
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 fall
                 after
                 repentance
                 ?
                 though
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 usually
                 it
                 costs
                 them
                 more
                 smart
                 ;
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 heal
                 even
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 was
                 not
                 Davids
                 sin
                 a
                 back-sliding
                 ,
                 and
                 Peters
                 a
                 back-sliding
                 ?
                 the
                 most
                 fearful
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 most
                 remarkable
                 sins
                 pardoned
                 and
                 healed
                 ,
                 were
                 back-slidings
                 ,
                 only
                 thou
                 must
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 endure
                 something
                 for
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 those
                 fearful
                 wounds
                 thou
                 hast
                 made
                 in
                 upon
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 wound
                 cured
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 ,
                 nor
                 without
                 any
                 anguish
                 ;
                 and
                 all
                 that
                 he
                 laies
                 upon
                 thee
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 the
                 smart
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 plaister
                 lie
                 long
                 upon
                 thee
                 before
                 it
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 the
                 sore
                 to
                 a
                 head
                 ,
                 to
                 break
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 ▪
                 will
                 be
                 some
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 thee
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 made
                 thee
                 weary
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 desirous
                 of
                 healing
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 for
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 crying
                 out
                 of
                 broken
                 bones
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 whose
                 condition
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   do
                   fear
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   obey
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   his
                   servants
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 fear
                 of
                 thy
                 soul
                 to
                 
                 
                 displease
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 to
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 happy
                 soul
                 with
                 whom
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 ;
                 but
                 thou
                 art
                 over-cast
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 clouded
                 ,
                 thou
                 seest
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 thy
                 bones
                 are
                 broken
                 ,
                 thy
                 spirit
                 is
                 wounded
                 ,
                 O
                 who
                 can
                 bear
                 a
                 wounded
                 spirit
                 ?
                 Be
                 of
                 good
                 chear
                 man
                 ,
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 hath
                 he
                 not
                 promised
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   arise
                   upon
                   them
                   that
                   fear
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Lord
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   ?
                
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 those
                 broken
                 bones
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 flesh
                 wherein
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 soundness
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 thy
                 sins
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 heal
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 doing
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 pittyeth
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 how
                 to
                 pitty
                 thee
                 ,
                 for
                 himself
                 was
                 ecclipsed
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 know
                 how
                 to
                 pitty
                 them
                 that
                 suffer
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 kind
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 thy
                 frame
                 ,
                 what
                 thou
                 canst
                 bear
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 thee
                 sink
                 O
                 thou
                 of
                 little
                 faith●
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 fright
                 thee
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 the
                 cloud
                 will
                 be
                 over
                 again
                 ,
                 only
                 thou
                 must
                 wait
                 for
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 without
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 countenance
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 thou
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 what
                 thou
                 canst
                 bear
                 ;
                 therefore
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 man
                 :
                 and
                 beside
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 his
                 promise
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 only
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 fear
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 put
                 not
                 forth
                 thy
                 hand
                 to
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 say
                 not
                 with
                 that
                 wicked
                 King
                 ,
                 
                   Why
                   should
                   I
                   wait
                   for
                   the
                   Lord
                   any
                   longer
                   ?
                   he
                   that
                   shall
                   come
                   ,
                   will
                   come
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   best
                   season
                   .
                
                 When
                 the
                 mercy
                 will
                 be
                 most
                 sweet
                 and
                 seasonable
                 ,
                 himself
                 may
                 have
                 most
                 glory
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 soul
                 most
                 refreshing
                 .
              
               
                 O
                 but
                 saith
                 another
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 healed
                 I
                 doubt
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 I
                 find
                 ,
                 though
                 haply
                 I
                 break
                 not
                 out
                 as
                 before
                 ,
                 to
                 uncleanness
                 actually
                 ;
                 yet
                 I
                 have
                 eyes
                 full
                 of
                 adultery
                 still
                 ,
                 I
                 find
                 the
                 dispositions
                 ,
                 and
                 inclinations
                 ,
                 and
                 yieldings
                 of
                 my
                 heart
                 strong
                 to
                 mine
                 own
                 iniquity
                 still
                 ,
                 some
                 to
                 one
                 and
                 some
                 to
                 another
                 .
                 ●or
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 :
                 Is
                 this
                 thy
                 burthen
                 ,
                 thy
                 grief
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 loath
                 thy
                 ●elf
                 for
                 it
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 hate
                 it
                 ?
                 wouldst
                 thou
                 fain
                 have
                 it
                 rooted
                 up
                 ?
                 thou
                 art
                 healed
                 in
                 the
                 greatest
                 part
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 core
                 fetched
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 wound
                 be
                 not
                 altogether
                 healed
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 longer
                 time
                 then
                 haply
                 God
                 hath
                 been
                 dealing
                 with
                 thy
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 be
                 of
                 good
                 chear
                 man
                 ,
                 lay
                 thy self
                 under
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 improve
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 wherein
                 he
                 shines
                 most
                 gloriously
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 he
                 will
                 circumcise
                 thine
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 all
                 thine
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 subdue
                 all
                 iniquity
                 
                 for
                 thee
                 ;
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 not
                 as
                 good
                 as
                 his
                 word
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 time
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 best
                 time
                 .
              
               
               
                 We
                 have
                 already
                 endeavoured
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 main
                 promise
                 in
                 this
                 bundle
                 ,
                 and
                 apply
                 it
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 advantage
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 can
                 tell
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 at
                 large
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 a
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 ari●e
                 with
                 healing
                 in
                 his
                 wings
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 him
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 Christ
                 promised
                 ,
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 healing
                 ,
                 reviving
                 and
                 quickning
                 promised
                 ,
                 and
                 through
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 liberty
                 which
                 is
                 promised
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 the
                 least
                 considerable
                 Appendices
                 of
                 our
                 justification
                 through
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 long
                 since
                 heard
                 somewhat
                 upon
                 this
                 subject
                 ,
                 however
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 hear
                 but
                 the
                 same
                 things
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 breath
                 where
                 and
                 when
                 it
                 pleaseth
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 meet
                 with
                 him
                 sometimes
                 in
                 hearing
                 the
                 same
                 things
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 been
                 found
                 in
                 .
              
               
                 —
                 
                   And
                   ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 :
                 This
                 is
                 principally
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 told
                 you
                 ,
                 spoken
                 to
                 the
                 Jew
                 ;
                 to
                 the
                 Jew
                 first
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 to
                 the
                 Gentile
                 ;
                 as
                 all
                 the
                 Gospel
                 promises
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 first
                 preached
                 to
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 were
                 strangers
                 from
                 
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 promises
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 made
                 them
                 nigh
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 his
                 Son
                 that
                 were
                 afar
                 off
                 ;
                 in
                 Christ
                 all
                 the
                 promises
                 are
                 Yea
                 and
                 Amen
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 Jews
                 ;
                 I
                 told
                 you
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 confine
                 promises
                 made
                 to
                 times
                 and
                 persons
                 ,
                 except
                 by
                 unavoidable
                 nece●sity
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 matter
                 promised
                 is
                 such
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 promise
                 such
                 as
                 can
                 agree
                 to
                 no
                 other
                 time
                 or
                 person
                 ;
                 no
                 persons
                 or
                 peoples
                 condition
                 can
                 become
                 like
                 to
                 theirs
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 promise
                 is
                 made
                 ,
                 or
                 are
                 not
                 capable
                 of
                 the
                 thing
                 promised
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 the
                 Messiah
                 to
                 come
                 of
                 
                   David
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   in
                
                 Abrahams
                 
                   seed
                   all
                   the
                   Nations
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   should
                   be
                   blessed
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 promise
                 concerning
                 all
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 their
                 conditions
                 become
                 alike
                 ,
                 yea
                 all
                 that
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 any
                 of
                 these
                 senses
                 we
                 have
                 already
                 spoken
                 to
                 .
              
               
                 By
                 going
                 forth
                 here
                 ,
                 some
                 understand
                 ,
                 a
                 going
                 forth
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 going
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 prison
                 indeed
                 to
                 some
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 properly
                 so
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 place
                 of
                 repose
                 until
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 So
                 Alap
                 .
                 citing
                 Tert.
                 and
                 Jer.
                 the
                 reason
                 is
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 took
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 the
                 foregoing
                 verse
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   day
                   which
                   should
                   burn
                   as
                   an
                   Oven
                
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 do
                 rather
                 conceive
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 meant
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 last
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 
                 but
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 fearfull
                 desolations
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 which
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 deliver
                 and
                 save
                 his
                 own
                 people
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 rather
                 I
                 conceive
                 so
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 growing
                 up
                 like
                 Calves
                 of
                 the
                 Stall
                 ,
                 promised
                 afterward
                 :
                 now
                 if
                 that
                 be
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 room
                 then
                 to
                 grow
                 any
                 higher
                 ,
                 to
                 spread
                 any
                 further
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 tree
                 is
                 cut
                 down
                 so
                 it
                 lies
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 words
                 a
                 promise
                 of
                 an
                 inlargement
                 from
                 under
                 restraint
                 ,
                 wherewith
                 their
                 spirits
                 were
                 bound
                 up
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 imprisoned
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 (
                 I
                 hope
                 )
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 ;
                 only
                 take
                 here
                 the
                 note
                 of
                 observation
                 from
                 the
                 words
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   rising
                   upon
                   a
                   soul
                   ,
                   brings
                   inlargement
                   to
                   that
                   soul
                
                 
                 
                   or
                   people
                
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 .
                 
                   For
                   the
                   prosecution
                   of
                   this
                   I
                   shall
                   propose
                   this
                   Method
                   .
                   First
                   ,
                   give
                   you
                   the
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 the
                 quod
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   so
                   ,
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   the
                
                 quid
                 ,
                 
                   what
                   this
                   inlargement
                   is
                   which
                   cometh
                   ▪
                   along
                   with
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   to
                   a
                   Believer
                   .
                   Thirdly
                   ,
                   the
                
                 quare
                 
                   why
                   it
                   is
                   so
                   :
                   And
                   Fourthly
                   ,
                   the
                   Vse
                   of
                   the
                   Point
                   .
                
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 for
                 proof
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 peruse
                 a
                 Text
                 or
                 two
                 in
                 that
                 Evangelical
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 who
                 doth
                 very
                 eminently
                 hold
                 out
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   the
                   Lord
                   have
                   called
                   thee
                   in
                   righteousness
                   :
                
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 Call
                 of
                 Christ
                 :
                 
                   And
                   I
                   will
                   hold
                   thee
                   by
                   thine
                   hand
                   ,
                
                 or
                 ,
                 
                   hold
                   thine
                   hand
                
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 support
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 that
                 great
                 work
                 :
                 and
                 will
                 keep
                 thee
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   give
                   thee
                   for
                   a
                   Covenant
                   to
                   the
                   people
                   ;
                   for
                   a
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   Gentiles
                   :
                
                 He
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 Spirits
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 the
                 marrow
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 the
                 very
                 Spirits
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 promises
                 is
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 speech
                 is
                 ●igurative
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 he
                 to
                 do
                 ?
                 
                   To
                   open
                   the
                   blinde
                   eyes
                   ;
                   to
                   bring
                   out
                   the
                   prisoners
                   from
                   the
                   prison
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   them
                   that
                   sit
                   in
                   darkness
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   prison-house
                   .
                
                 Minde
                 you
                 therefore
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 was
                 willing
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 imprisoned
                 in
                 our
                 body
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 so
                 say
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 not
                 ,
                 in
                 other
                 respects
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 set
                 his
                 people
                 free
                 ,
                 bring
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 :
                 even
                 as
                 Paul
                 when
                 he
                 might
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 came
                 and
                 fetched
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 .
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 sinners
                 would
                 never
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 came
                 and
                 fetched
                 them
                 out
                 .
                 A
                 Prince
                 for
                 Rebellion
                 casts
                 his
                 Subjects
                 into
                 prison
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 there
                 they
                 lie
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 lie
                 and
                 rot
                 there
                 ,
                 their
                 stomack
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 ask
                 for
                 deliverance
                 ;
                 nay
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 set
                 themselves
                 free
                 ;
                 the
                 
                 Prince
                 cometh
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 hands
                 ,
                 knocks
                 off
                 the
                 bolts
                 ,
                 breaks
                 the
                 bars
                 &
                 gates
                 ,
                 and
                 bids
                 them
                 follow
                 him
                 :
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 for
                 sinners
                 .
                 So
                 again
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   John
                   ,
                   If
                   the
                   Son
                   make
                   you
                
                 
                 
                   free
                   ,
                   ye
                   shall
                   be
                   free
                   indeed
                   :
                
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 of
                 your
                 being
                 in
                 bondage
                 ;
                 but
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 at
                 Liberty
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 every
                 one
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Son
                 that
                 only
                 can
                 make
                 you
                 free
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 make
                 you
                 free
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 be
                 free
                 indeed
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 you
                 know
                 came
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 
                   work
                   out
                   salvation
                
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 preach
                 the
                 salvation
                 he
                 did
                 work
                 out
                 :
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 shed
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 preach
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 through
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   shall
                   we
                   escape
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   neglect
                   so
                   great
                   salvation
                   ?
                
                 
                 Which
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 began
                 to
                 be
                 spoken
                 to
                 us
                 by
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 by
                 those
                 that
                 heard
                 him
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 himself
                 preached
                 salvation
                 ;
                 he
                 himself
                 did
                 work
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 for
                 no
                 other
                 name
                 is
                 given
                 under
                 heaven
                 :
                 now
                 he
                 preacheth
                 this
                 as
                 a
                 main
                 part
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   upon
                   me
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   anointed
                   me
                   to
                   preach
                   good
                   tidings
                   unto
                   the
                   meek
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   sent
                   me
                   to
                   binde
                   up
                   the
                   broken
                   hearted
                
                 ;
                 He
                 was
                 anointed
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 his
                 Office
                 ;
                 and
                 because
                 anointed
                 as
                 a
                 Prophet
                 to
                 preach
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 was
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 poured
                 out
                 without
                 measure
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 gifted
                 and
                 fitted
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 which
                 though
                 some
                 understand
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 but
                 as
                 the
                 type
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 to
                 proclaim
                 
                 
                   liberty
                   to
                   the
                   Captives
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   the
                   opening
                   of
                   the
                   Prison
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   bound
                   .
                
                 Now
                 surely
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 the
                 substance
                 of
                 his
                 preaching
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 cometh
                 and
                 revealeth
                 himself
                 inwardly
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 giveth
                 himself
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 a
                 going
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 ,
                 wherein
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 was
                 held
                 :
                 so
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 again
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 in
                 chap.
                 42.
                 so
                 chap.
                 49.
                 of
                 
                   Isaiah
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   preserve
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   give
                   thee
                   for
                   a
                   Covenant
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                   That
                   thou
                   mayest
                   say
                   to
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   prisoners
                   go
                   forth
                   ,
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   stand
                   in
                   darkness
                   ,
                   shew
                   your selves
                   :
                
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 with
                 God
                 but
                 
                   dictum
                   ac
                   factum
                
                 ,
                 his
                 words
                 are
                 operative
                 words
                 ;
                 mark
                 you
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 Go
                 forth
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 his
                 Commission
                 is
                 his
                 work
                 ,
                 for
                 to
                 say
                 to
                 the
                 Prisoners
                 ,
                 
                   Go
                   forth
                
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 bid
                 Lazarus
                 come
                 forth
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 forth
                 ;
                 he
                 calls
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 ;
                 commands
                 light
                 out
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 commands
                 Deliverance
                 and
                 Liberty
                 for
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 that
                 are
                 bound
                 :
                 I
                 
                 hope
                 none
                 will
                 say
                 this
                 is
                 all
                 Old
                 Testament
                 proof
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 Gospel
                 as
                 clear
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 all
                 ground
                 of
                 a
                 cavil
                 ,
                 read
                 but
                 Luke
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 finde
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 Text
                 our
                 Saviour
                 preacheth
                 upon
                 to
                 the
                 Jews
                 ;
                 tells
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 day
                 this
                 Text
                 was
                 fulfilled
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 anointed
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 was
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 was
                 appointed
                 to
                 preach
                 the
                 Gospel
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 the
                 broken
                 hearted
                 ,
                 to
                 preach
                 deliverance
                 to
                 the
                 captives
                 ,
                 and
                 recovering
                 of
                 sight
                 
                 to
                 the
                 blinde
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 bruised
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 may
                 not
                 wast
                 any
                 more
                 time
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 burning
                 day
                 light
                 to
                 hold
                 a
                 candle
                 to
                 the
                 Sun
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 written
                 with
                 a
                 Sun-beam
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 shut
                 your
                 eyes
                 you
                 must
                 needs
                 see
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 thing
                 ,
                 Is
                 the
                 quod
                 ,
                 what
                 this
                 inlargement
                 ,
                 or
                 freedom
                 is
                 that
                 is
                 here
                 promised
                 ?
                 and
                 truly
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 large
                 question
                 ,
                 and
                 wherein
                 most
                 of
                 our
                 work
                 will
                 lie
                 :
                 each
                 of
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 acknowledge
                 a
                 slavery
                 ,
                 a
                 bondage
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 ,
                 from
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 speak
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 yea
                 brings
                 them
                 forth
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 distinct
                 understanding
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 meanest
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 who
                 make
                 it
                 their
                 work
                 to
                 preserve
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 yet
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 endeavour
                 somewhat
                 this-way
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 .
              
               
                 That
                 we
                 may
                 the
                 more
                 clearly
                 proceed
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 distinguish
                 of
                 freedom
                 or
                 liberty
                 into
                 Civil
                 and
                 Spiritual
                 ;
                 Civil
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 freedom
                 of
                 ma●s
                 person
                 from
                 servitude
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 shall
                 no
                 more
                 be
                 under
                 ●he
                 yoke
                 ;
                 and
                 thus
                 the
                 Jews
                 misunderstood
                 our
                 Saviour
                 when
                 he
                 spake
                 of
                 freedom
                 ;
                 
                   If
                   the
                   Son
                   do
                   make
                   you
                   free
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   be
                   free
                   indeed
                   :
                
                 why
                 said
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   are
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   Abraham
                   ,
                
                 
                 we
                 are
                 free-born
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 never
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 any
                 man
                 ;
                 they
                 meant
                 sure
                 they
                 were
                 never
                 particularly
                 sold
                 for
                 servants
                 to
                 any
                 ,
                 else
                 bred
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 any
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 servants
                 ,
                 not
                 meaning
                 their
                 publick
                 state
                 ,
                 but
                 private
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 much
                 did
                 forget
                 themselves
                 ;
                 for
                 they
                 had
                 often
                 been
                 in
                 captivity
                 and
                 bondage
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 Egypt
                 and
                 Babylon
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 present
                 under
                 the
                 Romans
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 liberty
                 we
                 chiefly
                 aim
                 at
                 ,
                 nor
                 may
                 we
                 extend
                 it
                 to
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 any
                 further
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 curse
                 :
                 now
                 we
                 know
                 the
                 Apostle
                 tels
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 called
                 ,
                 being
                 a
                 servant
                 ,
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 his
                 Free-man
                 ,
                 neither
                 bond
                 ●or
                 free
                 :
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 difference
                 ?
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 one
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 did
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 break
                 all
                 yokes
                 off
                 the
                 
                 neck
                 of
                 Servants
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 deliver
                 all
                 such
                 relations
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 meant
                 here
                 surely
                 of
                 a
                 spiritual
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 a
                 freedom
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 from
                 its
                 thraldom
                 ;
                 nay
                 himself
                 cometh
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 servant
                 ;
                 did
                 he
                 not
                 rather
                 sanctifie
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 and
                 relation
                 then
                 abolish
                 it
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Then
                 taking
                 it
                 for
                 spiritual
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 freedom
                 from
                 Spiritual
                 evils
                 ,
                 the
                 subjection
                 whereunto
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 take
                 it
                 either
                 in
                 a
                 larger
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 restrained
                 sense
                 ;
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 restrained
                 ,
                 only
                 for
                 that
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 which
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 ever
                 had
                 through
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 since
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 was
                 preached
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 closed
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 ever
                 before
                 Christ
                 came
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 Believers
                 believed
                 in
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 a
                 liberty
                 through
                 him
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 main
                 parts
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 necessarily
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 though
                 haply
                 not
                 in
                 that
                 degree
                 that
                 now
                 ordinarily
                 Believers
                 indeed
                 have
                 that
                 freedom
                 :
                 but
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 yoaks
                 upon
                 them
                 then
                 ,
                 which
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 broken
                 from
                 off
                 the
                 necks
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 were
                 pinching
                 yoaks
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 less
                 considerable
                 by
                 far
                 ,
                 then
                 those
                 from
                 which
                 they
                 were
                 delivered
                 and
                 set
                 free
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 now
                 we
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 larger
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 glorious
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 ;
                 which
                 will
                 better
                 appear
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 only
                 this
                 I
                 thought
                 good
                 to
                 premi●e
                 ,
                 lost
                 any
                 should
                 think
                 that
                 liberty
                 began
                 only
                 when
                 Christ
                 was
                 revealed
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 smallest
                 part
                 that
                 then
                 was
                 added
                 ,
                 though
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 liberty
                 from
                 the
                 sore
                 condemning
                 ,
                 destroying
                 bondage
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 they
                 had
                 before
                 ,
                 haply
                 is
                 now
                 heightned
                 to
                 believers
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 premise
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 this
                 spiritual
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 consider
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 s
                 Subject
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 Its
                 Causes
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 Its
                 Parts
                 ,
                 extensive
                 and
                 intensive
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 may
                 so
                 speak
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 degrees
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 subject
                 of
                 this
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 Christians
                 that
                 are
                 so
                 indeed
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 Christian
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 from
                 Christ
                 the
                 Author
                 ,
                 but
                 from
                 the
                 Subjects
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Christians
                 ,
                 Believers
                 ,
                 both
                 Jews
                 and
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 Bond
                 or
                 Free
                 ,
                 Male
                 or
                 Female
                 :
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 above
                 ,
                 is
                 
                 free
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 us
                 all
                 ;
                 all
                 such
                 then
                 as
                 receive
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 poor
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 all
                 those
                 upon
                 whom
                 the
                 Sun
                 
                 of
                 righteousness
                 doth
                 arise
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 set
                 free
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 go
                 forth
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 partial
                 subject
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 better
                 appear
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ;
                 some
                 are
                 for
                 the
                 freeing
                 the
                 minde
                 ,
                 some
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 some
                 the
                 conscience
                 ,
                 some
                 the
                 whole
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 this
                 afterward
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Then
                 for
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 which
                 is
                 here
                 promised
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 The
                 principal
                 efficient
                 cause
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Trinity
                 
                   ad
                   extra
                
                 ,
                 are
                 individed
                 :
                 the
                 Father
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 cals
                 us
                 to
                 liberty
                 ;
                 
                   Ye
                   are
                   called
                   to
                   liberty
                
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   use
                   it
                   not
                   as
                   a
                   cloke
                   to
                   the
                   flesh
                   .
                   I
                   marvel
                
                 
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   that
                   you
                   are
                   so
                   soon
                   removed
                   from
                   him
                   who
                   hath
                   called
                   you
                   into
                   the
                   Grace
                   of
                   Christ
                   unto
                   another
                   Gospel
                   .
                
                 The
                 Apostle
                 meaneth
                 the
                 calling
                 to
                 liberty
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 cals
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 the
                 false
                 teachers
                 that
                 would
                 subject
                 them
                 again
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 and
                 Ceremonies
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 that
                 bondage
                 ,
                 subvert
                 their
                 liberty
                 ,
                 he
                 cals
                 it
                 another
                 Gospel
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 :
                 
                   If
                   the
                   Son
                   make
                   you
                   free
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   be
                   free
                   indeed
                   ;
                   and
                   stand
                   fast
                   in
                   the
                   liberty
                   wherewith
                   Christ
                   hath
                   made
                   you
                
                 
                 free
                 :
                 false
                 Brethren
                 came
                 to
                 spy
                 out
                 our
                 liberty
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 bring
                 us
                 into
                 bondage
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 clear
                 :
                 
                   The
                   Law
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   life
                   in
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   hath
                   made
                   me
                   free
                   from
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   Sin
                   and
                   Death
                   :
                
                 the
                 
                 mighty
                 ,
                 powerful
                 working
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 powerful
                 operation
                 of
                 Sin
                 ,
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 Sin
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   where
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   liberty
                   :
                
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Adoption
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 succedeth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 
                 of
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 setteth
                 us
                 free
                 from
                 that
                 Bondage
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 The
                 impulsive
                 cause
                 is
                 meerly
                 his
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 his
                 good
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 his
                 tender
                 mercy
                 ,
                 his
                 bowels
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Original
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   bowels
                   of
                   our
                   God
                   ,
                   whereby
                   the
                   day-spring
                   from
                   on
                   high
                   hath
                   visited
                   us
                   :
                
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 rightousness
                 upon
                 
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 effect
                 of
                 it
                 you
                 have
                 before
                 :
                 
                   That
                   we
                   being
                   delivered
                   from
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   all
                   our
                   enemies
                   ,
                   might
                   serve
                   him
                   without
                   fear
                   in
                   holiness
                   and
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 misery
                 is
                 the
                 motive
                 only
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 for
                 all
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 some
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 bondage
                 naturally
                 ,
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 The
                 meritorious
                 cause
                 is
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                 no
                 less
                 then
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Kings
                 son
                 is
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 the
                 liberty
                 of
                 poor
                 Slaves
                 in
                 bondage
                 :
                 this
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 tender
                 mercy
                 indeed
                 ,
                 rich
                 love
                 indeed
                 :
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   through
                   death
                   he
                   might
                   destroy
                   him
                   that
                   hath
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   Devil
                   :
                
                 
                 no
                 less
                 then
                 a
                 Kings
                 ransom
                 is
                 paid
                 for
                 the
                 liberty
                 of
                 every
                 poor
                 creature
                 that
                 is
                 made
                 free
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 took
                 upon
                 him
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ;
                 because
                 the
                 children
                 were
                 partakers
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 die
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 deliver
                 them
                 that
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 death
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 all
                 their
                 life-time
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 more
                 afterward
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 now
                 speaking
                 to
                 the
                 meritorious
                 cause
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 his
                 pretious
                 mercy
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 The
                 means
                 of
                 conferring
                 or
                 conveiging
                 this
                 liberty
                 to
                 poor
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 liberty
                 ,
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 the
                 means
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 plain
                 in
                 many
                 places
                 ;
                 As
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Isaiah
                   ,
                   The
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   upon
                   me
                
                 ;
                 
                 
                   therefore
                   he
                   hath
                   anointed
                   me
                   to
                   preach
                   good
                   tidings
                   to
                   the
                   meek
                   ,
                   to
                   bind
                   up
                   the
                   broken-hearted
                   ,
                   to
                   proclaim
                   liberty
                   to
                   the
                   Captives
                   :
                
                 if
                 
                 ever
                 any
                 preaching
                 was
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 Christs
                 preaching
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 who
                 himself
                 was
                 given
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Covenant
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 :
                 sure
                 he
                 would
                 preach
                 nothing
                 but
                 that
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 subordination
                 to
                 that
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 doth
                 preach
                 the
                 Law
                 too
                 ,
                 as
                 would
                 easily
                 appear
                 :
                 but
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 digress
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 tha●
                 other
                 place
                 of
                 Luke
                 ,
                 
                 where
                 either
                 that
                 or
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 fore-cited
                 places
                 in
                 Isaiah
                 are
                 quoted
                 :
                 
                   Ye
                   shall
                   know
                   the
                   truth
                
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 )
                 
                   and
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   truth
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   free
                
                 :
                 by
                 truth
                 there
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 meant
                 indefinitely
                 ,
                 any
                 truth
                 whatever
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 nor
                 a
                 scriptural
                 truth
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 truth
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 truth
                 :
                 
                   Grace
                   and
                   Truth
                   came
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 it
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 so
                 pure
                 and
                 precious
                 :
                 
                   For
                   his
                   word
                   is
                   like
                   Silver
                   tryed
                   and
                   purified
                   seven
                   times
                   :
                
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 his
                 Promise
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 concludeth
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   the
                   Lord
                   will
                   keep
                   them
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   preserve
                   them
                   for
                   ever
                   :
                
                 and
                 so
                 pretious
                 ,
                 so
                 confirmed
                 by
                 miracles
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 other
                 truth
                 scarce
                 deserveth
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 truth
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 either
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 pure
                 ,
                 but
                 hath
                 some
                 dross
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 not
                 so
                 pretious
                 .
                 O
                 they
                 are
                 pretious
                 Promises
                 indeed
                 !
                 as
                 the
                 soul
                 knoweth
                 right-well
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 stand
                 in
                 need
                 of
                 a
                 Promise
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 it
                 he
                 sucks
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 letteth
                 down
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 it
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 take
                 a
                 parallel
                 Scripture
                 to
                 shew
                 that
                 Gospel
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 truth
                 :
                 The
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 plainly
                 ,
                 
                   For
                   the
                   hope
                   which
                   is
                   laid
                   up
                   
                   for
                   you
                   in
                   heaven
                   ,
                   whereof
                   you
                   heard
                   before
                   in
                   the
                   word
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   :
                
                 and
                 again
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Ephesians
                   ,
                   In
                   whom
                   also
                   ye
                   trusted
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   after
                   that
                   ye
                   heard
                   the
                   word
                   of
                   truth
                   ,
                   the
                   Gospel
                   of
                   your
                   salvation
                   ,
                   in
                   whom
                   also
                   after
                   ye
                   believed
                   ,
                   ye
                   were
                   sealed
                   with
                   the
                   holy
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Promise
                   .
                
                 So
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 truth
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 knowledge
                 whereof
                 shall
                 make
                 us
                 free
                 ;
                 where
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 liberty
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 clear
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ;
                 Now
                 how
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 given
                 but
                 by
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ?
                 
                   Received
                   ye
                   the
                   Spirit
                   by
                   the
                   works
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   or
                   by
                   the
                   hearing
                   of
                   Faith
                   ?
                
                 which
                 is
                 that
                 hearing
                 of
                 Faith
                 
                 by
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Truth
                 ;
                 the
                 foregoing
                 Verse
                 ,
                 even
                 that
                 which
                 held
                 forth
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 hearing
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 rumour
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 but
                 hearing
                 is
                 such
                 an
                 hearing
                 ,
                 as
                 whereby
                 a
                 man
                 believeth
                 ;
                 and
                 Faith
                 by
                 a
                 Metonymie
                 ,
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 called
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 because
                 Faith
                 thereby
                 is
                 begotten
                 ;
                 now
                 by
                 this
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 received
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 liberty
                 cometh
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 called
                 
                   the
                   ministration
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 because
                 therewith
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 given
                 and
                 ministred
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ;
                 whereas
                 the
                 Law
                 works
                 Bondage
                 and
                 Wrath
                 ,
                 
                   Therefore
                   Jerusalem
                   is
                   free
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   above
                
                 ;
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 the
                 Church
                 builded
                 upon
                 the
                 
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 is
                 free
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 ;
                 The
                 Gospel
                 is
                 the
                 outward
                 instrumental
                 cause
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 the
                 inward
                 instrumental
                 cause
                 or
                 Con.
                 as
                 some
                 will
                 have
                 
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 now
                 dispute
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 faith
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 close
                 with
                 this
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Faith
                 and
                 hearing
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 work
                 Faith
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 given
                 which
                 brings
                 liberty
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 many
                 hear
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 liberty
                 which
                 we
                 preach
                 ,
                 and
                 few
                 do
                 receive
                 it
                 ,
                 few
                 believe
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 appeareth
                 by
                 woful
                 experience
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 never
                 gone
                 forth
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 have
                 had
                 as
                 much
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 ;
                 
                   Jerusalem
                   that
                   now
                   is
                
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 cals
                 it
                 )
                 
                   was
                   in
                   bondage
                
                 
                 then
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 had
                 the
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 among
                 them
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 ,
                 they
                 believed
                 not
                 ;
                 except
                 the
                 Spirit
                 therein
                 be
                 conveyed
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 dead
                 letter
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 deadly
                 letter
                 also
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 or
                 freedom
                 which
                 cometh
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 thing
                 under
                 this
                 head
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 or
                 freedom
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 shall
                 consider
                 two
                 ways
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 Extensively
                 ,
                 
                 in
                 their
                 latitude●
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 Intensively
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 degrees
                 of
                 each
                 of
                 these
                 parts
                 in
                 its
                 latitude
                 .
                 But
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 the
                 better
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 liberty
                 is
                 a
                 relative
                 ,
                 and
                 respecteth
                 some
                 bondage
                 ,
                 some
                 imprisoning
                 or
                 shutting
                 up
                 ,
                 from
                 which
                 this
                 liberty
                 is
                 a
                 deliverance
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 to
                 set
                 off
                 the
                 lustre
                 of
                 this
                 glorious
                 liberty
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 amiss
                 to
                 run
                 a
                 parallel
                 between
                 them
                 .
                 That
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 under
                 which
                 every
                 poor
                 creature
                 without
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 held
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 at
                 present
                 presuppose
                 ,
                 though
                 afterward
                 haply
                 I
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 prove
                 it
                 :
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 here
                 too
                 far
                 digress
                 before
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 liberty
                 will
                 be
                 opposite
                 and
                 correspondent
                 .
                 I
                 shall
                 say
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 ,
                 something
                 to
                 the
                 Author
                 of
                 this
                 Bondage
                 and
                 Tenure
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 but
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Author
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 under
                 which
                 poor
                 creatures
                 are
                 without
                 Christ
                 altogether
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 part
                 also
                 many
                 times
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 under
                 Grace
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Some
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 ascribed
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 forth
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 meerly
                 vindictive
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 inflicting
                 of
                 a
                 just
                 penalty
                 upon
                 Sinners
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 we
                 may
                 ascribe
                 it
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 will
                 more
                 plainly
                 appear
                 in
                 the
                 following
                 Considerations
                 .
                 
                   The
                   Law
                
                 
                 
                   which
                   genders
                   to
                   Bondage
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   his
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   holy
                   ,
                   and
                   just
                   and
                   good
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   gender
                   to
                   Bondage
                   :
                
                 nor
                 will
                 it
                 follow
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 form
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 it
                 was
                 an
                 evil
                 in
                 it self
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 
                   per
                   accidens
                
                 ,
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 our
                 corruption
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Bondage
                 which
                 in
                 some
                 is
                 vindictive
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 binds
                 and
                 hampers
                 a
                 Sinner
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 his
                 sin
                 ,
                 haply
                 never
                 intending
                 that
                 he
                 shall
                 see
                 through
                 those
                 terrors
                 to
                 his
                 comfort
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 justly
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 a
                 settlement
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 peace
                 ,
                 to
                 an
                 Adoption
                 ,
                 a
                 Sonship
                 through
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 preparative
                 to
                 the
                 receiving
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 several
                 other
                 parts
                 of
                 it
                 are
                 from
                 him
                 under
                 this
                 Consideration
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 But
                 so
                 far
                 forth
                 as
                 any
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 sinful
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 our
                 own
                 evil
                 hearts
                 :
                 for
                 darkness
                 cannot
                 come
                 from
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 any
                 thing
                 unclean
                 come
                 from
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 altogether
                 pure
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 clean
                 thing
                 can
                 proceed
                 from
                 an
                 unclean
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 bondage
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 more
                 at
                 large
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 discuss
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 For
                 the
                 tenure
                 :
                 for
                 being
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 
                 bondage
                 to
                 some
                 person
                 properly
                 ;
                 to
                 some
                 thing
                 improperly
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 Prosopopeia
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 Tenure
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 wherein
                 they
                 do
                 hold
                 us
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 three
                 or
                 four
                 tenures
                 (
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 so
                 call
                 them
                 )
                 whereby
                 we
                 are
                 thus
                 held
                 under
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 until
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 come
                 to
                 set
                 us
                 free
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 A
                 Sale
                 ▪
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 By
                 Birth
                 .
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 By
                 Captivity
                 or
                 Conquest
                 .
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 By
                 Tyranny
                 and
                 resignation
                 of
                 themselves
                 up
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 vassallage
                 :
                 but
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 Bondage
                 by
                 Captivity
                 ,
                 when
                 People
                 are
                 taken
                 Captives
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 common
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 can
                 be
                 ignorant
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 What
                 are
                 the
                 Turks
                 Gally-slaves
                 but
                 the
                 prey
                 of
                 their
                 piracies
                 ?
                 all
                 is
                 fish
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 net
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ;
                 This
                 is
                 one
                 Part
                 of
                 the
                 Tenure
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 taken
                 captive
                 by
                 Satan
                 even
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 ;
                 
                   Of
                   whom
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   overcome
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   same
                   is
                   he
                   brought
                   in
                   bondage
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 military
                 Law
                 ,
                 the
                 Prisoners
                 were
                 ever
                 the
                 Conquerours
                 slaves
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 seen
                 it
                 but
                 too
                 evidently
                 with
                 our
                 own
                 eyes
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 born
                 witness
                 to
                 it
                 in
                 our
                 dayes
                 ,
                 wherein
                 there
                 hath
                 been
                 so
                 much
                 leading
                 into
                 captivity
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 complaining
                 in
                 our
                 Land
                 ;
                 So
                 Satan
                 he
                 
                 hath
                 overcome
                 us
                 in
                 our
                 first
                 Parents
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 overcome
                 ,
                 and
                 ever
                 since
                 he
                 holds
                 fast
                 his
                 hold
                 he
                 had
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 let
                 Sinners
                 enjoy
                 a
                 little
                 chain
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 he
                 takes
                 them
                 alive
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 ;
                 
                 you
                 see
                 a
                 beast
                 of
                 prey
                 sometimes
                 so
                 sportful
                 as
                 to
                 play
                 with
                 the
                 prey
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 go
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 it
                 runs
                 ,
                 and
                 thinketh
                 it
                 is
                 free
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 the
                 beast
                 of
                 prey
                 ;
                 as
                 Pharoah
                 would
                 let
                 Israel
                 go
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 go
                 far
                 ,
                 he
                 fetcheth
                 them
                 in
                 when
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 also
                 a
                 Bondage
                 by
                 Sale
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 Joseph
                 was
                 sold
                 into
                 Egypt
                 for
                 a
                 servant
                 ;
                 and
                 nothing
                 more
                 ordinary
                 then
                 selling
                 and
                 buying
                 of
                 servants
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 bought
                 with
                 thy
                 money
                 ,
                 saith
                 God
                 to
                 
                   Abraham
                   ,
                   Gen.
                
                 17.
                 12.
                 
                 &
                 13.
                 (
                 distinguishing
                 of
                 servants
                 )
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 circumcised
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 appears
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 a
                 more
                 absolute
                 power
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 had
                 over
                 other
                 Servants
                 bought
                 of
                 any
                 stranger
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 of
                 thy
                 seed
                 ;
                 thy
                 bond-men
                 and
                 thy
                 bond-maids
                 shall
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 Heathen
                 ,
                 not
                 of
                 thy
                 brethren
                 ,
                 
                   Of
                   them
                   shall
                   ye
                   buy
                   bond-men
                   and
                   bond-maids
                   ,
                   Levit.
                
                 25.
                 44.
                 
                 These
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 even
                 as
                 a
                 Possession
                 
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 ver
                 .
                 25.
                 and
                 their
                 power
                 was
                 so
                 absolute
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 they
                 smote
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 hand
                 or
                 a
                 rod
                 ,
                 so
                 
                 that
                 they
                 died
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 continued
                 a
                 day
                 or
                 two
                 before
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 punished
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 were
                 their
                 money
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 somewhat
                 an
                 hard
                 bondage
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 truly
                 brethren
                 ,
                 thus
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   are
                   sold
                   under
                   sin
                
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 )
                 speaking
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 who
                 
                 was
                 not
                 altogether
                 freed
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 sold
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 being
                 carnal
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 first
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Corin●hians
                   ,
                   They
                   are
                   called
                   carnal
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   as
                   Babes
                   in
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 sin
                 prevailed
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 the
                 bondage
                 did
                 appear
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 sold
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 transgression
                 .
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 another
                 selling
                 whereby
                 a
                 man
                 doth
                 sell
                 himself
                 to
                 commit
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 Ahab
                 did
                 .
                 Paul
                 did
                 not
                 now
                 sell
                 himself
                 ,
                 but
                 was
                 under
                 the
                 former
                 sale
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 he
                 could
                 by
                 no
                 means
                 altogether
                 
                 free
                 himself
                 from
                 ;
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 shake
                 off
                 his
                 chains
                 and
                 weights
                 that
                 did
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 they
                 sell
                 themselves
                 .
                 Such
                 as
                 
                   Ahab
                   ,
                   Hast
                   thou
                   found
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   mine
                   enemy
                   ?
                
                 saith
                 he
                 to
                 
                   Elijah
                   :
                   I
                   have
                   found
                   thee
                   ,
                   because
                   thou
                   hast
                   sold
                   thy self
                   to
                   work
                   wickedness
                   in
                   the
                   sight
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   the
                   Israelites
                   are
                   said
                   to
                   sell
                   themselves
                   to
                   do
                   evil
                   in
                   the
                   sight
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   making
                   their
                   Sons
                   and
                   Daughters
                   pass
                   through
                   fire
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 Now
                 by
                 this
                 Sale
                 ,
                 the
                 Sinner
                 passeth
                 himself
                 over
                 into
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 buyeth
                 him
                 ,
                 yet
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 fully
                 .
                 
                   Quod
                   venditur
                   ,
                   transit
                   in
                   potestate
                   ementis
                   :
                
                 The
                 Devil
                 knew
                 the
                 meanest
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 he
                 pays
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 pleasure
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 profit
                 ;
                 he
                 cares
                 not
                 how
                 often
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 bargain
                 between
                 him
                 and
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 a
                 Sinner
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 for
                 a
                 little
                 pelf
                 will
                 venture
                 and
                 hazard
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 it
                 shall
                 cost
                 the
                 Devil
                 a
                 fall
                 ;
                 I
                 speak
                 not
                 of
                 Witches
                 selling
                 themselves
                 to
                 Satan
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 accomplishment
                 of
                 some
                 lust
                 ,
                 to
                 satisfie
                 some
                 discontent
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 every
                 lew
                 and
                 wicked
                 Sinner
                 ;
                 he
                 little
                 knoweth
                 what
                 he
                 doth
                 ,
                 that
                 goeth
                 on
                 in
                 a
                 course
                 of
                 Sin
                 ;
                 every
                 new
                 transgression
                 and
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 is
                 a
                 new
                 price
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 laid
                 down
                 in
                 your
                 hands
                 for
                 your
                 souls
                 to
                 become
                 slaves
                 to
                 the
                 Devil
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 many
                 times
                 hath
                 he
                 bought
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 !
                 and
                 have
                 we
                 sold
                 our selves
                 to
                 do
                 evil
                 in
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 the
                 ambitious
                 man
                 for
                 the
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 his
                 lust
                 ,
                 sels
                 himself
                 to
                 commit
                 wickedness
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 covetous
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 Ahab
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 desire
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 stick
                 to
                 murther
                 ,
                 to
                 
                 suborn
                 witnesses
                 to
                 swear
                 falsly
                 ;
                 the
                 ambitious
                 person
                 would
                 not
                 care
                 to
                 swim
                 through
                 a
                 Sea
                 of
                 blood
                 to
                 the
                 Throne
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 slaves
                 to
                 the
                 worst
                 of
                 Tyrants
                 ,
                 a
                 lust
                 ;
                 it
                 would
                 make
                 a
                 man
                 tremble
                 to
                 read
                 the
                 fearful
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 done
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 ,
                 specially
                 by
                 the
                 Ottomans
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 Turk
                 ,
                 who
                 rivits
                 himself
                 in
                 the
                 Imperial
                 Throne
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 bones
                 of
                 his
                 murthered
                 brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 one
                 expresseth
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 dear
                 a
                 rate
                 do
                 men
                 give
                 ,
                 who
                 sell
                 their
                 precious
                 souls
                 for
                 a
                 spurt
                 of
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 for
                 a
                 season
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 alway
                 in
                 season
                 neither
                 ;
                 or
                 a
                 little
                 profit
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 unjust
                 gain
                 ,
                 they
                 pay
                 not
                 twenty
                 ,
                 nor
                 an
                 hundred
                 years
                 purchase
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 not
                 intervene
                 with
                 the
                 purchase
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 pay
                 eternity
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 so
                 sold
                 their
                 souls
                 to
                 commit
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 they
                 give
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 would
                 they
                 give
                 in
                 exchange
                 for
                 their
                 souls
                 again
                 ?
                 a
                 world
                 full
                 of
                 honours
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 profits
                 then
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 nothing
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 might
                 but
                 have
                 them
                 redeemed
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 another
                 way
                 whereby
                 sinners
                 come
                 into
                 bondage
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 By
                 brith
                 also
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 them
                 who
                 were
                 taken
                 captives
                 were
                 captives
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 sold
                 themselves
                 ,
                 that
                 were
                 sold
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 them
                 their
                 children
                 ,
                 therefore
                 such
                 servants
                 as
                 the
                 Israelites
                 bought
                 with
                 money
                 ,
                 
                 how
                 many
                 so
                 ever
                 they
                 did
                 beget
                 in
                 their
                 families
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 servants
                 and
                 bond-men
                 ;
                 so
                 Abraham
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 servants
                 trained
                 ,
                 born
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 house
                 ,
                 318.
                 
                 
                   I
                   had
                   servants
                   born
                   in
                   mine
                   house
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Solomon
                 .
                 The
                 Israelites
                 indeed
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 sell
                 themselves
                 through
                 poverty
                 ,
                 or
                 became
                 servants
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 continue
                 
                 until
                 the
                 year
                 of
                 jubilee
                 ,
                 but
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 ruled
                 over
                 with
                 rigor
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 might
                 rule
                 over
                 strangers
                 ,
                 nor
                 must
                 be
                 kept
                 as
                 bond-men
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 strangers
                 they
                 might
                 buy
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 them
                 as
                 a
                 possession
                 for
                 ever
                 to
                 their
                 children
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 both
                 them
                 and
                 their
                 children
                 ;
                 they
                 might
                 buy
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 sell
                 them
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 them
                 to
                 their
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 all
                 born
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 were
                 bond-servants
                 ;
                 so
                 we
                 find
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 when
                 our
                 Saviour
                 told
                 them
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 free
                 indeed
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Son
                 made
                 
                 them
                 free
                 ;
                 why
                 said
                 they
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   are
                
                 Abrahams
                 
                   seed
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   were
                   in
                   bondage
                   by
                   birth
                
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 not
                 as
                 the
                 seed
                 of
                 the
                 Canaanites
                 ,
                 
                 who
                 were
                 bond-men
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 never
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 any
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 sold
                 as
                 servants
                 ;
                 poor
                 blind
                 creatures
                 could
                 see
                 no
                 
                 
                 further
                 then
                 a
                 civil
                 bondage
                 or
                 liberty
                 .
                 Now
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 thus
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 bond-men
                 and
                 women
                 by
                 birth
                 ,
                 being
                 all
                 strangers
                 from
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 and
                 Covenant
                 of
                 promises
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 )
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 promise
                 only
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 free
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 all
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 wrath
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 mothers
                 child
                 of
                 us
                 free-born
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 by
                 nature
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 free-born
                 ,
                 surely
                 the
                 seed
                 of
                 Abrah●m
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 ;
                 but
                 our
                 Saviour
                 tells
                 them
                 their
                 liberty
                 was
                 but
                 imaginary
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Son
                 did
                 make
                 them
                 free
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 free
                 indeed
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 by
                 tenure
                 and
                 usurpation
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 also
                 ;
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 Israel
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 bond-men
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 made
                 them
                 serve
                 a
                 hard
                 bondage
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 
                 
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   bondage
                
                 ;
                 they
                 made
                 them
                 serve
                 with
                 rigour
                 ,
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 service
                 ;
                 the
                 design
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 being
                 to
                 weary
                 them
                 out
                 by
                 degrees
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 to
                 advantage
                 himself
                 by
                 their
                 service
                 ,
                 while
                 they
                 were
                 wearying
                 out
                 ,
                 this
                 was
                 their
                 wise
                 dealing
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 too
                 hard
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 of
                 this
                 nature
                 is
                 the
                 bondage
                 wherein
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 are
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Devil
                 have
                 no
                 title
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 being
                 paid
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 justice
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 as
                 a
                 tyrannical
                 ●aylor
                 ,
                 loath
                 to
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 loads
                 them
                 with
                 chains
                 ,
                 laies
                 heavy
                 temptations
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 sin
                 rageth
                 to
                 lose
                 its
                 servant
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 tyrannizeth
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   the
                   Law
                   in
                   the
                   members
                   carryeth
                   captive
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 great
                 grief
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 sin
                 do
                 not
                 raign
                 in
                 their
                 mortal
                 bodies
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 tyrannizeth
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 strong
                 hand
                 many
                 times
                 holds
                 them
                 down
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 stir
                 hand
                 nor
                 foot
                 :
                 but
                 more
                 of
                 this
                 afterwards
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 with
                 which
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 that
                 liberty
                 or
                 freedom
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 will
                 run
                 parallel
                 :
                 We
                 shall
                 devide
                 this
                 bondage
                 into
                 these
                 two
                 general
                 parts
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 either
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 to
                 the
                 black
                 concomitants
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 very
                 many
                 ;
                 we
                 shall
                 particularize
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 our
                 liberty
                 will
                 the
                 more
                 plainly
                 appear
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 clear
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 either
                 totally
                 or
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 by
                 nature
                 altogether
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 sold
                 under
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 is
                 only
                 a
                 
                 privation
                 of
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 disposition
                 to
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 properly
                 cannot
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 rule
                 over
                 us
                 ,
                 yet
                 by
                 a
                 prosopopeia
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 
                   be
                   sold
                   under
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 sold
                 
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 in
                 Scripture
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 is
                 called
                 an
                 old
                 man
                 ,
                 corrupt
                 according
                 to
                 deceitful
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 old
                 man
                 it
                 is
                 
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 under
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 ruleth
                 him
                 with
                 subtilty
                 .
                 O
                 they
                 are
                 deceitful
                 lusts
                 ,
                 ●he
                 counsels
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 fetches
                 ,
                 and
                 tricks
                 ,
                 and
                 devices
                 ,
                 depths
                 and
                 methods
                 of
                 a
                 sinful
                 heart
                 ,
                 who
                 knoweth
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 he
                 carryeth
                 it
                 so
                 slily
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 think
                 themselves
                 
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 as
                 free-men
                 as
                 any
                 the
                 world
                 hath
                 ,
                 yea
                 so
                 free
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 promise
                 to
                 others
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 themselves
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 are
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 the●●
                 are
                 Laws
                 of
                 sin
                 which
                 carry
                 a
                 strength
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 under
                 them
                 must
                 obey
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 Laws
                 are
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 the
                 wills
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 them
                 ,
                 an
                 arbitray
                 
                 government
                 here
                 beginneth
                 and
                 takes
                 it
                 rise
                 .
                 
                   Hoc
                   volo
                   ,
                   sic
                   jubeo
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 saith
                 the
                 imperious
                 person
                 .
                 If
                 a
                 sinner
                 begin
                 to
                 question
                 what
                 reason
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 such
                 an
                 act
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 prompted
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 bloweth
                 out
                 the
                 candle
                 ;
                 
                   hoc
                   volo
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 let
                 my
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 reason
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 have
                 it
                 so
                 .
                 So
                 many
                 lusts
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 wills
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 
                 not
                 a
                 bondage
                 to
                 be
                 under
                 these
                 ?
                 Ye
                 were
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 ye
                 have
                 obeyed
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 the
                 form
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 delivered
                 unto
                 you
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 several
                 other
                 places
                 :
                 
                   whosoever
                   committeth
                   sin
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   the
                   servant
                   of
                   sin
                
                 .
                 
                 You
                 talk
                 of
                 being
                 Abrahams
                 seed
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 being
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 my
                 purpose
                 ,
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 a
                 bondage
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 commits
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 servant
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 works
                 it
                 industriously
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 drudge
                 to
                 his
                 lusts
                 ,
                 as
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 ?
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 curiously
                 works
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 Artist
                 .
                 O
                 with
                 what
                 art
                 can
                 some
                 
                 mon
                 lye
                 ,
                 and
                 cheat
                 ,
                 and
                 cozen
                 ,
                 and
                 play
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 !
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 .
                 O
                 when
                 one
                 fulfills
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 maketh
                 provision
                 for
                 the
                 flesh
                 to
                 satisfie
                 the
                 lusts
                 thereof
                 !
                 This
                 man
                 is
                 a
                 servant
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 the
                 lust
                 of
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 profits
                 ,
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 pride
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 give
                 themselves
                 up
                 to
                 satisfie
                 these
                 ,
                 study
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 fulfill
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 under
                 sin
                 with
                 a
                 witness
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 blessed
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 God
                 and
                 Father
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 delivered
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 believe
                 ,
                 from
                 
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 breaks
                 out
                 pathetically
                 ,
                 
                   Thanks
                   be
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   God
                   that
                   ye
                   were
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   but
                   ye
                   have
                   obeyed
                   from
                   the
                   heart
                   the
                   form
                   of
                   Doctrine
                   delivered
                   unto
                   you
                
                 ;
                 now
                 saith
                 he
                 ;
                 
                   being
                   made
                   free
                   from
                   sin
                   ,
                   ye
                   became
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 by
                 our
                 death
                 to
                 sin
                 ;
                 
                   ye
                   are
                   dead
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Col.
                   and
                   your
                   life
                   is
                   hid
                   with
                   Christ
                   in
                   God
                
                 ;
                 now
                 death
                 
                 puts
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 all
                 bondage
                 〈◊〉
                 as
                 Job
                 speaking
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   small
                   and
                   great
                   are
                   there
                   in
                   the
                   grave
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   servant
                   is
                   free
                   from
                   his
                   Master
                   .
                   A
                   woman
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 (
                 speaking
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 with
                 respect
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 somewhat
                 )
                 
                   she
                   is
                   bound
                   to
                   her
                   husband
                   as
                   long
                   as
                   he
                   liveth
                   ,
                   but
                   if
                   he
                   be
                   dead
                   ,
                   then
                   she
                   is
                   free
                   .
                
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 death
                 breaks
                 all
                 the
                 iron
                 yoaks
                 and
                 brazen
                 gates
                 ,
                 therefore
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   that
                   is
                   dead
                   is
                   freed
                   from
                
                 
                 sin
                 ;
                 not
                 as
                 the
                 vulgar
                 and
                 some
                 read
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   justified
                
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 our
                 justification
                 and
                 sanctification
                 were
                 confounded
                 ;
                 for
                 here
                 the
                 Apostle
                 is
                 speaking
                 of
                 our
                 Sanctification
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 crucifying
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 ,
                 of
                 being
                 buried
                 with
                 Christ
                 in
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 dead
                 to
                 sin
                 ;
                 now
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 dead
                 ,
                 is
                 free
                 from
                 sin
                 ;
                 the
                 Con.
                 is
                 comprehended
                 in
                 the
                 Antecedent
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 freed
                 actually
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                   Sin
                   shall
                   not
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   you
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   no
                   iniquity
                   shall
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   you
                   .
                
                 Thus
                 believers
                 are
                 freed
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                 whereas
                 before
                 we
                 were
                 under
                 a
                 cruel
                 bondage
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 experience
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 freed
                 from
                 your
                 former
                 lusts
                 which
                 you
                 served
                 ,
                 foolish
                 and
                 hurtful
                 lusts
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 teach
                 you
                 to
                 prize
                 it
                 .
                 
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 now
                 for
                 the
                 Con.
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 and
                 very
                 dreadful
                 ,
                 which
                 every
                 poor
                 sinner
                 is
                 under
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 also
                 as
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 bondage
                 unto
                 Satan
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 bondage
                 by
                 nature
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Jaylor
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 clear
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 that
                 now
                 rules
                 in
                 the
                 
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 disobedience
                 :
                 he
                 rules
                 there
                 ,
                 setteth
                 up
                 his
                 throne
                 there
                 ;
                 &
                 service
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 Master
                 cannot
                 be
                 a
                 freedom
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 a
                 cruel
                 one
                 .
                 A
                 Master
                 that
                 delights
                 now
                 naturally
                 in
                 nothing
                 but
                 mischief
                 ;
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 to
                 swine
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 
                 would
                 do
                 mischief
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 
                   to
                   lead
                   captive
                   poor
                   creatures
                   at
                   his
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   to
                   take
                   them
                   alive
                
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Devil
                 that
                 binds
                 the
                 pinching
                 yoak
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 his
                 loins
                 are
                 laid
                 upon
                 the
                 back
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 his
                 being
                 the
                 Tyrant
                 ,
                 doth
                 help
                 the
                 former
                 prosopopeia
                 ,
                 whereby
                 bondage
                 is
                 ascribed
                 to
                 fo●
                 ,
                 Zech.
                 1.
                 15.
                 
                   the
                   heathen
                   helped
                   forward
                
                 ;
                 &c.
                 
                 Not
                 as
                 if
                 sin
                 would
                 not
                 work
                 and
                 keep
                 the
                 creature
                 in
                 subjection
                 ,
                 or
                 were
                 a
                 dead
                 Law
                 of
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 must
                 have
                 a
                 Prince
                 ,
                 a
                 King
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 into
                 act
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 Devil
                 to
                 aggravate
                 our
                 bondage
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 find
                 the
                 rage
                 of
                 lust
                 very
                 great
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 commands
                 very
                 peremptory
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 however
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 idle
                 ,
                 he
                 stirreth
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 endeavoureth
                 to
                 enrage
                 our
                 lusts
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ;
                 the
                 Devil
                 stirred
                 up
                 David
                 to
                 number
                 the
                 people
                 :
                 Why
                 alas
                 ,
                 David
                 had
                 that
                 pride
                 and
                 fleshly
                 confidence
                 in
                 him
                 that
                 was
                 ready
                 enough
                 to
                 provoke
                 him
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Devil
                 helped
                 it
                 forward
                 ,
                 his
                 concurrence
                 with
                 sin
                 maketh
                 it
                 the
                 more
                 powerful
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 acting
                 our
                 graces
                 ,
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Devil
                 also
                 ,
                 though
                 with
                 some
                 difference
                 ,
                 act
                 our
                 corruption
                 :
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 Devil
                 that
                 filled
                 Ananias
                 and
                 Saphira
                 
                 their
                 hearts
                 ?
                 he
                 had
                 filled
                 them
                 as
                 his
                 throne
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 had
                 laid
                 the
                 commands
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 of
                 their
                 lust
                 ,
                 of
                 their
                 carnal
                 fears
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 over-born
                 by
                 them
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 entred
                 into
                 Judas
                 after
                 the
                 
                 sop
                 :
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 found
                 nothing
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 would
                 vex
                 him
                 with
                 his
                 temptations
                 notwithstanding
                 :
                 but
                 alas
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 come
                 within
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 matter
                 enough
                 to
                 work
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 can
                 come
                 within
                 us
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 fancy
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 secretly
                 work
                 :
                 now
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 this
                 Con.
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 also
                 ;
                 he
                 rules
                 no
                 more
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 disobedience
                 ;
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saw
                 when
                 the
                 Gospel
                 went
                 forth
                 to
                 be
                 preached
                 ,
                 Satan
                 falling
                 like
                 lightening
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 he
                 came
                 down
                 with
                 a
                 witness
                 ,
                 
                 was
                 dethroned
                 ,
                 cast
                 out
                 :
                 the
                 strong
                 man
                 armed
                 holds
                 all
                 in
                 quiet
                 possession
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 Satan
                 holds
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 quietly
                 ,
                 while
                 he
                 hath
                 his
                 armour
                 ,
                 their
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 carnal
                 reasonings
                 ,
                 and
                 corrupt
                 affections
                 ,
                 and
                 stubborn
                 wills
                 ,
                 while
                 
                 these
                 are
                 his
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 safe
                 enough
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 come
                 and
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 armour
                 ,
                 change
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 spoyled
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 spoil
                 principalities
                 &
                 powers
                 ,
                 &
                 to
                 make
                 an
                 open
                 shew
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 led
                 captive
                 ;
                 taking
                 captivity
                 actively
                 or
                 passively
                 :
                 
                 actively
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 led
                 him
                 that
                 did
                 lead
                 his
                 people
                 captive
                 ,
                 now
                 
                 captive
                 himself
                 :
                 or
                 else
                 passively
                 ,
                 those
                 were
                 led
                 captive
                 by
                 Satan
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 captivated
                 them
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 brought
                 
                 them
                 under
                 his
                 own
                 dominion
                 .
                 Satan
                 cannot
                 now
                 any
                 more
                 challenge
                 them
                 as
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 nor
                 rule
                 over
                 them
                 as
                 his
                 slaves
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 another
                 piece
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   go
                   forth
                   of
                   the
                   paw
                   of
                   this
                   Lyon
                   ,
                   the
                   jaws
                   of
                   this
                   rouring
                   Lyon
                   ,
                   that
                   goeth
                   about
                   seeking
                   whom
                   he
                   may
                   devour
                   .
                
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 another
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 is
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 an
                 obnoxiousness
                 to
                 the
                 wrath
                 and
                 displeasure
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                 whether
                 the
                 creature
                 ●eeth
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 seeth
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 under
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 his
                 guilt
                 is
                 the
                 Obligation
                 which
                 bindeth
                 him
                 over
                 to
                 answer
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 great
                 day
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 offenders
                 are
                 bound
                 over
                 to
                 answer
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 Assizes
                 or
                 Sessions
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 guilts
                 work
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 a
                 guilty
                 person
                 that
                 is
                 bound
                 over
                 as
                 a
                 prisoner
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 go
                 under
                 bayl
                 he
                 is
                 under
                 a
                 bondage
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 this
                 guilt
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 shuts
                 up
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 prison
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 guilt
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 sleep
                 ,
                 or
                 whether
                 he
                 wake
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 guilty
                 person
                 and
                 under
                 bondage
                 ;
                 specially
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 proceed
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 to
                 a
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 every
                 unbeliever
                 is
                 condemned
                 already
                 in
                 the
                 Court
                 of
                 Scripture
                 ;
                 for
                 God
                 doth
                 mannage
                 in
                 this
                 liberty
                 concernments
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 by
                 a
                 Law
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 Law
                 he
                 acquitteth
                 or
                 condemneth
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 unbelievers
                 are
                 under
                 this
                 bondage
                 also
                 ;
                 from
                 this
                 now
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 set
                 free
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   condemnation
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   Christ
                   Jesus
                   ,
                
                 their
                 guilt
                 is
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 
                 their
                 surety
                 hath
                 satisfied
                 justice
                 ,
                 hath
                 paid
                 the
                 debt
                 ,
                 laid
                 down
                 the
                 price
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 all
                 being
                 cleared
                 ,
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 is
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 that
                 part
                 of
                 his
                 bondage
                 .
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 an
                 unspeakable
                 freedom
                 to
                 have
                 all
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 our
                 sins
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 commtited
                 taken
                 away
                 ?
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 another
                 Con
                 〈…〉
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 darkness
                 which
                 from
                 sin
                 ariseth
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 chains
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 small
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 Dungeons
                 you
                 know
                 are
                 usually
                 dark
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 darkness
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Synonyma
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 out
                 the
                 prisoners
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 and
                 them
                 that
                 sit
                 in
                 darkness
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison-house
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   thou
                   maist
                   say
                   to
                   the
                   prisoners
                   ,
                   go
                
                 
                 
                   forth
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   darkness
                   ,
                   shew
                   your selves
                   :
                
                 The
                 darkness
                 you
                 know
                 imprisoned
                 them
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 no
                 man
                 stirred
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 place
                 ,
                 none
                 went
                 forth
                 nor
                 came
                 in
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 darkness
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 night
                 imprisoneth
                 men
                 ,
                 shutteth
                 up
                 their
                 works
                 and
                 employments
                 ,
                 
                   night
                   cometh
                   when
                   no
                   man
                   can
                   work
                   ,
                
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 night
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 by
                 removing
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 the
                 night
                 of
                 death
                 :
                 Now
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 of
                 this
                 darkness
                 or
                 prison
                 .
              
               
                 Here
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 enquired
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 this
                 darkness
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 by
                 darkness
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 a
                 state
                 of
                 ignorance
                 ;
                 
                   gross
                   darkness
                   covereth
                   the
                   earth
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Prophet
                 ;
                 
                   ye
                   were
                   sometimes
                   darkness
                   ,
                   but
                   now
                   are
                   ye
                   light
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 so
                 dark
                 as
                 that
                 nothing
                 but
                 the
                 abstract
                 would
                 
                 suffice
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 their
                 condition
                 .
                 Now
                 truly
                 ,
                 ignorance
                 may
                 well
                 be
                 lookt
                 upon
                 as
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 beginning
                 ,
                 the
                 principal
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 speaks
                 of
                 delivering
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 from
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   hath
                   delivered
                   us
                   from
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   darkness
                   ,
                   and
                   translated
                   us
                
                 
                 
                   into
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   his
                   dear
                   Son
                   :
                
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   from
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   darkness
                
                 ,
                 darkness
                 is
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Prince
                 of
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 render
                 that
                 place
                 :
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 that
                 sinners
                 are
                 blind-folded
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 led
                 by
                 
                 Satan
                 into
                 so
                 many
                 horrid
                 things
                 ?
                 O
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 known
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 crucified
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 glory
                 ;
                 
                   Father
                   forgive
                   them
                   ,
                   they
                   know
                   not
                   what
                   they
                   do
                   .
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 the
                 Panther
                 hideth
                 his
                 head
                 when
                 he
                 allureth
                 the
                 beasts
                 ,
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 his
                 smell
                 ,
                 or
                 beauty
                 of
                 his
                 
                 skin
                 ,
                 only
                 the
                 Drag
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 flie
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   Isid
                   .
                   li.
                
                 12.
                 2.
                 
                 See
                 Mead
                 upon
                 Revel
                 .
                 p.
                 2.
                 p.
                 52.
                 
                 Alas
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 not
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 affright
                 them
                 and
                 devour
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 is
                 it
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 ;
                 how
                 cometh
                 it
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 poor
                 souls
                 are
                 plunged
                 into
                 such
                 desperate
                 gulfs
                 of
                 despairing
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 breaking
                 bondage
                 in
                 that
                 kind
                 ,
                 but
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 held
                 in
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 Father
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 whom
                 he
                 hath
                 sent
                 ,
                 he
                 keepeth
                 them
                 in
                 ignorance
                 of
                 the
                 
                 promises
                 ,
                 the
                 sweet
                 and
                 precious
                 promises
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 our
                 ignorance
                 of
                 that
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 riches
                 ,
                 exceeding
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 thoughts
                 that
                 are
                 above
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 many
                 cloudings
                 ,
                 such
                 fearful
                 plunges
                 as
                 many
                 poor
                 souls
                 are
                 put
                 unto
                 ,
                 yea
                 many
                 times
                 even
                 after
                 they
                 are
                 once
                 delivered
                 from
                 them
                 ;
                 why
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 ,
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 as
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 
                 he
                 dispels
                 this
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 discovers
                 sin
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 colours
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 worse
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 set
                 forth
                 in
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   sin
                   might
                   appear
                   to
                   be
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 opens
                 the
                 treasuries
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Promises
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 to
                 let
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 enough
                 for
                 him
                 there
                 :
                 though
                 his
                 sins
                 be
                 great
                 ,
                 yet
                 mercy
                 is
                 transcendantly
                 greater
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 mountains
                 to
                 be
                 covered
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 a
                 sea
                 to
                 swallow
                 them
                 up
                 ;
                 if
                 multitudes
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 multitude
                 of
                 mercies
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 love
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 cover
                 a
                 multitude
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 by
                 discovering
                 himself
                 thus
                 ,
                 and
                 our selves
                 to
                 our selves
                 ,
                 he
                 by
                 degrees
                 setteth
                 the
                 creature
                 at
                 Liberty
                 from
                 those
                 fearfull
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 that
                 delight
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 formerly
                 he
                 had
                 taken
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 now
                 no
                 longer
                 will
                 he
                 serve
                 it
                 .
                 But
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 ▪
                 plainly
                 ,
                 take
                 a
                 Scripture
                 or
                 two
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Isaiah
                   ,
                   To
                   proclaim
                   liberty
                   to
                   the
                   captives
                   ,
                   the
                   opening
                   of
                   the
                   prison
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   bound
                
                 ;
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 some
                 read
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 do
                 our
                 Translators
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 acknowledged
                 by
                 the
                 learned
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 latter
                 is
                 no
                 where
                 else
                 used
                 in
                 this
                 sense
                 for
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 nor
                 for
                 the
                 prey
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 others
                 use
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 some
                 do
                 take
                 the
                 word
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 render
                 it
                 
                   om●im●do
                   apertionem
                
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 doubling
                 of
                 the
                 Letters
                 here
                 are
                 Emphatical
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 though
                 then
                 Manaph
                 here
                 remaineth
                 as
                 a
                 difficulty
                 ,
                 for
                 words
                 so
                 doubled
                 use
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 joyned
                 together
                 :
                 so
                 that
                 some
                 would
                 have
                 it
                 here
                 nothing
                 else
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 very
                 large
                 opening
                 of
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 used
                 most
                 properly
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 constantly
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 eyes
                 :
                 and
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Gods
                 delivering
                 his
                 Captives
                 ,
                 and
                 agreeable
                 to
                 the
                 text
                 here
                 ;
                 the
                 Sun
                 arising
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 opens
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 setteth
                 the
                 senses
                 at
                 liberty
                 from
                 
                 that
                 prison
                 of
                 darkness
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 in
                 the
                 night
                 ;
                 and
                 elsewhere
                 it
                 is
                 manifest
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Luke
                   4.
                   18.
                   
                   To
                   preach
                   deliverance
                   to
                   the
                   captives
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                   recovering
                   of
                   sight
                   to
                   the
                   blinde
                   :
                
                 and
                 again
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   looseth
                   the
                   Prisoners
                   ,
                   he
                   openeth
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 blinde
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Paul
                 was
                 sent
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 blinde
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Satan
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 darkness
                 
                 to
                 light
                 ;
                 for
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 this
                 bondage
                 is
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 faculties
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 chiefly
                 the
                 will
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Lord
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 deliver
                 us
                 ,
                 dealeth
                 with
                 us
                 as
                 with
                 men
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 first
                 opens
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 draweth
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 with
                 arguments
                 over-powring
                 our
                 reason
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 then
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 sweetly
                 thereby
                 inclining
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 bowing
                 our
                 wills
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 comeeth
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 before
                 we
                 see
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 or
                 see
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 darkness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 go
                 forth
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 This
                 darkness
                 comprehendeth
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 Error
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 this
                 ariseth
                 from
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 it
                 apart
                 ,
                 
                   Ye
                   err
                   ,
                   not
                   knowing
                   the
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   power
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 he
                 saith
                 not
                 ,
                 ye
                 err
                 ,
                 not
                 knowing
                 immediate
                 Revelations
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 knowing
                 the
                 Scripture
                 ;
                 for
                 there
                 the
                 light
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Lanthorn
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 behold
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 this
                 error
                 ,
                 of
                 what
                 kind
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 snare
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 .
                 The
                 Apostle
                 there
                 speaks
                 of
                 Heretical
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 held
                 by
                 such
                 as
                 do
                 perversly
                 oppose
                 themselves
                 against
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 hold
                 out
                 the
                 truth
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 .
                 He
                 sheweth
                 how
                 Timothy
                 is
                 to
                 carry
                 himself
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 in
                 meekness
                 ,
                 instructing
                 them
                 that
                 oppose
                 themselves
                 ;
                 if
                 God
                 peradventure
                 will
                 give
                 them
                 repentance
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 Repentance
                 is
                 a
                 turning
                 from
                 sin
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 
                 Grace
                 or
                 Vertue
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 therefore
                 their
                 sin
                 was
                 some
                 corruption
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 recover
                 themselves
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 snare
                 of
                 the
                 devil
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 taken
                 captive
                 by
                 him
                 at
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 snare
                 of
                 the
                 devil
                 ;
                 a
                 sad
                 snare
                 it
                 is
                 :
                 if
                 the
                 devil
                 can
                 but
                 get
                 so
                 far
                 within
                 a
                 man
                 as
                 to
                 dazle
                 his
                 eyes
                 ,
                 to
                 blinde
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 lead
                 them
                 whither
                 he
                 will
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 can
                 but
                 corrupt
                 their
                 judgement
                 ,
                 especially
                 in
                 fundamentals
                 or
                 practicals
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 fast
                 enough
                 ,
                 he
                 carryeth
                 them
                 captive
                 ,
                 takes
                 them
                 alive
                 even
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 .
                 Now
                 our
                 liberty
                 from
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 also
                 is
                 by
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 maketh
                 us
                 free
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 spirit
                 leading
                 his
                 people
                 into
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 notion
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 practise
                 of
                 it
                 also
                 ;
                 &
                 we
                 have
                 an
                 anointing
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 know
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 speaking
                 of
                 Antichrist
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 needle●s
                 for
                 me
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 you
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 an
                 anointing
                 will
                 teach
                 you
                 to
                 avoid
                 th●se
                 his
                 errors
                 :
                 O
                 happy
                 is
                 that
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 such
                 a
                 Guide
                 !
                 such
                 a
                 Leader
                 to
                 lead
                 him
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ;
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 Angel
                 went
                 before
                 Peter
                 ,
                 else
                 between
                 sleep
                 and
                 
                 wake
                 ,
                 hope
                 and
                 fear
                 ,
                 he
                 might
                 haply
                 have
                 mist
                 his
                 way
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 and
                 giveth
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 bids
                 the
                 soul
                 go
                 
                 forth
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 whether
                 should
                 they
                 go
                 ?
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 Thomas
                 said
                 ;
                 why
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 ●ollow
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 lead
                 you
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 in
                 his
                 word
                 hath
                 therein
                 revealed
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 it
                 out
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 another
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 under
                 a
                 slavish
                 obedience
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 such
                 an
                 obedience
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 nothing
                 but
                 a
                 slavish
                 fear
                 is
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 ,
                 this
                 puts
                 on
                 men
                 to
                 do
                 many
                 things
                 ;
                 they
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 written
                 ,
                 
                   Cursed
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   he
                   that
                   continueth
                   not
                   in
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   written
                   in
                   the
                   book
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   :
                
                 Now
                 this
                 sticks
                 with
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 God
                 requireth
                 me
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 with
                 all
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 with
                 all
                 my
                 strength
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 cursed
                 ;
                 therefore
                 now
                 he
                 buckles
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 such
                 terrors
                 will
                 carry
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 like
                 a
                 slave
                 that
                 doth
                 his
                 task
                 ,
                 while
                 his
                 Master
                 stands
                 over
                 him
                 with
                 a
                 rod
                 ;
                 or
                 because
                 he
                 is
                 sure
                 to
                 be
                 beaten
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 any
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Master
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 his
                 service
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 grievous
                 bondage
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 Let
                 but
                 any
                 Apprentice
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 hard
                 Master
                 ,
                 whom
                 he
                 serveth
                 meerly
                 out
                 of
                 fear
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 did
                 their
                 task
                 ,
                 because
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 beaten
                 :
                 and
                 this
                 maketh
                 the
                 yoke
                 very
                 heavy
                 and
                 uneasie
                 ,
                 also
                 it
                 pincheth
                 exceedingly
                 .
                 Now
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 breaks
                 this
                 yoke
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 
                 genders
                 to
                 bondage
                 ;
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 it
                 hath
                 the
                 very
                 seeds
                 of
                 bondage
                 in
                 it
                 :
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cometh
                 ,
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 letteth
                 him
                 see
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 undertaken
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 being
                 made
                 a
                 curse
                 ,
                 but
                 hath
                 set
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 hath
                 paid
                 all
                 the
                 debt
                 ,
                 will
                 take
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 son
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 as
                 a
                 servant
                 ;
                 O
                 now
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 beginneth
                 to
                 be
                 sensible
                 his
                 condition
                 is
                 changed
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 hath
                 not
                 a
                 cruel
                 hard
                 Master
                 to
                 serve
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Father
                 that
                 will
                 pity
                 and
                 spare
                 where
                 he
                 falleth
                 short
                 of
                 his
                 duty
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 do
                 his
                 best
                 ;
                 this
                 doth
                 much
                 facilitate
                 the
                 work
                 ,
                 maketh
                 the
                 yoke
                 easie
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 burden
                 
                 light
                 ,
                 his
                 Commandments
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 so
                 grievous
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 before
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 a
                 perfect
                 Law
                 of
                 Liberty
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 before
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 Law
                 gendring
                 bondage
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 before
                 it
                 was
                 only
                 preached
                 to
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 under
                 the
                 
                 penalty
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 curse
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 written
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 eccho
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 resounding
                 ,
                 
                   Thy
                   will
                   Lord
                   will
                   I
                   do
                   ,
                
                 
                 when
                 he
                 speaks
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 love
                 was
                 upon
                 the
                 
                 heart
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 our
                 Redemption
                 ;
                 now
                 his
                 Law
                 is
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 delight
                 to
                 do
                 his
                 will
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   delight
                   in
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   God
                   after
                   the
                   inward
                   man
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 Servant
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 under
                 his
                 Master
                 hardly
                 used
                 ,
                 yet
                 afterward
                 he
                 changeth
                 his
                 manner
                 of
                 dealing
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 offers
                 him
                 great
                 immunities
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 of
                 a
                 Servant
                 ,
                 Son
                 in
                 Law
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 :
                 O
                 now
                 the
                 Servant
                 will
                 be
                 bored
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 now
                 become
                 a
                 willing
                 servant
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 be
                 dragged
                 to
                 obedience
                 by
                 terrors
                 and
                 fears
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 but
                 willingly
                 yieldeth
                 up
                 his
                 members
                 weapons
                 of
                 righteousness
                 to
                 holiness
                 :
                 now
                 the
                 
                 service
                 is
                 hearty
                 and
                 free
                 ;
                 his
                 people
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 willing
                 people
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 :
                 O
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   Ye
                   were
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   but
                   now
                   thanks
                   be
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   ye
                   have
                   from
                   the
                   heart
                   obeyed
                   the
                   form
                   of
                   doctrine
                   delivered
                   to
                   you
                   :
                
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 it
                 cannot
                 else
                 well
                 be
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 for
                 whom
                 we
                 dread
                 with
                 a
                 slavish
                 fear
                 ,
                 we
                 hate
                 ,
                 and
                 while
                 the
                 soul
                 looks
                 upon
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 such
                 a
                 Judge
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 cruel
                 Master
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Law
                 a
                 cruel
                 ,
                 bloody
                 Law
                 ,
                 nothing
                 but
                 blood
                 and
                 ruine
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 come
                 not
                 up
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 hatred
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 service
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 service
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 doth
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 serve
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 do
                 some
                 service
                 to
                 God
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 slavish
                 fear
                 ,
                 as
                 most
                 unbelievers
                 do
                 ;
                 therefore
                 they
                 pray
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 read
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 do
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 serve
                 sin
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 never
                 obey
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 until
                 this
                 work
                 be
                 done
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 love
                 be
                 written
                 in
                 their
                 souls
                 :
                 now
                 you
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 obey
                 no
                 more
                 out
                 of
                 fear
                 ,
                 but
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 Fifth
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 terrors
                 and
                 fears
                 before
                 a
                 mans
                 conversion
                 ,
                 which
                 usually
                 seize
                 upon
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 truly
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 dead
                 asleep
                 with
                 the
                 opium
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 somewhat
                 to
                 rouse
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 awaken
                 us
                 ;
                 usually
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 which
                 works
                 fear
                 and
                 dread
                 ,
                 and
                 terror
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 breathing
                 in
                 the
                 Commandment
                 ,
                 maketh
                 sin
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 sin
                 ,
                 exceeding
                 sinfull
                 ,
                 and
                 opens
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 terrors
                 which
                 sin
                 doth
                 breed
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 witnesseth
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 state
                 of
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 way
                 but
                 one
                 with
                 
                 him
                 :
                 O
                 now
                 the
                 soul
                 beginneth
                 to
                 be
                 amazed
                 ,
                 and
                 startled
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 !
                 this
                 runs
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 :
                 he
                 had
                 
                 many
                 afflictions
                 and
                 troubles
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 before
                 ,
                 never
                 any
                 came
                 so
                 near
                 as
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 no
                 marvel
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ▪
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 hath
                 wounded
                 him
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 heart
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 an
                 
                   Habeas
                   Corpus
                
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 Animam
                 ,
                 apprehends
                 ,
                 or
                 claps
                 up
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 puts
                 him
                 in
                 prison
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 useth
                 that
                 expression
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 the
                 Scripture
                 hath
                 concluded
                 all
                 under
                 sin
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 hath
                 shut
                 us
                 up
                 together
                 ,
                 all
                 concluded
                 under
                 one
                 prison
                 ▪
                 in
                 one
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 the
                 promise
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 of
                 Faith
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 might
                 be
                 given
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 believe
                 ;
                 but
                 before
                 Faith
                 came
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 kept
                 under
                 the
                 Law
                 :
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 minde
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 kept
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 Garrison
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Learned
                 interpret
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ;
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 being
                 shut
                 up
                 together
                 unto
                 the
                 Faith
                 ,
                 which
                 should
                 afterward
                 be
                 revealed
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 just
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 a
                 Prince
                 ,
                 he
                 proclaimeth
                 Pardon
                 to
                 all
                 his
                 Rebellious
                 Subjects
                 ,
                 but
                 withall
                 he
                 sendeth
                 out
                 his
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 his
                 Pursuivants
                 ,
                 to
                 apprehend
                 ,
                 throw
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 keep
                 under
                 Bolts
                 and
                 Shakles
                 as
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 as
                 he
                 can
                 apprehend
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 contrary
                 to
                 his
                 mercy
                 ,
                 nor
                 proclamation
                 of
                 Pardon
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 subordinate
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 his
                 Pardon
                 ,
                 offered
                 might
                 be
                 accepted
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 sue
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 doth
                 thus
                 shut
                 up
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ;
                 as
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 High-way
                 open
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 walk
                 in
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 go
                 another
                 way
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 is
                 hedged
                 up
                 ;
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 hedged
                 in
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 tell
                 which
                 way
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 get
                 out
                 again
                 :
                 O
                 then
                 !
                 if
                 he
                 could
                 but
                 finde
                 the
                 open
                 way
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 go
                 in
                 it
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 maketh
                 this
                 terror
                 and
                 this
                 bondage
                 a
                 means
                 to
                 their
                 inlargement
                 .
                 Ah
                 blessed
                 Prison
                 !
                 that
                 is
                 only
                 to
                 make
                 poor
                 creatures
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 liberty
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 now
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 and
                 revealeth
                 himself
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 brings
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 these
                 labyrinths
                 of
                 fears
                 and
                 terrors
                 ;
                 letteth
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 see
                 ,
                 that
                 himself
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 only
                 way
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 undertaken
                 the
                 work
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 only
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 believe
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 strength
                 in
                 them
                 to
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 extricate
                 themselves
                 from
                 the
                 difficulties
                 they
                 find
                 themselves
                 in
                 ,
                 by
                 reason
                 they
                 cannot
                 fulfil
                 the
                 Law
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 mighty
                 one
                 upon
                 whom
                 help
                 is
                 laid
                 ,
                 and
                 withal
                 letteth
                 them
                 understand
                 how
                 his
                 bowels
                 do
                 yern
                 over
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 open
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 inlarge
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 perswadeth
                 them
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 go
                 forth
                 when
                 faith
                 cometh
                 ;
                 so
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                 ●aw
                 a
                 School-Master
                 to
                 bring
                 us
                 to
                 Christ
                 :
                 But
                 that
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 Sixth
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Another
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 is
                 those
                 after-claps
                 of
                 fears
                 and
                 terrours
                 ,
                 that
                 after
                 Christ
                 hath
                 been
                 revealed
                 to
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 may
                 befall
                 the
                 creature
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 you
                 find
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 clapt
                 up
                 afterward
                 in
                 the
                 pit
                 of
                 noise
                 ,
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 deeps
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 darkness
                 ;
                 and
                 like
                 Jeremiahs
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 
                 sink
                 in
                 the
                 mire
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 standing
                 ,
                 they
                 feel
                 no
                 bottom
                 of
                 their
                 misery
                 ,
                 their
                 fears
                 are
                 overwhelming
                 ;
                 or
                 like
                 Jonahs
                 
                 Whales
                 belly
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 belly
                 of
                 hell
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 waves
                 and
                 billows
                 of
                 God
                 go
                 over
                 them
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 sore
                 bondage
                 !
                 however
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 never
                 any
                 more
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 bondage
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 witness
                 to
                 them
                 they
                 are
                 children
                 of
                 wrath
                 
                 afterward
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 say
                 but
                 they
                 may
                 have
                 bondage
                 again
                 ;
                 and
                 all
                 fear
                 hath
                 torment
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 bondage
                 to
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 fetter
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 shut
                 up
                 and
                 contract
                 the
                 spirits
                 exceedingly
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 darkness
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 own
                 heart
                 ,
                 which
                 doth
                 naturally
                 gender
                 ,
                 fear
                 ,
                 and
                 Satan
                 to
                 help
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 frowns
                 of
                 Gods
                 displeasure
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 do
                 not
                 witness
                 any
                 more
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 eternal
                 wrath
                 and
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 these
                 may
                 bring
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 into
                 sad
                 perplexities
                 ;
                 Well
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 ,
                 brings
                 also
                 liberty
                 with
                 him
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 David
                 will
                 tel
                 you
                 so
                 ;
                 and
                 Heman
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 so
                 :
                 do
                 but
                 consider
                 what
                 conditions
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 ?
                 how
                 came
                 they
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   lift
                   up
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   thy
                   countena
                   nce
                   upon
                   me
                
                 ;
                 
                 Son
                 of
                 God
                 arise
                 upon
                 me
                 ,
                 shine
                 upon
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 healed
                 .
                 
                   O
                   restore
                   to
                   me
                   the
                   joy
                   of
                   thy
                   salvation
                   ,
                   make
                   me
                   ▪
                   to
                   hear
                   joy
                   and
                   gladness
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Promise
                 doth
                 extend
                 even
                 to
                 this
                 bondage
                 also
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 this
                 may
                 we
                 refer
                 the
                 next
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 of
                 it
                 distinctly
                 .
              
               
                 Eightly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 another
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 fears
                 of
                 death
                 and
                 judgement
                 ,
                 whereby
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 is
                 kept
                 in
                 Bondage
                 all
                 the
                 days
                 of
                 their
                 lives
                 ;
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 in
                 that
                 to
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 )
                 to
                 which
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 ;
                 
                   He
                   came
                
                 ;
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 )
                 
                   and
                   took
                   part
                   of
                   flesh
                   and
                   blood
                   ,
                   that
                   through
                   death
                   be
                   might
                   destroy
                   him
                   that
                   hath
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   death
                
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 )
                 
                   and
                   deliver
                   them
                   that
                   through
                   fear
                   of
                   death
                   were
                   all
                   their
                   life-time
                   subject
                   to
                   Bondage
                   .
                
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 death
                 it self
                 is
                 a
                 terrible
                 thing
                 ,
                 the
                 Simplex
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 hardly
                 could
                 he
                 
                 tell
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 them
                 that
                 have
                 no
                 fear
                 of
                 God
                 before
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 put
                 out
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 reason
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 like
                 Beasts
                 ,
                 giving
                 up
                 themselves
                 to
                 commit
                 wickedness
                 with
                 greediness
                 ,
                 though
                 while
                 they
                 can
                 keep
                 off
                 the
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 go
                 on
                 merrily
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 that
                 seizeth
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 marrs
                 their
                 mirth
                 ,
                 it
                 maketh
                 a
                 change
                 in
                 their
                 faces
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 :
                 now
                 truly
                 death
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 terrible
                 in
                 it self
                 considered
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 stoutness
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 spirit
                 ,
                 specially
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 other
                 consideration
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 overcome
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 above
                 the
                 fears
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Heathens
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 did
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 knoweth
                 indeed
                 what
                 death
                 is
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 a
                 dissolution
                 of
                 the
                 union
                 between
                 the
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 ,
                 taking
                 down
                 this
                 mouldring
                 Tabernacle
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Serpent
                 with
                 a
                 sting
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 where
                 
                 sin
                 and
                 guilt
                 lies
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 sorrows
                 ,
                 the
                 arrest
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 judgement
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 to
                 receive
                 its
                 doom
                 for
                 all
                 its
                 bloody
                 evils
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 guilty
                 of
                 .
                 The
                 wordling
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 give
                 up
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 O
                 he
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 never
                 answer
                 for
                 his
                 wasting
                 of
                 his
                 spirits
                 ,
                 and
                 spending
                 his
                 time
                 to
                 lay
                 up
                 treasure
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 neglecting
                 his
                 soul
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 tenders
                 of
                 Grace
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 this
                 well
                 enough
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 yield
                 up
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 take
                 it
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ;
                 
                   This
                   night
                   shall
                   thy
                   soul
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   thee
                   :
                
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 any
                 other
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 this
                 maketh
                 death
                 
                 terrible
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 these
                 fears
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 men
                 that
                 have
                 any
                 sight
                 or
                 sense
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 Bondage
                 all
                 their
                 lives
                 long
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 are
                 in
                 some
                 measure
                 under
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 faith
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 fear
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 bondage
                 broken
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 came
                 for
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 deliver
                 them
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 before
                 his
                 coming
                 the
                 Saints
                 may
                 be
                 specially
                 meant
                 here
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 indeed
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 crucified
                 for
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 beheld
                 him
                 crucified
                 ,
                 though
                 darkly
                 in
                 the
                 sacrifices
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 promise
                 from
                 the
                 foundation
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 they
                 had
                 not
                 that
                 confidence
                 usually
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 was
                 more
                 room
                 for
                 doubtings
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 died
                 still
                 without
                 the
                 accomplishing
                 of
                 that
                 promise
                 ;
                 now
                 though
                 such
                 as
                 had
                 an
                 extraordinary
                 measure
                 of
                 faith
                 and
                 a
                 prophetical
                 spirit
                 ,
                 might
                 see
                 this
                 clearly
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 might
                 raise
                 them
                 much
                 what
                 above
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 yet
                 ordinarily
                 
                 I
                 believe
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 such
                 clear
                 conviction
                 of
                 the
                 freeness
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 abundance
                 and
                 riches
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 did
                 not
                 so
                 f●lly
                 quiet
                 their
                 Spirits
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 fears
                 of
                 death
                 and
                 judgement
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 not
                 so
                 clearly
                 see
                 the
                 sting
                 pluckt
                 out
                 ;
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 those
                 Sacrifices
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 did
                 hold
                 out
                 Christ
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 make
                 the
                 
                 comers
                 thereunto
                 perfect
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 were
                 often
                 repeated
                 ;
                 But
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 he
                 hath
                 by
                 once
                 offering
                 ,
                 for
                 ever
                 perfected
                 ,
                 compleated
                 their
                 salvation
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Apostle
                 and
                 others
                 do
                 so
                 triumph
                 over
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 hardly
                 find
                 any
                 before
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 because
                 now
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 liberty
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 was
                 poured
                 out
                 in
                 a
                 greater
                 measure
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 this
                 of
                 a
                 general
                 state
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 before
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 this
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 indeed
                 ,
                 hath
                 shone
                 into
                 the
                 very
                 chambers
                 of
                 death
                 themselves
                 ,
                 to
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 tha●
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 that
                 real
                 terrour
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 except
                 himself
                 had
                 gone
                 through
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 broken
                 the
                 bars
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 pluckt
                 out
                 the
                 sting
                 ,
                 and
                 sanctified
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 passage
                 to
                 our
                 Glory
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 still
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 as
                 great
                 bondage
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 Simeon
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   now
                   lettest
                   thou
                   thy
                   servant
                   depart
                   in
                   peace
                   according
                   to
                   thy
                   word
                   :
                
                 now
                 he
                 had
                 embraced
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                 Christ
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 his
                 bodily
                 arms
                 ,
                 but
                 had
                 a
                 clearer
                 discovery
                 also
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 his
                 soul
                 doubtless
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 sence
                 may
                 help
                 faith
                 also
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 secondly
                 ,
                 According
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 faith
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 is
                 the
                 degree
                 of
                 their
                 liberty
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 terrible
                 to
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 do
                 believe
                 ;
                 but
                 their
                 faith
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 perswasions
                 of
                 sense
                 are
                 strong
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 down
                 the
                 soul
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 came
                 to
                 deliver
                 his
                 people
                 also
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 degrees
                 of
                 his
                 manifesting
                 himselfto
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 will
                 the
                 soul
                 go
                 forth
                 from
                 these
                 fears
                 :
                 and
                 though
                 Aristotle
                 died
                 doubtful
                 whither
                 he
                 should
                 go
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 cried
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   Ens
                   entium
                   ,
                   &
                   causa
                   causarum
                   miserere
                   mei
                
                 ;
                 Yet
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 that
                 attained
                 that
                 pitch
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   know
                   that
                   when
                   our
                   tabernacles
                   are
                   dissolved
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   an
                   house
                   eternal
                   in
                   the
                   heavens
                   :
                
                 to
                 know
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   sting
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   and
                   victory
                   of
                   the
                   grave
                   is
                   swallowed
                   up
                   by
                   Jesus
                
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 left
                 its
                 sting
                 in
                 his
                 side
                 ;
                 to
                 know
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 
                 are
                 dissolved
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 with
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 know
                 how
                 much
                 better
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 well
                 studied
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 grown
                 strong
                 in
                 the
                 faith
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 dissolved
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 going
                 forth
                 now
                 ,
                 a
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 indeed
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 
                 Righteousness
                 upon
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 A
                 freedom
                 or
                 liberty
                 from
                 the
                 Govenant
                 of
                 works
                 ;
                 What
                 saith
                 the
                 Law
                 ?
                 
                   Do
                   this
                   and
                   live
                   :
                   continue
                   in
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   written
                
                 ;
                 now
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 cometh
                 to
                 see
                 how
                 spirittual
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 earnal
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 sold
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 binds
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 desires
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 a
                 vain
                 thought
                 pass
                 through
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 there
                 do
                 ,
                 this
                 Covenant
                 knoweth
                 no
                 mercy
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 keepeth
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 under
                 much
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 and
                 doubting
                 concerning
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 bondage
                 of
                 Gods
                 putting
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 (
                 though
                 he
                 gave
                 us
                 the
                 Law
                 )
                 but
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 making
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 gave
                 the
                 Law
                 with
                 Evangelical
                 purposes
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 added
                 because
                 of
                 transgression
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 added
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 might
                 convince
                 poor
                 creatures
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 by
                 s●n
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 
                   When
                   the
                   Commandment
                   came
                   ,
                   sin
                   revived
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   died
                   :
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 it
                 indeed
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 we
                 would
                 needs
                 make
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 so
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 do
                 what
                 we
                 did
                 in
                 obedience
                 to
                 this
                 Law
                 as
                 for
                 life
                 ,
                 expecting
                 to
                 be
                 saved
                 by
                 our
                 own
                 works
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 ,
                 the
                 Jews
                 to
                 whom
                 that
                 Law
                 was
                 first
                 given
                 :
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 how
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 submit
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 stoop
                 to
                 have
                 this
                 yoke
                 taken
                 off
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 submit
                 to
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 Ged
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 have
                 a
                 righteousness
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 two
                 strings
                 to
                 their
                 bow
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 either
                 of
                 them
                 would
                 hold
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 
                 yield
                 to
                 be
                 righteous
                 by
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 :
                 the
                 one
                 was
                 their
                 freedom
                 by
                 Birth
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   were
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   Abraham
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   the
                   Bond-woman
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 what
                 need
                 they
                 care
                 for
                 this
                 liberty
                 :
                 the
                 other
                 was
                 their
                 own
                 works
                 ,
                 they
                 made
                 account
                 their
                 own
                 penny
                 was
                 good
                 silver
                 enough
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 it
                 was
                 but
                 reprobate
                 silver
                 ,
                 they
                 went
                 about
                 to
                 establish
                 their
                 own
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 justified
                 by
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 works
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 that
                 came
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 endeavoured
                 to
                 turn
                 aside
                 the
                 Galathians
                 to
                 another
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 by
                 teaching
                 them
                 they
                 should
                 again
                 put
                 their
                 necks
                 under
                 this
                 yoke
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 of
                 Ceremonies
                 ,
                 though
                 that
                 be
                 one
                 thing
                 to
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 were
                 under
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 the
                 Moral
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Works
                 ,
                 else
                 to
                 what
                 end
                 doth
                 he
                 mention
                 the
                 curse
                 therein
                 :
                 
                   And
                   if
                   ye
                   be
                   justified
                   by
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   Christ
                   shall
                   not
                   profit
                   you
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   fallen
                   from
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   Grace
                   .
                
                 Well
                 now
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 revealed
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 delivereth
                 him
                 from
                 this
                 :
                 though
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 harder
                 matter
                 to
                 get
                 clearly
                 off
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 many
                 do
                 imagine
                 ;
                 and
                 even
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 themselves
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 too
                 often
                 they
                 are
                 turned
                 aside
                 to
                 the
                 bondwoman
                 from
                 the
                 free
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 to
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Works
                 .
                 Again
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 as
                 provoking
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 Bondage
                 chiefly
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 :
                 Rom.
                 7.
                 
                 But
                 the
                 more
                 clearly
                 and
                 fully
                 the
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 revealed
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 greater
                 power
                 he
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 fully
                 are
                 we
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 it
                 .
                 Here
                 we
                 might
                 discuss
                 the
                 question
                 ,
                 how
                 far
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 far
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 I
                 will
                 rather
                 reserve
                 that
                 to
                 another
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 proceed
                 to
                 conclude
                 this
                 part
                 .
              
               
                 Tenthly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 bondage
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 under
                 ,
                 even
                 that
                 weakness
                 ,
                 and
                 straitness
                 ,
                 and
                 deadness
                 of
                 heart
                 towards
                 God
                 :
                 you
                 know
                 that
                 sickness
                 doth
                 weaken
                 a
                 man
                 exceedingly
                 ,
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 that
                 he
                 can
                 scarce
                 go
                 upon
                 his
                 legs
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 prisoner
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 under
                 that
                 weakness
                 ,
                 from
                 all
                 action
                 to
                 purpose
                 ;
                 let
                 but
                 a
                 poor
                 prisoner
                 be
                 under
                 hardship
                 a
                 while
                 in
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 feeble
                 will
                 he
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 scarce
                 worth
                 the
                 ground
                 he
                 goeth
                 upon
                 ?
                 a
                 while
                 longer
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 prisoner
                 under
                 that
                 weakness
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ;
                 therefore
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 Then
                 
                 
                   will
                   I
                   run
                   the
                   ways
                   of
                   thy
                   commandments
                   ,
                   when
                   thou
                   shalt
                   enlarge
                   my
                   heart
                   .
                
                 Now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 in
                 with
                 pardon
                 ,
                 speaking
                 peace
                 ,
                 smiling
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 filling
                 the
                 heart
                 with
                 joy
                 unspeakable
                 ,
                 this
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 forth
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 his
                 labour
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 ariseth
                 ,
                 that
                 drousiness
                 ,
                 heaviness
                 ,
                 deadness
                 under
                 which
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 prisoner
                 before
                 ,
                 being
                 now
                 removed
                 .
              
               
                 Eleventhly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 also
                 from
                 outward
                 afflictions
                 ,
                 for
                 these
                 are
                 also
                 an
                 appendix
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 execution
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 set
                 his
                 people
                 
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 these
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 bondage
                 upon
                 them
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 them
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 come
                 .
                 Or
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 evil
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 pinching
                 ,
                 and
                 wringing
                 ,
                 and
                 galling
                 of
                 the
                 yoke
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 In
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 :
                 he
                 speaks
                 here
                 plainly
                 to
                 the
                 believing
                 Jews
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 afraid
                 of
                 the
                 judgments
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 threatning
                 while
                 they
                 did
                 but
                 hang
                 over
                 their
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 prison
                 ,
                 or
                 bondage
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 this
                 fear
                 ;
                 Well
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   Fear
                   not
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                   ,
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   shall
                   arise
                   upon
                   you
                   .
                   Job
                   was
                   afraid
                   of
                   his
                   sorrows
                   :
                
                 take
                 and
                 compare
                 Job
                 the
                 none-such
                 in
                 the
                 East
                 ,
                 a
                 most
                 eminent
                 Saint
                 ,
                 and
                 Paul
                 in
                 the
                 New
                 Testament
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 
                 one
                 you
                 find
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   is
                   afraid
                   of
                   his
                   sorrows
                   ,
                   Paul
                   he
                   glories
                   in
                   his
                   tribulations
                   ,
                
                 you
                 never
                 hear
                 him
                 complaining
                 of
                 his
                 sufferings
                 ,
                 no
                 nor
                 feared
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 knew
                 
                   that
                   bonds
                   and
                   imprisonments
                   did
                   abide
                   him
                   in
                   every
                   City
                   ,
                
                 but
                 he
                 cared
                 not
                 for
                 any
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 had
                 a
                 richer
                 discovrey
                 of
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 Job
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 clearer
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 set
                 him
                 free
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 from
                 them
                 :
                 and
                 indeed
                 his
                 soul
                 that
                 knoweth
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 freely
                 given
                 him
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 now
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 ever
                 shall
                 befall
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 turn
                 to
                 his
                 good
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 he
                 much
                 to
                 fear
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 They
                 shall
                 go
                 out
                 from
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 many
                 times
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 what
                 though
                 
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   burn
                   like
                   an
                   oven
                   ,
                   and
                   burn
                   up
                   the
                   chaff
                   and
                   stubble
                   ,
                   and
                   devour
                   them
                   root
                   and
                   branch
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   be
                   an
                   hiding
                   place
                   to
                   you
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   You
                   that
                   fear
                   my
                   name
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   tremble
                   at
                   my
                   word
                   :
                
                 O
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 shall
                 arise
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 vertue
                 of
                 his
                 death
                 ye
                 shall
                 be
                 delivered
                 as
                 the
                 Jews
                 were
                 in
                 
                   Egypt
                   ,
                   By
                   the
                   sprinkling
                   of
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   the
                   Passover
                   upon
                   the
                   Posts
                   of
                   the
                   Doors
                   ,
                
                 which
                 did
                 represent
                 and
                 typifie
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 
                 and
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   Z●ch
                   .
                   Mark
                   you
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 concerning
                 his
                 peoples
                 Deliverance
                 out
                 of
                 Babylon
                 ,
                 a
                 type
                 of
                 spiritual
                 deliverance
                 
                 and
                 freedom
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 :
                 
                   as
                   for
                   thee
                   also
                   by
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   the
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   sent
                   forth
                   thy
                   Prisoners
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   Pit
                   wherein
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   water
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 done
                 by
                 vertue
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 whereby
                 this
                 freedom
                 and
                 going
                 forth
                 is
                 made
                 out
                 to
                 Believers
                 ,
                 
                   therefore
                   you
                   may
                   observe
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   Lord
                   cometh
                   to
                   deliver
                   Israel
                   out
                   of
                   Egypt
                   ,
                
                 he
                 ushers
                 it
                 in
                 thus
                 .
                 
                   I
                   remember
                   my
                   Covenant
                
                 :
                 the
                 
                 
                 difference
                 between
                 the
                 deliverances
                 of
                 Israel
                 and
                 other
                 people
                 are
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 a
                 Covenant
                 mercy
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 a
                 common
                 mercy
                 meerly
                 .
                 Well
                 now
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 of
                 the
                 burning
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 children
                 in
                 the
                 Furnace
                 ,
                 it
                 burned
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 escaped
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 was
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 so
                 shall
                 ye
                 go
                 forth
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 provide
                 a
                 little
                 Zoar
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 the
                 destruction
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 escaped
                 to
                 Pella
                 as
                 the
                 story
                 goeth
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 Town
                 beyond
                 Jordan
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 seal
                 the
                 144000.
                 before
                 he
                 brings
                 those
                 bloody
                 calamities
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 persecuting
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 in
                 the
                 ninth
                 of
                 
                   Ezekiel
                   ,
                   O
                   who
                   would
                   not
                   be
                   in
                   Covenant
                   with
                   God!
                   they
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                   .
                
              
               
                 Or
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 They
                 shall
                 be
                 freed
                 from
                 the
                 destroying
                 evil
                 ,
                 the
                 hardening
                 evil
                 of
                 affliction
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 sore
                 one
                 too
                 ,
                 being
                 bound
                 in
                 affliction
                 and
                 iron
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 Job
                 in
                 the
                 13.
                 ch
                 .
                 
                 ver
                 .
                 27.
                 
                 God
                 writeth
                 bitter
                 things
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 puts
                 his
                 feet
                 in
                 the
                 stocks
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 his
                 affliction
                 together
                 is
                 called
                 Jobs
                 captivity
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 resigned
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 pleasure
                 of
                 Satan
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 who
                 led
                 him
                 from
                 one
                 affliction
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 brought
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 him
                 off
                 without
                 the
                 evil
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 expected
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 curse
                 him
                 and
                 dye
                 ,
                 curse
                 him
                 to
                 his
                 
                 face
                 :
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 maketh
                 his
                 people
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 brings
                 them
                 through
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 without
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 hurt
                 seizing
                 upon
                 them
                 .
                 Sinners
                 are
                 the
                 harder
                 for
                 being
                 in
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 melted
                 ,
                 as
                 very
                 a
                 stone
                 as
                 Pharaoh
                 was
                 ,
                 he
                 began
                 to
                 burn
                 in
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 hot
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 have
                 thought
                 his
                 heart
                 had
                 given
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 stone
                 still
                 ;
                 but
                 his
                 people
                 came
                 out
                 melted
                 ,
                 refined
                 with
                 this
                 Epiphonema
                 to
                 all
                 their
                 afflictions
                 .
                 
                   O
                   it
                   was
                   good
                   for
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   could
                   not
                   have
                   been
                   without
                   it
                   ,
                   much
                   of
                   my
                   dross
                
                 
                 
                   is
                   gone
                   by
                   it
                
                 ;
                 and
                 thus
                 the
                 Lord
                 maketh
                 his
                 people
                 go
                 forth
                 ;
                 
                   ●e
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 .
              
               
                 Twelfthly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 one
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 Ceremonies
                 &
                 traditions
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 put
                 them
                 both
                 together
                 ;
                 the
                 Ceremonies
                 were
                 a
                 yoak
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 circumcision
                 was
                 a
                 hard
                 service
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 blood
                 of
                 their
                 children
                 at
                 eight
                 daies
                 old
                 ,
                 their
                 journeys
                 to
                 their
                 feasts
                 at
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 their
                 offerings
                 and
                 oblations
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 very
                 chargeable
                 ,
                 insomuch
                 that
                 they
                 grew
                 weary
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 snuffed
                 at
                 them
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 Traditions
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 grievous
                 burthen
                 where
                 their
                 Doctrines
                 are
                 taught
                 and
                 received
                 ;
                 
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 comprehends
                 both-under
                 that
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 rudiments
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 whereunto
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 them
                 be
                 brought
                 in
                 
                 bondage
                 again
                 ,
                 the
                 difference
                 of
                 meats
                 and
                 drinks
                 ,
                 &c.
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 let
                 us
                 loose
                 from
                 those
                 observations
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 desperate
                 doctrine
                 ,
                 a
                 doctrine
                 of
                 Devils
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 speak
                 lies
                 in
                 hypocrisie
                 ,
                 to
                 forbid
                 to
                 marry
                 ,
                 and
                 commanding
                 
                 to
                 abstain
                 from
                 meats
                 ,
                 which
                 God
                 hath
                 created
                 to
                 be
                 received
                 with
                 thanksgiving
                 ;
                 and
                 blessed
                 be
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 that
                 by
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 brought
                 us
                 out
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 generally
                 :
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 be
                 pleased
                 to
                 shine
                 among
                 the
                 poor
                 ignorant
                 Papists
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 but
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 doubtless
                 this
                 would
                 be
                 quickly
                 shakt
                 off
                 with
                 them
                 also
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 the
                 parts
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 degrees
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 degree
                 to
                 every
                 believer
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 already
                 heard
                 ,
                 how
                 that
                 before
                 Christ's
                 coming
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 in
                 such
                 power
                 as
                 since
                 ;
                 
                   Ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 ,
                 hath
                 been
                 accomplished
                 in
                 many
                 respects
                 since
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 and
                 Saviour
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 faith
                 and
                 the
                 clearer
                 sight
                 we
                 have
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 greater
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 splendor
                 ,
                 and
                 glory
                 he
                 shines
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 of
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 apprehend
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 fully
                 and
                 perfectly
                 to
                 rest
                 upon
                 that
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 shall
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 all
                 these
                 bondages
                 shall
                 be
                 broken
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 speaking
                 to
                 ;
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 two
                 things
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 what
                 this
                 liberty
                 is
                 .
              
               
                 Which
                 are
                 the
                 arguments
                 for
                 the
                 further
                 confirmation
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 
                   Where
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ariseth
                   upon
                   a
                   soul
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   liberty
                   and
                   enlargement
                   .
                
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 very
                 nature
                 of
                 that
                 gift
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 arising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 but
                 the
                 giving
                 of
                 himself
                 unto
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 
                   revealing
                   himself
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   pleased
                   the
                   Father
                   to
                   reveal
                   his
                   son
                   in
                   me
                   ,
                
                 by
                 which
                 means
                 that
                 darkness
                 and
                 terrour
                 is
                 taken
                 away
                 in
                 great
                 measure
                 ;
                 
                   Christ
                   is
                   all
                   in
                   all
                
                 :
                 the
                 bondage
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 
                 either
                 sin
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 sad
                 effects
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 the
                 revelation
                 of
                 Christ
                 answerably
                 ,
                 is
                 either
                 for
                 holiness
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 by
                 joy
                 and
                 comfort
                 ,
                 wherein
                 he
                 meeteth
                 with
                 both
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 the
                 guilt
                 ,
                 the
                 bondage
                 he
                 takes
                 away
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 
                   himself
                   was
                   made
                   sin
                   ,
                   that
                   knew
                   no
                   sin
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   be
                   made
                   the
                   righteousness
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   him
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 
                 power
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 him
                 he
                 overcame
                 ;
                 yet
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 sin
                 that
                 is
                 broken
                 also
                 ,
                 
                   sin
                   shall
                   not
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   you
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 terrours
                 ,
                 fears
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 where
                 he
                 maketh
                 himself
                 manifest
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ;
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 you
                 have
                 in
                 effect
                 had
                 before
                 ,
                 therefore
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 it
                 here
                 ;
                 he
                 adopts
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 Joh.
                 8.
                 36.
                 
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 was
                 used
                 in
                 some
                 Cities
                 in
                 Greece
                 ,
                 as
                 Grot.
                 noteth
                 :
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 another
                 Argument
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   serve
                   him
                   ,
                   therefore
                   they
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 ;
                 while
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 under
                 bondage
                 he
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 bondage
                 unto
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 cannot
                 serve
                 another
                 Master
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 this
                 specially
                 respecteth
                 that
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 which
                 concerneth
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 :
                 when
                 Satan
                 had
                 filled
                 Ananias
                 heart
                 ,
                 could
                 he
                 obey
                 
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 could
                 Ahab
                 that
                 had
                 sold
                 himself
                 to
                 commit
                 wickedness
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 slave
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 servant
                 of
                 Christ
                 at
                 the
                 same
                 time
                 .
                 I
                 speak
                 not
                 what
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 do
                 for
                 an
                 act
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 doth
                 work
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                 labour
                 it
                 ,
                 hammer
                 it
                 in
                 his
                 brain
                 ,
                 forge
                 it
                 there
                 ,
                 art
                 it
                 and
                 pollish
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 great
                 dexterity
                 ,
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 serve
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   cannot
                   serve
                   God
                   and
                   Mammon
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 mentioning
                 one
                 lust
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 contrary
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ;
                 When
                 a
                 man
                 doth
                 
                 wickedness
                 with
                 both
                 hands
                 earnestly
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 never
                 a
                 hand
                 left
                 for
                 Christ's
                 service
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 compleat
                 service
                 indeed
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 seemeth
                 by
                 that
                 opposition
                 ,
                 
                   thanks
                   be
                   to
                   God
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   that
                   ye
                   were
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   but
                   ye
                   have
                   obeyed
                   from
                   the
                   heart
                   the
                   form
                   of
                   Doctrine
                   .
                
                 So
                 that
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 if
                 that
                 be
                 gone
                 after
                 sin
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 heartily
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 carkass
                 ,
                 the
                 lip
                 ,
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 the
                 tongue
                 ,
                 he
                 matters
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 therefore
                 first
                 ,
                 the
                 Marriage-yoak
                 must
                 be
                 broken
                 between
                 the
                 soul
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 can
                 be
                 married
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 to
                 serve
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   are
                   become
                   dead
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   that
                   ,
                   ye
                   might
                   be
                   married
                   to
                   another
                   ;
                   when
                   ye
                   were
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   ye
                
                 
                 
                   were
                   free
                   from
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 free
                 from
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 no
                 commanding
                 
                 power
                 over
                 you
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 under
                 the
                 commanding
                 power
                 of
                 Christ
                 ▪
                 there
                 sin
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 dead
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 free
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 he
                 
                 
                   that
                   is
                   dead
                   ,
                   is
                   free
                   from
                   sin
                   ,
                
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 cannot
                 be
                 alive
                 to
                 God
                 to
                 serve
                 him
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 that
                 every
                 man
                 would
                 be
                 thought
                 
                 a
                 servant
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 the
                 off-scouring
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 live
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 not
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 sin
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 
                   yieldeth
                   his
                   members
                   instruments
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   unrighteousness
                   to
                   unholiness
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   pretends
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   servant
                   of
                   Christ
                   .
                
                 What
                 is
                 this
                 but
                 a
                 mockery
                 ?
                 but
                 be
                 not
                 deceived
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 mocked
                 :
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 take
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 mockery
                 ,
                 if
                 one
                 come
                 and
                 tells
                 you
                 ,
                 O
                 Sir
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 your
                 servant
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 give
                 me
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 reward
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 must
                 give
                 me
                 leave
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 the
                 service
                 I
                 can
                 to
                 your
                 enemy
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 my
                 service
                 ,
                 but
                 your
                 enemy
                 shall
                 have
                 the
                 reality
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 mockery
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 That
                 their
                 services
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 chearful
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 setteth
                 them
                 free
                 from
                 their
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 respecteth
                 that
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 which
                 concerneth
                 the
                 Concomitants
                 ,
                 even
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 and
                 terrours
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 not
                 love
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 people
                 follow
                 him
                 whining
                 ,
                 he
                 loveth
                 a
                 cheerful
                 giver
                 and
                 a
                 cheerful
                 doer
                 of
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 for
                 his
                 honour
                 that
                 his
                 servants
                 should
                 lift
                 up
                 their
                 heads
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 would
                 we
                 say
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 servant
                 go
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 if
                 scarce
                 worth
                 the
                 earth
                 he
                 goes
                 upon
                 ,
                 amazed
                 with
                 fears
                 ,
                 with
                 sorrows
                 ;
                 sure
                 such
                 a
                 servant
                 hath
                 a
                 hard
                 Master
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 so
                 
                 little
                 joy
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 maketh
                 his
                 people
                 go
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 setteth
                 them
                 free
                 from
                 all
                 their
                 fears
                 ,
                 and
                 terrours
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 with
                 a
                 cheerful
                 and
                 a
                 large
                 heart
                 serve
                 him
                 ;
                 here
                 is
                 love
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 so
                 sweeten
                 his
                 yoak
                 and
                 his
                 service
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 his
                 people
                 shall
                 delight
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 therefore
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 serve
                 him
                 without
                 fear
                 in
                 
                 holiness
                 and
                 righteousness
                 all
                 the
                 daies
                 of
                 our
                 lives
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 services
                 to
                 him
                 may
                 be
                 more
                 strong
                 then
                 otherwise
                 they
                 would
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 bonds
                 brought
                 down
                 with
                 bard
                 bondage
                 ,
                 cannot
                 do
                 the
                 service
                 which
                 another
                 man
                 can
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 ▪
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Neh.
                 8.
                 10.
                 therefore
                 he
                 doth
                 enlarge
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 run
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 his
                 commandments
                 ,
                 takes
                 off
                 the
                 fetters
                 for
                 this
                 very
                 end
                 ;
                 a
                 poor
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 under
                 terrours
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 or
                 under
                 the
                 prevailing
                 of
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 have
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 their
                 hands
                 manacled
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 fight
                 ,
                 their
                 feet
                 are
                 fettered
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 walk
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 run
                 .
              
               
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Yet
                 one
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 lest
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 held
                 under
                 bondage
                 too
                 long
                 ,
                 should
                 put
                 forth
                 his
                 hands
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 this
                 respects
                 specially
                 the
                 bondage
                 of
                 sorrows
                 and
                 fears
                 which
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   spirit
                   is
                   over-whelmed
                
                 
                 
                   within
                   me
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 like
                 case
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   will
                   speak
                   peace
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   )
                   unto
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   not
                
                 
                 
                   return
                   to
                   folly
                   any
                   more
                
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 lay
                 his
                 hand
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 continually
                 pressing
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 alway
                 hold
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 they
                 can
                 find
                 no
                 pleasure
                 in
                 God
                 nor
                 in
                 his
                 waies
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 inclinable
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 their
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 
                   Psalm
                   ,
                   let
                   not
                   the
                   rod
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   alway
                   rest
                   upon
                   the
                   lot
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   righteous
                   ,
                   lest
                   they
                   put
                   forth
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 Psalmists
                 heels
                 were
                 almost
                 thrown
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 himself
                 upon
                 his
                 back
                 ,
                 his
                 faith
                 upon
                 its
                 back
                 in
                 this
                 very
                 respect
                 .
                 O
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 thus
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   must
                   be
                   plunged
                   every
                   morning
                   ,
                   alway
                   in
                   the
                   net
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   yoak
                   of
                   affliction
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   affliction
                   and
                   iron
                   continually
                   ,
                   surely
                   I
                   have
                   cleansed
                   my self
                   in
                   vain
                
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 rods
                 are
                 the
                 rods
                 of
                 God
                 of
                 a
                 lesser
                 nature
                 ,
                 those
                 with
                 which
                 the
                 spirit
                 is
                 lashed
                 are
                 most
                 sore
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 soul
                 might
                 be
                 in
                 danger
                 to
                 depart
                 to
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 sin
                 again
                 ;
                 how
                 soon
                 did
                 Israel
                 resolve
                 of
                 making
                 them
                 a
                 Captain
                 to
                 return
                 again
                 ?
                 N●h
                 .
                 9.
                 17
                 
                 :
                 If
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 return
                 in
                 such
                 distress
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 should
                 keep
                 him
                 hungring
                 and
                 languishing
                 ,
                 when
                 
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 husks
                 to
                 eat
                 ;
                 surely
                 this
                 were
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 put
                 him
                 upon
                 it
                 to
                 return
                 again
                 to
                 riotous
                 courses
                 :
                 the
                 peace
                 of
                 God
                 keepeth
                 them
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Again
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 spirit
                 would
                 fail
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 in
                 due
                 season
                 break
                 the
                 yoak
                 ,
                 set
                 them
                 at
                 liberty
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 tender
                 Father
                 will
                 not
                 lose
                 his
                 child
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 
                 the
                 rod
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 will
                 the
                 Father
                 of
                 spirits
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 ●●shing
                 our
                 spirits
                 ;
                 yet
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 a
                 tender-hearted
                 Father
                 will
                 much
                 less
                 lose
                 him
                 by
                 over-doing
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 spare
                 him
                 ,
                 indulge
                 him
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 so
                 neither
                 will
                 he
                 whip
                 him
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 hang
                 ●rons
                 and
                 fetters
                 upon
                 him
                 until
                 they
                 eat
                 into
                 his
                 soul
                 and
                 consume
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Father
                 seeth
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 the
                 child
                 to
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 beginneth
                 to
                 swoon
                 under
                 his
                 rod
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 fear
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 torment
                 ,
                 be
                 it
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 letteth
                 the
                 rod
                 fall
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 fals
                 a
                 kissing
                 of
                 the
                 child
                 to
                 revive
                 him
                 again
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 preserve
                 the
                 spirits
                 ,
                 and
                 maintain
                 nature
                 in
                 Physick
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 purgations
                 have
                 wrought
                 the
                 patient
                 off
                 his
                 
                 strength
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 restoring
                 with
                 Cordials
                 ,
                 1
                 
                   Cor.
                   10.
                   13.
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   suffer
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   tempted
                   above
                   what
                   they
                   are
                   able
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 suffer
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 perish
                 ,
                 and
                 sink
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 away
                 in
                 prison
                 and
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 causeth
                 them
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 arise
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 several
                 uses
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 take
                 notice
                 from
                 hence
                 what
                 a
                 grievous
                 bondage
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 sin
                 is
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 principal
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 are
                 but
                 the
                 product
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 sin
                 is
                 pregnant
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 the
                 seeds
                 of
                 all
                 those
                 terrors
                 ,
                 fears
                 ,
                 sorrows
                 ,
                 slavishness
                 ,
                 deadness
                 ,
                 straitness
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 in
                 its
                 womb
                 ,
                 but
                 it self
                 is
                 the
                 chief
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 
                   to
                   be
                   sold
                   under
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   sin
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   us
                
                 ;
                 so
                 many
                 lusts
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 in
                 strength
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 
                 pairs
                 of
                 fetters
                 there
                 are
                 about
                 our
                 legs
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 then
                 is
                 it
                 likely
                 that
                 a
                 sinner
                 should
                 run
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 Gods
                 Commandments
                 !
                 but
                 I
                 hope
                 by
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 said
                 already
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 granted
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 condition
                 of
                 sin
                 is
                 a
                 condition
                 of
                 bondage
                 ;
                 only
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 aggravate
                 this
                 consideration
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 little
                 enough
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 ,
                 to
                 startle
                 sinners
                 who
                 are
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 consider
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 basest
                 ,
                 most
                 sordid
                 thing
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 a
                 servile
                 condition
                 is
                 mean
                 and
                 base
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 ,
                 take
                 it
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ;
                 but
                 to
                 serve
                 the
                 basest
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 abhor
                 this
                 ?
                 what
                 spirit
                 would
                 stoop
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 drudge
                 to
                 a
                 Master
                 ,
                 to
                 rake
                 Channels
                 and
                 cleanse
                 Jakes
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 abhor
                 this
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 slavery
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 greatest
                 honour
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 be
                 
                   a
                   servant
                   ,
                   a
                   son
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   Moses
                   the
                   servant
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   David
                   my
                   servant
                   :
                
                 As
                 you
                 know
                 servants
                 do
                 much
                 bear
                 themselves
                 up
                 upon
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 their
                 Masters
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 basest
                 servitude
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 sell
                 himself
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 moments
                 pleasure
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 base
                 :
                 It
                 is
                 brutish
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 subject
                 his
                 understanding
                 and
                 will
                 to
                 the
                 passions
                 of
                 his
                 lust
                 ,
                 dishonourable
                 base
                 passions
                 ;
                 
                 for
                 beasts
                 are
                 led
                 by
                 their
                 appetites
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 As
                 it
                 is
                 base
                 drudgery
                 ,
                 so
                 secondly
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 hath
                 so
                 many
                 lusts
                 and
                 so
                 contrary
                 to
                 serve
                 and
                 satisfie
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 distracted
                 between
                 them
                 ;
                 one
                 commands
                 him
                 this
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 commands
                 him
                 that
                 way
                 ;
                 as
                 now
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 
                 to
                 serve
                 his
                 pride
                 and
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 luxury
                 and
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 contrary
                 ,
                 and
                 distract
                 ,
                 and
                 distort
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 hurry
                 him
                 hither
                 and
                 thither
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 enjoy
                 no
                 peace
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 spirit
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 will
                 spend
                 at
                 no
                 aim
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 company
                 ,
                 and
                 none
                 seemeth
                 to
                 set
                 less
                 by
                 the
                 world
                 then
                 he
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 but
                 afterward
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 recollects
                 himself
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 must
                 run
                 ,
                 and
                 drudge
                 ,
                 and
                 hurry
                 himself
                 and
                 all
                 his
                 family
                 ,
                 and
                 drive
                 faster
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 that
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 consumed
                 upon
                 his
                 lusts
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 miserable
                 bondage
                 to
                 be
                 under
                 such
                 contrary
                 lusts
                 ?
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Yea
                 consider
                 that
                 these
                 lusts
                 are
                 most
                 insatiable
                 ,
                 in
                 drinking
                 up
                 a
                 mans
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 spirits
                 ,
                 and
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 never
                 
                 leave
                 a
                 man
                 while
                 he
                 hath
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 upon
                 them
                 more
                 .
                 So
                 you
                 know
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 spent
                 all
                 that
                 ever
                 he
                 had
                 upon
                 his
                 lusts
                 ,
                 all
                 his
                 patrimony
                 ,
                 his
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 spirits
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 wanton
                 doth
                 upon
                 his
                 Dalilah
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 mourn
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   thy
                   life
                   and
                   thy
                   body
                   is
                   consumed
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   say
                   ,
                   how
                   have
                   I
                   hated
                   instruction
                   ,
                   and
                   my
                   heart
                   despised
                   reproof
                   ?
                
                 except
                 it
                 have
                 all
                 the
                 precious
                 workings
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 have
                 all
                 the
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 be
                 in
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 though
                 God
                 be
                 in
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 precious
                 water
                 must
                 drive
                 this
                 mill
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 covetousness
                 ,
                 now
                 how
                 is
                 the
                 soul
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 that
                 lust
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 hanged
                 up
                 like
                 a
                 meteor
                 in
                 the
                 air
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 hath
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   be
                   not
                   hanged
                   up
                   as
                   meteors
                   in
                   the
                
                 
                 ●ir
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 between
                 heaven
                 and
                 earth
                 ;
                 and
                 be
                 not
                 careful
                 ,
                 ●aith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 divided
                 ,
                 distracted
                 in
                 your
                 cares
                 .
                 O
                 ●hat
                 they
                 shall
                 eat
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 they
                 shall
                 drink
                 ,
                 how
                 they
                 shall
                 accomplish
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 design
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 drudge
                 is
                 any
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 this
                 lust
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 nothing
                 but
                 root
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ?
                 in
                 other
                 servitude
                 ,
                 if
                 that
                 a
                 servant
                 were
                 maimed
                 or
                 dismembered
                 ,
                 lost
                 an
                 eye
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 but
                 a
                 tooth
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 let
                 go
                 
                 for
                 their
                 eye-sake
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 the
                 tooth-sake
                 ,
                 but
                 here
                 sin
                 doth
                 nothing
                 but
                 wound
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 breaks
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 consumeth
                 him
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 go
                 ;
                 sin
                 doth
                 put
                 a
                 mans
                 eyes
                 out
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 have
                 the
                 more
                 full
                 compleat
                 command
                 over
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 stops
                 the
                 ears
                 ,
                 and
                 strikes
                 out
                 the
                 teeth
                 ,
                 and
                 distasteth
                 the
                 pallate
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 any
                 thing
                 of
                 God
                 hath
                 no
                 more
                 relish
                 then
                 a
                 chip
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 maketh
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 lame
                 for
                 any
                 lust
                 harboured
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 maketh
                 a
                 man
                 go
                 with
                 an
                 uneven
                 pace
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 halt
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 go
                 uprightly
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 weakens
                 the
                 hands
                 and
                 maketh
                 feeble
                 knees
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 like
                 a
                 woolf
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 greedy
                 wen
                 ,
                 devours
                 all
                 the
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 by
                 no
                 means
                 let
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 go
                 free
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 growing
                 bondage
                 ,
                 the
                 longer
                 a
                 man
                 continueth
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 faster
                 he
                 is
                 held
                 with
                 the
                 snares
                 and
                 bonds
                 of
                 his
                 sins
                 ;
                 in
                 the
                 transgression
                 of
                 an
                 evil
                 man
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 snare
                 ,
                 saith
                 Solomon
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 every
                 act
                 of
                 sinning
                 doth
                 fasten
                 the
                 snare
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 bands
                 of
                 iron
                 and
                 brass
                 ,
                 yea
                 of
                 adamant
                 ;
                 the
                 longer
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 this
                 dark
                 and
                 filthy
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 the
                 deeper
                 they
                 sink
                 into
                 the
                 mire
                 and
                 clay
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 standing
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 groweth
                 more
                 hard
                 through
                 the
                 deceitfuluess
                 of
                 sin
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 cup
                 of
                 delights
                 is
                 a
                 bewitching
                 cup
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 a
                 man
                 drinketh
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 may
                 ;
                 every
                 drop
                 of
                 oyl
                 you
                 cast
                 upon
                 the
                 flame
                 ,
                 maketh
                 it
                 the
                 harder
                 to
                 be
                 quenched
                 ,
                 every
                 act
                 of
                 sinning
                 doth
                 strengthen
                 the
                 habit
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 all
                 other
                 cases
                 ,
                 and
                 dispose
                 a
                 man
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 strongly
                 ,
                 incline
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 sin
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ado
                 to
                 get
                 the
                 heart
                 off
                 from
                 these
                 lusts
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 ,
                 can
                 speak
                 by
                 experience
                 what
                 a
                 miserable
                 bondage
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 growing
                 bondage
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 further
                 a
                 man
                 goeth
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 still
                 further
                 into
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 binds
                 the
                 yoak
                 upon
                 his
                 neck
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 harder
                 and
                 closer
                 ,
                 insomuch
                 that
                 a
                 gray-headed-sinner
                 you
                 shall
                 seldom
                 see
                 recovered
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 snare
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 though
                 sometimes
                 we
                 may
                 :
                 This
                 the
                 fourth
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 durable
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 abides
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 even
                 where
                 a
                 soul
                 is
                 brought
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 another
                 principle
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 continue
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 in
                 many
                 a
                 gracious
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   am
                   carnal
                   and
                   sold
                   under
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 he
                 saith
                 
                 not
                 he
                 was
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 carnal
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 as
                 those
                 in
                 that
                 first
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Corinthians
                   ,
                   are
                   you
                   not
                   carnal
                   ?
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 flesh
                 a
                 great
                 sway
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 are
                 so
                 divided
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 strife
                 and
                 emulation
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 for
                 Paul
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 for
                 Apollo
                 ?
                 &c.
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 did
                 walk
                 heavily
                 under
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 the
                 chains
                 which
                 were
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 altogether
                 shakt
                 off
                 .
                 
                   O
                   wretched
                   man
                   ,
                   who
                   shall
                   deliver
                   me
                   ?
                   I
                   am
                
                 
                 
                   carried
                   captive
                   by
                   a
                   Law
                   in
                   my
                   members
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   sin
                   .
                
                 O
                 strange
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 so
                 sanctified
                 ,
                 so
                 mortified
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Law
                 in
                 his
                 members
                 should
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 strength
                 as
                 this
                 
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 carry
                 him
                 captive
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 spirit
                 do
                 lust
                 against
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 flesh
                 doth
                 lust
                 against
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 cannot
                 
                 do
                 the
                 things
                 they
                 would
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 bondage
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 though
                 notunder
                 the
                 reign
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 yet
                 it
                 usurpeth
                 ,
                 and
                 tyranizeth
                 ,
                 and
                 laies
                 its
                 commands
                 upon
                 a
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 altogether
                 his
                 own
                 ;
                 sin
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 go
                 its
                 hold
                 altogether
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 it
                 lose
                 the
                 Cittadel
                 ,
                 the
                 Tower
                 ,
                 the
                 chief
                 Fort
                 ,
                 the
                 Will
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 will
                 lurk
                 in
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 out-works
                 still
                 ;
                 if
                 it
                 lose
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 hold
                 by
                 the
                 heel
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 hang
                 about
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 walk
                 at
                 liberty
                 in
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 his
                 Commandments
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 The
                 reward
                 to
                 the
                 service
                 and
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 bondage
                 upon
                 bondage
                 ?
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 how
                 many
                 sad
                 Concomitants
                 there
                 are
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 doth
                 it
                 not
                 subject
                 to
                 the
                 curse
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 only
                 an
                 unprofitable
                 service
                 ,
                 
                   what
                   fruit
                   had
                   ye
                   then
                   in
                   those
                   things
                   whereof
                   ye
                   are
                   now
                   ashamed
                   ?
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 good
                 had
                 ye
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 ye
                 are
                 now
                 ashamed
                 of
                 them
                 :
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 reward
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 Adam
                 ,
                 it
                 laid
                 him
                 open
                 and
                 naked
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 both
                 without
                 covering
                 for
                 the
                 shame
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 defence
                 against
                 his
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 wanted
                 somewhat
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 his
                 innocency
                 to
                 skreen
                 him
                 from
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 
                 
                   is
                   a
                   consuming
                   fire
                   ,
                   yea
                   the
                   wages
                   of
                   these
                   things
                   is
                   death
                   ,
                   whose
                   end
                   is
                   destruction
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   whose
                   glory
                   is
                   in
                   their
                   shame
                   ,
                   whose
                   God
                   is
                   their
                   belly
                   ,
                   who
                   mind
                   earthly
                   things
                
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 hardly
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 savouring
                 of
                 earthly
                 things
                 is
                 so
                 dangerous
                 a
                 service
                 ,
                 being
                 so
                 pleasing
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 men
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 you
                 little
                 think
                 what
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 some
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 evils
                 do
                 attend
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 little
                 know
                 what
                 wounds
                 you
                 get
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   wound
                   and
                   dishonour
                   shall
                   he
                   get
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   reproach
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   wiped
                   away
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 the
                 wound
                 of
                 the
                 conscience
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 pains
                 sinners
                 are
                 at
                 to
                 store
                 up
                 gun-powder
                 at
                 last
                 to
                 blow
                 up
                 their
                 comforts
                 and
                 their
                 souls
                 and
                 all
                 ;
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 think
                 it
                 a
                 sad
                 servitude
                 where
                 a
                 master
                 should
                 delight
                 in
                 nothing
                 but
                 the
                 cruel
                 wounding
                 and
                 goring
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 self
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 indeed
                 to
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 one
                 day
                 find
                 sinners
                 ,
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 believe
                 it
                 now
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 is
                 big
                 with
                 terrours
                 ,
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 and
                 amazement
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 doth
                 nothing
                 but
                 wound
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 conscience
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 feel
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 ;
                 many
                 and
                 
                 many
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 sensless
                 as
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 at
                 
                 last
                 mourned
                 and
                 said
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 is
                 my
                 flesh
                 and
                 my
                 body
                 consumed
                 !
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 wretch
                 was
                 I
                 to
                 serve
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 my self
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 hath
                 nothing
                 but
                 woe
                 and
                 misery
                 ,
                 nothing
                 but
                 racks
                 and
                 woundings
                 to
                 reward
                 me
                 with
                 !
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 reward
                 is
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 pass
                 fro
                 m
                 the
                 chains
                 of
                 your
                 sins
                 here
                 ,
                 to
                 those
                 everlasting
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 !
              
               
                 Se
                 venthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 inextricable
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 our selves
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 open
                 the
                 prison
                 doors
                 ,
                 nor
                 loosen
                 our
                 fetters
                 ,
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 our
                 sins
                 wherewith
                 we
                 are
                 held
                 ,
                 and
                 bound
                 over
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 Judgement
                 .
                 O
                 I
                 know
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 specially
                 when
                 his
                 eyes
                 are
                 open
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 a
                 condition
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 making
                 many
                 an
                 attempt
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 to
                 break
                 prison
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 to
                 loose
                 his
                 bonds
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 resolutions
                 and
                 vows
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 many
                 a
                 sinner
                 make
                 ,
                 specially
                 after
                 a
                 passion
                 in
                 their
                 spirits
                 ,
                 when
                 their
                 eyes
                 are
                 a
                 little
                 open
                 ;
                 O
                 they
                 will
                 never
                 return
                 to
                 their
                 folly
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 next
                 thing
                 they
                 do
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 bands
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 making
                 are
                 too
                 slender
                 to
                 pull
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 mire
                 and
                 clay
                 ,
                 they
                 all
                 break
                 even
                 as
                 a
                 thread
                 of
                 Tow
                 when
                 it
                 cometh
                 to
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 sticks
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 nor
                 is
                 it
                 the
                 prayers
                 nor
                 tears
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 that
                 can
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 shall
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 know
                 it
                 by
                 experience
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 wonderful
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 man
                 pray
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 weep
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 mourn
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 go
                 on
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 course
                 of
                 sinning
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 I
                 believe
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 we
                 pray
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 ,
                 as
                 Aug.
                 did
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 mourn
                 upon
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 grievousness
                 of
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 prevails
                 not
                 to
                 for
                 sake
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 of
                 all
                 this
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 then
                 be
                 annointed
                 for
                 that
                 work
                 ,
                 to
                 preach
                 deliverance
                 to
                 the
                 captives
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 doors
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 bound
                 :
                 surely
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 do
                 no
                 nothing
                 in
                 vain
                 :
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Application
                 .
              
               
                 Then
                 it
                 may
                 teach
                 us
                 the
                 vanity
                 of
                 all
                 conceit
                 of
                 liberty
                 or
                 
                 freedom
                 ,
                 or
                 going
                 forth
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 come
                 and
                 shine
                 upon
                 a
                 mans
                 soul
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 not
                 before
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 men
                 can
                 satisfie
                 themselves
                 with
                 their
                 condition
                 as
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 some
                 conceit
                 they
                 are
                 at
                 liberty
                 ;
                 were
                 sinners
                 perswaded
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 the
                 dominion
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 &c.
                 could
                 they
                 eat
                 ,
                 or
                 drink
                 ,
                 or
                 sleep
                 ?
                 
                 what
                 a
                 fearful
                 thing
                 would
                 we
                 think
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Devil
                 had
                 but
                 power
                 over
                 our
                 bodies
                 ,
                 to
                 carry
                 them
                 whither
                 he
                 pleased
                 ,
                 to
                 shatter
                 and
                 shake
                 them
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 ?
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 the
                 having
                 power
                 over
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 over
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 the
                 affections
                 ,
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 by
                 keeping
                 them
                 in
                 blindness
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 sinners
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 but
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 nor
                 do
                 I
                 think
                 there
                 is
                 any
                 one
                 thing
                 doth
                 keep
                 more
                 poor
                 creatures
                 in
                 bondage
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ;
                 but
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 a
                 little
                 the
                 vanity
                 of
                 such
                 conceits
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Some
                 are
                 so
                 gross
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 born
                 free
                 ,
                 when
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   are
                   born
                   the
                   children
                   of
                   wrath
                   ,
                
                 we
                 are
                 
                 all
                 born
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Prison
                 House
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 we
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 our
                 Parents
                 are
                 under
                 bondage
                 .
                 Can
                 a
                 slave
                 bring
                 forth
                 any
                 other
                 then
                 a
                 slave
                 ?
                 If
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 look
                 to
                 the
                 
                 Rock
                 whence
                 we
                 are
                 hewen
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 speaks
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 our
                 very
                 Parents
                 were
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 lived
                 and
                 died
                 so
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 were
                 they
                 the
                 slaves
                 to
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 we
                 be
                 Christ
                 his
                 Free-men
                 by
                 Birth
                 ?
                 It
                 cannot
                 be
                 surely
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 very
                 strange
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 that
                 know
                 their
                 Parents
                 to
                 be
                 loose
                 ,
                 wicked
                 ,
                 prophane
                 ,
                 earthly
                 ,
                 carnal
                 crearu●es
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 should
                 bear
                 up
                 themselves
                 with
                 this
                 priviledge
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 born
                 free
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 Christians
                 by
                 birth
                 ,
                 such
                 men
                 little
                 know
                 what
                 goeth
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 Christian
                 ;
                 can
                 the
                 bond-woman
                 bring
                 forth
                 children
                 that
                 are
                 free
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Others
                 have
                 a
                 fairer
                 pretence
                 for
                 it
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 by
                 birth
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 had
                 faithful
                 believing
                 parents
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   have
                
                 Abraham
                 
                   to
                   our
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   being
                   his
                   seed
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   how
                   can
                   we
                   be
                   in
                   bondage
                   ?
                
                 I
                 must
                 confefs
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 something
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 for
                 as
                 Satan
                 hath
                 servants
                 born
                 in
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 
                 kingdom
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 in
                 his
                 ;
                 if
                 bond-men
                 were
                 born
                 bond-men
                 ,
                 and
                 servants
                 were
                 born
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 ,
                 then
                 God
                 hath
                 servants
                 also
                 born
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 servants
                 are
                 free
                 in
                 that
                 sense
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 his
                 servants
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 remarkable
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Leviticus
                   ,
                   they
                   must
                   let
                   their
                   servants
                   go
                   free
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   children
                
                 
                 
                   also
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   are
                   my
                   servants
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   whom
                   I
                   brought
                   out
                   of
                
                 Egypt
                 ;
                 which
                 was
                 a
                 Type
                 of
                 our
                 spiritual
                 bondage
                 :
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 calls
                 them
                 his
                 servants
                 ,
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ;
                 only
                 note
                 here
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 for
                 the
                 clearing
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 by
                 grace
                 and
                 not
                 by
                 nature
                 ;
                 for
                 by
                 nature
                 and
                 natural
                 generation
                 ,
                 no
                 man
                 can
                 beget
                 ,
                 nor
                 woman
                 bring
                 forth
                 any
                 child
                 that
                 is
                 free
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 themselves
                 through
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 are
                 made
                 free
                 ,
                 yet
                 their
                 children
                 by
                 nature
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 wrath
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 belong
                 to
                 the
                 Election
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 saved
                 whether
                 they
                 die
                 in
                 infancy
                 ,
                 or
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 acknowledgment
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 believe
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 did
                 ;
                 yet
                 by
                 nature
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 our
                 poor
                 children
                 are
                 in
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 if
                 parents
                 did
                 but
                 well
                 lay
                 it
                 to
                 heart
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 then
                 doth
                 this
                 hinder
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 by
                 grace
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 free
                 ,
                 though
                 by
                 nature
                 they
                 are
                 bound
                 ?
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 himself
                 by
                 nature
                 was
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 grace
                 he
                 was
                 free
                 ;
                 and
                 why
                 might
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 by
                 grace
                 make
                 him
                 free
                 sooner
                 if
                 he
                 pleased
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 later
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 all
                 one
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 can
                 he
                 not
                 make
                 children
                 free
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 men
                 if
                 he
                 please
                 ?
                 are
                 not
                 men
                 purely
                 receptives
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 children
                 as
                 passive
                 and
                 receptive
                 as
                 any
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 freedom
                 invisible
                 and
                 saving
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 freedom
                 visible
                 ,
                 and
                 both
                 by
                 grace
                 ;
                 the
                 freedom
                 invisible
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 soul
                 is
                 actually
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 from
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 the
                 bondage
                 of
                 his
                 corruptions
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 visible
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 ground
                 for
                 our
                 judging
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 freed
                 ;
                 now
                 many
                 are
                 visibly
                 free
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 invisibly
                 free
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 an
                 hypocritical
                 professor
                 ,
                 that
                 carries
                 it
                 so
                 like
                 a
                 free-man
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 would
                 puzzle
                 the
                 most
                 discernable
                 spirit
                 to
                 discover
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 under
                 the
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 or
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 invisibly
                 haply
                 ,
                 but
                 visibly
                 he
                 is
                 free
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 :
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 freedom
                 ;
                 therefore
                 where-ever
                 Christ
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 preach
                 liberty
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 still
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   is
                   given
                   as
                   a
                   Covenant
                   to
                   the
                   people
                
                 ;
                 so
                 many
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 visibly
                 are
                 such
                 ,
                 that
                 invisibly
                 are
                 not
                 ▪
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 such
                 holy
                 parents
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 visibly
                 free
                 ,
                 though
                 invisibly
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 visibly
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 ground
                 to
                 judge
                 charitably
                 and
                 hopefully
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 so
                 die
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 ●aved
                 by
                 vertue
                 of
                 that
                 Covenant
                 there
                 ;
                 which
                 for
                 my
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 no
                 other
                 revealed
                 way
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 
                 we
                 deny
                 them
                 this
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 either
                 say
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 grounded
                 hope
                 of
                 their
                 salvation
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 would
                 be
                 loath
                 to
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 
                   durus
                   pater
                   infan●um
                
                 ,
                 to
                 deny
                 all
                 visibility
                 of
                 salvation
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 Or
                 else
                 we
                 must
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 left
                 nothing
                 upon
                 record
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 might
                 have
                 any
                 comfort
                 concerning
                 little
                 ones
                 that
                 die
                 in
                 that
                 condition
                 ;
                 which
                 what
                 an
                 impeachment
                 it
                 were
                 to
                 the
                 wisdom
                 &
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 wish
                 men
                 would
                 impartially
                 consider
                 .
                 And
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 say
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 can
                 it
                 be
                 without
                 the
                 invisible
                 grace
                 ?
                 have
                 they
                 not
                 corrupt
                 natures
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 seeds
                 of
                 all
                 sin
                 in
                 them
                 ?
                 and
                 can
                 any
                 unclean
                 thing
                 enter
                 into
                 heaven
                 ?
                 and
                 therefore
                 sure
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 freed
                 from
                 sin
                 :
                 and
                 will
                 we
                 grant
                 them
                 the
                 invisible
                 grace
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 come
                 under
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 narrower
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 deny
                 them
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 larger
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 man
                 himself
                 ,
                 that
                 should
                 yield
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 Kings
                 bed-Chamber
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 Pallace
                 ;
                 or
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 in
                 this
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 large
                 and
                 comprehensive
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 I
                 conceive
                 that
                 this
                 visible
                 freedom
                 of
                 theirs
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 limited
                 with
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 discover
                 the
                 contrary
                 ;
                 as
                 an
                 hypocritical
                 professor
                 ,
                 to
                 us
                 he
                 is
                 visibly
                 a
                 Saint
                 ,
                 and
                 free
                 ,
                 until
                 his
                 leaf
                 do
                 fade
                 and
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 him
                 which
                 he
                 seemeth
                 to
                 have
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 child
                 is
                 upon
                 his
                 Fathers
                 root
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 owning
                 them
                 with
                 their
                 parents
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ;
                 yet
                 if
                 afterward
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 understanding
                 ;
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 Christ
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 own
                 the
                 covenant
                 themselves
                 actually
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 disown
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 Ismael
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 I
                 suppose
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 Saviour
                 reproveth
                 the
                 Jews
                 when
                 they
                 stood
                 now
                 at
                 age
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 have
                 minded
                 what
                 themselves
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 now
                 standing
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 upon
                 their
                 Fathers
                 root
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 owned
                 the
                 Covenant
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 believed
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 free
                 indeed
                 invisibly
                 ;
                 but
                 though
                 they
                 never
                 wrought
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 in
                 Christ
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 in
                 Christ
                 come
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 have
                 believed
                 ;
                 but
                 wrought
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 :
                 yet
                 they
                 bound
                 themselves
                 up
                 with
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 so
                 indeed
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 in
                 their
                 infancy
                 was
                 ground
                 for
                 a
                 believing
                 hopefully
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 their
                 Parents
                 were
                 Believers
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 required
                 themselves
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 own
                 
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 walk
                 worthy
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 else
                 that
                 would
                 not
                 stand
                 them
                 instead
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 just
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 maketh
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 gloriously
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 judgement
                 of
                 all
                 that
                 behold
                 him
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 gracious
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 falls
                 off
                 ,
                 draweth
                 back
                 to
                 perdition
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   latter
                   end
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   worse
                   then
                   his
                   beginning
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 he
                 bears
                 up
                 himself
                 ,
                 O
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 Christian
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 professed
                 
                 Christ
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 at
                 present
                 is
                 thus
                 stubborn
                 and
                 rebellious
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 this
                 would
                 satisfie
                 any
                 mans
                 spirit
                 
                 concerning
                 him
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 here
                 as
                 much
                 vanity
                 of
                 hope
                 concerning
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 case
                 ?
              
               
                 O
                 but
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 Doctrine
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 can
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 free
                 in
                 any
                 sense
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 come
                 into
                 bondage
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 perish
                 afterward
                 ?
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 gifts
                 and
                 calling
                 of
                 God
                 without
                 repentance
                 ?
                 therefore
                 that
                 children
                 should
                 be
                 free
                 by
                 vertue
                 of
                 this
                 
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 afterward
                 become
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 so
                 desperately
                 wicked
                 and
                 prophane
                 ,
                 this
                 seemeth
                 derogatory
                 to
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 any
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 Covenant
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 free
                 ,
                 should
                 now
                 be
                 bound
                 with
                 everlasting
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 no
                 derogation
                 from
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 nor
                 from
                 the
                 grace
                 that
                 came
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 that
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 for
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 one
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 free
                 in
                 the
                 account
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 free
                 in
                 the
                 account
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 God
                 judgeth
                 not
                 as
                 we
                 judge
                 ,
                 visibly
                 we
                 judge
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 judgeth
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 invisible
                 :
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 one
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 truly
                 inwardly
                 delivered
                 from
                 the
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 gone
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 never
                 be
                 reduced
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 ,
                 cannot
                 perish
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 that
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 or
                 ever
                 was
                 invisibly
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 can
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 darkness
                 ;
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 only
                 visibly
                 and
                 in
                 appearance
                 did
                 own
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 or
                 were
                 in
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 may
                 miscarry
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 glorious
                 professors
                 that
                 made
                 a
                 great
                 shew
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 sprang
                 up
                 as
                 fast
                 ,
                 and
                 flourished
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 that
                 yet
                 now
                 are
                 the
                 fuel
                 for
                 those
                 everlasting
                 flames
                 ?
                 what
                 could
                 men
                 judge
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 free-men
                 and
                 delivered
                 from
                 the
                 
                 prison
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 bondage
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 hold
                 of
                 sin
                 to
                 that
                 day
                 ?
                 and
                 why
                 may
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 allowed
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 ?
                 may
                 not
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 into
                 outer
                 darkness
                 ?
                 I
                 could
                 wish
                 that
                 were
                 well
                 considered
                 ,
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 into
                 outer
                 darkness
                 ;
                 
                 we
                 will
                 allow
                 professors
                 a
                 communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 us
                 as
                 free-men
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 whose
                 profession
                 so
                 oftentimes
                 prove
                 rotten
                 and
                 unsound
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 this
                 profession
                 is
                 a
                 sufficient
                 ground
                 to
                 declare
                 to
                 us
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 allow
                 Believers
                 children
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 afterward
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 walk
                 contrary
                 to
                 this
                 Covenant
                 :
                 Nor
                 do
                 we
                 think
                 the
                 declaration
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 doth
                 own
                 them
                 as
                 his
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 his
                 servants
                 ,
                 as
                 holy
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 sufficient
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 out
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 :
                 For
                 my
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 see
                 not
                 the
                 pretended
                 difference
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 advantage
                 in
                 the
                 visibility
                 of
                 being
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 upon
                 this
                 hand
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 do
                 and
                 shall
                 make
                 more
                 of
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 said
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 his
                 in
                 a
                 way
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 prove
                 to
                 be
                 but
                 visibly
                 ,
                 not
                 invisibly
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 shall
                 make
                 of
                 any
                 mans
                 profession
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 which
                 can
                 amount
                 to
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 visibility
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 I
                 shall
                 make
                 as
                 much
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Well
                 but
                 then
                 ,
                 suppose
                 thou
                 wert
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 of
                 believing
                 parents
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 wert
                 free
                 and
                 in
                 Covenant
                 with
                 God
                 visibly
                 ;
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 now
                 stand
                 thee
                 in
                 stead
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 a
                 temporarie
                 faith
                 will
                 do
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ;
                 thou
                 workest
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 art
                 a
                 very
                 drudge
                 to
                 Satan
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 own
                 hearts
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 hang
                 thy
                 hopes
                 of
                 salvation
                 upon
                 a
                 being
                 born
                 free
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 Abraham's
                 seed
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 seed
                 of
                 Believers
                 since
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 saved
                 and
                 freed
                 ,
                 inwardly
                 and
                 savingly
                 ,
                 
                 by
                 being
                 the
                 seed
                 of
                 such
                 parents
                 ,
                 when
                 themselves
                 came
                 actually
                 to
                 renounce
                 it
                 in
                 works
                 ,
                 to
                 deny
                 the
                 Covenant
                 in
                 works
                 ,
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 it
                 by
                 Abraham
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 our
                 Saviour
                 tells
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 Son
                 must
                 make
                 them
                 free
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 could
                 be
                 free
                 ;
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 vain
                 conceit
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 poor
                 sinners
                 against
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 some
                 there
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 they
                 feel
                 nothing
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 as
                 hath
                 been
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 conclude
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 thing
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 feel
                 any
                 such
                 thing
                 as
                 fetters
                 and
                 ginns
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 never
                 were
                 under
                 any
                 such
                 slavishness
                 of
                 obedience
                 ,
                 under
                 any
                 such
                 terrours
                 ,
                 nor
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 Masters
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 command
                 their
                 passions
                 and
                 appetites
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                 any
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 sure
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 deceit
                 also
                 .
                 The
                 more
                 undiscerned
                 the
                 bondage
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 sure
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 slateliness
                 of
                 some
                 Princes
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 seen
                 by
                 their
                 subjects
                 ,
                 nor
                 make
                 their
                 persons
                 too
                 common
                 ,
                 they
                 should
                 feel
                 the
                 weight
                 of
                 their
                 loins
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 see
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 up
                 an
                 esteem
                 among
                 them
                 ;
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 made
                 themselves
                 too
                 common
                 haply
                 ,
                 and
                 too
                 cheap
                 ,
                 it
                 might
                 have
                 weakened
                 their
                 authority
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 seen
                 haply
                 in
                 the
                 business
                 ,
                 they
                 know
                 if
                 it
                 should
                 appear
                 to
                 a
                 sinner
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 a
                 dangerous
                 step
                 to
                 dethrone
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 devest
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 commanding
                 power
                 over
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ;
                 for
                 who
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 see
                 himself
                 thralled
                 to
                 so
                 base
                 and
                 bloody
                 an
                 enemy
                 as
                 Satan
                 is
                 ,
                 would
                 endure
                 it
                 long
                 ?
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 keepeth
                 them
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 
                   from
                   darkness
                   to
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   Satan
                   to
                
                 
                 God
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   who
                   art
                   thou
                   Lord
                   ?
                
                 he
                 knew
                 not
                 ,
                 nor
                 did
                 he
                 know
                 his
                 persecution
                 was
                 a
                 sin
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 thought
                 verily
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 many
                 things
                 against
                 that
                 way
                 :
                 
                 And
                 truly
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 as
                 far
                 from
                 bondage
                 in
                 sin
                 ;
                 as
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 furthest
                 ,
                 whereas
                 they
                 are
                 altogether
                 in
                 bondage
                 :
                 A
                 man
                 in
                 errour
                 ,
                 if
                 of
                 a
                 lesser
                 or
                 greater
                 moment
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 snare
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 thinks
                 himself
                 free
                 ,
                 specially
                 before
                 admonition
                 ;
                 else
                 fundamentals
                 are
                 written
                 so
                 clearly
                 ,
                 that
                 after
                 the
                 first
                 and
                 second
                 admonition
                 ,
                 if
                 
                 administred
                 with
                 such
                 clearness
                 and
                 tenderness
                 as
                 it
                 ought
                 .
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 never
                 came
                 into
                 our
                 hearts
                 seriously
                 to
                 consider
                 ,
                 scarce
                 to
                 suspect
                 that
                 we
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 ;
                 do
                 not
                 your
                 hearts
                 bear
                 witness
                 to
                 this
                 truth
                 ?
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 such
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 greatest
                 bondage
                 of
                 all
                 others
                 ordinarily
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 from
                 the
                 child-hood
                 ,
                 under
                 gracious
                 education
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 promised
                 a
                 blessing
                 to
                 ,
                 as
                 one
                 of
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 with
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 instilled
                 so
                 insensibly
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 scarse
                 ever
                 know
                 how
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 pass
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 free
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 know
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 blind
                 man
                 said
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 apparent
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 ,
                 or
                 could
                 but
                 search
                 ,
                 and
                 try
                 ,
                 and
                 ponder
                 their
                 waies
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 gall
                 of
                 bitterness
                 and
                 bonds
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 think
                 highly
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 as
                 Magus
                 did
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 some
                 body
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 grievous
                 deceit
                 .
              
               
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 There
                 are
                 some
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 they
                 part
                 with
                 some
                 sin
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 they
                 were
                 before
                 drunkards
                 or
                 blasphemers
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 reformed
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 guilty
                 in
                 this
                 kind
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 gone
                 forth
                 ;
                 when
                 alas
                 they
                 are
                 held
                 in
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 another
                 lust
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 run
                 from
                 one
                 extreme
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 reel
                 from
                 one
                 pit
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 truly
                 one
                 chain
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 will
                 hold
                 it
                 fast
                 enough
                 ;
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 the
                 snare
                 holds
                 it
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 whole
                 body
                 were
                 restrained
                 ;
                 if
                 Satan
                 have
                 but
                 one
                 cord
                 about
                 us
                 ,
                 
                 he
                 takes
                 us
                 alive
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 ;
                 Because
                 that
                 they
                 pass
                 one
                 Gate
                 in
                 the
                 Prison
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 presently
                 out
                 ,
                 no
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 iron
                 Gates
                 and
                 Bars
                 yet
                 to
                 be
                 opened
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 more
                 lusts
                 yet
                 to
                 be
                 shaked
                 off
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 can
                 look
                 upon
                 your selves
                 as
                 free
                 ;
                 Sampson
                 must
                 have
                 his
                 
                   Dalilah
                   ;
                   Herod
                
                 ,
                 his
                 Herodias
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 did
                 many
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Some
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 they
                 forbear
                 the
                 outward
                 acts
                 of
                 rebellion
                 :
                 so
                 be
                 
                   they
                   can
                   keep
                   themselves
                
                 
                 
                   unblamable
                   and
                   unreprovable
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 they
                 heed
                 not
                 what
                 is
                 within
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 the
                 better
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 hand
                 and
                 the
                 foot
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 snare
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 heart
                 be
                 intangled
                 ?
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 through
                 fear
                 ,
                 slavish
                 fear
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 fear
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 fear
                 of
                 shame
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 forbear
                 to
                 act
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 the
                 heart
                 love
                 and
                 like
                 the
                 sin
                 well
                 enough
                 .
                 The
                 Dog
                 is
                 not
                 offended
                 with
                 his
                 vomit
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 bring
                 it
                 up
                 ,
                 he
                 liketh
                 it
                 well
                 enough
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 only
                 some
                 pain
                 at
                 the
                 stomack
                 which
                 he
                 cannot
                 brook
                 .
                 So
                 you
                 may
                 pluck
                 away
                 the
                 iron
                 from
                 the
                 Loadstone
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 hath
                 a
                 lingering
                 after
                 it
                 still
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 Phaltiel
                 when
                 his
                 Wife
                 was
                 taken
                 
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 parted
                 with
                 her
                 indeed
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 durst
                 not
                 otherwise
                 chuse
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 dipleasure
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 would
                 wax
                 hot
                 against
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 might
                 lose
                 his
                 liberty
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 refused
                 ;
                 but
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   went
                   mourning
                   after
                   her
                
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 it
                 with
                 an
                 unwilling
                 heart
                 .
                 So
                 may
                 a
                 man
                 part
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 practice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 his
                 heart
                 cleaveth
                 to
                 it
                 still
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 cast
                 it
                 away
                 when
                 the
                 coal
                 is
                 fired
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 could
                 be
                 content
                 if
                 the
                 fire
                 were
                 out
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 into
                 his
                 bosom
                 again
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 Is
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 us
                 ?
                 we
                 dare
                 not
                 let
                 down
                 sin
                 haply
                 ,
                 swallow
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 it
                 prove
                 bitterin
                 the
                 belly
                 :
                 but
                 yet
                 we
                 will
                 roul
                 it
                 under
                 the
                 tongue
                 as
                 a
                 sweet
                 morsel
                 ;
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 therefore
                 do
                 not
                 mistake
                 your selves
                 :
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 
                 dost
                 not
                 gripe
                 and
                 oppress
                 in
                 bargain
                 ,
                 dealing
                 hardly
                 or
                 over-reach
                 ,
                 but
                 thy
                 teeth
                 water
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 thou
                 couldst
                 digest
                 it
                 well
                 enough
                 thou
                 durst
                 ,
                 thou
                 dislikest
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 displeasing
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 yet
                 free
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Some
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 because
                 loose
                 Libertines
                 
                   promise
                   them
                   liberty
                   ,
                   when
                   themselves
                   are
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 Truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 hell
                 were
                 broke
                 loose
                 ,
                 now
                 is
                 the
                 time
                 :
                 
                 the
                 Devil
                 never
                 enjoyed
                 more
                 chain
                 then
                 now
                 ,
                 specially
                 as
                 an
                 Angel
                 of
                 light
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 come
                 to
                 that
                 pass
                 now
                 adays
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 never
                 free
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 have
                 broken
                 
                   the
                   bands
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   cast
                   away
                   his
                   cords
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   until
                   they
                   have
                   broken
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   yoke
                   of
                   Christ
                   from
                   off
                   their
                   necks
                   :
                
                 sons
                 of
                 Belial
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 he
                 yoked
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 easie
                 ;
                 O
                 these
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 and
                 Duties
                 ,
                 and
                 Services
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 poor
                 and
                 beggerly
                 rudiments
                 ,
                 to
                 which
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 any
                 more
                 be
                 in
                 bondage
                 :
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 any
                 more
                 be
                 Priest-rid
                 den
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 call
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 as
                 for
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 and
                 Prayers
                 ,
                 and
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 and
                 Reading
                 ,
                 and
                 Meditating
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 poor
                 empty
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 burthen
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 bear
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 weary
                 ,
                 and
                 snuff
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 Malachy
                 .
                 It
                 
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 empty
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 have
                 not
                 communion
                 with
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 :
                 Else
                 as
                 David
                 saith
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 case
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   soul
                   may
                   there
                   be
                   filled
                   with
                   marrow
                   and
                   fatness
                   .
                
                 But
                 now
                 mind
                 what
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   themselves
                   are
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 I
                 do
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 worth
                 the
                 noting
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 example
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 their
                 necks
                 under
                 the
                 yoke
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 but
                 live
                 above
                 them
                 ;
                 have
                 the
                 yoke
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 usually
                 they
                 are
                 persons
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 their
                 lusts
                 ;
                 and
                 are
                 these
                 likely
                 persons
                 to
                 teach
                 men
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 liberty
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Some
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 freed
                 and
                 delivered
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 but
                 attain
                 that
                 knowledge
                 which
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 indifferent
                 things
                 ;
                 they
                 scruple
                 not
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 as
                 clean
                 or
                 unclean
                 ,
                 in
                 
                 meats
                 ,
                 or
                 clothes
                 ,
                 or
                 days
                 ,
                 make
                 no
                 difference
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 hereupon
                 they
                 make
                 account
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 whereas
                 this
                 may
                 stand
                 with
                 a
                 bondage
                 unto
                 sin
                 notwithstanding
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 may
                 such
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 use
                 of
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 their
                 liberty
                 enslave
                 themselves
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 lusts
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 pretence
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 their
                 liberty
                 is
                 ;
                 they
                 wil
                 use
                 the
                 creatures
                 liberally
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 scruplicity
                 and
                 nicety
                 ,
                 will
                 nor
                 suffer
                 their
                 consciences
                 to
                 be
                 coy
                 or
                 tickle
                 in
                 such
                 smal
                 things
                 wherein
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 liber●y
                 ,
                 whereas
                 the
                 very
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 have
                 no
                 command
                 of
                 their
                 Lusts
                 nor
                 Appetites
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 liberty
                 ▪
                 is
                 the
                 cloak
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 impotent
                 they
                 cannot
                 forbear
                 meat
                 or
                 drinks
                 ;
                 or
                 such
                 &
                 such
                 rich
                 apparel
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 a
                 question
                 ,
                 whether
                 it
                 become
                 them
                 or
                 no
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 brought
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 liberty
                 is
                 the
                 pretence
                 :
                 Surely
                 brethren
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 free
                 neither
                 :
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 second
                 Use
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 may
                 perceive
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 think
                 we
                 were
                 ●ree
                 ,
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 bondage
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 these
                 mis-conceits
                 of
                 freedom
                 set
                 us
                 not
                 free
                 :
                 a
                 Prisoner
                 dreams
                 his
                 chains
                 are
                 fallen
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 walks
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 at
                 liberty
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 awakes
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 his
                 bonds
                 are
                 upon
                 him
                 still
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 No
                 nor
                 yet
                 is
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 doth
                 endeavour
                 to
                 fulfill
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 yet
                 set
                 free
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 diligent
                 soul
                 ,
                 very
                 industrious
                 and
                 laborious
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 they
                 think
                 ,
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 put
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 to
                 shame
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 alas
                 they
                 are
                 working
                 in
                 their
                 fetters
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 bonds
                 ,
                 yea
                 they
                 do
                 twist
                 and
                 work
                 bonds
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 held
                 in
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 services
                 ,
                 stick
                 there
                 and
                 never
                 go
                 further
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 free
                 neither
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 Moses
                 any
                 more
                 then
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 make
                 free
                 ;
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 the
                 Son
                 must
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 truly
                 ,
                 for
                 my
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 these
                 poor
                 souls
                 that
                 are
                 under
                 the
                 Law
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 dangerous
                 condition
                 :
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 their
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 take
                 it
                 for
                 freedom
                 :
                 A
                 man
                 is
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 his
                 Fetters
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 gold
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 account
                 they
                 will
                 buy
                 his
                 freedom
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 :
                 when
                 any
                 offers
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 away
                 ,
                 what
                 ,
                 would
                 you
                 have
                 me
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 my
                 gold
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 is
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 a
                 Sepulchre
                 full
                 of
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 and
                 dead
                 mens
                 bones
                 ,
                 because
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 painted
                 and
                 garnished
                 :
                 how
                 hard
                 a
                 matter
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 perswade
                 many
                 a
                 Justitiary
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 stands
                 in
                 need
                 of
                 this
                 great
                 power
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 free
                 ?
                 &c.
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 move
                 as
                 heartless
                 Christians
                 do
                 ?
                 like
                 Watches
                 ,
                 with
                 outward
                 motion
                 ?
                 come
                 duties
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 like
                 fire
                 from
                 a
                 Flint
                 ?
                 alas
                 do
                 we
                 what
                 we
                 do
                 by
                 constraint
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 a
                 willing
                 mind
                 .
                 ?
                 are
                 we
                 a
                 free
                 people
                 ?
                 is
                 love
                 our
                 constraint
                 ?
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 2
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Vse
                 .
                 Shall
                 be
                 then
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 what
                 an
                 incomparable
                 
                 
                 benefit
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 brings
                 such
                 glad
                 tidings
                 unto
                 poor
                 souls
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 in
                 prison
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 do
                 but
                 imagine
                 how
                 welcom
                 tidings
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 to
                 a
                 company
                 of
                 poor
                 Gally
                 slaves
                 ,
                 to
                 tell
                 them
                 ,
                 your
                 Prince
                 hath
                 laid
                 down
                 your
                 ransom
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 sent
                 to
                 proclaim
                 Liberty
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 go
                 forth
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 their
                 hearts
                 would
                 leap
                 within
                 them
                 for
                 joy
                 ,
                 they
                 could
                 hardly
                 believe
                 it
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 but
                 would
                 be
                 like
                 them
                 that
                 dreamed
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 Psalms
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 themselves
                 ,
                 surely
                 they
                 would
                 rejoyce
                 more
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 found
                 great
                 spoils
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 ,
                 whereby
                 this
                 Liberty
                 is
                 held
                 out
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 conveyed
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 truth
                 shall
                 make
                 you
                 free
                 :
                 
                 and
                 now
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 love
                 with
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 out
                 ,
                 the
                 tenderings
                 of
                 Liberty
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 weary
                 of
                 the
                 nastiness
                 of
                 the
                 Prison
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 weight
                 of
                 his
                 chains
                 ;
                 he
                 whose
                 spirit
                 is
                 overwhelmed
                 with
                 the
                 pre-apprehensions
                 of
                 his
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 and
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 never
                 expected
                 to
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 prison
                 ,
                 except
                 to
                 be
                 led
                 to
                 Sentence
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 the
                 Execution
                 :
                 now
                 for
                 Liberty
                 to
                 be
                 proclaimed
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 and
                 freely
                 too
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 benefit
                 is
                 here
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 Gospel
                 of
                 glorious
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 what
                 were
                 the
                 world
                 but
                 a
                 prison
                 ,
                 a
                 dungeon
                 full
                 of
                 poor
                 miserable
                 Caitiffs
                 ,
                 shut
                 up
                 under
                 sin
                 to
                 the
                 revelation
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 judgement
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 at
                 
                 the
                 great
                 Day
                 :
                 it
                 were
                 better
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 die
                 assoon
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 born
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 Gospel
                 :
                 What
                 miserable
                 comforts
                 were
                 our
                 Riches
                 ,
                 our
                 Honours
                 ,
                 our
                 Friends
                 ,
                 and
                 Relations
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 Gospel
                 ?
                 A
                 man
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 liable
                 to
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 under
                 Bolts
                 and
                 Shakels
                 ,
                 tell
                 him
                 of
                 wearing
                 soft
                 rayment
                 ,
                 or
                 Royal
                 dainties
                 ,
                 faring
                 deliciously
                 every
                 day
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 goeth
                 not
                 down
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 prisoner
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 nothing
                 can
                 be
                 pleasing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 deadens
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 his
                 rellish
                 to
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 ;
                 liberty
                 would
                 be
                 a
                 sweet
                 welcom
                 message
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 tidings
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Vse
                 .
                 See
                 here
                 and
                 admire
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 this
                 Grace
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Gospel
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 proclaim
                 Liberty
                 to
                 the
                 Captives
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 their
                 wilfulness
                 in
                 throwing
                 themselves
                 into
                 these
                 chains
                 ,
                 their
                 willingness
                 to
                 continue
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 unwillingness
                 to
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 notwithstanding
                 their
                 being
                 worn
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 spent
                 in
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 so
                 
                 that
                 they
                 can
                 very
                 little
                 be
                 serviceable
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 first
                 of
                 the
                 aggravations
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 ,
                 which
                 tends
                 to
                 heighten
                 the
                 freedom
                 and
                 deliverance
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 wilfully
                 plunged
                 our selves
                 into
                 it
                 :
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 taken
                 captive
                 by
                 the
                 Turk
                 against
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 we
                 pitty
                 him
                 much
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 he
                 wilfully
                 throw
                 himself
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 takes
                 away
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 compassion
                 ;
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 our
                 case
                 :
                 did
                 not
                 Adam
                 sell
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 transgression
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 respect
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 sold
                 under
                 sin
                 ?
                 yea
                 more
                 then
                 so
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 
                 sinner
                 is
                 there
                 almost
                 that
                 liveth
                 to
                 any
                 years
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 sells
                 himself
                 with
                 prophane
                 Esau
                 ?
                 sells
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 hope
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 for
                 a
                 Mess
                 of
                 pottage
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 little
                 moments
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 his
                 lusts
                 :
                 Nay
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 all
                 subscribe
                 to
                 that
                 act
                 of
                 selling
                 us
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 so
                 willingly
                 imbrace
                 our
                 chains
                 ?
                 In
                 so
                 much
                 that
                 some
                 do
                 even
                 wear
                 their
                 chains
                 as
                 their
                 ornaments
                 ,
                 glorying
                 in
                 their
                 shame
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 making
                 their
                 boast
                 of
                 their
                 wickedness
                 .
                 And
                 that
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 when
                 no
                 eye
                 pittied
                 poor
                 sinners
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 ,
                 they
                 themselves
                 were
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 pittying
                 themselves
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 pleased
                 with
                 the
                 prison
                 :
                 all
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 like
                 condition
                 with
                 themselves
                 ,
                 cannot
                 pity
                 them
                 ;
                 the
                 Saints
                 alas
                 ,
                 want
                 bowels
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 willingly
                 are
                 in
                 bondage
                 :
                 that
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 most
                 slighted
                 in
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 should
                 pitty
                 and
                 make
                 a
                 way
                 for
                 their
                 deliverance
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 unspeakable
                 ,
                 rich
                 grace
                 !
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 study
                 a
                 course
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 forth
                 ;
                 to
                 which
                 end
                 all
                 the
                 sad
                 and
                 fearfull
                 Characters
                 of
                 this
                 bondage
                 in
                 Scripture
                 are
                 ;
                 to
                 which
                 end
                 is
                 the
                 Law
                 given
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 might
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 exceeding
                 sinful
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 bondage
                 very
                 great
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 thereby
                 see
                 themselves
                 shut
                 up
                 :
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 all
                 those
                 sweet
                 invitations
                 ,
                 and
                 powerfull
                 expostulations
                 with
                 poor
                 sinners
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   why
                   will
                   ye
                   die
                
                 ?
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 perish
                 and
                 rot
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 since
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 ransom
                 found
                 for
                 you
                 ?
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 no
                 pleasure
                 in
                 your
                 death
                 ;
                 and
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 delight
                 in
                 your
                 own
                 death
                 ?
                 O
                 
                 what
                 powerfull
                 Rhetorick
                 are
                 these
                 loving
                 intreaties
                 ,
                 expostulations
                 ,
                 the
                 yearnings
                 of
                 his
                 bowels
                 over
                 them
                 ?
                 his
                 tears
                 over
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 gathered
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 ?
                 
                 and
                 all
                 this
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 willing
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 all
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 even
                 put
                 forth
                 a
                 power
                 upon
                 their
                 wills
                 and
                 hearts
                 ,
                 inclining
                 them
                 to
                 it
                 by
                 a
                 sweet
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 strong
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 compulsory
                 influence
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 admirable
                 !
                 
                 what
                 tenderness
                 was
                 there
                 towards
                 Lot
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 he
                 lingered
                 
                 and
                 delayed
                 ,
                 the
                 Angel
                 took
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 him
                 without
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 and
                 bid
                 him
                 haste
                 for
                 his
                 life
                 :
                 truly
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 soul
                 delivered
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 exercise
                 of
                 the
                 patience
                 ,
                 and
                 bowels
                 of
                 Christ
                 toward
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 willing
                 ;
                 yea
                 to
                 take
                 them
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 linger
                 and
                 make
                 excuses
                 :
                 as
                 those
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 
                   I
                   will
                   follow
                   thee
                
                 ,
                 but
                 let
                 me
                 go
                 and
                 bid
                 
                   farewell
                   to
                   my
                   friends
                
                 :
                 I
                 must
                 not
                 come
                 off
                 abruptly
                 from
                 my
                 old
                 Companions
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 take
                 leave
                 of
                 them
                 handsomly
                 :
                 
                   I
                   must
                   go
                   bury
                   my
                   father
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 another
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 takes
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 ,
                 plucks
                 us
                 out
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 by
                 head
                 and
                 ears
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 will
                 come
                 out
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 consider
                 how
                 we
                 have
                 worn
                 out
                 our selves
                 in
                 the
                 bondage
                 and
                 slavery
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 these
                 fetters
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 spent
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 he
                 may
                 even
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 our selves
                 may
                 say
                 of
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 pleasure
                 in
                 them
                 :
                 so
                 
                   Luke
                   4.
                   18.
                   to
                   set
                   at
                   liberty
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   bruised
                   ,
                   Dimittere
                   confract●s
                   in
                   remissionem
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 which
                 words
                 are
                 not
                 in
                 Isaiah
                 61.
                 neither
                 
                   Hebrew
                   ,
                   Greek
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 Latine
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 added
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 by
                 Luke
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 conceive
                 :
                 ●atabl
                 .
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 read
                 them
                 v●lneratos
                 ,
                 persons
                 wounded
                 ,
                 shattered
                 ,
                 worn
                 out
                 with
                 the
                 hard
                 bondage
                 and
                 service
                 they
                 were
                 put
                 to
                 ;
                 bondage
                 is
                 a
                 weary
                 thing
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ;
                 but
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 slave
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 must
                 like
                 a
                 Gally
                 Slave
                 ,
                 work
                 like
                 a
                 horse
                 in
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 pains
                 sinners
                 do
                 take
                 with
                 both
                 hands
                 !
                 earnestly
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 exhaust
                 their
                 spirits
                 ,
                 the
                 best
                 milk
                 and
                 marrow
                 in
                 the
                 bones
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 as
                 dry
                 sticks
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 good
                 for
                 nothing
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 should
                 to
                 such
                 proclaim
                 liberty
                 ,
                 bring
                 them
                 forth
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 him
                 no
                 service
                 in
                 a
                 manner
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Jew
                 that
                 Andreas
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 convert
                 ,
                 hanging
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 a
                 gray
                 headed
                 sinner
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 never
                 ceased
                 serving
                 sin
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Truly
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 should
                 set
                 us
                 free
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 respect
                 to
                 any
                 service
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 him
                 afterward
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 none
                 would
                 ever
                 be
                 set
                 free
                 :
                 for
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 we
                 add
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 righteous
                 ,
                 it
                 profiteth
                 him
                 
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 God
                 infinitely
                 perfect
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 our
                 goodness
                 extends
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 all
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 Lebanon
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 wood
                 
                 are
                 not
                 enough
                 for
                 a
                 burnt
                 offering
                 ,
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 God
                 he
                 is
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 not
                 advantaged
                 by
                 our
                 service
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 set
                 at
                 
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 commandments
                 he
                 giveth
                 us
                 to
                 observe
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 us
                 hearts
                 ,
                 inclineth
                 our
                 hearts
                 thereunto
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 welfare
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Deuteronomy
                   .
                   The
                   Sabbath
                   was
                   made
                   for
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   man
                   for
                   the
                   Sabbath
                   ,
                
                 for
                 his
                 good
                 ,
                 his
                 advantage
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 services
                 :
                 or
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 (
                 I
                 say
                 )
                 how
                 are
                 we
                 broken
                 many
                 times
                 with
                 the
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 fit
                 for
                 nothing
                 ,
                 the
                 understanding
                 and
                 affections
                 so
                 weakned
                 and
                 wasted
                 ,
                 and
                 besotted
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 afterward
                 we
                 can
                 do
                 little
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 that
                 sad
                 effect
                 sin
                 hath
                 left
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 delivereth
                 us
                 :
                 this
                 the
                 fourth
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 5.
                 
                 Then
                 it
                 shall
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 Exhortation
                 and
                 invitation
                 this
                 day
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 would
                 
                 close
                 with
                 this
                 promise
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 would
                 go
                 forth
                 :
                 O
                 Sinners
                 !
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 but
                 accept
                 of
                 Deliverance
                 and
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 after
                 so
                 dear
                 a
                 purchase
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 doth
                 tender
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 ,
                 he
                 came
                 on
                 purpose
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 to
                 preach
                 and
                 proclaim
                 liberty
                 to
                 the
                 Captives
                 :
                 Now
                 art
                 not
                 thou
                 a
                 Captive
                 ?
                 and
                 hast
                 thou
                 no
                 minde
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 free
                 ?
                 And
                 for
                 some
                 Motives
                 to
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 to
                 a
                 consideration
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 we
                 do
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Consider
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 Isaiah
                 :
                 O
                 it
                 beginneth
                 with
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 indeed
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 ,
                 minde
                 you
                 ,
                 acceptable
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 It
                 pleaseth
                 him
                 wondrous
                 well
                 ,
                 if
                 sinners
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 thinketh
                 with
                 himself
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 willing
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 be
                 willing
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 go
                 forth
                 :
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 more
                 pleasing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 ransom
                 he
                 hath
                 laid
                 down
                 for
                 you
                 sinners
                 take
                 effect
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 out
                 many
                 out
                 of
                 bondage
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 applyeth
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 times
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 
                   There
                   is
                   joy
                   in
                   heaven
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 The
                 Father
                 of
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 
                 how
                 willing
                 was
                 he
                 ?
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 to
                 sinners
                 too
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 did
                 men
                 that
                 were
                 in
                 bondage
                 long
                 for
                 the
                 Jubilee
                 ,
                 and
                 breath
                 and
                 pant
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 especially
                 if
                 their
                 bondage
                 were
                 hard
                 ?
                 that
                 set
                 them
                 all
                 free
                 .
                 Dear
                 Friends
                 ,
                 Consider
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 Jubilee
                 ,
                 proclaimed
                 solemnly
                 with
                 the
                 Silver
                 Trumpets
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 that
                 every
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 ,
                 may
                 go
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 now
                 they
                 go
                 forth
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 
                 
                 willing
                 we
                 should
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 shall
                 trifle
                 away
                 this
                 year
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 long
                 it
                 may
                 last
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 either
                 the
                 Gospel
                 may
                 be
                 taken
                 away
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 from
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 concern
                 our
                 peace
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 be
                 hid
                 
                 from
                 our
                 eyes
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 never
                 see
                 them
                 :
                 O
                 that
                 sinners
                 would
                 but
                 consider
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   these
                   seasons
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   kept
                   in
                   his
                
                 
                 
                   own
                   power
                
                 ,
                 that
                 sinners
                 might
                 be
                 afraid
                 to
                 trifle
                 away
                 one
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 
                 wherein
                 this
                 grace
                 is
                 offered
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 that
                 it
                 never
                 be
                 offered
                 more
                 to
                 us
                 :
                 If
                 the
                 Servant
                 did
                 neglect
                 to
                 take
                 the
                 opportunity
                 of
                 the
                 Jubilee
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 be
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 he
                 and
                 his
                 ,
                 until
                 another
                 Jubilee
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 himself
                 was
                 like
                 to
                 perish
                 in
                 that
                 service
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 were
                 only
                 three
                 things
                 that
                 did
                 hinder
                 their
                 going
                 free
                 in
                 that
                 acceptable
                 year
                 :
                 1.
                 
                 Either
                 they
                 were
                 strangers
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 cursed
                 Canaanites
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 doomed
                 to
                 bondage
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 was
                 
                 no
                 going
                 forth
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 Or
                 else
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 Matters
                 would
                 not
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 free
                 :
                 Or
                 else
                 3.
                 
                 They
                 themselves
                 had
                 no
                 minde
                 to
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 bound
                 themselves
                 for
                 ever
                 to
                 their
                 Masters
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 The
                 Strangers
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 Jubilee
                 was
                 not
                 proclaimed
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 might
                 he
                 willing
                 to
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 as
                 good
                 never
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 concerneth
                 them
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Masters
                 knowing
                 this
                 would
                 never
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 free
                 ;
                 surely
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 our
                 case
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 
                 time
                 was
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 were
                 sinners
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 and
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 year
                 of
                 Jubilee
                 was
                 not
                 proclaimed
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 forbid
                 his
                 disciples
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 into
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 :
                 If
                 
                 this
                 were
                 our
                 case
                 ,
                 then
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 excuse
                 for
                 our
                 continuing
                 in
                 bondage
                 ;
                 and
                 thus
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 people
                 under
                 the
                 Sun
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 hath
                 never
                 said
                 to
                 them
                 
                   that
                   sit
                   in
                   darkness
                   ,
                   go
                   forth
                   ,
                
                 else
                 haply
                 ,
                 Tyre
                 and
                 Zidon
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 sooner
                 then
                 Coraz
                 and
                 Bethsaida
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 unwillingness
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 whom
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 to
                 let
                 us
                 go
                 free
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 sin
                 is
                 unwilling
                 to
                 let
                 the
                 sinner
                 go
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 shall
                 lust
                 be
                 satisfied
                 and
                 served
                 then
                 ?
                 And
                 so
                 is
                 Satan
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 hold
                 his
                 hold
                 ;
                 but
                 doth
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 threaten
                 the
                 hard
                 hearted
                 Jews
                 ,
                 since
                 they
                 would
                 
                 not
                 let
                 his
                 people
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 proclaim
                 a
                 Liberty
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 sword
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 famine
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 pestilence
                 ?
                 Pharaoh
                 was
                 very
                 loth
                 to
                 let
                 Israel
                 go
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 he
                 
                 had
                 a
                 being
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 was
                 destroyed
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 the
                 sinner
                 go
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 a
                 mans
                 lusts
                 do
                 cling
                 about
                 him
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 should
                 go
                 free
                 !
                 what
                 ,
                 will
                 ye
                 forsake
                 me
                 now
                 ,
                 have
                 I
                 not
                 brought
                 you
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 content
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 sweet
                 hours
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 of
                 repose
                 in
                 my
                 lap
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 gain
                 and
                 advantage
                 ,
                 have
                 you
                 not
                 lived
                 by
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 you
                 now
                 leave
                 me
                 ?
                 these
                 will
                 stratle
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 for
                 Satan
                 ,
                 either
                 he
                 multiplyeth
                 his
                 baits
                 ,
                 maketh
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 every
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 sin
                 that
                 now
                 beginneth
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 open
                 ,
                 to
                 find
                 colours
                 and
                 glosses
                 to
                 put
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 he
                 rageth
                 and
                 tells
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 thou
                 go
                 free
                 !
                 dost
                 thou
                 think
                 that
                 now
                 thou
                 hast
                 served
                 sin
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 accept
                 of
                 thee
                 ?
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 his
                 wit
                 or
                 power
                 can
                 do
                 ,
                 he
                 bestirreth
                 himself
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 seeth
                 his
                 kingdom
                 going
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 yoak
                 breaking
                 ;
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 break
                 him
                 to
                 pieces
                 ,
                 tread
                 him
                 under-feet
                 if
                 he
                 refuse
                 to
                 let
                 you
                 go
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 pluck
                 you
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 destroy
                 his
                 power
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Our
                 own
                 unwillingness
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 the
                 servant
                 said
                 ,
                 he
                 loved
                 his
                 Master
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Masters
                 service
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Jubilee
                 served
                 him
                 in
                 no
                 stead
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 have
                 his
                 ear
                 
                 bored
                 to
                 the
                 door-post
                 by
                 the
                 Magistrate
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 be
                 his
                 servant
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 either
                 this
                 might
                 be
                 as
                 a
                 punishment
                 of
                 his
                 contempt
                 of
                 liberty
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 liberty
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 rather
                 to
                 be
                 chosen
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 tender
                 respect
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 bought
                 out
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 them
                 kept
                 in
                 bondage
                 by
                 their
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 Now
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 but
                 loved
                 his
                 Master
                 so
                 well
                 ;
                 that
                 he
                 preferred
                 his
                 service
                 before
                 freedom
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 have
                 this
                 torment
                 and
                 publike
                 shame
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 bored
                 through
                 the
                 ear
                 :
                 And
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 piercing
                 of
                 the
                 ear
                 that
                 shall
                 be
                 the
                 recompence
                 of
                 your
                 refusing
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 piercing
                 of
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 a
                 sword
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 your
                 bondage
                 will
                 bring
                 you
                 unto
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 secondly
                 ,
                 That
                 now
                 they
                 must
                 never
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 Masters
                 doors
                 without
                 his
                 leave
                 ,
                 the
                 servitude
                 must
                 be
                 stricter
                 then
                 ever
                 it
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 truly
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 preached
                 to
                 sinners
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 liberty
                 offered
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 accept
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 that
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 more
                 fully
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 Sat●n
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 before
                 .
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 hereby
                 might
                 be
                 signified
                 the
                 willingness
                 of
                 their
                 service
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 their
                 ears
                 opened
                 now
                 to
                 what
                 ever
                 their
                 Master
                 should
                 command
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 
                   Psalm
                   ;
                   Sacrifice
                   and
                   offering
                   thou
                   wouldest
                   not
                   ;
                   but
                   mine
                   ear
                   hast
                   thou
                   bored
                   or
                   digged
                   ,
                
                 so
                 the
                 words
                 may
                 be
                 read
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 
                 say
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 made
                 me
                 willingly
                 obedient
                 to
                 thee
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 &
                 that
                 obedience
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 sacrifice
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 saddest
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 when
                 men
                 shall
                 give
                 up
                 themselves
                 with
                 a
                 fuller
                 will
                 to
                 serve
                 Sin
                 and
                 Satan
                 then
                 ever
                 they
                 did
                 before
                 ,
                 in
                 stea●
                 of
                 going
                 forth
                 ;
                 O
                 let
                 us
                 fear
                 and
                 tremble
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 lest
                 while
                 liberty
                 is
                 proclaimed
                 ,
                 we
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 going
                 forth
                 ,
                 be
                 bored
                 in
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 and
                 become
                 Satans
                 servants
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 never
                 go
                 forth
                 from
                 our
                 bondage
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 Consider
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 day
                 if
                 liberty
                 is
                 proclaimed
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 vengeance
                 of
                 our
                 God
                 also
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 hath
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 said
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 going
                 forth
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 vengeance
                 to
                 
                 you
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 desperate
                 love
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 sin
                 against
                 Christ
                 ?
                 that
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 at
                 so
                 much
                 pains
                 and
                 cost
                 to
                 purchase
                 a
                 liberty
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 refuse
                 and
                 reject
                 it
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 part
                 with
                 our
                 chains
                 ,
                 will
                 rather
                 rot
                 in
                 prison
                 then
                 come
                 forth
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 be
                 expected
                 but
                 wrath
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 to
                 come
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 the
                 Gospel
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 death
                 to
                 death
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 a
                 savour
                 of
                 bondage
                 to
                 bondage
                 and
                 everlast●ng
                 chains
                 of
                 darkness
                 will
                 be
                 their
                 bonds
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 think
                 of
                 this
                 before
                 the
                 prison
                 doors
                 be
                 shut
                 and
                 barred
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 be
                 sealed
                 up
                 unto
                 this
                 destruction
                 .
              
               
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 how
                 sweet
                 and
                 precious
                 Liberty
                 is
                 ,
                 even
                 civel
                 libetty
                 ,
                 how
                 sweet
                 a
                 thing
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 else
                 men
                 would
                 never
                 expend
                 so
                 much
                 treasure
                 and
                 blood
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 Ah
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 a
                 freedom
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 other
                 bondages
                 which
                 arise
                 upon
                 sin
                 unto
                 the
                 soul
                 :
                 Ask
                 but
                 any
                 poor
                 creature
                 that
                 is
                 newly
                 come
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 dungeon
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 standing
                 ;
                 will
                 they
                 not
                 tell
                 you
                 that
                 liberty
                 is
                 
                 sweet
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 expressed
                 :
                 If
                 Paul
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 free
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 had
                 many
                 a
                 lash
                 by
                 those
                 cruel
                 tyrants
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 soul
                 be
                 not
                 
                 free
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 liable
                 to
                 perish
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 whipped
                 ▪
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 to
                 eternal
                 death
                 with
                 Scorpions
                 ;
                 ask
                 but
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 
                 have
                 been
                 wearied
                 and
                 almost
                 worried
                 with
                 their
                 lusts
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 iron
                 entered
                 into
                 their
                 soul
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 sit
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 dungeon
                 many
                 a
                 sad
                 day
                 and
                 hour
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 
                   Out
                   of
                   the
                   depths
                   they
                   have
                   called
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 he
                 hath
                 set
                 them
                 free
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 an
                 Heaven
                 upon
                 Earth
                 they
                 found
                 it
                 when
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 delivered
                 in
                 any
                 measure
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 !
                 what
                 would
                 they
                 take
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 condition
                 again
                 ,
                 specially
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 their
                 lusts
                 ?
                 not
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 your
                 hearts
                 now
                 ,
                 now
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 be
                 called
                 for
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 to
                 the
                 judgement
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 go
                 forth
                 and
                 enjoy
                 this
                 glorious
                 liberty
                 .
              
               
                 O
                 but
                 you
                 would
                 say
                 ,
                 Alas
                 ,
                 what
                 should
                 we
                 do
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 convinced
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 poor
                 soul
                 ma●
                 say
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 miserable
                 bondage
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 sin
                 and
                 the
                 consequents
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 would
                 fain
                 be
                 set
                 free
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 which
                 way
                 to
                 go
                 about
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 maze
                 ,
                 a
                 wilderness
                 ,
                 a
                 labyrinth
                 ,
                 a
                 du●geon
                 :
                 we
                 grope
                 ,
                 and
                 grope
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 find
                 the
                 way
                 out
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ;
                 I
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 what
                 you
                 shall
                 do
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 Deny
                 your
                 own
                 policy
                 ,
                 and
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 know
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 set
                 you
                 free
                 ;
                 Judas
                 had
                 much
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 he
                 hanged
                 himself
                 ;
                 you
                 will
                 rather
                 by
                 depth
                 of
                 reasonings
                 plunge
                 your selves
                 deeper
                 ;
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 foolishness
                 to
                 them
                 through
                 the
                 pride
                 in
                 their
                 carnal
                 knowledge
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Labour
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 Gospel
                 in
                 its
                 tenor
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   shall
                   know
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   truth
                
                 
                 
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   free
                
                 ;
                 truth
                 truly
                 known
                 will
                 set
                 a
                 soul
                 free
                 ;
                 this
                 truth
                 is
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 for
                 Grace
                 and
                 Truth
                 come
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 observable
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 both
                 put
                 together
                 ;
                 
                   Sanctifie
                   them
                   with
                   thy
                   Truth
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   Word
                   is
                   Truth
                
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 are
                 three
                 things
                 here
                 considerable
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 That
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 through
                 acquaintance
                 with
                 the
                 bondage
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 better
                 condition
                 of
                 service
                 ;
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 preferred
                 before
                 that
                 of
                 Satan
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 while
                 a
                 man
                 knoweth
                 no
                 better
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 serve
                 the
                 worse
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 never
                 a
                 sinner
                 under
                 the
                 dominion
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 thinketh
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 freest
                 man
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 are
                 bound
                 up
                 in
                 their
                 Spirits
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 strict
                 way
                 of
                 
                 walking
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 thinketh
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 men
                 in
                 bondage
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 because
                 he
                 understandeth
                 not
                 his
                 own
                 condition
                 :
                 nor
                 is
                 it
                 a
                 slight
                 hint
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 that
                 will
                 usually
                 prevail
                 to
                 a
                 freedom
                 from
                 all
                 sin
                 ,
                 therefore
                 you
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 study
                 what
                 this
                 bondage
                 is
                 ,
                 see
                 what
                 thou
                 art
                 exposed
                 to
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 what
                 a
                 prfect
                 freedom
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 great
                 
                 reward
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 keeping
                 of
                 his
                 Commandments
                 ;
                 joy
                 is
                 such
                 an
                 inseparable
                 attendant
                 upon
                 obedience
                 ,
                 that
                 some
                 measure
                 of
                 it
                 followeth
                 every
                 good
                 action
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 very
                 heathens
                 themselves
                 acknowledged
                 ;
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 the
                 Master
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 service
                 the
                 work
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Thou
                 must
                 be
                 acquainted
                 with
                 the
                 commands
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 his
                 precepts
                 are
                 pure
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 have
                 an
                 influence
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 that
                 believeth
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 that
                 bondage
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 him
                 free
                 :
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 nothing
                 more
                 keepeth
                 many
                 a
                 soul
                 in
                 bondage
                 ;
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 what
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 in
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 particular
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 would
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 Be
                 acquainted
                 with
                 Christ
                 the
                 summe
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 know
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 to
                 set
                 poor
                 creatures
                 free
                 became
                 a
                 servant
                 obedient
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 was
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 in
                 prison
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 how
                 he
                 was
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 to
                 overcome
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 and
                 principally
                 ,
                 thou
                 must
                 be
                 acquainted
                 with
                 the
                 promises
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 that
                 are
                 made
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 their
                 excellency
                 to
                 help
                 forward
                 our
                 freedom
                 ;
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 well
                 known
                 ,
                 so
                 known
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 closed
                 with
                 ,
                 will
                 make
                 every
                 poor
                 creature
                 free
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   shall
                   know
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   truth
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   free
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   shall
                   arise
                
                 
                 
                   upon
                   you
                   with
                   healing
                   in
                   his
                   wings
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                   :
                
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 other
                 places
                 ,
                 
                   sin
                   shall
                   not
                   have
                   dominion
                   over
                   you
                   ,
                   for
                   ye
                   are
                
                 
                 
                   not
                   under
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   but
                   under
                   Grace
                   :
                
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 tenure
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 promises
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   deliver
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   save
                   them
                   from
                   all
                   their
                   uncleannesses
                   ,
                   and
                   subdue
                   all
                   iniquities
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   yea
                   though
                   they
                   work
                   iniquity
                   with
                   both
                   hands
                   ,
                
                 Vers
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 Either
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 make
                 not
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 we
                 act
                 not
                 faith
                 upon
                 them
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 love
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 people
                 use
                 the
                 importunity
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 for
                 nothing
                 is
                 so
                 importunate
                 as
                 faith
                 ,
                 nor
                 offers
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 such
                 violence
                 to
                 heaven
                 as
                 that
                 doth
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 help
                 our
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 and
                 forgive
                 our
                 neglect
                 of
                 our
                 faith
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 
                 act
                 it
                 but
                 weakly
                 ,
                 yet
                 put
                 forth
                 some
                 act
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 hang
                 upon
                 these
                 promises
                 ,
                 tell
                 the
                 Lord
                 he
                 hath
                 caused
                 thee
                 to
                 hope
                 upon
                 this
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 else
                 thou
                 couldest
                 not
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 dost
                 hope
                 in
                 this
                 Word
                 ,
                 else
                 thy
                 heart
                 would
                 altogether
                 sink
                 within
                 thee
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 now
                 make
                 thee
                 ashamed
                 of
                 his
                 hope
                 ,
                 hath
                 his
                 promise
                 ever
                 failed
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 now
                 fail
                 thee
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 beside
                 this
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 find
                 thy
                 heart
                 moved
                 ,
                 made
                 willing
                 indeed
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 sin
                 ?
                 Art
                 thou
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 in
                 this
                 business
                 ?
                 O
                 yes
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 rather
                 then
                 my
                 life
                 be
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 for
                 what
                 good
                 will
                 my
                 life
                 do
                 me
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 must
                 continually
                 serve
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 grieve
                 such
                 bowels
                 of
                 love
                 towards
                 me
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 have
                 you
                 searched
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 know
                 your
                 hearts
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 that
                 heed
                 of
                 trusting
                 thy
                 heart
                 further
                 then
                 thou
                 seest
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 deceive
                 thee
                 then
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 thou
                 hast
                 searched
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 beg'd
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 search
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 ▪
                 dost
                 not
                 find
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 through
                 infinite
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 made
                 thee
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 out
                 if
                 thou
                 couldst
                 tell
                 how
                 :
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 the
                 chains
                 are
                 fallen
                 off
                 from
                 your
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 bolts
                 from
                 your
                 legs
                 ,
                 your
                 freedom
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 accomplished
                 ,
                 only
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 find
                 the
                 way
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 follow
                 Christ
                 ,
                 follow
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 moveth
                 thy
                 heart
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 to
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 ,
                 maketh
                 thee
                 tender
                 ,
                 puts
                 thee
                 into
                 a
                 frame
                 to
                 bewail
                 the
                 evils
                 of
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 take
                 the
                 hint
                 up
                 and
                 be
                 doing
                 ,
                 follow
                 him
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 thee
                 through
                 one
                 iron-gate
                 ,
                 and
                 through
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 find
                 thy self
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 set
                 free
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 thy
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 things
                 freely
                 given
                 thee
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 O
                 beg
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 liberty
                 ,
                 it
                 depends
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 light
                 upon
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spring
                 upon
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ;
                 he
                 applyeth
                 what
                 Christ
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 knowing
                 the
                 deep
                 things
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 revealeth
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 only
                 convinceth
                 and
                 answers
                 objections
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 sixth
                 Vse
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 shall
                 be
                 several
                 admonitions
                 or
                 exhortations
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 
                 had
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 shine
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 art
                 gone
                 forth
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 from
                 that
                 bondage
                 ,
                 those
                 fears
                 ,
                 terrours
                 ,
                 darkness
                 and
                 distractions
                 which
                 sin
                 brings
                 upon
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 thou
                 rememberest
                 the
                 time
                 when
                 thou
                 couldst
                 do
                 nothing
                 but
                 sin
                 against
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 and
                 grieve
                 him
                 continually
                 ,
                 thou
                 couldst
                 not
                 cease
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 thou
                 wast
                 under
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 through
                 grace
                 ,
                 exceeding
                 rich
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 gates
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 are
                 open
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 pluckt
                 thy
                 feet
                 ,
                 thy
                 affections
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 snare
                 ;
                 
                   What
                   doth
                   the
                   Lord
                   thy
                   God
                   require
                   of
                   thee
                   ?
                
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 the
                 next
                 enquiry
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 ,
                 after
                 so
                 signal
                 mercies
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 surely
                 he
                 expecteth
                 thou
                 shouldst
                 give
                 him
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 praise
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 exalt
                 him
                 alone
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 the
                 calves
                 of
                 our
                 lips
                 ,
                 they
                 cost
                 us
                 nothing
                 ,
                 the
                 poorest
                 have
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 richest
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 in
                 effect
                 but
                 this
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 little
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 maist
                 praise
                 him
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 admire
                 his
                 rich
                 grace
                 ,
                 make
                 his
                 name
                 glorious
                 ?
                 Truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 believe
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 by
                 experience
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 unthankfulness
                 for
                 the
                 freedom
                 we
                 have
                 had
                 ,
                 hath
                 been
                 an
                 occasion
                 of
                 our
                 being
                 clapt
                 up
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 the
                 design
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 redemption
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 make
                 his
                 mercy
                 and
                 grace
                 glorious
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 his
                 power
                 in
                 the
                 creation
                 and
                 wisdom
                 ;
                 Now
                 how
                 is
                 it
                 made
                 glorious
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 our
                 acknowledgment
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 our
                 lifting
                 up
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 not
                 only
                 with
                 our
                 hearts
                 but
                 our
                 tongues
                 ;
                 art
                 thou
                 brought
                 back
                 again
                 into
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 the
                 prison
                 after
                 some
                 refreshing
                 ?
                 Consider
                 ,
                 wast
                 thou
                 thankful
                 for
                 what
                 thou
                 hadst
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 sick
                 of
                 the
                 leapers
                 disease
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 ten
                 were
                 
                 cleansed
                 ,
                 but
                 where
                 are
                 the
                 nine
                 ?
                 I
                 doubt
                 scarce
                 one
                 in
                 ten
                 of
                 us
                 do
                 praise
                 him
                 according
                 to
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 that
                 do
                 ▪
                 yet
                 scarce
                 for
                 one
                 act
                 of
                 his
                 loving
                 kindness
                 in
                 ten
                 ,
                 in
                 bringing
                 of-us
                 forth
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 he
                 delivereth
                 us
                 ten
                 times
                 from
                 a
                 dead
                 heart
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 once
                 give
                 him
                 the
                 glory
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 Popish
                 principle
                 of
                 pride
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 seals
                 :
                 up
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 stoppeth
                 our
                 mouths
                 from
                 praises
                 ,
                 but
                 opens
                 it
                 in
                 complaints
                 ,
                 in
                 discontents
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 want
                 such
                 a
                 mercy
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 our
                 f●eece
                 be
                 dry
                 when
                 others
                 are
                 wet
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 question
                 ,
                 why
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 deal
                 so
                 with
                 me
                 rather
                 then
                 with
                 another
                 ,
                 why
                 have
                 I
                 not
                 as
                 much
                 enlargement
                 of
                 heart
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 as
                 great
                 gifts
                 ,
                 freedom
                 of
                 speech
                 ,
                 and
                 utterance
                 ,
                 as
                 great
                 grace
                 in
                 any
                 kind
                 ?
                 Why
                 am
                 I
                 not
                 set
                 above
                 these
                 wretched
                 carnal
                 delights
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ?
                 as
                 if
                 ,
                 God
                 should
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 for
                 us
                 out
                 of
                 respect
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 deserved
                 any
                 thing
                 at
                 his
                 hands
                 ;
                 whereas
                 we
                 may
                 rather
                 expostulate
                 with
                 our selves
                 ,
                 O
                 why
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 worse
                 with
                 me
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 ?
                 why
                 am
                 I
                 in
                 no
                 sorer
                 ▪
                 bondage
                 then
                 I
                 
                 am
                 ?
                 where
                 I
                 am
                 once
                 overthrown
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 mercy
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 an
                 hundred
                 times
                 been
                 over-thrown
                 with-my
                 lusts
                 .
                 So
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 it
                 stops
                 our
                 mouths
                 for
                 returning
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 we
                 may
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 thank
                 our selves
                 for
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 bondage
                 that
                 is
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 so
                 much
                 complain
                 of
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 every
                 time
                 the
                 Lord
                 setteth
                 our
                 frozen
                 spirits
                 a
                 melting
                 ,
                 every
                 time
                 he
                 setteth
                 our
                 straightned
                 hearts
                 at
                 large
                 ,
                 we
                 instead
                 of
                 lifting
                 up
                 our selves
                 ,
                 we
                 could
                 and
                 did
                 but
                 admire
                 that
                 grace
                 ,
                 magnifie
                 him
                 ,
                 loath
                 our selves
                 ,
                 would
                 he
                 not
                 much
                 more
                 delight
                 to
                 enlarge
                 us
                 ?
                 O
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Thèn
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 thàt
                 ye
                 stand
                 fast
                 in
                 that
                 liberty
                 wherewith
                 Christ
                 hath
                 made
                 you
                 free
                 ;
                 I
                 speak
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 here
                 
                 to
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 Ceremonies
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 taken
                 away
                 altogether
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 speak
                 specially
                 to
                 our
                 freedom
                 from
                 the
                 dominion
                 of
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 the
                 freedom
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 outward
                 pressures
                 and
                 bondages
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 our
                 fears
                 were
                 great
                 when
                 we
                 saw
                 this
                 cloud
                 of
                 blood
                 but
                 hanging
                 over
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 thè
                 precious
                 ones
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 was
                 little
                 and
                 scarce
                 able
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 such
                 things
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 an
                 eye
                 and
                 ear-witness
                 of
                 the
                 sad
                 complaints
                 made
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Now
                 hath
                 God
                 delivered
                 us
                 from
                 this
                 ,
                 stand
                 we
                 fast
                 in
                 this
                 liberty
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 first
                 thèn
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 our
                 lusts
                 ,
                 hath
                 thè
                 Lord
                 broken
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 set
                 thee
                 free
                 when
                 thou
                 didst
                 groan
                 under
                 it
                 ?
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 returning
                 to
                 folly
                 any
                 more
                 ;
                 hath
                 he
                 spoken
                 
                 peace
                 to
                 thy
                 troubled
                 soul
                 ,
                 loosed
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 thy
                 sins
                 wherewith
                 thou
                 wast
                 held
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 be
                 tampering
                 with
                 sin
                 again
                 ?
                 This
                 was
                 the
                 madness
                 and
                 perversness
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 make
                 them
                 a
                 Captain
                 and
                 return
                 to
                 Egypt
                 again
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 tryed
                 in
                 the
                 Wilderness
                 ;
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 such
                 discouragement
                 upon
                 us
                 as
                 to
                 put
                 us
                 upon
                 such
                 resolutions
                 ,
                 but
                 meerly
                 the
                 unfaithfulness
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 unsteadfastness
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 spirits
                 :
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 some
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   having
                   escaped
                   the
                   pollutions
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   they
                   did
                   return
                   with
                   the
                   dog
                   to
                   the
                   vomit
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   swine
                   to
                   the
                   mire
                
                 ;
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 is
                 worse
                 then
                 ever
                 it
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   brings
                   seven
                   other
                   spirits
                   worse
                   then
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   latter
                   end
                   of
                   thàt
                   man
                   is
                   worse
                   then
                   his
                
                 
                 beginning
                 .
                 O
                 whén
                 the
                 Devil
                 can
                 but
                 fasten
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 again
                 ,
                 that
                 once
                 hath
                 gotten
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 cruel
                 
                 Jaylor
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 lay
                 more
                 fetters
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 even
                 over-whelmed
                 with
                 temptations
                 ,
                 now
                 his
                 feet
                 ,
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 and
                 all
                 shall
                 be
                 put
                 in
                 the
                 stocks
                 ,
                 have
                 their
                 bolts
                 and
                 chains
                 upon
                 them
                 .
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 you
                 never
                 make
                 work
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 make
                 work
                 for
                 your selves
                 ,
                 lay
                 a
                 grievous
                 foundation
                 for
                 much
                 bitterness
                 to
                 your
                 own
                 spirits
                 ;
                 a
                 little
                 care
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 watchfulness
                 here
                 ,
                 may
                 prevent
                 heart-breaking
                 afterwards
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 do
                 necessitate
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 by
                 our
                 back-slidings
                 ;
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 therefore
                 flie
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 Moses
                 fled
                 from
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 his
                 Serpent
                 ;
                 flie
                 youthful
                 lusts
                 ,
                 make
                 hast
                 away
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 and
                 sin
                 will
                 pursue
                 hard
                 ,
                 and
                 cast
                 this
                 golden
                 apple
                 in
                 our
                 way
                 ,
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 occasion
                 ;
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 flie
                 
                 
                   fornication
                   ,
                   and
                   flie
                   Idolatry
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 returning
                 to
                 that
                 Covenant
                 of
                 works
                 ,
                 or
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 a
                 yoak
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 making
                 ;
                 if
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 hath
                 been
                 pleased
                 to
                 break
                 it
                 ,
                 set
                 us
                 free
                 ,
                 shall
                 we
                 ret●rn
                 to
                 that
                 bondage
                 again
                 ?
                 I
                 doubt
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 cause
                 of
                 much
                 sorrow
                 and
                 heavy
                 walking
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 :
                 O
                 he
                 cannot
                 do
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 cannot
                 do
                 that
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 doubts
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 well
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 have
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 Christ
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 made
                 our
                 doing
                 ,
                 our
                 perfect
                 obedience
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 somewhat
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 ,
                 but
                 faith
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 take
                 from
                 him
                 for
                 all
                 ends
                 and
                 purposes
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 for
                 pardon
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 strength
                 ,
                 for
                 food
                 ,
                 for
                 victory
                 over
                 our
                 sin
                 .
                 Now
                 we
                 go
                 off
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 move
                 so
                 heavily
                 and
                 cannot
                 stir
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 like
                 a
                 door
                 off
                 its
                 hinges
                 ,
                 a
                 Chariot
                 off
                 its
                 wheels
                 ,
                 bring
                 much
                 bondage
                 and
                 trouble
                 upon
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 of
                 our
                 time
                 and
                 pains
                 is
                 spent
                 in
                 poring
                 upon
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 getting
                 healing
                 again
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 which
                 might
                 be
                 spent
                 in
                 glorifying
                 him
                 .
                 
              
               
                 Therefore
                 beg
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 establish
                 you
                 with
                 his
                 Princely
                 Royal
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 
                   where
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   liberty
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Son
                 maketh
                 us
                 free
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 David
                 maketh
                 that
                 prayer
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 sensible
                 of
                 this
                 .
                 O
                 beg
                 
                 this
                 Spirit
                 for
                 establishment
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 be
                 intreated
                 ,
                 he
                 puts
                 arguments
                 into
                 our
                 mouths
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 us
                 the
                 greatest
                 encouragements
                 to
                 beg
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 of
                 any
                 other
                 mercy
                 that
                 I
                 know
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 the
                 greatest
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 principal
                 of
                 all
                 Gospel-grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 being
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 gift
                 ,
                 poor
                 sinners
                 might
                 be
                 
                 affraid
                 to
                 ask
                 ,
                 but
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   are
                   Fathers
                   whose
                   affections
                   are
                
                 
                 
                   finite
                   and
                   mixed
                
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 pure
                 love
                 ,
                 yea
                 you
                 are
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 give
                 good
                 gifts
                 to
                 your
                 children
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 will
                 God
                 give
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 this
                 the
                 Apostle
                 is
                 earnest
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 stablish
                 and
                 strengthen
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 every
                 good
                 Word
                 
                 and
                 Work
                 ,
                 for
                 grace
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 cannot
                 consist
                 of
                 it self
                 without
                 him
                 ,
                 therefore
                 be
                 earnest
                 here
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Since
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 outward
                 pressures
                 ,
                 the
                 yoak
                 that
                 did
                 gall
                 the
                 necks
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 before
                 ;
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 set
                 us
                 above
                 our
                 enemies
                 ,
                 hath
                 he
                 before
                 our
                 eyes
                 brought
                 our
                 Egyptians
                 down
                 in
                 the
                 red
                 Sea
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 return
                 thither
                 again
                 ?
                 I
                 speak
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 bondage
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 keep
                 his
                 people
                 from
                 that
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 a
                 worse
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 from
                 a
                 tyrannie
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 a
                 tyrannie
                 and
                 dominion
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 sad
                 ,
                 the
                 heathens
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Servitus
                   gravissima
                   est
                   sibi
                   ipsi
                   servire
                   ,
                
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 heaviest
                 yoak
                 for
                 
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 be
                 yoaked
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 ends
                 and
                 interests
                 ,
                 to
                 seek
                 himself
                 ,
                 serve
                 himself
                 ,
                 specially
                 his
                 sinful
                 self
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   make
                   provision
                   for
                   his
                   lusts
                   .
                
                 It
                 was
                 a
                 sad
                 character
                 of
                 Rome
                 that
                 Angustine
                 giveth
                 her
                 ,
                 
                   Victrix
                   gentium
                   captiva
                   vitiorum
                
                 .
                 What
                 are
                 we
                 the
                 better
                 for
                 being
                 delivered
                 from
                 that
                 bondage
                 ?
                 if
                 such
                 as
                 were
                 humble
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 low
                 ,
                 and
                 meek
                 ,
                 and
                 self-denying
                 ,
                 now
                 are
                 high
                 ,
                 and
                 fierce
                 ,
                 and
                 self-seeking
                 ,
                 proud
                 and
                 wanton
                 ,
                 and
                 luxurious
                 ,
                 their
                 whoreing
                 ,
                 hawking
                 ,
                 and
                 hounding
                 ,
                 and
                 spending
                 their
                 time
                 in
                 such
                 sports
                 which
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 publike
                 service
                 ,
                 was
                 lookt
                 upon
                 as
                 a
                 great
                 evil
                 ,
                 God
                 caused
                 their
                 houses
                 and
                 lands
                 to
                 spue
                 them
                 out
                 .
                 I
                 wish
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 beginning
                 to
                 come
                 under
                 that
                 worse
                 yoak
                 ,
                 now
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 that
                 of
                 oppression
                 ;
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 for
                 Israel
                 to
                 work
                 in
                 the
                 Iron-furnace
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 brick-kill
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 be
                 enslaved
                 to
                 their
                 lusts
                 in
                 the
                 wilderness
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 to
                 perish
                 ?
                 and
                 was
                 not
                 Babylon
                 better
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 to
                 become
                 slaves
                 to
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 to
                 their
                 Idols
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 let
                 us
                 look
                 well
                 about
                 us
                 every
                 one
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 it
                 hath
                 burned
                 like
                 an
                 oven
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 stubble
                 fully
                 dryed
                 put
                 into
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 bryers
                 and
                 brambles
                 that
                 did
                 scratch
                 and
                 tear
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 consumed
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   hath
                   gone
                   through
                   them
                   and
                   consumed
                
                 
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 are
                 we
                 any
                 thing
                 the
                 better
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 worse
                 ?
                 If
                 we
                 now
                 melt
                 away
                 with
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 ,
                 grow
                 luxurious
                 
                 and
                 wanton
                 ,
                 wanton
                 in
                 opinions
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 know
                 not
                 well
                 what
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 be
                 new
                 and
                 the
                 thriving
                 way
                 :
                 and
                 wanton
                 in
                 apparel
                 ;
                 are
                 there
                 not
                 as
                 many
                 slaves
                 to
                 pride
                 ,
                 to
                 vanity
                 ,
                 to
                 self
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 were
                 then
                 to
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 other
                 men
                 ?
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 worse
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 mercy
                 of
                 another
                 mans
                 lusts
                 ,
                 which
                 can
                 but
                 reach
                 the
                 body
                 and
                 effect
                 our
                 sorrow
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 or
                 the
                 mercy
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 merciless
                 lusts
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 work
                 our
                 woe
                 and
                 ruine
                 ?
                 O
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   set
                   at
                   liberty
                   ,
                   slie
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 as
                 he
                 said
                 to
                 
                   Lot
                   ,
                   flie
                   for
                   thy
                   life
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                   slie
                   fornication
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   youthful
                   lusts
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 said
                 the
                 Apostle
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Exhortation
                 then
                 shall
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                
                 
                 
                   how
                   we
                   abuse
                   this
                   our
                   liberty
                   ,
                
                 as
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   using
                   our
                   liberty
                   as
                   a
                   cloak
                   of
                   malitiousness
                
                 ;
                 haply
                 alluding
                 to
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 persons
                 .
                 The
                 Apostles
                 scope
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 leadeth
                 us
                 to
                 one
                 part
                 
                 of
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 this
                 abusing
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 free
                 now
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 need
                 not
                 have
                 their
                 necks
                 under
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 men
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 goeth
                 before
                 ,
                 exhorting
                 them
                 to
                 
                   submit
                   themselves
                   to
                   every
                   Ordinance
                   of
                   man
                   for
                   the
                   Lords
                   sake
                
                 ;
                 to
                 be
                 subject
                 to
                 the
                 higher
                 powers
                 and
                 subordinate
                 powers
                 ,
                 is
                 very
                 consistent
                 with
                 this
                 spiritual
                 freedom
                 ▪
                 was
                 there
                 ever
                 any
                 so
                 free
                 as
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 Son
                 that
                 maketh
                 us
                 free
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 
                 did
                 not
                 he
                 submit
                 ?
                 submit
                 to
                 his
                 parents
                 ,
                 was
                 subject
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 subject
                 to
                 the
                 powers
                 under
                 which
                 he
                 lived
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 was
                 not
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 ;
                 and
                 would
                 it
                 suite
                 with
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 suite
                 with
                 the
                 members
                 ?
                 But
                 I
                 hope
                 I
                 need
                 not
                 speak
                 much
                 to
                 this
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 wherein
                 we
                 may
                 abuse
                 our
                 liberty
                 as
                 children
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 carrying
                 it
                 frowardly
                 and
                 rebelliously
                 against
                 their
                 parents
                 ,
                 upon
                 pretence
                 of
                 liberty
                 :
                 and
                 servants
                 that
                 are
                 under
                 the
                 yoak
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 think
                 they
                 may
                 do
                 much
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 they
                 have
                 warrant
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 free
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Masters
                 haply
                 in
                 bondage
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 therefore
                 shall
                 they
                 despise
                 them
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 but
                 count
                 them
                 worthy
                 of
                 all
                 
                 honour
                 ,
                 serving
                 them
                 in
                 singleness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 unto
                 Christ
                 ;
                 not
                 for
                 by-respects
                 and
                 ends
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 their
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 freedom
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 generally
                 ,
                 many
                 men
                 think
                 when
                 once
                 they
                 have
                 gotten
                 their
                 necks
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 yoak
                 ,
                 from
                 under
                 that
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 fears
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 under
                 ,
                 they
                 think
                 now
                 they
                 are
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 past
                 all
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 when
                 
                 they
                 have
                 gotten
                 a
                 little
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 though
                 before
                 they
                 walked
                 mournfully
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 diligent
                 in
                 following
                 hard
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 now
                 they
                 slack
                 their
                 pace
                 ,
                 grow
                 remiss
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 their
                 consolations
                 ,
                 the
                 loaves
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 may
                 take
                 their
                 ease
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 horrible
                 abuse
                 of
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 for
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 speaks
                 peace
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 return
                 to
                 folly
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 we
                 quite
                 cross
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 spoken
                 peace
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 give
                 up
                 our selves
                 to
                 folly
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 to
                 walk
                 contrary
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 not
                 walk
                 contrary
                 to
                 you
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 to
                 make
                 our
                 liberty
                 a
                 cloak
                 ,
                 an
                 occasion
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 a
                 handle
                 for
                 the
                 flesh
                 to
                 
                 take
                 hold
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 bring
                 you
                 into
                 bondage
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 make
                 more
                 work
                 for
                 Christ
                 to
                 set
                 you
                 at
                 liberty
                 again
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 can
                 we
                 make
                 our
                 liberty
                 a
                 cloak
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 pluck
                 that
                 cloak
                 over
                 our
                 ears
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 us
                 our
                 nakedness
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 know
                 how
                 we
                 come
                 by
                 it
                 again
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 ,
                 lest
                 your
                 liberty
                 degenerate
                 into
                 licentiousness
                 ;
                 
                   Maxima
                   libertate
                   minima
                   licentia
                
                 ,
                 said
                 that
                 Antient.
                 
              
               
                 But
                 yet
                 more
                 particularly
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 abusing
                 of
                 your
                 liberty
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 things
                 lawful
                 in
                 themselves
                 and
                 indifferent
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 of
                 a
                 heart
                 that
                 hath
                 little
                 fear
                 of
                 offending
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 dare
                 walk
                 just
                 at
                 the
                 very
                 brink
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 very
                 line
                 of
                 destruction
                 ,
                 between
                 sin
                 and
                 lawful
                 liberty
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 can
                 be
                 assigned
                 ▪
                 You
                 find
                 the
                 Apostle
                 of
                 another
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 offend
                 his
                 weak
                 Brother
                 ,
                 
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 eat
                 meat
                 while
                 he
                 lived
                 :
                 why
                 how
                 would
                 he
                 live
                 ?
                 rather
                 upon
                 herbs
                 ,
                 and
                 fruits
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 things
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 eat
                 flesh
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 he
                 lived
                 too
                 .
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 daies
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 discourse
                 of
                 liberty
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 true
                 use
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 offend
                 all
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 part
                 with
                 an
                 excrement
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 woman
                 rather
                 then
                 sorbear
                 her
                 spotting
                 ,
                 and
                 painting
                 ,
                 and
                 bedlam
                 nakedness
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 things
                 be
                 lawful
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 ;
                 or
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 rather
                 grieve
                 all
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 then
                 cross
                 his
                 humor
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 sad
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 one
                 man
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 greater
                 liberty
                 then
                 another
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 greater
                 then
                 he
                 in
                 another
                 case
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 instance
                 now
                 ,
                 Abraham
                 might
                 look
                 upon
                 Sodom
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 flaming
                 ,
                 but
                 Lot
                 might
                 not
                 ,
                 because
                 there
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 desirable
                 things
                 ,
                 lest
                 it
                 should
                 draw
                 back
                 his
                 heart
                 from
                 the
                 journey
                 now
                 
                 commanded
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 when
                 temptations
                 and
                 lusts
                 meet
                 together
                 ;
                 where
                 his
                 corruption
                 lies
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 scum
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 doth
                 use
                 to
                 fire
                 his
                 lusts
                 ,
                 there
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 give
                 himself
                 such
                 a
                 liberty
                 as
                 another
                 may
                 ,
                 whose
                 temptation
                 lies
                 in
                 another
                 thing
                 :
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 mans
                 temptation
                 lie
                 to
                 excess
                 in
                 eating
                 ,
                 in
                 drinking
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 lawsul
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 now
                 to
                 look
                 upon
                 the
                 wine
                 when
                 red
                 ,
                 &c.
                 to
                 come
                 in
                 the
                 danger
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 temptation
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 eyes
                 full
                 of
                 adultery
                 
                 that
                 cannot
                 cease
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 not
                 behold
                 an
                 object
                 that
                 another
                 may
                 ,
                 whose
                 temptation
                 lies
                 not
                 there
                 .
              
               
                 In
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   we
                   serve
                   one
                   another
                   in
                   love
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 opposed
                 to
                 using
                 our
                 liberty
                 as
                 a
                 Cloak
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 to
                 bear
                 one
                 anothers
                 burdens
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 at
                 liberty
                 one
                 from
                 another
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 say
                 with
                 
                   Cain
                   ,
                   Am
                   I
                   my
                   Brothers
                
                 
                 keeper
                 ?
                 we
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 despise
                 the
                 infirmities
                 of
                 the
                 weak
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 see
                 not
                 as
                 we
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 are
                 grieved
                 and
                 offended
                 at
                 many
                 things
                 that
                 we
                 make
                 nothing
                 of
                 ;
                 here
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 bear
                 their
                 infirmities
                 ,
                 to
                 cover
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 inform
                 them
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 forbear
                 them
                 ,
                 not
                 despise
                 them
                 ;
                 become
                 all
                 things
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 lawfully
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 became
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 gain
                 them
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 serving
                 one
                 another
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 labour
                 of
                 love
                 either
                 to
                 God
                 or
                 men
                 is
                 a
                 free
                 service
                 indeed
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 rather
                 ready
                 to
                 serve
                 our selves
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 perceive
                 ,
                 generally
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 then
                 serve
                 one
                 another
                 in
                 love
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 love
                 for
                 Christ
                 sake
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 all
                 the
                 liberty
                 we
                 talk
                 of
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 bondage
                 ;
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 love
                 is
                 a
                 Law
                 of
                 liberty
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   we
                   being
                   free
                   from
                   sin
                   ,
                   we
                   become
                   the
                   servants
                   of
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 give
                 
                 up
                 your selves
                 ,
                 yield
                 your selves
                 unto
                 God
                 ,
                 unto
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 instruments
                 for
                 the
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 to
                 play
                 upon
                 ,
                 as
                 instruments
                 ,
                 tools
                 ,
                 weapons
                 of
                 righteousness
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 he
                 pleaseth
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 that
                 liberty
                 held
                 out
                 in
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   we
                   being
                   delivered
                   from
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   all
                   our
                   enemies
                   ,
                   might
                   serve
                   him
                   without
                   fear
                   ,
                   in
                   holiness
                   and
                   righteousness
                
                 
                 
                   all
                   the
                   daies
                   of
                   our
                   lives
                   :
                
                 Now
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 then
                 set
                 thee
                 free
                 ,
                 brought
                 thee
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 broken
                 off
                 the
                 shakles
                 ,
                 knockt
                 them
                 off
                 ,
                 set
                 open
                 the
                 prison
                 ?
                 what
                 can
                 we
                 do
                 less
                 then
                 
                 this
                 ?
                 spend
                 our selves
                 now
                 in
                 his
                 service
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 men
                 would
                 but
                 consider
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 of
                 their
                 strength
                 and
                 spirits
                 sin
                 hath
                 had
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 were
                 under
                 that
                 bondage
                 :
                 Me
                 thinks
                 it
                 should
                 put
                 us
                 on
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 earnestly
                 ,
                 specially
                 considering
                 how
                 our
                 service
                 addeth
                 nothing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 good
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 he
                 expecteth
                 for
                 delivering
                 of
                 us
                 .
                 What
                 poor
                 Gally-slave
                 would
                 not
                 most
                 willingly
                 yield
                 to
                 a
                 Noble-man
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 servant
                 ,
                 where
                 his
                 service
                 is
                 honourable
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasant
                 ,
                 and
                 delightful
                 ,
                 so
                 be
                 he
                 would
                 redeem
                 him
                 ?
                 why
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 .
              
               
                 Beside
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 the
                 fruit
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 reward
                 hereafter
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 puts
                 both
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 put
                 them
                 asunder
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   first-fruits
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   harvest
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   their
                   fruit
                   unto
                   holiness
                
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 easie
                 ,
                 pleasant
                 and
                 delightful
                 will
                 his
                 service
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 our
                 souls
                 will
                 shine
                 with
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 holiness
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 bondage
                 groweth
                 by
                 continuance
                 ,
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 freedom
                 by
                 this
                 service
                 .
                 I
                 dare
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 acquaintance
                 any
                 poor
                 heart
                 hath
                 with
                 a
                 diligent
                 ,
                 close
                 ,
                 humble
                 ,
                 upright
                 walking
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 pleasant
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 holy
                 that
                 man
                 groweth
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 more
                 communion
                 with
                 the
                 Fountain
                 of
                 holiness
                 ,
                 even
                 God
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spirit
                 also
                 :
                 would
                 you
                 be
                 holy
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 be
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 freed
                 from
                 the
                 remainders
                 of
                 bondage
                 which
                 are
                 upon
                 you
                 ?
                 Believe
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 only
                 way
                 is
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 your selves
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 will
                 delight
                 to
                 be
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 entertained
                 ;
                 where
                 his
                 motions
                 are
                 received
                 ,
                 every
                 hint
                 is
                 taken
                 ,
                 and
                 followed
                 ,
                 and
                 improved
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 that
                 spirit
                 then
                 dwells
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 contrary
                 principle
                 lusting
                 against
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 the
                 flesh
                 must
                 needs
                 go
                 down
                 in
                 a
                 soul
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 end
                 is
                 that
                 will
                 make
                 up
                 all
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 reward
                 will
                 be
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 works
                 ;
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 rich
                 towards
                 God
                 ,
                 hath
                 been
                 faithful
                 in
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 faithful
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 ,
                 hath
                 laid
                 up
                 a
                 good
                 foundation
                 against
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 shall
                 such
                 shine
                 in
                 glory
                 !
                 Me
                 thinks
                 our
                 eyes
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 little
                 forward
                 ,
                 the
                 eye
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 altogether
                 backward
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 prepared
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 himself
                 proposeth
                 himself
                 as
                 a
                 pattern
                 to
                 us
                 in
                 this
                 very
                 respect
                 ,
                 looking
                 unto
                 Jesus
                 
                   the
                   Author
                   and
                   Finisher
                   of
                   our
                   faith
                   ,
                   having
                   laid
                   aside
                
                 
                 
                 
                   every
                   weight
                
                 ,
                 being
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 then
                 run
                 ,
                 looking
                 to
                 Jesus
                 the
                 Author
                 of
                 our
                 Faith
                 ,
                 who
                 for
                 the
                 joy
                 that
                 was
                 set
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 endured
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 despised
                 the
                 shame
                 ;
                 endured
                 the
                 clouding
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 face
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 was
                 the
                 weight
                 that
                 made
                 him
                 hang
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 proposing
                 of
                 the
                 end
                 that
                 sweetens
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 health
                 that
                 is
                 aimed
                 at
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 sugars
                 many
                 a
                 bitter
                 potion
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 endure
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 may
                 have
                 much
                 ado
                 with
                 our
                 froward
                 and
                 backsliding
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 many
                 times
                 wearied
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 yet
                 give
                 not
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 run
                 ,
                 &
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 work
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 chains
                 ,
                 chearfully
                 and
                 strongly
                 upon
                 all
                 the
                 former
                 considerations
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 right
                 use
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 be
                 not
                 brought
                 under
                 bondage
                 unto
                 men
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 consciences
                 inslaved
                 ,
                 either
                 through
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 or
                 favour
                 of
                 men
                 ;
                 surely
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 be
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 his
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 free
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 go
                 forth
                 from
                 this
                 bondage
                 :
                 You
                 have
                 seen
                 it
                 in
                 all
                 experiences
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 threatned
                 the
                 Apostles
                 ,
                 commanded
                 them
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 
                 preach
                 in
                 that
                 name
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 them
                 did
                 break
                 all
                 those
                 bonds
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 taught
                 them
                 〈…〉
                 ot
                 to
                 rebell
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 tumultuous
                 ;
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 pure
                 and
                 then
                 peaceable
                 ,
                 the
                 wisdom
                 that
                 is
                 from
                 this
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 taught
                 them
                 not
                 to
                 regard
                 it
                 ;
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 fit
                 to
                 obey
                 God
                 or
                 man
                 judge
                 ye
                 ?
                 they
                 rejoyced
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 accounted
                 worthy
                 to
                 suffer
                 for
                 Christ
                 ;
                 this
                 wind
                 that
                 bloweth
                 where
                 it
                 listeth
                 ,
                 it
                 bears
                 down
                 all
                 opposition
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 resisting
                 of
                 that
                 Spirit
                 that
                 speaks
                 and
                 acts
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 See
                 the
                 Martyrs
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 did
                 triumph
                 over
                 their
                 adversaries
                 ,
                 they
                 overcame
                 their
                 cruelty
                 by
                 the
                 invincible
                 patience
                 ,
                 and
                 yielding
                 their
                 bodies
                 to
                 a
                 torment
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 their
                 consciences
                 to
                 the
                 cruel
                 commands
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 which
                 tend
                 to
                 their
                 wounding
                 .
                 Was
                 there
                 ever
                 such
                 a
                 slave
                 as
                 Canaan
                 a
                 servant
                 of
                 servants
                 shall
                 he
                 be
                 ;
                 when
                 another
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 great
                 person
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 servant
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 
                 for
                 advantage
                 or
                 fear
                 art
                 a
                 slave
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 servant
                 of
                 servants
                 ?
                 to
                 have
                 this
                 curse
                 upon
                 thy
                 soul
                 in
                 the
                 highest
                 degree
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 slave
                 to
                 a
                 slave
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 deepest
                 slavery
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 imagined
                 :
                 Therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 lest
                 such
                 a
                 bondage
                 creep
                 upon
                 us
                 at
                 unawares
                 ,
                 for
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 deceitful
                 ;
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 sinful
                 compliances
                 with
                 the
                 prevailing
                 evils
                 of
                 the
                 times
                 for
                 advantage
                 ,
                 
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 slave
                 to
                 men
                 and
                 to
                 humours
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 free-men
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 stand
                 fast
                 in
                 this
                 liberty
                 in
                 all
                 these
                 respects
                 ,
                 then
                 truly
                 we
                 must
                 see
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 grieve
                 the
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 ,
                 
                   where
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Christ
                   is
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   liberty
                
                 ;
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 proportion
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 with
                 ,
                 and
                 working
                 in
                 any
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 of
                 that
                 soul
                 ;
                 he
                 first
                 works
                 liberty
                 ,
                 knocks
                 off
                 the
                 bolts
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 pulls
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 he
                 only
                 answers
                 our
                 doubts
                 ,
                 satisfieth
                 the
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 bondage
                 ,
                 by
                 witnessing
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 by
                 applying
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 this
                 the
                 Spirit
                 doth
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 only
                 establisheth
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 this
                 liberty
                 ,
                 
                   establish
                   me
                   with
                   thy
                   free
                   Spirit
                
                 ;
                 indeed
                 ,
                 somewhat
                 else
                 may
                 loosen
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 outward
                 practise
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Spirit
                 only
                 can
                 loosen
                 the
                 heart
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 only
                 can
                 dissolve
                 the
                 sodering
                 of
                 corrupt
                 affections
                 ,
                 whereby
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 their
                 sinful
                 objects
                 are
                 sodered
                 and
                 glued
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 broken
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 keep
                 up
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 that
                 liberty
                 by
                 this
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 keep
                 up
                 and
                 maintain
                 our
                 spiritual
                 liberty
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 keep
                 in
                 with
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 grieve
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 us
                 to
                 fight
                 with
                 our
                 own
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 come
                 to
                 bondage
                 again
                 in
                 part
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 grief
                 and
                 wounding
                 of
                 our
                 spirits
                 ;
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 alas
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 thought
                 once
                 we
                 had
                 been
                 free
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 been
                 brought
                 into
                 bondage
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 held
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 in
                 terrours
                 :
                 we
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 wonder
                 when
                 the
                 lusts
                 we
                 thought
                 had
                 been
                 dead
                 and
                 buried
                 ,
                 do
                 rise
                 up
                 again
                 ,
                 captive
                 us
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 wonder
                 not
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 how
                 often
                 is
                 this
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 grieved
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 this
                 well
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 our
                 admiration
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 keep
                 our
                 liberty
                 ,
                 not
                 return
                 to
                 bondage
                 ,
                 grieve
                 not
                 the
                 Spirit
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 grieved
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 neglected
                 and
                 slighted
                 ,
                 his
                 motions
                 to
                 put
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 we
                 shift
                 and
                 shuffle
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 one
                 excuse
                 or
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 either
                 to
                 set
                 upon
                 a
                 duty
                 we
                 never
                 performed
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 another
                 manner
                 then
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 ,
                 this
                 grieveth
                 him
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 he
                 puts
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 reprove
                 our
                 Brother
                 for
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 suffer
                 sin
                 to
                 lie
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 smother
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 think
                 it
                 more
                 offendeth
                 
                 another
                 then
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 unthankful
                 office
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 lose
                 a
                 friend
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 accounted
                 a
                 busie-body
                 ,
                 we
                 see
                 that
                 men
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 cannot
                 bear
                 a
                 reproof
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 snarl
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 turn
                 and
                 rent
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 bear
                 us
                 upon
                 their
                 backs
                 .
                 And
                 therefore
                 we
                 neglect
                 our
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 any
                 other
                 ;
                 now
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 often
                 are
                 we
                 guilty
                 in
                 this
                 kind
                 ?
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 all
                 impurity
                 ,
                 uncleanness
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 pure
                 holy
                 Spirit
                 and
                 will
                 lie
                 clean
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 endure
                 a
                 nasty
                 place
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 pollution
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 or
                 pollution
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 if
                 harboured
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 it
                 will
                 grieve
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 grieved
                 ,
                 he
                 departeth
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 his
                 grieving
                 indeed
                 ;
                 properly
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 grieved
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 subject
                 to
                 any
                 passion
                 ,
                 or
                 fears
                 ,
                 or
                 sorrows
                 ,
                 &c.
                 because
                 all
                 things
                 are
                 alway
                 present
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 seeth
                 what
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 had
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 us
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 do
                 actually
                 thus
                 pollute
                 our selves
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 occasion
                 to
                 depart
                 ,
                 to
                 leave
                 us
                 to
                 those
                 evils
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 fill
                 us
                 with
                 our
                 own
                 back-slidings
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 sinning
                 against
                 conviction
                 ,
                 against
                 light
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 dangerous
                 indeed
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 shut
                 up
                 in
                 darkness
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 bound
                 in
                 affliction
                 and
                 iron
                 ,
                 to
                 endure
                 sad
                 things
                 upon
                 your
                 spirits
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 who
                 convinceth
                 you
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 be
                 so
                 far
                 slighted
                 as
                 you
                 heed
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 what
                 if
                 he
                 then
                 forbear
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 righteous
                 he
                 should
                 forbear
                 to
                 shine
                 upon
                 your
                 graces
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 should
                 see
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 ought
                 in
                 you
                 ?
                 So
                 that
                 you
                 shall
                 walk
                 in
                 darkness
                 and
                 see
                 no
                 light
                 :
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 paying
                 of
                 you
                 home
                 in
                 your
                 own
                 coyn
                 ?
                 David
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 ignorant
                 what
                 his
                 sin
                 was
                 before
                 he
                 committed
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 he
                 ventured
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 deliberate
                 sinning
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 time
                 of
                 consideration
                 of
                 his
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 argue
                 the
                 case
                 pro
                 and
                 con
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 revolve
                 with
                 himself
                 ,
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 sinful
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 do
                 it
                 I
                 rebell
                 against
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 what
                 in
                 me
                 lies
                 to
                 undo
                 my self
                 ;
                 O
                 but
                 saith
                 lust
                 ,
                 man
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 satisfied
                 ;
                 God
                 is
                 merciful
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 time
                 enough
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 or
                 it
                 will
                 easily
                 be
                 healed
                 afterward
                 .
                 Now
                 upon
                 such
                 deliberations
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 will
                 sin
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 will
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 now
                 the
                 spirit
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 grieved
                 ;
                 what
                 can
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 expect
                 but
                 to
                 be
                 brought
                 under
                 bondage
                 ?
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 David
                 ,
                 
                 his
                 plotting
                 and
                 contriving
                 the
                 death
                 of
                 Vriah
                 ;
                 these
                 sins
                 in
                 cold
                 blood
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 not
                 under
                 the
                 sudden
                 violent
                 heat
                 of
                 a
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 sin
                 ,
                 O
                 this
                 grieves
                 him
                 much
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 pot
                 be
                 on
                 the
                 fire
                 and
                 the
                 scum
                 rise
                 ,
                 we
                 throw
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 we
                 expect
                 it
                 would
                 rise
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 no
                 fire
                 be
                 under
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 scum
                 arise
                 ,
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 so
                 loathsom
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 endured
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 Ranker
                 and
                 Malice
                 ,
                 of
                 grudgings
                 of
                 heart
                 one
                 against
                 another
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   grudge
                   not
                   one
                   against
                   another
                
                 ;
                 prejudices
                 ,
                 heart-burnings
                 ,
                 grudgings
                 upon
                 injuries
                 ,
                 real
                 ,
                 or
                 conceived
                 and
                 imagined
                 :
                 O
                 this
                 grieveth
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 Spirit
                 of
                 pure
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 have
                 them
                 that
                 look
                 to
                 enjoy
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 people
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 to
                 cover
                 much
                 ,
                 bear
                 and
                 forbear
                 ,
                 and
                 forgive
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 for
                 love
                 will
                 cover
                 a
                 multitude
                 of
                 offences
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 then
                 of
                 pride
                 ,
                 of
                 being
                 lifted
                 up
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 a
                 Spirit
                 of
                 humility
                 :
                 O
                 he
                 loveth
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 the
                 lowly
                 spirit
                 :
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 lifted
                 up
                 we
                 rob
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 honour
                 ,
                 to
                 arrogate
                 that
                 to
                 our selves
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 working
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 we
                 are
                 something
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 of
                 our selves
                 :
                 he
                 will
                 let
                 us
                 know
                 ,
                 to
                 our
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 nothing
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 but
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 all
                 was
                 from
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 of
                 unthankfulness
                 for
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 us
                 :
                 when
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 shall
                 be
                 at
                 all
                 this
                 pains
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 contest
                 with
                 the
                 quarrellings
                 and
                 disputings
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 against
                 our
                 own
                 peace
                 and
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 answer
                 all
                 our
                 objections
                 ,
                 and
                 still
                 our
                 complaints
                 ,
                 and
                 seal
                 up
                 love
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 remove
                 our
                 trembling
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 dispell
                 our
                 darkness
                 ,
                 cleanse
                 our
                 loathsom
                 hearts
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 of
                 those
                 lusts
                 that
                 did
                 so
                 much
                 prevail
                 against
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 shall
                 forget
                 this
                 now
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 return
                 to
                 him
                 the
                 praise
                 ,
                 but
                 either
                 to
                 grow
                 into
                 carnal
                 security
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 rest
                 from
                 that
                 which
                 galled
                 us
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 nine
                 leapers
                 ,
                 go
                 our
                 waies
                 ,
                 never
                 mind
                 whence
                 we
                 received
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 so
                 much
                 pore
                 upon
                 the
                 remainder
                 of
                 our
                 sins
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 exalt
                 that
                 grace
                 whereby
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 so
                 great
                 a
                 part
                 delivered
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 grieveth
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 may
                 justly
                 let
                 us
                 step
                 back
                 again
                 ,
                 or
                 let
                 loose
                 upon
                 us
                 again
                 those
                 lusts
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 were
                 delivered
                 from
                 their
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 prized
                 the
                 mercy
                 ;
                 that
                 we
                 learn
                 to
                 admire
                 that
                 grace
                 ;
                 much
                 more
                 might
                 be
                 added
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 shall
                 suffice
                 .
              
               
               
                 The
                 next
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 shall
                 be
                 for
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 some
                 doubts
                 ,
                 since
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 and
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 from
                 that
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thought
                 ,
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Law
                 was
                 an
                 evil
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 priviledge
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 from
                 it
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 doubted
                 how
                 far
                 we
                 are
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 will
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 meeteth
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 prevents
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 seeing
                 that
                 carnal
                 reason
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 ingenuous
                 as
                 to
                 find
                 out
                 that
                 cavil
                 among
                 others
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 freedom
                 from
                 the
                 bondage
                 under
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 sin
                 specially
                 ;
                 
                   What
                   shall
                   I
                   say
                   then
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   the
                   Law
                   sin
                   ?
                   that
                
                 
                 
                   we
                   are
                   said
                   to
                   be
                   delivered
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   sin
                   hath
                   its
                   strength
                   from
                   it
                   ?
                
                 and
                 so
                 deliverance
                 from
                 sin
                 is
                 a
                 deliverance
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Or
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Law
                 death
                 ,
                 since
                 sin
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 doth
                 work
                 death
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Law
                   is
                   holy
                   ,
                   just
                   and
                   good
                   ,
                   the
                   Law
                   giveth
                   no
                   occasion
                   to
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 but
                 sin
                 takes
                 occasion
                 ,
                 sin
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 be
                 contradicted
                 ,
                 it
                 sucks
                 poyson
                 out
                 of
                 that
                 holy
                 and
                 good
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 meeting
                 with
                 opposition
                 ,
                 it
                 swells
                 and
                 rageth
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 sin
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 evil
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 holy
                 and
                 good
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 the
                 Law
                 it
                 works
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 works
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 this
                 then
                 be
                 good
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 can
                 it
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 mercy
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 from
                 it
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 a
                 favour
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 into
                 golden
                 fetters
                 ?
                 supposing
                 the
                 Law
                 to
                 be
                 good
                 and
                 holy
                 ,
                 yet
                 since
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 ginns
                 ,
                 and
                 fetters
                 ,
                 and
                 bolts
                 ,
                 though
                 of
                 gold
                 ,
                 to
                 hold
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 in
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 him
                 in
                 and
                 up
                 as
                 in
                 a
                 prison
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 so
                 good
                 then
                 ?
                 To
                 this
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 the
                 knowlege
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   had
                   not
                   known
                   lust
                   ,
                   except
                   the
                   Law
                   had
                   said
                   thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   covet
                
                 ;
                 whether
                 in
                 the
                 last
                 command
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 each
                 command
                 ,
                 now
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 dispute
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 motions
                 ,
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 risings
                 and
                 bubblings
                 of
                 corruption
                 ,
                 I
                 had
                 not
                 known
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Law
                 hath
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   covet
                   :
                   Why
                   ,
                   but
                   was
                   that
                   then
                   that
                   was
                   good
                   made
                   death
                   to
                   me
                   ?
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 :
                 You
                 must
                 know
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 here
                 of
                 a
                 death
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 receiving
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 sentence
                 of
                 condemnation
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 spirit
                 by
                 conviction
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 all
                 his
                 knowledge
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 sin
                 by
                 the
                 commandment
                 might
                 appear
                 to
                 be
                 exceeding
                 sinful
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 dying
                 there
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 
                   sin
                   revived
                   and
                   I
                   dyed
                
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 liberty
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 see
                 his
                 necessity
                 of
                 
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 he
                 might
                 make
                 out
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 pardon
                 welcome
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 casts
                 poor
                 sinners
                 into
                 fet
                 ters
                 under
                 this
                 Law
                 :
                 So
                 that
                 if
                 you
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 in
                 this
                 subserviency
                 to
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 creature
                 may
                 be
                 put
                 to
                 much
                 grief
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 ;
                 when
                 pardon
                 is
                 proclaimed
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 Prince
                 should
                 cast
                 those
                 rebells
                 into
                 prison
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 willing
                 of
                 a
                 pardon
                 ;
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 a
                 savour
                 of
                 death
                 to
                 death
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sweet
                 savour
                 in
                 them
                 that
                 perish
                 ,
                 and
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 saved
                 ;
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 never
                 the
                 worse
                 for
                 that
                 :
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Law
                 prove
                 fetters
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ;
                 to
                 keep
                 him
                 under
                 bondage
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 bind
                 him
                 over
                 to
                 everlasting
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 through
                 his
                 own
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 accept
                 of
                 deliverance
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 preached
                 :
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 never
                 the
                 less
                 good
                 and
                 holy
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 the
                 second
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 how
                 far
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 freed
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 freed
                 from
                 it
                 ?
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 
                   do
                   this
                   and
                   live
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 be
                 thou
                 exactly
                 conformable
                 to
                 this
                 Law
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 want
                 of
                 suitableness
                 to
                 this
                 Law
                 is
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 wages
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 death
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 break
                 it
                 but
                 in
                 one
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 guilty
                 of
                 all
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 Law
                 was
                 weak
                 through
                 our
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 not
                 justifie
                 ,
                 it
                 could
                 discover
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 glass
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 purge
                 it
                 ;
                 it
                 could
                 work
                 wrath
                 ,
                 work
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 could
                 not
                 pacifie
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 came
                 and
                 took
                 upon
                 him
                 that
                 name
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   our
                   righteousness
                
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 now
                 ,
                 saith
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   for
                   righteousness
                   :
                
                 It
                 was
                 a
                 School-master
                 to
                 whip
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 fright
                 us
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 our selves
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 therefore
                 every
                 soul
                 in
                 Christ
                 now
                 is
                 delivered
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 clear
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 was
                 mentioned
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Now
                 from
                 the
                 rigorous
                 exacting
                 of
                 obedience
                 ;
                 for
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 nothing
                 is
                 obedience
                 ,
                 except
                 perfect
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 miscarry
                 in
                 one
                 thing
                 he
                 is
                 guilty
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 doing
                 of
                 every
                 thing
                 written
                 ,
                 yea
                 in
                 the
                 fullest
                 ,
                 most
                 spiritual
                 sense
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 yea
                 a
                 continuance
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 obedience
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 accepteth
                 of
                 the
                 desires
                 of
                 the
                 upright
                 heart
                 ,
                 he
                 heareth
                 the
                 prayer
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 desire
                 to
                 fear
                 his
                 name
                 :
                 the
                 will
                 now
                 goeth
                 for
                 the
                 deed
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 
                 striveth
                 to
                 do
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 able
                 ;
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 condition
                 were
                 we
                 in
                 many
                 times
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 so
                 rigorously
                 exact
                 our
                 obedience
                 ?
                 how
                 often
                 do
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 pray
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 say
                 nothing
                 in
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 can
                 scarce
                 sigh
                 or
                 groan
                 ?
                 and
                 in
                 hearing
                 and
                 speaking
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 do
                 stir
                 up
                 our selves
                 to
                 watch
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 often
                 do
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 run
                 away
                 with
                 our
                 hearts
                 ?
                 now
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 under
                 this
                 exacting
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 become
                 of
                 us
                 ?
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 Paul
                 when
                 he
                 did
                 the
                 things
                 he
                 hated
                 ,
                 the
                 things
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 ,
                 &c.
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 under
                 the
                 rigour
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ?
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 first
                 a
                 willing
                 mind
                 ,
                 that
                 imprimis
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 doth
                 legitimate
                 all
                 the
                 following
                 Items
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 weak
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Law
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Father
                 who
                 pittieth
                 and
                 spareth
                 us
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 us
                 else
                 long
                 
                 since
                 ?
                 thus
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 Gal.
                 3.
                 18.
                 our
                 Saviour
                 being
                 made
                 a
                 curse
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 it
                 doth
                 not
                 lie
                 upon
                 us
                 to
                 sink
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 weight
                 of
                 the
                 wrath
                 or
                 displeasure
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 Nor
                 yet
                 as
                 a
                 compulsion
                 to
                 obedience
                 to
                 this
                 Law
                 ;
                 as
                 slaves
                 and
                 very
                 wretched
                 sinners
                 may
                 do
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 fear
                 and
                 dread
                 of
                 this
                 curse
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 delivered
                 his
                 people
                 from
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 them
                 a
                 willing
                 people
                 ,
                 he
                 now
                 sheweth
                 them
                 greater
                 reason
                 against
                 sin
                 then
                 ever
                 they
                 saw
                 ,
                 now
                 opens
                 to
                 them
                 the
                 grave
                 ,
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 rottenness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 saw
                 not
                 before
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 opens
                 his
                 treasures
                 of
                 rich
                 grace
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 by
                 mediation
                 of
                 the
                 understanding
                 works
                 upon
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 sweetly
                 inclining
                 it
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 moral
                 swasion
                 by
                 apposition
                 of
                 object
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Lamb
                 is
                 led
                 by
                 a
                 green
                 bush
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ;
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 there
                 goeth
                 more
                 to
                 the
                 taking
                 away
                 the
                 stone
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 giving
                 a
                 heart
                 of
                 flesh
                 ,
                 which
                 doth
                 most
                 what
                 lie
                 in
                 the
                 making
                 the
                 will
                 flexible
                 and
                 plyable
                 ,
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 meltings
                 ,
                 which
                 doth
                 many
                 times
                 accompany
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 or
                 very
                 little
                 :
                 Pharaohs
                 heart
                 was
                 hardened
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 obeyed
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 stiff
                 and
                 stubborn
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 stone
                 :
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 moral
                 swasion
                 will
                 not
                 reach
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 use
                 much
                 oratory
                 to
                 a
                 stone
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 remaineth
                 a
                 stone
                 still
                 ;
                 a
                 Preacher
                 may
                 hold
                 forth
                 sin
                 to
                 be
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 exceeding
                 sinful
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 forth
                 Christ
                 crucified
                 by
                 them
                 and
                 for
                 them
                 before
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 all
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 they
                 remain
                 stones
                 still
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 an
                 enclining
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 he
                 
                 turns
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 men
                 whithersoever
                 he
                 will
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 Esau
                 to
                 Jacob
                 upon
                 his
                 prayer
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 swasion
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 his
                 torments
                 and
                 agonies
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 think
                 upon
                 a
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 heart
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 regarded
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 life-time
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 a
                 people
                 reviling
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 and
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 suffering
                 and
                 dying
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 then
                 to
                 be
                 wrought
                 upon
                 ,
                 argues
                 a
                 wonderful
                 divine
                 power
                 put
                 forth
                 upon
                 the
                 will.
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 will
                 is
                 overcome
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 free
                 to
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 can
                 delight
                 in
                 the
                 
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 after
                 the
                 inward
                 man
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 weariness
                 to
                 a
                 sinner
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 it
                 came
                 near
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 be
                 grated
                 upon
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 weariness
                 to
                 pray
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 delights
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 :
                 So
                 far
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 the
                 curse
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 great
                 inforcement
                 of
                 Obedience
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 provoking
                 power
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 often
                 heard
                 ;
                 now
                 that
                 Law
                 that
                 was
                 the
                 occasion
                 of
                 the
                 rebelling
                 of
                 lust
                 ,
                 is
                 hid
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 sin
                 against
                 
                 him
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 change
                 indeed
                 in
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 from
                 the
                 former
                 condition
                 ,
                 when
                 before
                 ,
                 God
                 would
                 put
                 his
                 yoak
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 we
                 writhed
                 and
                 pluckt
                 away
                 our
                 neck
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 endure
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 it
                 pleaseth
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 sweet
                 and
                 easie
                 to
                 us
                 now
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 provocation
                 to
                 obedience
                 ,
                 that
                 before
                 was
                 a
                 provocation
                 unto
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 now
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Law
                 ,
                 a
                 rule
                 of
                 holy
                 walking
                 ,
                 of
                 new
                 obedience
                 ;
                 our
                 Saviour
                 did
                 not
                 by
                 fulfilling
                 the
                 Law
                 destroy
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 accomplish
                 it
                 ;
                 because
                 we
                 were
                 not
                 able
                 of
                 our selves
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 under
                 went
                 the
                 rigour
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 took
                 away
                 all
                 the
                 condemnation
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 might
                 be
                 an
                 easie
                 yoak
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 wherefore
                 have
                 we
                 a
                 Law
                 written
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 counterpane
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 disposition
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 revealed
                 will
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 have
                 this
                 revealed
                 will
                 of
                 his
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 rule
                 to
                 walk
                 by
                 ?
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 then
                 
                 lightned
                 the
                 yoak
                 ,
                 sweetened
                 it
                 ,
                 given
                 us
                 his
                 example
                 ,
                 chalked
                 out
                 our
                 way
                 thereby
                 as
                 a
                 pattern
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 given
                 us
                 strength
                 also
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 refuse
                 this
                 holy
                 Law
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 rule
                 to
                 walk
                 by
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 now
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 School-master
                 ,
                 to
                 lash
                 ,
                 to
                 terrifie
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 us
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 once
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 rule
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 
                 hand
                 of
                 a
                 tutor
                 ,
                 that
                 with
                 all
                 gentleness
                 doth
                 lead
                 us
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 into
                 all
                 truth
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 practise
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 led
                 into
                 the
                 truth
                 :
                 man
                 may
                 know
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 far
                 from
                 being
                 led
                 into
                 it
                 ,
                 know
                 nothing
                 as
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 know
                 ;
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 rule
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 a
                 Father
                 ,
                 before
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 Lyon
                 terribly
                 roaring
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 hell
                 ,
                 and
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 ruine
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 still
                 to
                 every
                 unbelieving
                 creature
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 divine
                 Justice
                 by
                 suffering
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 curse
                 ,
                 though
                 as
                 a
                 Covenant
                 of
                 life
                 none
                 is
                 under
                 it
                 since
                 Adam
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 conceive
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 given
                 for
                 that
                 end
                 ;
                 but
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 satisfaction
                 of
                 divine
                 justice
                 they
                 are
                 :
                 now
                 I
                 say
                 it
                 is
                 terrible
                 to
                 such
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 Lyon
                 is
                 killed
                 by
                 our
                 Sampson
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 sweetness
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   eater
                   came
                   meat
                   :
                
                 the
                 very
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 is
                 terrible
                 ,
                 condemning
                 ,
                 affrighting
                 a
                 poor
                 guilty
                 sinner
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 delight
                 of
                 a
                 David
                 :
                 indeed
                 not
                 a
                 page
                 of
                 the
                 Book
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 hand-writing
                 against
                 every
                 wicked
                 wretch
                 ,
                 wherein
                 he
                 may
                 read
                 his
                 doom
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 page
                 wherein
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 something
                 that
                 ministers
                 consolation
                 to
                 a
                 Believer
                 :
                 for
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 terrours
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 wounding
                 ,
                 death
                 ,
                 overwhelming
                 a
                 sinner
                 ;
                 is
                 a
                 raising
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 consider
                 what
                 he
                 is
                 delivered
                 from
                 ;
                 well
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   now
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   Law
                   of
                   liberty
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   1.
                   25.
                   his
                   commands
                   are
                   not
                   grievous
                   ,
                   1
                   John
                
                 5.
                 3.
                 but
                 yet
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 those
                 commands
                 still
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 was
                 not
                 without
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 but
                 under
                 the
                 Law
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   we
                   make
                   it
                   not
                   void
                   by
                   faith
                   ,
                   but
                   establish
                   it
                   :
                
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 shall
                 
                 serve
                 to
                 be
                 spoken
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 last
                 Use
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 under
                 this
                 bondage
                 .
                 Something
                 of
                 encouragement
                 I
                 may
                 give
                 to
                 sinners
                 that
                 yet
                 are
                 rebelling
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 though
                 if
                 you
                 continue
                 so
                 doing
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hope
                 for
                 you
                 ;
                 yet
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 laid
                 down
                 a
                 ransom
                 sufficient
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 publisheth
                 this
                 liberty
                 to
                 all
                 ;
                 he
                 setteth
                 open
                 the
                 prison
                 doors
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 then
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 go
                 free
                 ,
                 thank
                 your selves
                 :
                 but
                 of
                 this
                 before
                 .
                 I
                 doubt
                 such
                 sinners
                 as
                 these
                 will
                 be
                 snatching
                 at
                 the
                 comfort
                 which
                 belongs
                 not
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 Therefore
                 mind
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 please
                 your selves
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 are
                 given
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 while
                 you
                 are
                 such
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 my
                 work
                 to
                 comfort
                 you
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 catch
                 not
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 concerneth
                 you
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 speak
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 that
                 are
                 sensible
                 of
                 their
                 
                 condition
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 striving
                 ,
                 strugling
                 ,
                 groaning
                 under
                 the
                 bondagè
                 ,
                 the
                 yoak
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 concomitants
                 thereof
                 ,
                 which
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 spoken
                 to
                 so
                 at
                 large
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 may
                 one
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 well
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 if
                 where
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 into
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 revealeth
                 himself
                 in
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 brings
                 liberty
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 that
                 soul
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 without
                 Christ
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 in
                 grievous
                 bondage
                 ;
                 O
                 there
                 is
                 bondage
                 of
                 ●ears
                 ,
                 and
                 bondage
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 something
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 doubt
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 but
                 a
                 slavish
                 obedience
                 out
                 of
                 fear
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fear
                 which
                 is
                 meerly
                 slavish
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 sinner
                 looks
                 upon
                 god
                 as
                 a
                 severe
                 terrible
                 Judge
                 ,
                 his
                 Law
                 a
                 cruel
                 bloody
                 Law
                 ,
                 while
                 he
                 seeth
                 no
                 mixture
                 of
                 mercy
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 with
                 Foelix
                 ,
                 trembles
                 ;
                 or
                 as
                 they
                 at
                 the
                 deliverance
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 revealed
                 himself
                 in
                 so
                 terrible
                 a
                 manner
                 ,
                 trembled
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 endure
                 the
                 sight
                 ;
                 now
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 ,
                 he
                 endeavours
                 to
                 do
                 what
                 he
                 doth
                 upon
                 this
                 ground
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 terrours
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 principle
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 mercy
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 love
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 tenderness
                 in
                 Jesus
                 that
                 setteth
                 him
                 a
                 going
                 ;
                 terrours
                 indeed
                 do
                 amaze
                 ,
                 and
                 astonish
                 ,
                 and
                 fright
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 himself
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 love
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 that
                 setteth
                 his
                 soul
                 a
                 work
                 to
                 do
                 his
                 will
                 ;
                 yet
                 so
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 you
                 must
                 know
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 fear
                 banished
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 the
                 better
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 consider
                 〈◊〉
                 a
                 little
                 distinctly
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 reverent
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Majesty
                 of
                 god
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 
                   let
                   us
                   serve
                   him
                   with
                   reverence
                   and
                   godly
                   fear
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   our
                   God
                   is
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   a
                   great
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   greatly
                   to
                   be
                   feared
                   :
                
                 what
                 an
                 awe
                 there
                 is
                 upon
                 a
                 poor
                 peasants
                 spirit
                 when
                 he
                 appeareth
                 before
                 a
                 mighty
                 Prince
                 ?
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 doubt
                 we
                 have
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 cause
                 rather
                 to
                 complain
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 this
                 holy
                 awe
                 upon
                 us
                 as
                 there
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   serve
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   rejoyce
                   with
                   trembling
                   :
                   fear
                   not
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   for
                   God
                   is
                   come
                   to
                   prove
                   you
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   his
                   fear
                   may
                   be
                   before
                   your
                   faces
                   :
                   Fear
                   not
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 dismayed
                 ,
                 astonished
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 come
                 now
                 to
                 give
                 a
                 rule
                 of
                 obedience
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 serve
                 him
                 with
                 reverence
                 ,
                 holy
                 fear
                 and
                 trembling
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 There
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 fear
                 of
                 offending
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 
                 a
                 Son
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 were
                 sure
                 never
                 to
                 be
                 scourged
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 or
                 because
                 he
                 is
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 carryeth
                 so
                 much
                 love
                 toward
                 
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 tender
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 good
                 toward
                 him
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 offend
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 There
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 judgements
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 others
                 ;
                 David
                 was
                 affraid
                 of
                 his
                 judgements
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Angel
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 was
                 there
                 ;
                 he
                 durst
                 not
                 go
                 up
                 to
                 worship
                 before
                 the
                 tabernacle
                 in
                 Gibb●●n
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 Angel
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   am
                   afraid
                   of
                   thy
                   judgements
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 We
                 may
                 fear
                 chastizements
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   thing
                   I
                   feared
                   is
                   come
                   upon
                   me
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 Job
                 ;
                 since
                 we
                 know
                 we
                 do
                 so
                 often
                 offend
                 him
                 and
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 expect
                 and
                 fear
                 it
                 ;
                 yea
                 it
                 is
                 hardness
                 and
                 security
                 for
                 us
                 not
                 to
                 fear
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 A
                 man
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 fear
                 of
                 everlasting
                 damnation
                 ,
                 which
                 serveth
                 to
                 rouze
                 him
                 up
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 growing
                 secure
                 ,
                 when
                 ●e
                 hath
                 drowned
                 his
                 evidences
                 ,
                 blotted
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 necessary
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 for
                 why
                 else
                 doth
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 inculcate
                 this
                 upon
                 the
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 
                   fear
                   not
                   him
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   can
                   kill
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   but
                   fear
                   him
                   that
                   killeth
                   soul
                   and
                   body
                   :
                
                 And
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   ye
                   live
                   after
                   the
                   flesh
                   ye
                   shall
                   dye
                   ,
                   but
                   if
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ye
                   mortifie
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   deeds
                   of
                   the
                   flesh
                   ye
                   shall
                   live
                   :
                
                 these
                 threatnings
                 surely
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 been
                 written
                 to
                 Believers
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 were
                 to
                 make
                 some
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 an
                 awe
                 upon
                 their
                 spirits
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 from
                 sinning
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 quickning
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ;
                 that
                 there
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 us
                 such
                 a
                 fear
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 distract
                 us
                 ;
                 to
                 drive
                 us
                 from
                 ,
                 to
                 weaken
                 our
                 Spirits
                 ,
                 to
                 disable
                 us
                 from
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 cloud
                 and
                 drown
                 all
                 our
                 delight
                 in
                 his
                 waies
                 ,
                 to
                 blot
                 out
                 our
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 his
                 loveliness
                 ,
                 and
                 compassion
                 ,
                 and
                 bowels
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 beget
                 hard
                 thoughts
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 produce
                 hatred
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 such
                 a
                 fear
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 spice
                 of
                 it
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 themselves
                 ,
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 prevailing
                 principle
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 but
                 an
                 holy
                 fear
                 of
                 offending
                 him
                 ,
                 which
                 ariseth
                 from
                 a
                 mixture
                 of
                 love
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 holy
                 reverence
                 and
                 awe
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 Majesty
                 and
                 Greatness
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 enemy
                 to
                 spiritual
                 liberty
                 ;
                 But
                 I
                 must
                 not
                 dwell
                 so
                 long
                 ,
                 upon
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 that
                 I
                 know
                 most
                 troubles
                 a
                 gracious
                 heart
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 finds
                 himself
                 so
                 much
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
                 O
                 I
                 find
                 not
                 this
                 freedom
                 ,
                 this
                 liberty
                 you
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 wretch
                 then
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 my
                 corruptions
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 sad
                 complaints
                 to
                 Christians
                 ,
                 to
                 men
                 continually
                 ,
                 from
                 some
                 poor
                 disconsolate
                 souls
                 !
                 and
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 little
                 for
                 their
                 consolation
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 breath
                 in
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 sin
                 hath
                 had
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 settling
                 and
                 rooting
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 unsettling
                 it
                 ;
                 thou
                 art
                 of
                 yesterday
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 dost
                 thou
                 think
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 free
                 the
                 first
                 day
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 that
                 have
                 many
                 years
                 been
                 wresting
                 ,
                 and
                 fighting
                 ,
                 and
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 fasting
                 ,
                 and
                 mourning
                 ,
                 and
                 believing
                 down
                 their
                 lusts
                 ?
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 mistake
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 infinite
                 mercy
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 thy
                 hands
                 let
                 loose
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 feet
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 mire
                 and
                 clay
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 set
                 upon
                 a
                 Rock
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 now
                 a
                 standing
                 and
                 liberty
                 to
                 fight
                 ,
                 thou
                 must
                 not
                 expect
                 a
                 liberty
                 from
                 fighting
                 and
                 conflicting
                 with
                 sin
                 while
                 thou
                 art
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 the
                 Apostles
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 verses
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 Epistle
                 to
                 the
                 Romans
                 ,
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                   the
                   powerful
                   working
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                   hath
                   set
                   him
                   free
                   from
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Law
                   of
                   sin
                   and
                   death
                
                 :
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 few
                 verses
                 before
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   wretched
                   man
                   that
                   I
                   am
                   ,
                   who
                   shall
                   deliver
                   me
                   from
                   this
                   body
                   of
                   sin
                   and
                   death
                   ?
                
                 thou
                 groanest
                 under
                 the
                 burthen
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 appears
                 thou
                 art
                 delivered
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ;
                 thou
                 art
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 freed
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 the
                 will
                 is
                 disintangled
                 ,
                 the
                 man
                 is
                 free
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 know
                 this
                 for
                 your
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 your
                 labour
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 vain
                 ;
                 striving
                 against
                 sin
                 ,
                 fighting
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 sure
                 to
                 overcome
                 ,
                 though
                 sin
                 lie
                 hard
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 overcome
                 it
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 break
                 all
                 the
                 bonds
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 deliver
                 Peter
                 out
                 of
                 prison
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 hinder
                 ?
                 his
                 chains
                 shall
                 fall
                 from
                 his
                 hands
                 ,
                 the
                 Iron-gates
                 shall
                 open
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 accord
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 nothing
                 shall
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 hold
                 them
                 ;
                 It
                 was
                 somewhat
                 hard
                 for
                 Israel
                 to
                 believe
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 delivered
                 out
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 and
                 somewhat
                 a
                 strange
                 Message
                 of
                 Moses
                 at
                 
                 the
                 first
                 ;
                 even
                 as
                 one
                 should
                 be
                 sent
                 to
                 the
                 great
                 Turk
                 to
                 tell
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 the
                 Christians
                 commands
                 him
                 to
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 ;
                 but
                 God
                 tells
                 him
                 and
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   ;
                   I
                   am
                   hath
                   sent
                   me
                   ,
                
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 being
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 what
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 destroy
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 ;
                 dost
                 thou
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 can
                 subdue
                 thine
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 thy
                 strong
                 ,
                 impetuous
                 ,
                 violent
                 
                 lusts
                 ?
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 heard
                 Israel
                 groaning
                 under
                 bondage
                 ,
                 and
                 came
                 down
                 to
                 deliver
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 remembered
                 
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 his
                 faithfulness
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 brought
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 the
                 self-same
                 day
                 the
                 Lord
                 delivered
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 keep
                 time
                 to
                 a
                 day
                 with
                 thee
                 that
                 groanest
                 under
                 this
                 bondage
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wer●
                 but
                 humbled
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 had
                 done
                 its
                 work
                 upon
                 thee
                 ;
                 for
                 that
                 and
                 such
                 like
                 ends
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 suffer
                 sin
                 to
                 prevail
                 upon
                 thee
                 any
                 longer
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 letteth
                 not
                 lusts
                 loose
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 to
                 woorry
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 humble
                 it
                 ,
                 make
                 it
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 drive
                 it
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 for
                 ever
                 cleave
                 closer
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 promise
                 upon
                 promise
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   shall
                   know
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   truth
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   free
                
                 ;
                 he
                 speaks
                 this
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 who
                 did
                 already
                 know
                 it
                 in
                 part
                 ;
                 know
                 himself
                 ,
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 life
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 truth
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 shadows
                 ,
                 
                   grace
                   and
                   truth
                   came
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   free
                
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 promises
                 are
                 there
                 ?
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 therefore
                 surely
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 :
                 Now
                 what
                 an
                 encouragement
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 fight
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 sure
                 to
                 overcome
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 to
                 endure
                 hardship
                 in
                 this
                 conflict
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 consider
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 office
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 work
                 which
                 he
                 received
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 is
                 to
                 destroy
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 to
                 destroy
                 strong
                 holds
                 ,
                 to
                 lead
                 captivity
                 captive
                 ;
                 
                 therefore
                 he
                 came
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 :
                 if
                 it
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 for
                 such
                 poor
                 creatures
                 as
                 are
                 under
                 bondage
                 ,
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 no
                 need
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   came
                   to
                   give
                   himself
                   a
                   ransom
                   for
                   many
                   ▪
                   and
                   to
                   preach
                   deliverance
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   opening
                   of
                   the
                   prison
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   bound
                   ,
                
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 already
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 was
                 annointed
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 received
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 set
                 open
                 the
                 prison
                 doors
                 :
                 Now
                 poor
                 burthened
                 souls
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 such
                 ,
                 whose
                 body
                 ofsin
                 and
                 death
                 presseth
                 them
                 down
                 sore
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 walk
                 heavily
                 ,
                 go●
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 spread
                 your
                 condition
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 put
                 him
                 in
                 mind
                 wherefore
                 he
                 came
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 open
                 the
                 prison
                 ,
                 to
                 loose
                 the
                 prisoners
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 hast
                 an
                 infirmity
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 been
                 bound
                 with
                 it
                 many
                 years
                 ,
                 beseech
                 him
                 to
                 exercise
                 his
                 Office
                 towards
                 thy
                 poor
                 soul
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 loveth
                 to
                 hear
                 his
                 people
                 earnest
                 and
                 importunate
                 ,
                 to
                 plead
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 ,
                 yet
                 be
                 sure
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 the
                 work
                 which
                 his
                 Father
                 hath
                 given
                 him
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 that
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 such
                 prisoners
                 as
                 thou
                 art
                 ,
                 that
                 groan
                 under
                 the
                 burthen
                 and
                 bondage
                 of
                 their
                 lusts
                 ?
              
               
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 how
                 pittiful
                 a
                 heart
                 he
                 bears
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 labouring
                 under
                 corruption
                 ;
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 weak
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 the
                 spirits
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 are
                 spent
                 in
                 labour
                 in
                 other
                 services
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 thinketh
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 as
                 lively
                 then
                 as
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 likly
                 so
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 natural
                 vigour
                 decaies
                 in
                 old
                 age
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 as
                 much
                 uprightness
                 ,
                 there
                 cannot
                 be
                 so
                 much
                 vigour
                 appearing
                 in
                 service
                 alway
                 ;
                 Now
                 men
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 have
                 sad
                 thoughts
                 of
                 themselves
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 other
                 cases
                 when
                 wearied
                 out
                 ;
                 our
                 Saviour
                 is
                 tender
                 and
                 pittiful
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 every
                 groan
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 help
                 thy self
                 but
                 art
                 foyled
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 pittyeth
                 and
                 spareth
                 .
                 O
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 
                   could
                   ye
                   not
                   watch
                   with
                   me
                   one
                   hour
                   ?
                
                 and
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 that
                 was
                 ,
                 when
                 our
                 Saviour
                 
                 had
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 their
                 watching
                 wich
                 him
                 ?
                 alas
                 they
                 were
                 asleep
                 :
                 Well
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   consider
                   your
                   weakness
                   ,
                   the
                   spirit
                   is
                   willing
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   flesh
                   is
                   weak
                   :
                
                 The
                 Lord
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 our
                 conditions
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 be
                 not
                 altogether
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 hast
                 a
                 weary
                 hand
                 with
                 thy self
                 ,
                 with
                 thy
                 own
                 base
                 heart
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 But
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 O
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 grievous
                 workings
                 of
                 sin
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 rise
                 from
                 within
                 or
                 from
                 without
                 ,
                 my
                 heart
                 closeth
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 very
                 horrid
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 think
                 concerning
                 it
                 :
                 But
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 was
                 Paul
                 buffeted
                 ,
                 and
                 canst
                 thou
                 think
                 to
                 escape
                 ?
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 befools
                 himself
                 much
                 in
                 putting
                 a
                 soul
                 upon
                 horrid
                 sins
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 settle
                 the
                 soul
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 fully
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 bit
                 is
                 bigger
                 then
                 will
                 down
                 ;
                 when
                 Egypt
                 dealt
                 more
                 hardly
                 with
                 the
                 Israelits
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 it
                 made
                 them
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 heard
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 a
                 soul
                 was
                 not
                 so
                 fully
                 delivered
                 from
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 doth
                 stick
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 skirts
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 this
                 maketh
                 him
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 more
                 willing
                 ,
                 more
                 earnest
                 to
                 be
                 delivered
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 lest
                 anguish
                 of
                 spirit
                 so
                 far
                 prevail
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 thy
                 soul
                 refuse
                 to
                 be
                 comforted
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 saith
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Israelites
                 could
                 not
                 believe
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 anguish
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 had
                 sent
                 them
                 a
                 Saviour
                 to
                 deliver
                 them
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 it
                 
                 is
                 so
                 with
                 thee
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 There
                 will
                 come
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 altogether
                 free
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 see
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 more
                 ,
                 which
                 now
                 
                 pursue
                 thee
                 and
                 trouble
                 thee
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 that
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 this
                 should
                 refresh
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 desirous
                 and
                 willing
                 to
                 depart
                 ,
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 whatever
                 thy
                 condition
                 be
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 afflicted
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 friendless
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 other
                 kinds
                 ,
                 Oh
                 me
                 thinks
                 one
                 thought
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 free
                 from
                 guilt
                 ,
                 and
                 hast
                 a
                 free
                 access
                 to
                 the
                 Throne
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 might
                 exceedingly
                 support
                 thy
                 spirit
                 .
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 also
                 .
                 
                   —
                   And
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   Calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                   .
                
              
               
                 We
                 are
                 now
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 promise
                 in
                 the
                 bundle
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 least
                 considerable
                 :
                 That
                 bondage
                 under
                 guilt
                 ,
                 under
                 sin
                 ,
                 in
                 its
                 prevailing
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 but
                 be
                 a
                 hinderance
                 of
                 growth
                 ,
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 lay
                 so
                 much
                 weight
                 upon
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 the
                 words
                 ,
                 something
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 held
                 forth
                 of
                 that
                 nature
                 ,
                 that
                 this
                 growth
                 is
                 a
                 Concomitant
                 of
                 that
                 liberty
                 and
                 enlargement
                 promised
                 before
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 hang
                 too
                 much
                 upon
                 that
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 an
                 undoubted
                 truth
                 ;
                 yet
                 whether
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 argued
                 strongly
                 enough
                 from
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 words
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 urge
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Ye
                   shall
                   grow
                
                 ,
                 or
                 increase
                 ,
                 or
                 be
                 multiplyed
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 render
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 same
                 word
                 is
                 read
                 for
                 spreading
                 themselves
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   horsemen
                
                 
                 
                   shall
                   spread
                   themselves
                   ,
                   or
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   multiplyed
                   ,
                
                 as
                 others
                 :
                 Sometimes
                 it
                 is
                 taken
                 for
                 springing
                 up
                 ,
                 
                   Gen.
                   2.
                   9.
                   
                   Job
                
                 31.
                 40.
                 
                 Our
                 translation
                 is
                 very
                 suitable
                 ;
                 some
                 read
                 it
                 exilire
                 ,
                 to
                 spring
                 ,
                 and
                 leap
                 ,
                 and
                 wantonize
                 ,
                 as
                 Calves
                 use
                 to
                 do
                 when
                 loosed
                 from
                 the
                 stall
                 ;
                 But
                 I
                 rather
                 much
                 adhere
                 to
                 our
                 translation
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 meaning
                 is
                 ,
                 ye
                 shall
                 increase
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 on
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 not
                 stand
                 at
                 a
                 stay
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 alway
                 at
                 a
                 pass
                 ,
                 but
                 grow
                 .
                 But
                 what
                 this
                 growth
                 is
                 ,
                 of
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 meant
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 Question
                 ;
                 whether
                 of
                 a
                 temporal
                 or
                 spiritual
                 growth
                 ,
                 a
                 taking
                 root
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 &
                 growing
                 up
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 spoken
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 the
                 word
                 is
                 thus
                 used
                 for
                 increasing
                 ,
                 
                   though
                   thy
                   beginning
                   were
                   small
                
                 ,
                 said
                 Bildad
                 to
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   yet
                   thy
                   latter
                   end
                   should
                   greatly
                
                 
                 increase
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 his
                 habitation
                 should
                 be
                 made
                 prosperous
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wert
                 innocent
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 .
                 So
                 Solomon
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   great
                   and
                   increased
                   more
                   then
                   all
                   that
                   went
                   before
                
                 
                 him
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 Rovanellus
                 takes
                 it
                 here
                 for
                 an
                 increase
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 dignity
                 ,
                 riches
                 and
                 prosperity
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 Jerem
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 
                 Prophet
                 first
                 concluding
                 ,
                 however
                 it
                 were
                 ,
                 yet
                 God
                 was
                 righteous
                 and
                 good
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 would
                 plead
                 with
                 him
                 concerning
                 his
                 judgements
                 ,
                 
                   Wherefore
                   doth
                   the
                   way
                   o●
                   the
                   wicked
                   prosper
                   ?
                
                 
                 
                   Wherefore
                   are
                   all
                   they
                   happy
                   that
                   deal
                   treacherously
                   ?
                   thou
                   hast
                   planted
                   them
                   ,
                   yea
                   they
                   have
                   taken
                   root
                   ,
                   they
                   grow
                   ,
                   yea
                   they
                   bring
                   forth
                   fruit
                
                 ;
                 though
                 this
                 be
                 another
                 Metaphor
                 of
                 a
                 tree
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 of
                 a
                 sensitive
                 creature
                 .
                 
                   In
                   the
                   day
                   shalt
                   thou
                   make
                   thy
                   plant
                   to
                   grow
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   morning
                   thou
                   shalt
                   make
                   thy
                   seed
                   to
                   flourish
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   but
                   the
                   harvest
                   shall
                   be
                   a
                   heap
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   grief
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   desperate
                   sorrow
                   :
                
                 There
                 it
                 is
                 taken
                 for
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 outward
                 prosperity
                 ;
                 but
                 indeed
                 me
                 thinks
                 this
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 excluded
                 ,
                 yet
                 should
                 not
                 be
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 here
                 intended
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 great
                 mercy
                 to
                 a
                 people
                 to
                 be
                 richly
                 laden
                 with
                 benefits
                 ,
                 blessed
                 with
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 wax
                 fat
                 :
                 yet
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 abused
                 and
                 they
                 kick
                 against
                 God
                 as
                 Jesurun
                 
                 did
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 comfort
                 in
                 it
                 in
                 comparison
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 not
                 necessarily
                 follow
                 ,
                 because
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 summe
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 therefore
                 earthly
                 promises
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 excluded
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 also
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 good
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 included
                 in
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   will
                   be
                   thy
                   God.
                
                 Godliness
                 hath
                 the
                 promise
                 now
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 then
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 yet
                 I
                 shall
                 rather
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 the
                 growth
                 in
                 spirituals
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 daily
                 renewing
                 of
                 the
                 inward
                 man
                 ,
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 their
                 sanctification
                 ,
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 ;
                 this
                 I
                 take
                 here
                 to
                 be
                 meant
                 ,
                 and
                 specially
                 meant
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 thus
                 we
                 shall
                 understand
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 promise
                 is
                 amplified
                 by
                 a
                 comparison
                 ,
                 
                   grow
                   ye
                   shall
                   as
                   Calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                
                 ;
                 the
                 word
                 for
                 stall
                 signifieth
                 an
                 inclosure
                 ,
                 a
                 coop
                 ,
                 any
                 place
                 made
                 for
                 to
                 fat
                 Cattle
                 ,
                 or
                 other
                 creatures
                 in
                 ;
                 and
                 we
                 know
                 that
                 usually
                 such
                 do
                 grow
                 exceedingly
                 ,
                 else
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 of
                 cost
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 them
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 translators
                 read
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Proverbs
                   ,
                   better
                   is
                   a
                   dinner
                   of
                   herbs
                   where
                   love
                   is
                   ,
                   then
                   a
                   stalled
                
                 
                 
                   Ox
                   and
                   hatred
                   therewith
                
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 may
                 be
                 three
                 things
                 haply
                 couched
                 in
                 the
                 comparison
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 grow
                 in
                 quantity
                 as
                 calves
                 ;
                 calves
                 shoot
                 up
                 and
                 forth
                 very
                 much
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 stalls
                 ,
                 do
                 grow
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 if
                 at
                 random
                 they
                 run
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ;
                 none
                 grow
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 they
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 used
                 to
                 set
                 forth
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 .
              
               
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 in
                 fatness
                 and
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 very
                 much
                 ,
                 a
                 stalled-Oxe
                 is
                 fatted
                 very
                 fat
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 much
                 sweeter
                 and
                 better
                 then
                 another
                 ;
                 so
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 quantity
                 but
                 quality
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 hereafter
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 the
                 speediness
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 haply
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 comparison
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 faster
                 then
                 other
                 creatures
                 of
                 the
                 like
                 kind
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 put
                 into
                 the
                 stall
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 grow
                 as
                 the
                 Lilly
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 beauty
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 greater
                 then
                 Solomon
                 himself
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 glory
                 had
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 speediness
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 flower
                 groweth
                 much
                 and
                 discernably
                 in
                 one
                 night
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 sudden
                 growths
                 are
                 the
                 more
                 suspicious
                 ,
                 yet
                 God
                 can
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 doth
                 work
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 with
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 Miracle
                 ,
                 he
                 quickly
                 turned
                 water
                 into
                 wine
                 ;
                 which
                 he
                 doth
                 every
                 year
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 greater
                 time
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 operation
                 of
                 the
                 Sun.
                 
              
               
                 In
                 a
                 word
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 useth
                 this
                 simile
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 being
                 rude
                 and
                 weak
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 the
                 better
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 the
                 greater
                 assurance
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 propoundeth
                 it
                 so
                 cross
                 ,
                 saith
                 Calvin
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 this
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 other
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 upon
                 as
                 a
                 Concomitant
                 ,
                 yea
                 an
                 effect
                 of
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 his
                 arising
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 grand
                 promise
                 ;
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 are
                 promised
                 and
                 given
                 for
                 him
                 and
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 among
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 the
                 going
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 prison
                 was
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 growing
                 is
                 another
                 of
                 the
                 genuine
                 and
                 sweet
                 effects
                 of
                 the
                 rising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 fear
                 him
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 take
                 it
                 in
                 this
                 connexion
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 note
                 is
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 
                   That
                   soul
                   or
                   people
                   that
                   are
                   under
                   the
                   influences
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   are
                   in
                   a
                   growing
                   condition
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   grow
                
                 ;
                 
                 
                   there
                   is
                   not
                   a
                   soul
                   that
                   hath
                   union
                   and
                   fellowship
                   with
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   shall
                   grow
                   ;
                   ye
                   shall
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 proof
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 we
                 need
                 not
                 so
                 m●ch
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 notable
                 place
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   planted
                   in
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   shall
                   flourish
                   in
                   the
                   Courts
                   of
                   our
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   righteous
                
                 
                 
                   shall
                   flourish
                   like
                   a
                   Palm-tree
                   ,
                   and
                   grow
                   like
                   a
                   Cedar
                   in
                   Lebanon
                   .
                
                 Here
                 you
                 have
                 growth
                 promised
                 ,
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 whom
                 it
                 is
                 promised
                 ,
                 and
                 whence
                 it
                 cometh
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 comparisons
                 
                 whereby
                 it
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 ,
                 in
                 these
                 two
                 verses
                 growth
                 is
                 promised
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   planted
                   they
                   shall
                   grow
                   and
                   flourish
                
                 ;
                 a
                 tree
                 flourisheth
                 not
                 except
                 it
                 grow
                 after
                 it
                 is
                 planted
                 ;
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 planted
                 ,
                 alas
                 it
                 is
                 little
                 and
                 ●●ender
                 ,
                 haply
                 but
                 a
                 ●eed
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 groweth
                 up
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 persons
                 to
                 whom
                 promised
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 planted
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 a
                 Type
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 ;
                 they
                 shall
                 flourish
                 in
                 the
                 Courts
                 of
                 Gods
                 house
                 ,
                 by
                 Communion
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 comparison
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   a
                   Palm-tree
                
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Naturalists
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   though
                   cut
                
                 
                 
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   ground
                   ,
                   yet
                   springs
                   up
                   again
                   ,
                   groweth
                   up
                   again
                   .
                   If
                   a
                   tree
                   be
                   out
                   down
                   ,
                   is
                   there
                   any
                   hope
                   it
                   should
                   grow
                   up
                   again
                   ,
                
                 in
                 that
                 
                 of
                 Job
                 ?
                 Yet
                 this
                 tree
                 will
                 grow
                 again
                 :
                 if
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 it
                 o●f
                 the
                 whole
                 body
                 ,
                 for
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 single
                 persons
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 cut
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 ground
                 ,
                 so
                 wasted
                 as
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 scarce
                 any
                 visible
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 Eliah's
                 daies
                 ,
                 he
                 thought
                 he
                 was
                 alone
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 then
                 seemed
                 to
                 be
                 all
                 withered
                 or
                 grown
                 over
                 with
                 nettles
                 and
                 brambles
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 plants
                 of
                 righteousness
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 then
                 it
                 shall
                 grow
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 persecution
                 rageth
                 and
                 cuts
                 it
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 ground
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 maketh
                 it
                 grow
                 again
                 ;
                 or
                 of
                 particular
                 persons
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 brought
                 to
                 such
                 exigencies
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   their
                   hope
                   is
                   perished
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                
                 
                 
                   their
                   faith
                   seemeth
                   to
                   be
                   extinguisht
                   with
                   the
                   violence
                   of
                   temptation
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 they
                 shall
                 grow
                 again
                 and
                 increase
                 .
                 But
                 the
                 Palm-tree
                 it
                 groweth
                 upward
                 against
                 the
                 weight
                 that
                 oppresseth
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 kept
                 down
                 ,
                 but
                 groweth
                 through
                 all
                 persecution
                 ,
                 affliction
                 ,
                 yea
                 sins
                 and
                 falls
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 occasion
                 to
                 mention
                 a
                 little
                 more
                 fully
                 .
                 And
                 like
                 Cedars
                 ,
                 grow
                 tall
                 and
                 strong
                 ,
                 and
                 abide
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Cedar
                 is
                 not
                 subject
                 to
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 nor
                 decy
                 with
                 age
                 .
                 But
                 for
                 further
                 proof
                 ,
                 take
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 who
                 passing
                 through
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 
                   Bacah
                   ,
                   make
                   it
                   a
                   well
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 they
                 go
                 
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 from
                 army
                 to
                 army
                 ,
                 or
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 passing
                 through
                 a
                 solitary
                 valley
                 abounding
                 with
                 Mulberry-trees
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 say
                 grow
                 in
                 dry
                 and
                 barren
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 difficulty
                 in
                 the
                 passage
                 for
                 drought
                 and
                 other
                 necessities
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 dig
                 up
                 fountains
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 it
                 a
                 Well
                 ,
                 a
                 Cistern
                 ,
                 they
                 search
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 fetch
                 up
                 somewhat
                 of
                 consolation
                 from
                 thence
                 ;
                 and
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 the
                 difficulties
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 go
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 walk
                 towards
                 Sion
                 ;
                 all
                 this
                 
                 was
                 typical
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   whom
                   beholding
                   as
                   in
                   a
                   glass
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   changed
                   into
                   his
                   image
                   from
                   glory
                   to
                   glory
                
                 ;
                 every
                 degree
                 of
                 
                 grace
                 hath
                 its
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 are
                 changed
                 from
                 glory
                 to
                 glory
                 ,
                 from
                 a
                 spark
                 into
                 a
                 coal
                 ,
                 from
                 a
                 coal
                 glowing
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 flame
                 .
                 What
                 else
                 is
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 those
                 Parables
                 of
                 the
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 
                 least
                 of
                 seeds
                 ,
                 or
                 less
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 then
                 many
                 others
                 ,
                 the
                 Cypressfeed
                 is
                 so
                 small
                 as
                 can
                 scarce
                 be
                 discerned
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 great
                 tree
                 groweth
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 small
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 great
                 tree
                 ariseth
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 Tremel
                 .
                 writes
                 strange
                 things
                 of
                 the
                 Mus●ard-feed-tree
                 in
                 those
                 Countries
                 ;
                 this
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 is
                 meant
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 without
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 administration
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 grows
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 within
                 us
                 ,
                 within
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 cometh
                 with
                 power
                 ;
                 doth
                 also
                 spread
                 it self
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 as
                 Leven
                 also
                 hid
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 the
                 meal
                 ,
                 by
                 degrees
                 spreadeth
                 it self
                 further
                 and
                 further
                 .
                 So
                 then
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   persons
                   under
                   the
                   influence
                   of
                   Christ
                   the
                   Sun
                   of
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   that
                   have
                   communion
                   and
                   fellowship
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   they
                   grow
                   in
                   grace
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   path
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   is
                   as
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   shining
                   light
                   that
                   shineth
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   to
                   the
                   perfect
                   day
                
                 ;
                 or
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   the
                   morning
                   light
                
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 read
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 know
                 groweth
                 from
                 one
                 degree
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 per●ect
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 next
                 thing
                 will
                 be
                 then
                 to
                 open
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 Spiritual
                 growth
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 what
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 shall
                 a
                 little
                 further
                 confirm
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 apply
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 it
                 I
                 shall
                 deliver
                 in
                 several
                 propositions
                 as
                 distinctly
                 as
                 I
                 can
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 right
                 understanding
                 of
                 the
                 meaning
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 note
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 that
                 growth
                 is
                 a
                 motion
                 or
                 mutation
                 from
                 a
                 less
                 to
                 a
                 greater
                 quantity
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 a
                 babe
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 man
                 in
                 a
                 smaller
                 letter
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 part
                 for
                 part
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 small
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 to
                 a
                 greater
                 bigness
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   child
                   grew
                   in
                   stature
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 text
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   in
                   favour
                   with
                   God
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   with
                   men
                   .
                
                 And
                 
                 so
                 a
                 plant
                 or
                 a
                 seed
                 is
                 little
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 groweth
                 to
                 a
                 tree
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 blade
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 s●al●
                 to
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 full
                 corn
                 in
                 the
                 ear
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 motion
                 from
                 a
                 less
                 to
                 a
                 greater
                 quantity
                 :
                 So
                 a
                 Calf
                 of
                 the
                 stall
                 must
                 needs
                 also
                 shoot
                 forth
                 .
                 Now
                 for
                 grace
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 it
                 is
                 either
                 Relative
                 or
                 Inherent
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 we
                 must
                 understand
                 the
                 
                 growth
                 ;
                 Relative
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 justification
                 in
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 adoption
                 to
                 be
                 sons
                 and
                 daughter
                 ,
                 
                 this
                 ,
                 if
                 lookt
                 upon
                 as
                 the
                 act
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 hard
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 intended
                 or
                 remitted
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 growth
                 or
                 motion
                 from
                 a
                 lesser
                 to
                 a
                 greater
                 quantity
                 ,
                 for
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 being
                 the
                 act
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 say
                 that
                 one
                 mans
                 sins
                 are
                 more
                 pardoned
                 then
                 anothers
                 ,
                 that
                 believeth
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 he
                 .
                 So
                 we
                 cannot
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 one
                 believer
                 is
                 more
                 a
                 Son
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 high
                 ;
                 though
                 a
                 child
                 grow
                 in
                 stature
                 ,
                 yet
                 his
                 relation
                 groweth
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Son
                 the
                 first
                 day
                 he
                 was
                 born
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 at
                 the
                 perfect
                 stature
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 plain
                 ;
                 though
                 every
                 Son
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 Joseph
                 or
                 a
                 Benjamin
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Son
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 any
                 ;
                 which
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 ministers
                 much
                 refreshing
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 weak
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 eyeth
                 his
                 stature
                 and
                 growth
                 .
                 O
                 he
                 is
                 so
                 weak
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 babe
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 strong
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 give
                 glory
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 doubting
                 and
                 scrupling
                 every
                 step
                 they
                 go
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 though
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 burthen
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 main
                 whereupon
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 hangs
                 ,
                 is
                 alike
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 growth
                 ;
                 there
                 the
                 weakest
                 ,
                 poor
                 ,
                 sickly
                 ,
                 froward-hearted
                 child
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 chi●d
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 strongest
                 ,
                 healthiest
                 ,
                 most
                 serviceable
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 faith
                 be
                 weak
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 relation
                 of
                 one
                 is
                 alike
                 ,
                 the
                 purchase
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 paid
                 ,
                 the
                 ransom
                 is
                 alike
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 believe
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 in
                 some
                 more
                 weakly
                 .
              
               
                 Only
                 here
                 mistake
                 not
                 neither
                 ,
                 though
                 this
                 relative
                 grace
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 justification
                 or
                 adoption
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 this
                 grace
                 arising
                 from
                 the
                 reflexion
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 upon
                 its
                 self
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 shining
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 upon
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 grace
                 he
                 hath
                 wrought
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 capable
                 of
                 a
                 growth
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 know
                 it
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 long
                 are
                 our
                 children
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 them
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 hearts
                 and
                 bowels
                 yearn
                 and
                 tender
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 children
                 ;
                 we
                 need
                 go
                 no
                 further
                 then
                 common
                 experience
                 for
                 this
                 :
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 see
                 many
                 a
                 precious
                 soul
                 that
                 lies
                 at
                 the
                 feet
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 for
                 mercy
                 ,
                 whose
                 souls
                 are
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 prize
                 him
                 above
                 all
                 ?
                 O
                 they
                 are
                 willing
                 with
                 all
                 their
                 souls
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 for
                 all
                 ends
                 and
                 purposes
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 but
                 willing
                 
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 children
                 ,
                 nor
                 that
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 do
                 believe
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 very
                 willingness
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 sincerity
                 ,
                 is
                 believing
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 children
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 dear
                 in
                 Gods
                 ●ight
                 :
                 what
                 
                 think
                 you
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 walks
                 in
                 darkness
                 and
                 seeth
                 no
                 light
                 ?
                 do
                 
                 you
                 think
                 he
                 can
                 see
                 his
                 relation
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 without
                 that
                 light
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 another
                 he
                 hath
                 some
                 probability
                 which
                 begetteth
                 an
                 opinion
                 in
                 him
                 concerning
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 received
                 this
                 special
                 grace
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 been
                 partaker
                 of
                 this
                 love
                 ,
                 to
                 become
                 a
                 Son
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 others
                 they
                 rise
                 higher
                 then
                 
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 a
                 strong
                 confidence
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 a
                 full
                 assurance
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 Sons
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 persons
                 are
                 justified
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 can
                 triumph
                 with
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   who
                   shall
                   lay
                   any
                   thing
                   to
                   their
                   charge
                   ?
                
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   beloved
                   is
                   mine
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   his
                   :
                
                 and
                 
                   my
                   Lord
                   and
                   my
                   God
                
                 ,
                 with
                 
                   Thomas
                   ;
                   they
                   know
                   the
                   things
                   freely
                   given
                   them
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   even
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 yea
                 the
                 same
                 person
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 may
                 grow
                 from
                 such
                 a
                 doubting
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 probability
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 perswasion
                 ,
                 such
                 an
                 assurance
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 this
                 therefore
                 admitteth
                 of
                 a
                 growth
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 the
                 relative
                 grace
                 it self
                 ,
                 but
                 only
                 our
                 sense
                 ,
                 feeling
                 or
                 knowledge
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 that
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 grace
                 inherent
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 indeed
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 acts
                 and
                 issues
                 of
                 it
                 are
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 fruit
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 grace
                 within
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 as
                 most
                 nearly
                 concerning
                 this
                 purpose
                 ;
                 the
                 fruits
                 I
                 have
                 spoken
                 to
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 at
                 large
                 upon
                 another
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 in
                 this
                 discourse
                 interfere
                 with
                 what
                 I
                 then
                 delivered
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 we
                 speak
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 the
                 fruits
                 that
                 grow
                 upon
                 these
                 internal
                 inherent
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 likely
                 enough
                 we
                 shall
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 consider
                 them
                 as
                 fruits
                 rising
                 from
                 such
                 a
                 root
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 growing
                 fruits
                 ,
                 being
                 bettered
                 ,
                 improved
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 growing
                 of
                 the
                 principles
                 from
                 whence
                 they
                 flow
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 for
                 the
                 grace
                 inherent
                 ,
                 by
                 that
                 I
                 mean
                 all
                 those
                 habits
                 or
                 gracious
                 dispositions
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 godly
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 &
                 that
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 sincerity
                 ,
                 and
                 spirituality
                 ,
                 and
                 self-denyal
                 ;
                 these
                 things
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 in
                 the
                 habit
                 or
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 the
                 subject
                 of
                 this
                 consideration
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 qualities
                 ,
                 though
                 divine
                 qualities
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 though
                 growth
                 or
                 augmentation
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 terms
                 of
                 Art
                 or
                 Logick
                 be
                 not
                 properly
                 ascribed
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 according
                 to
                 Rhetorick
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 proper
                 enough
                 to
                 speak
                 it
                 of
                 any
                 thing
                 under
                 a
                 Simile
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 groweth
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 any
                 way
                 increase
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 quality
                 :
                 
                 Now
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 or
                 heat
                 in
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 or
                 Sun
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 intended
                 or
                 waxeth
                 more
                 clear
                 and
                 more
                 hot
                 ,
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 called
                 a
                 growing-light
                 ,
                 or
                 growing-heat
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 as
                 in
                 things
                 that
                 properly
                 grow
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 addition
                 of
                 one
                 quantity
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 increaseth
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 addition
                 of
                 one
                 degree
                 of
                 the
                 quality
                 to
                 what
                 was
                 before
                 ,
                 whereby
                 it
                 is
                 more
                 intense
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 before
                 ;
                 therefore
                 when
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 grace
                 growing
                 ,
                 the
                 speech
                 is
                 figurative
                 ,
                 taken
                 either
                 from
                 plants
                 or
                 sensitive
                 creatures
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 their
                 beginnings
                 are
                 small
                 ,
                 but
                 afterwards
                 grow
                 up
                 to
                 their
                 pitch
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 A
                 thing
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 grow
                 properly
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 increase
                 is
                 made
                 ,
                 not
                 by
                 opposition
                 as
                 they
                 call
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 an
                 inward
                 receiving
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 nutrition
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 means
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 custom
                 to
                 cast
                 every
                 one
                 a
                 stone
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 a
                 great
                 heap
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 upon
                 Achan
                 and
                 Absolom
                 :
                 Why
                 at
                 first
                 it
                 was
                 little
                 ,
                 but
                 every
                 stone
                 maketh
                 some
                 increase
                 of
                 the
                 heap
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 groweth
                 not
                 properly
                 ;
                 so
                 a
                 snow-ball
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 greater
                 with
                 rolling
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 properly
                 growth
                 nor
                 augmentation
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 somewhat
                 inwardly
                 received
                 ,
                 which
                 by
                 interchanges
                 in
                 man
                 ,
                 at
                 last
                 is
                 turned
                 into
                 his
                 substance
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 an
                 increase
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 doth
                 his
                 food
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 r●o●
                 doth
                 the
                 juice
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 concocted
                 and
                 becometh
                 nourishment
                 to
                 the
                 branches
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 grow
                 and
                 increase
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 properly
                 growth
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 to
                 apply
                 this
                 proposition
                 to
                 the
                 case
                 in
                 hand
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 growing
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 either
                 we
                 say
                 the
                 grace
                 it self
                 groweth
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 persons
                 do
                 in
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 grace
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 then
                 this
                 doth
                 not
                 so
                 suitably
                 hold
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 habit
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 cannot
                 properly
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 receive
                 inwardly
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 nourishment
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 qualities
                 ,
                 have
                 added
                 to
                 them
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 degrees
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 increase
                 .
                 But
                 if
                 we
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 soul
                 doth
                 grow
                 or
                 increase
                 in
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 grace
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 will
                 hold
                 somewhat
                 more
                 exactly
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 also
                 a
                 metonymical
                 speech
                 ,
                 a
                 met
                 onymie
                 of
                 the
                 subject
                 for
                 the
                 adjunct
                 ,
                 to
                 say
                 the
                 person
                 groweth
                 ,
                 when
                 indeed
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 habit
                 of
                 grace
                 which
                 is
                 increased
                 ,
                 the
                 person
                 continueth
                 the
                 same
                 .
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 holdeth
                 somewhat
                 more
                 near
                 ,
                 though
                 haply
                 the
                 Simile
                 will
                 not
                 yet
                 run
                 upon
                 all
                 four
                 neither
                 ;
                 nor
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 expected
                 ,
                 the
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 then
                 receiveth
                 nourishment
                 inwardly
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 nourishment
                 to
                 his
                 
                 faith
                 ,
                 to
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 whereby
                 he
                 groweth
                 therein
                 ;
                 some
                 deeper
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 riches
                 ,
                 the
                 exceeding
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 promises
                 ,
                 whereby
                 his
                 faith
                 is
                 increased
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 somewhat
                 more
                 of
                 the
                 height
                 ,
                 and
                 depth
                 ,
                 and
                 breadth
                 ,
                 and
                 length
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 towards
                 him
                 he
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 which
                 much
                 heighteneth
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 Christ
                 again
                 .
                 Now
                 remember
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 by
                 any
                 thing
                 external
                 ;
                 external
                 additions
                 to
                 a
                 thing
                 may
                 make
                 it
                 appear
                 the
                 greater
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 really
                 the
                 greater
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 mans
                 cloaths
                 make
                 him
                 seem
                 bigger
                 then
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 them
                 and
                 out
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 no
                 bigger
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 difference
                 between
                 a
                 weight
                 hanged
                 upon
                 a
                 Clock
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 weight
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 the
                 motion
                 is
                 hastened
                 ;
                 and
                 a
                 child
                 that
                 went
                 but
                 timerously
                 and
                 weakly
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 life
                 within
                 him
                 prevailing
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 can
                 run
                 faster
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 groweth
                 in
                 stature
                 and
                 agility
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 difference
                 ;
                 &
                 so
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 difference
                 between
                 an
                 hypocrites
                 growing
                 in
                 appearance
                 ,
                 in
                 duties
                 ,
                 in
                 services
                 ,
                 in
                 zeal
                 ,
                 which
                 appears
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 can
                 but
                 judge
                 the
                 root
                 by
                 the
                 fruit
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 grown
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 are
                 mistaken
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 within
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 some
                 external
                 weight
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 hanged
                 upon
                 their
                 affections
                 ;
                 some
                 by-respect
                 or
                 another
                 to
                 their
                 credit
                 ,
                 their
                 profit
                 ,
                 their
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 as
                 Jehu
                 ,
                 that
                 setteth
                 them
                 a
                 working
                 so
                 fast
                 more
                 then
                 before
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 difference
                 between
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 and
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 David
                 ,
                 whose
                 heart
                 was
                 perfect
                 ,
                 who
                 from
                 the
                 inward
                 revelations
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 discoveries
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 teachings
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 quicknings
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 up
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 difference
                 I
                 say
                 .
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 second
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 affraid
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 too
                 tedious
                 herein
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 hope
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 unuseful
                 to
                 make
                 things
                 as
                 plain
                 as
                 I
                 can
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 go
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 understand
                 what
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 The
                 thing
                 that
                 groweth
                 remaineth
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 though
                 increased
                 ,
                 the
                 body
                 that
                 grows
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 body
                 still
                 ,
                 though
                 much
                 increased
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 child
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 person
                 when
                 a
                 babe
                 and
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 only
                 he
                 is
                 much
                 increased
                 by
                 a
                 continual
                 nourishment
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 a
                 mans
                 grace
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 habit
                 of
                 faith
                 and
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 groweth
                 much
                 stronger
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 Thomas
                 and
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 Disciples
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 that
                 was
                 a
                 tender
                 plant
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 is
                 become
                 a
                 strong
                 Oak
                 or
                 Cedar
                 ,
                 only
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 more
                 rooted
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 grown
                 
                 up
                 and
                 spread
                 it self
                 ;
                 though
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 many
                 shakings
                 with
                 contrary
                 winds
                 ,
                 temptations
                 and
                 false
                 Doctrines
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 his
                 knowledge
                 may
                 be
                 corrupted
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 his
                 faith
                 may
                 be
                 shaken
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 believe
                 he
                 is
                 never
                 pluckt
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 planted
                 again
                 ;
                 when
                 once
                 he
                 hath
                 received
                 that
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 obtained
                 that
                 mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 faithful
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 implanted
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 never
                 destroyed
                 altogether
                 ;
                 once
                 alive
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 life
                 never
                 fails
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 principle
                 ,
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 feeds
                 it
                 ,
                 never
                 fails
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   God
                   abideth
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 sickness
                 ,
                 and
                 weakness
                 ,
                 and
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 distempers
                 that
                 may
                 
                 hinder
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 liveth
                 and
                 groweth
                 afterward
                 again
                 ,
                 yea
                 more
                 then
                 he
                 did
                 before
                 haply
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 David
                 and
                 Peter
                 broke
                 their
                 bones
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 be
                 sore
                 shaken
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 pluckt
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 roots
                 ,
                 as
                 trees
                 dead
                 and
                 so
                 planted
                 again
                 ,
                 nor
                 doth
                 any
                 grace
                 of
                 Gods
                 planting
                 wither
                 away
                 altogether
                 ,
                 like
                 Jonah's
                 gourd
                 :
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 is
                 given
                 for
                 the
                 withering
                 away
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 corn
                 that
                 
                 was
                 green
                 ,
                 is
                 because
                 it
                 had
                 not
                 root
                 .
                 This
                 the
                 third
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 consideration
                 to
                 make
                 out
                 further
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 growth
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 first
                 be
                 a
                 life
                 before
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 growth
                 ,
                 either
                 vegetative
                 ,
                 or
                 sensitive
                 ,
                 or
                 rational
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 life
                 in
                 the
                 tree
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 root
                 alive
                 to
                 maintain
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 groweth
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 stands
                 at
                 the
                 same
                 stay
                 for
                 proportion
                 ,
                 and
                 groweth
                 dry
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 rotten
                 ,
                 and
                 fit
                 for
                 burning
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 life
                 in
                 a
                 man
                 before
                 he
                 groweth
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 dead
                 all
                 growth
                 ceaseth
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 but
                 dissolution
                 upon
                 dissolution
                 then
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 root
                 ,
                 a
                 planting
                 into
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 grafting
                 into
                 him
                 by
                 his
                 ingrafted
                 word
                 ;
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 grow
                 up
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 one
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 
                 you
                 know
                 that
                 which
                 had
                 no
                 root
                 withered
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 make
                 a
                 shew
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 and
                 flourish
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 grass
                 upon
                 the
                 house
                 top
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 withereth
                 before
                 it
                 groweth
                 up
                 .
                 
                   Paul
                   may
                   plant
                   ,
                   and
                   Apollo
                
                 
                 
                   may
                   water
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   is
                   he
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   giveth
                   the
                   increase
                   ,
                   he
                   that
                   ministereth
                   seed
                   to
                   the
                   sowers
                   ,
                   both
                   ministers
                   bread
                   for
                   your
                   food
                   ,
                   and
                   multiplies
                
                 
                 
                   your
                   seed
                   sown
                   ,
                   and
                   increaseth
                   the
                   fruits
                   of
                   your
                   righteousness
                   :
                
                 Now
                 this
                 he
                 doth
                 in
                 and
                 through
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 only
                 pipe
                 through
                 which
                 grace
                 is
                 conveighed
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 things
                 here
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 noted
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 this
                 out
                 fully
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 nourishment
                 is
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 breast-milk
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 mother
                 that
                 brought
                 it
                 forth
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 in
                 
                 respect
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 travelled
                 ,
                 his
                 soul
                 travelled
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 big
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 O
                 what
                 sharp
                 travel
                 he
                 had
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 never
                 was
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 be
                 the
                 like
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 supplies
                 the
                 nourishment
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Word
                   and
                   the
                   Spirit
                   he
                   promiseth
                   shall
                   never
                   depart
                   out
                   of
                   his
                   peoples
                   mouths
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 hath
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   his
                   fulness
                   we
                
                 
                 
                   receive
                   grace
                   for
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 the
                 sincere
                 milk
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 is
                 his
                 ,
                 he
                 prepareth
                 the
                 sweet
                 cup
                 of
                 consolation
                 in
                 the
                 promises
                 ;
                 so
                 many
                 precious
                 promises
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 breasts
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 hath
                 to
                 suck
                 continually
                 ,
                 there
                 he
                 hath
                 prepared
                 nourishment
                 for
                 our
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 our
                 tryals
                 and
                 experiences
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nourishment
                 for
                 our
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 our
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 our
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 But
                 then
                 beside
                 this
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 forming
                 power
                 ,
                 a
                 power
                 of
                 concoction
                 ,
                 digestion
                 and
                 assimilation
                 ,
                 to
                 turn
                 these
                 nourishments
                 into
                 the
                 very
                 substance
                 ,
                 for
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 Some
                 preach
                 Christ
                 of
                 envy
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 supposing
                 to
                 add
                 affliction
                 to
                 my
                 bonds
                 ;
                 the
                 Devil
                 and
                 his
                 Angels
                 of
                 light
                 preach
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 no
                 good
                 intent
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 gain
                 credit
                 but
                 dishonor
                 to
                 the
                 Gospel
                 at
                 the
                 long
                 run
                 ;
                 we
                 see
                 it
                 by
                 too
                 woful
                 experience
                 ;
                 well
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                   this
                   shall
                   turn
                   to
                   my
                   salvation
                   ,
                   through
                
                 
                 
                   your
                   prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   supply
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 take
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 down
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 not
                 a
                 power
                 to
                 digest
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 it
                 into
                 substance
                 ,
                 
                   succum
                   &
                   sanguinem
                
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 never
                 grow
                 by
                 it
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 see
                 many
                 live
                 under
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 the
                 sincere
                 milk
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 to
                 draw
                 as
                 hard
                 at
                 the
                 breast
                 as
                 any
                 ,
                 hanging
                 upon
                 the
                 Ministers
                 lips
                 ,
                 that
                 should
                 preserve
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 come
                 not
                 on
                 ?
                 there
                 wants
                 this
                 digesting
                 faculty
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   mix
                   the
                   word
                   with
                   faith
                
                 ;
                 
                 then
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 mixed
                 and
                 concocted
                 it
                 groweth
                 indeed
                 ,
                 the
                 Word
                 groweth
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 poor
                 Believer
                 groweth
                 ,
                 his
                 faith
                 groweth
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 in
                 that
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Corinthians
                   ;
                   who
                   beholding
                   as
                   in
                   a
                   glass
                   ,
                
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 nourishment
                 ,
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 beholding
                 Christ
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 concocting
                 these
                 ,
                 turning
                 them
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   changed
                   into
                   his
                   image
                   from
                   glory
                   to
                   glory
                   ,
                   even
                   as
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ;
                 as
                 there
                 
                 is
                 not
                 similitudinis
                 ,
                 but
                 
                   identitatis
                   ,
                   the
                   glory
                   as
                   of
                   the
                   only
                   begotten
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   full
                   of
                   grace
                   and
                   truth
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 truth
                 in
                 general
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 specially
                 that
                 this
                 power
                 is
                 his
                 ;
                 in
                 that
                 one
                 place
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Ephesians
                   ,
                   from
                   whom
                   the
                   whole
                   body
                   fitly
                
                 
                 
                   joyned
                   together
                   and
                   compacted
                   by
                   that
                   which
                   every
                   joynt
                   supplyeth
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   effectual
                   working
                   in
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   every
                   part
                   ,
                   maketh
                   increase
                   of
                   the
                   body
                
                 ;
                 he
                 speaks
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 in
                 general
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 
                   par
                   ratio
                
                 for
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 each
                 member
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 one
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 growing
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 members
                 grow
                 in
                 stature
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 number
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Colossians
                   ,
                   Let
                   not
                   man
                   beguile
                   you
                   of
                   your
                   reward
                   :
                
                 as
                 a
                 Judge
                 ▪
                 of
                 the
                 race
                 of
                 masteries
                 prescribes
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 exorbitant
                 course
                 to
                 ●un
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 promise
                 you
                 the
                 reward
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 beguiling
                 of
                 you
                 in
                 a
                 voluntary
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 worship
                 of
                 Angels
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 is
                 worshiping
                 of
                 Saints
                 any
                 better
                 then
                 this
                 voluntary
                 humility
                 and
                 yet
                 some
                 there
                 are
                 that
                 beguile
                 poor
                 creatures
                 of
                 their
                 reward
                 ,
                 promising
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 run
                 in
                 this
                 course
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 not
                 holding
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 me
                 thinks
                 an
                 ingenuous
                 Papist
                 reading
                 this
                 ,
                 should
                 begin
                 to
                 suspect
                 their
                 way
                 ,
                 since
                 to
                 worship
                 Angels
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 voluntary
                 humility
                 as
                 God
                 never
                 commanded
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 approach
                 to
                 Christ
                 without
                 a
                 mediation
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 never
                 commanded
                 ,
                 is
                 voluntary
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 hold
                 the
                 head
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 from
                 which
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 body
                 by
                 joints
                 and
                 bands
                 have
                 nourishment
                 ministred
                 and
                 knit
                 together
                 ,
                 increaseth
                 with
                 the
                 increases
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Author
                 
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 the
                 increase
                 and
                 its
                 excellency
                 ,
                 for
                 so
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 often
                 used
                 in
                 the
                 old
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 phrases
                 the
                 Apostles
                 do
                 often
                 keep
                 in
                 the
                 New.
                 You
                 see
                 the
                 nourishment
                 is
                 ministred
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 sap
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 tree
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 effectual
                 working
                 whereby
                 it
                 is
                 turned
                 to
                 an
                 increase
                 of
                 our
                 faith
                 and
                 love
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 that
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 really
                 and
                 truly
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 flourish
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 wither
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 green
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 weed
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 grow
                 fast
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 upon
                 a
                 right
                 root
                 ,
                 they
                 spring
                 not
                 from
                 such
                 a
                 seed
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 at
                 their
                 perfection
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 but
                 wild
                 Oates
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 or
                 Tares
                 ,
                 which
                 for
                 a
                 great
                 while
                 are
                 so
                 like
                 to
                 Wheat
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Antients
                 speak
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 discerned
                 from
                 it
                 until
                 it
                 come
                 into
                 the
                 ear
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 have
                 as
                 broad
                 a
                 leaf
                 ,
                 as
                 green
                 a
                 blade
                 ,
                 in
                 externals
                 :
                 not
                 be
                 behind
                 any
                 for
                 enlargements
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 notions
                 of
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 had
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 degrees
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 spiritual
                 growth
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 root
                 of
                 saving
                 life
                 .
                 I
                 deny
                 not
                 but
                 he
                 giveth
                 those
                 gifts
                 and
                 parts
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 as
                 head
                 of
                 the
                 invisible
                 Church
                 ,
                 who
                 alone
                 shall
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 though
                 as
                 head
                 of
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 communication
                 of
                 some
                 fatness
                 and
                 sweetness
                 of
                 the
                 Olive
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 and
                 priviledges
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 which
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 enjoy
                 ,
                 &
                 yet
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 when
                 
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 thereby
                 he
                 may
                 make
                 some
                 progress
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 formality
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 no
                 true
                 spiritual
                 growth
                 ;
                 this
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 look
                 well
                 about
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 our
                 water
                 do
                 arise
                 from
                 this
                 fountain
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 spread
                 it self
                 until
                 it
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 river
                 ,
                 grow
                 broader
                 and
                 broader
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 As
                 it
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 in
                 him
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 grow
                 with
                 this
                 spiritual
                 growth
                 ;
                 so
                 this
                 growth
                 in
                 grace
                 is
                 a
                 growing
                 up
                 into
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 good
                 reason
                 ,
                 if
                 of
                 him
                 and
                 by
                 him
                 be
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 him
                 should
                 be
                 all
                 things
                 also
                 ;
                 
                   if
                   Rivers
                   be
                   from
                   the
                   Sea
                   ,
                   they
                   return
                   to
                   the
                   Sea
                   again
                
                 ;
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 
                 two
                 things
                 in
                 this
                 one
                 expression
                 of
                 growing
                 up
                 into
                 Christ
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 head
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 a
                 nearer
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 him
                 who
                 is
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 most
                 sure
                 ,
                 whether
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 the
                 members
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 faster
                 do
                 draw
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 yet
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 other
                 parts
                 where
                 the
                 nourishment
                 is
                 prepared
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 meddle
                 with
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 I
                 am
                 sure
                 of
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 grace
                 any
                 soul
                 receiveth
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 yet
                 he
                 may
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 further
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 indeed
                 an
                 argument
                 whereby
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 as
                 highly
                 advanced
                 as
                 by
                 any
                 other
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 therefore
                 increase
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 his
                 poor
                 weak
                 children
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 draw
                 more
                 strongly
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hearts
                 more
                 enlarged
                 to
                 receive
                 more
                 abundantly
                 from
                 his
                 fulness
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 strong
                 child
                 will
                 draw
                 harder
                 and
                 harder
                 still
                 ,
                 the
                 arms
                 of
                 the
                 trees
                 as
                 they
                 grow
                 stronger
                 and
                 stronger
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 suck
                 more
                 juice
                 from
                 the
                 root
                 still
                 to
                 feed
                 them
                 and
                 carry
                 them
                 on
                 ▪
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 sweet
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 character
                 also
                 of
                 our
                 growth
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 indeed
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 a
                 greater
                 drawing
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 after
                 him
                 still
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 suck
                 more
                 strongly
                 from
                 him
                 :
                 This
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 another
                 thing
                 comprehended
                 under
                 this
                 growing
                 up
                 into
                 Christ
                 may
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 our
                 growth
                 is
                 to
                 his
                 honour
                 ,
                 it
                 ends
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 alone
                 is
                 exalted
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 the
                 head
                 when
                 the
                 members
                 grow
                 and
                 become
                 by
                 the
                 communication
                 of
                 the
                 animal
                 spirits
                 ,
                 more
                 vigorous
                 and
                 active
                 ,
                 and
                 fit
                 for
                 the
                 discharge
                 of
                 their
                 several
                 works
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 this
                 may
                 be
                 understood
                 two
                 waies
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 thing
                 it self
                 ,
                 
                   finis
                   operis
                
                 ,
                 the
                 thing
                 doth
                 much
                 advance
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 others
                 behold
                 such
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 strength
                 and
                 power
                 flowing
                 forth
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 upon
                 the
                 members
                 ;
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 members
                 of
                 a
                 body
                 languid
                 ,
                 and
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 withered
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 generally
                 so
                 ,
                 though
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 also
                 particular
                 causes
                 ,
                 as
                 obstructions
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 ,
                 but
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 visible
                 .
                 What
                 an
                 honour
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 Christ
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 th
                 〈…〉
                 now
                 is
                 as
                 weak
                 as
                 water
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 poor
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   help
                   my
                   unbelief
                
                 ,
                 that
                 ere
                 long
                 through
                 the
                 supply
                 of
                 grace
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   Lord
                   and
                   my
                   God
                
                 ;
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 lie
                 languishing
                 under
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 stir
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 ere
                 long
                 able
                 to
                 triumph
                 over
                 it
                 ;
                 to
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 ere
                 while
                 was
                 cleaving
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 get
                 up
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 after
                 a
                 while
                 upon
                 Eagles
                 wings
                 running
                 without
                 weariness
                 ,
                 and
                 walking
                 without
                 faintness
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 to
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 must
                 be
                 so
                 intended
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 else
                 our
                 growth
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 our
                 end
                 in
                 desires
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 Gods
                 end
                 in
                 working
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 desire
                 strength
                 against
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 corruption
                 ,
                 to
                 wax
                 more
                 valiant
                 in
                 this
                 fight
                 ,
                 to
                 conquer
                 ,
                 to
                 triumph
                 over
                 them
                 ;
                 we
                 would
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 our
                 end
                 ;
                 is
                 Christ
                 the
                 end
                 in
                 all
                 this
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 more
                 advance
                 him
                 ?
                 Ah
                 that
                 soul
                 that
                 indeed
                 groweth
                 into
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 groweth
                 downward
                 into
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 can
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 nothing
                 that
                 his
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 may
                 be
                 advanced
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 was
                 with
                 John
                 :
                 Ah
                 so
                 with
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   if
                   the
                   Lord
                   will
                   lay
                   me
                   aside
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                
                 
                 
                   must
                   not
                   build
                   him
                   a
                   Temple
                   ,
                   but
                   my
                   son
                   must
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   why
                   should
                   I
                   not
                   submit
                   ?
                
                 So
                 if
                 Moses
                 must
                 not
                 bring
                 them
                 into
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 contented
                 .
                 O
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 Joshua
                 in
                 another
                 case
                 envy
                 for
                 his
                 sake
                 ,
                 he
                 wished
                 all
                 the
                 Lords
                 people
                 were
                 Prophets
                 ,
                 God
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 greater
                 glory
                 :
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 of●ered
                 
                 to
                 make
                 of
                 him
                 a
                 greater
                 people
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   what
                   then
                   wilt
                   thou
                   do
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   thy
                   great
                   name
                   ,
                   the
                   enemies
                   will
                   say
                   then
                   ,
                   that
                   thou
                   broughtest
                   them
                   out
                   to
                   destroy
                   them
                
                 ;
                 he
                 had
                 rather
                 die
                 ,
                 and
                 perish
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 nothing
                 ,
                 then
                 God
                 should
                 be
                 dishonoured
                 .
                 O
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 let
                 this
                 be
                 considered
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 grow
                 ,
                 we
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 him
                 ;
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 serve
                 for
                 a
                 piece
                 of
                 tryal
                 ;
                 though
                 delivered
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 have
                 my
                 whole
                 discourse
                 as
                 applicatory
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 In
                 a
                 true
                 growth
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 uniformity
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 know
                 one
                 member
                 groweth
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 true
                 growth
                 ;
                 where
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 members
                 receive
                 no
                 nourishment
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 growth
                 is
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 the
                 effect
                 of
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 life
                 within
                 them
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Rickets
                 ,
                 a
                 disease
                 now
                 ordinarily
                 known
                 by
                 that
                 name
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 uniformity
                 is
                 two-fold
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 of
                 each
                 particular
                 member
                 thereof
                 ,
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 which
                 are
                 growing
                 in
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 uniform
                 growth
                 there
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 not
                 communicate
                 his
                 sap
                 ,
                 and
                 vigour
                 ,
                 and
                 vertue
                 so
                 to
                 one
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 spend
                 it
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 another
                 without
                 ,
                 but
                 every
                 wild
                 Olive
                 grafted
                 into
                 the
                 Olive
                 ,
                 either
                 visible
                 or
                 invsible
                 Church
                 ;
                 the
                 visible
                 there
                 is
                 meant
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   whom
                   the
                   whole
                   body
                   being
                   ,
                
                 
                 &c.
                 they
                 receive
                 accordingly
                 ,
                 either
                 the
                 common
                 influences
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 with
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 grow
                 up
                 in
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 call
                 common
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 sure
                 but
                 thriveth
                 more
                 or
                 less
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 invisible
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 so
                 grafted
                 but
                 he
                 groweth
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 one
                 Spirit
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 sure
                 must
                 needs
                 grow
                 that
                 hath
                 a
                 continual
                 supply
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 in
                 that
                 forecited
                 place
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 in
                 his
                 invisible
                 body
                 ,
                 hath
                 no
                 withered
                 arm
                 nor
                 legs
                 ,
                 whatever
                 there
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 visible
                 ,
                 whatever
                 dead
                 and
                 drie
                 sticks
                 may
                 cleave
                 to
                 the
                 visible
                 Olive
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 none
                 so
                 cleaveth
                 to
                 the
                 invisible
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 a
                 soul
                 should
                 hold
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 hold
                 inward
                 communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 which
                 thus
                 uniformly
                 groweth
                 ,
                 one
                 member
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 .
              
               
                 Now
                 secondly
                 ,
                 for
                 particular
                 members
                 ,
                 they
                 also
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 that
                 uniformly
                 also
                 ;
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 one
                 grace
                 only
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 this
                 grace
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 grace
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 another
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 grow
                 uniformly
                 ;
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 be
                 all
                 faith
                 and
                 no
                 love
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 ,
                 or
                 all
                 love
                 and
                 no
                 knowledge
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 an
                 uniformity
                 in
                 growth
                 ,
                 if
                 right
                 ;
                 that
                 were
                 more
                 like
                 a
                 wen
                 and
                 its
                 growth
                 ,
                 then
                 growth
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ;
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 esteem
                 that
                 a
                 growth
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 grow
                 all
                 in
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 should
                 become
                 as
                 big
                 as
                 the
                 body
                 almost
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 could
                 see
                 wonderfully
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 the
                 parts
                 are
                 as
                 small
                 as
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 born
                 ;
                 grow
                 in
                 one
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 in
                 every
                 grace
                 ,
                 grow
                 in
                 sincerity
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 in
                 humility
                 ,
                 grow
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 &
                 grow
                 in
                 all
                 .
                 A
                 timpany
                 ,
                 a
                 growth
                 of
                 one
                 member
                 more
                 then
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 is
                 monstrous
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 in
                 grace
                 :
                 Now
                 though
                 through
                 defect
                 or
                 super
                 fluity
                 in
                 natural
                 causes
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 monstrosity
                 in
                 a
                 birth
                 or
                 growth
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 doth
                 alike
                 extend
                 his
                 influence
                 to
                 the
                 growth
                 and
                 increase
                 of
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 grace
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 begotten
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 find
                 he
                 thinketh
                 he
                 groweth
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 thinketh
                 he
                 groweth
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 zeal
                 for
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 groweth
                 not
                 in
                 tenderness
                 of
                 heart
                 and
                 plyableness
                 to
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 right
                 growth
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 then
                 do
                 not
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 indeed
                 ?
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Though
                 there
                 be
                 an
                 uniformity
                 in
                 growth
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 must
                 not
                 so
                 understand
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 every
                 member
                 groweth
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 measure
                 with
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 may
                 grow
                 also
                 in
                 its
                 due
                 proportion
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 also
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 graces
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 somewhat
                 of
                 truth
                 in
                 it
                 :
                 but
                 to
                 speak
                 the
                 more
                 distinctly
                 :
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 consider
                 the
                 members
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 our selves
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 such
                 indeed
                 ;
                 though
                 all
                 the
                 members
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 do
                 grow
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 grow
                 all
                 alike
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 measure
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   effectual
                   working
                   in
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   every
                   part
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 you
                 see
                 each
                 part
                 hath
                 
                 a
                 measure
                 ,
                 every
                 member
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 same
                 relation
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 office
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 doth
                 not
                 require
                 the
                 same
                 measure
                 of
                 strength
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 same
                 quantity
                 or
                 greatness
                 .
                 Yea
                 if
                 it
                 have
                 a
                 greater
                 quantity
                 then
                 is
                 meet
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 burthen
                 and
                 an
                 hindrance
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 joynt
                 of
                 a
                 finger
                 should
                 grow
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 joynt
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 knee
                 ,
                 would
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 monstrous
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 both
                 joynts
                 
                 grow
                 ,
                 but
                 each
                 according
                 to
                 its
                 proportion
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 they
                 grow
                 all
                 ●que
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 
                   ●qualite●
                   ▪
                
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 one
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 uniformiter
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 difformiter
                 ,
                 if
                 every
                 finger
                 were
                 as
                 big
                 as
                 an
                 arm
                 ,
                 what
                 an
                 hand
                 would
                 there
                 be
                 ,
                 holding
                 no
                 proportion
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 rest
                 grow
                 ,
                 this
                 over-groweth
                 its
                 proportion
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 David
                 nor
                 a
                 Paul
                 ,
                 nor
                 is
                 every
                 one
                 called
                 to
                 those
                 great
                 undertakings
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 eminent
                 places
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 Christ
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 :
                 If
                 a
                 man
                 be
                 a
                 Magistrate
                 or
                 a
                 Minister
                 ,
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 enough
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 as
                 other
                 men
                 in
                 grace
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 then
                 ,
                 what
                 disproportion
                 do
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 make
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 stand
                 in
                 that
                 relation
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 O
                 how
                 do
                 other
                 members
                 over-grow
                 us
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 blamed
                 for
                 their
                 growing
                 so
                 fast
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 for
                 our
                 growing
                 no
                 fa
                 〈…〉
                 er
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 more
                 proportionable
                 to
                 our
                 relations
                 ;
                 for
                 a
                 Magistrate
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 courage
                 nor
                 zeal
                 then
                 another
                 man
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 called
                 so
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 ,
                 is
                 unsuitable
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 wisdom
                 and
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 as
                 arms
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 scarce
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 a
                 little
                 finger
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 can
                 we
                 work
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 do
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 our
                 conditions
                 ?
                 if
                 you
                 see
                 some
                 eminent
                 ,
                 as
                 blessed
                 be
                 his
                 name
                 there
                 are
                 eminent
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 their
                 measure
                 of
                 growth
                 to
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 you
                 should
                 be
                 followers
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 follow
                 after
                 as
                 hard
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Ministers
                 should
                 be
                 ensamples
                 to
                 the
                 flock
                 ,
                 
                   in
                   faith
                   ,
                   in
                   puriry
                   ,
                   in
                   holiness
                   ,
                   1
                   Tim.
                   4.
                   12.
                   an
                   example
                   to
                   believe
                   in
                   word
                   ,
                   in
                   conversation
                   ,
                   in
                   faith
                   ,
                   in
                   purity
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 may
                 we
                 not
                 rather
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 take
                 examples
                 therein
                 ,
                 how
                 weak
                 is
                 our
                 faith
                 ?
                 yet
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 are
                 such
                 of
                 eminency
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 reach
                 them
                 ,
                 yet
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 because
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 get
                 so
                 much
                 light
                 as
                 the
                 eye
                 hath
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 discouraged
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 required
                 there
                 more
                 then
                 in
                 another
                 ;
                 nor
                 so
                 much
                 strength
                 as
                 an
                 arm
                 ,
                 a
                 leg
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 art
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 little
                 finger
                 ,
                 only
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 proportion
                 ;
                 yea
                 I
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 pitty
                 us
                 ,
                 pray
                 for
                 us
                 ▪
                 Magistrates
                 and
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 do
                 verily
                 believe
                 there
                 are
                 none
                 fall
                 so
                 much
                 short
                 of
                 our
                 proportion
                 of
                 growth
                 in
                 grace
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 relations
                 as
                 we
                 do
                 :
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 then
                 secondly
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 graces
                 in
                 every
                 believer
                 ;
                 now
                 
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 every
                 grace
                 its
                 growth
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 think
                 ,
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 hard
                 to
                 determine
                 ,
                 whether
                 all
                 graces
                 do
                 grow
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 proportion
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 any
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 whether
                 love
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 zeal
                 to
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 do
                 grow
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 every
                 mans
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 patience
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 his
                 faith
                 ;
                 indeed
                 I
                 am
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 here
                 ;
                 if
                 that
                 one
                 habit
                 of
                 grace
                 did
                 beget
                 another
                 ,
                 faith
                 did
                 beget
                 love
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 more
                 clear
                 ,
                 because
                 then
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 the
                 causes
                 ,
                 the
                 effect
                 would
                 be
                 ;
                 a
                 strong
                 cause
                 ,
                 a
                 strong
                 effect
                 ,
                 the
                 habits
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 being
                 not
                 voluntary
                 agents
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 for
                 granted
                 that
                 the
                 efficient
                 cause
                 of
                 all
                 grace
                 ,
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 
                 another
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 and
                 the
                 Son
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 supply
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 it
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 any
                 grace
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 being
                 a
                 most
                 free
                 agent
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 tyed
                 up
                 by
                 a
                 necessity
                 of
                 nature
                 to
                 work
                 alike
                 upon
                 the
                 same
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 every
                 grace
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 do
                 work
                 to
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 every
                 grace
                 ,
                 yet
                 whether
                 he
                 doth
                 equally
                 work
                 to
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 them
                 all
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 what
                 proportion
                 of
                 grace
                 a
                 Believer
                 hath
                 in
                 one
                 grace
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 the
                 same
                 proportion
                 of
                 strength
                 in
                 another
                 ,
                 is
                 doubtful
                 ;
                 specially
                 since
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 works
                 in
                 us
                 both
                 to
                 will
                 and
                 to
                 do
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 good
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 what
                 tryals
                 he
                 hath
                 for
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 some
                 in
                 one
                 kind
                 ,
                 some
                 in
                 another
                 ,
                 some
                 greater
                 tryals
                 for
                 their
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 for
                 their
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 for
                 their
                 love
                 ,
                 may
                 accordingly
                 work
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 material
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 can
                 find
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 every
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 do
                 grow
                 alike
                 in
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 or
                 zeal
                 ,
                 or
                 spiritualness
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 very
                 hard
                 to
                 judge
                 ,
                 considering
                 how
                 hard
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 judge
                 of
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 our
                 habits
                 by
                 their
                 acts
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 accidentally
                 be
                 inter
                 〈…〉
                 itted
                 and
                 interrupted
                 ,
                 and
                 considering
                 whatever
                 knowledge
                 we
                 have
                 at
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 faculties
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 and
                 their
                 workings
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 of
                 the
                 habits
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 So
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 ,
                 〈◊〉
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 considerable
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 come
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 only
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 sure
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 proportionable
                 to
                 our
                 condition
                 or
                 relation
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 :
                 this
                 the
                 seventh
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 and
                 〈…〉
                 stly
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 the
                 opening
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 growth
                 in
                 grace
                 ;
                 growth
                 here
                 hath
                 no
                 determined
                 〈◊〉
                 until
                 death
                 ,
                 until
                 we
                 come
                 actually
                 to
                 the
                 
                   spirits
                   of
                   just
                   men
                   
                   made
                   perfect
                
                 ;
                 in
                 nature
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 determinate
                 time
                 for
                 growth
                 in
                 quantity
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 properly
                 growth
                 about
                 thirty
                 years
                 ;
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 leave
                 School-men
                 to
                 dispute
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 proper
                 for
                 us
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 ;
                 in
                 nature
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 ,
                 yea
                 haply
                 when
                 life
                 is
                 half
                 run
                 up
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   maximum
                   quod
                   sic
                
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 call
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 in
                 grace
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 have
                 breath
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 growing
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   hoary
                   head
                   must
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   going
                   forward
                   still
                   ;
                   the
                   path
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   must
                   be
                   as
                   the
                   growing
                   light
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   shining
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   to
                   the
                   perfect
                   day
                   ;
                   this
                   we
                   pray
                   for
                   ,
                   that
                   his
                   will
                   may
                   be
                   done
                   by
                   us
                   on
                   earth
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Angels
                   do
                   ,
                   with
                   that
                   perfect
                
                 
                 
                   plyableness
                   ,
                   forwardness
                   ,
                   chearfulness
                   that
                   they
                   do
                   it
                
                 ;
                 this
                 we
                 must
                 press
                 after
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 as
                 near
                 it
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 stature
                 of
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 perfect
                 man
                 ,
                 which
                 perfection
                 I
                 take
                 not
                 only
                 for
                 a
                 perfection
                 of
                 parts
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 some
                 other
                 places
                 ,
                 where
                 many
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 walk
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 a
                 perfect
                 heart
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 seed
                 is
                 a
                 perfect
                 seed
                 though
                 no
                 tree
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 a
                 babe
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 perfect
                 child
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 at
                 mans
                 stature
                 ,
                 perfect
                 ;
                 yet
                 this
                 I
                 so
                 take
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 ,
                 therefore
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 while
                 we
                 are
                 here
                 we
                 are
                 growing
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 growth
                 be
                 right
                 ;
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 accidental
                 hinderances
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 afterward
                 ,
                 which
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 may
                 hinder
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 we
                 shall
                 afterward
                 grow
                 and
                 never
                 cease
                 :
                 sit
                 stil
                 ,
                 set
                 up
                 a
                 Herules
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 
                   ne
                   plus
                   ultra
                
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 thing
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 in
                 glory
                 ;
                 &
                 therefore
                 the
                 desires
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 have
                 tasted
                 indeed
                 of
                 this
                 grace
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 still
                 kept
                 above
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 received
                 ;
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 it
                 so
                 .
                 O
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 more
                 still
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 strong
                 enough
                 to
                 resist
                 temptations
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 more
                 softness
                 and
                 easiness
                 of
                 spirit
                 toward
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 echo
                 to
                 every
                 hint
                 of
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   face
                   Lord
                   will
                   I
                   seek
                   :
                
                 and
                 this
                 much
                 tends
                 to
                 their
                 growth
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 the
                 appetite
                 after
                 meat
                 and
                 nourishment
                 ,
                 doth
                 to
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 strong
                 is
                 it
                 in
                 children
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 growing
                 !
                 but
                 of
                 that
                 afterward
                 :
                 haply
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 then
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 time
                 limited
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 
                   never
                   until
                   you
                   awake
                   will
                   you
                   be
                   satisfied
                   with
                   his
                   likeness
                
                 ;
                 remember
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 forget
                 our selves
                 
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 think
                 we
                 may
                 loyter
                 and
                 grow
                 lazie
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 come
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 pitch
                 ;
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 your
                 growth
                 be
                 right
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 continual
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 go
                 on
                 still
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   in
                   old
                   age
                   be
                   fat
                   and
                   flourishing
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 ;
                 thus
                 it
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 thus
                 God
                 
                 hath
                 promised
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 and
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 our
                 want
                 of
                 believing
                 ,
                 closing
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 improving
                 of
                 it
                 for
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 our
                 
                 graces
                 :
                 but
                 so
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 growth
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Arguments
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 trouble
                 you
                 with
                 many
                 ,
                 only
                 something
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 that
                 way
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 First
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 Because
                 of
                 Christ
                 
                   the
                   Author
                   and
                   Finisher
                   of
                   our
                   Faith
                   ,
                   who
                   works
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   us
                   both
                   to
                   will
                   and
                   to
                   do
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   good
                   pleasure
                
                 ;
                 his
                 works
                 are
                 perfect
                 ,
                 he
                 goeth
                 through-stitch
                 with
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 bring
                 his
                 people
                 into
                 the
                 Wilderness
                 and
                 leave
                 them
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 unto
                 Canaan
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 create
                 a
                 world
                 ,
                 his
                 work
                 is
                 perfect
                 ,
                 he
                 leaveth
                 none
                 of
                 his
                 works
                 without
                 the
                 last
                 hand
                 and
                 file
                 to
                 polish
                 them
                 ;
                 therefore
                 when
                 he
                 looks
                 upon
                 them
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   very
                   good
                
                 :
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 apt
                 to
                 have
                 over-waining
                 conceits
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Orator
                 giveth
                 a
                 prudent
                 advice
                 ,
                 to
                 lay
                 aside
                 our
                 writings
                 for
                 several
                 years
                 ,
                 until
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 our
                 affection
                 to
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 our
                 own
                 be
                 wrought
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 then
                 appear
                 as
                 a
                 strange
                 thing
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 the
                 more
                 impartially
                 judge
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 rule
                 suited
                 to
                 the
                 weakness
                 of
                 poor
                 passionate
                 bemisted
                 creatures
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 subject
                 to
                 any
                 such
                 thing
                 as
                 passions
                 ,
                 all
                 things
                 being
                 alike
                 present
                 to
                 him
                 from
                 eternity
                 ,
                 and
                 therfore
                 cannot
                 be
                 taken
                 with
                 any
                 newness
                 of
                 excellency
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 therefore
                 what
                 he
                 saith
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 is
                 very
                 good
                 ;
                 and
                 was
                 it
                 not
                 a
                 perfection
                 of
                 his
                 living
                 creatures
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 grow
                 and
                 multiply
                 ,
                 grow
                 in
                 number
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 the
                 young
                 substance
                 in
                 stature
                 to
                 perfection
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 ,
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 be
                 more
                 wanting
                 to
                 the
                 new
                 creature
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 leave
                 it
                 until
                 it
                 have
                 all
                 its
                 due
                 perfections
                 ,
                 until
                 every
                 privation
                 be
                 filled
                 up
                 with
                 a
                 perfection
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ;
                 must
                 there
                 be
                 nothing
                 wanting
                 of
                 perfection
                 where
                 he
                 would
                 make
                 his
                 power
                 and
                 his
                 wisdom
                 glorious
                 ?
                 and
                 will
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 wanting
                 ,
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 make
                 his
                 grace
                 glorious
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 doth
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 Redemption
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 whatever
                 God
                 doth
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 it
                 like
                 a
                 God
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 ruine
                 ,
                 he
                 ruines
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 no
                 creature
                 can
                 ,
                 even
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 save
                 ,
                 he
                 saveth
                 to
                 the
                 uttermost
                 ,
                 from
                 all
                 imperfection
                 and
                 weakness
                 in
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 
                   if
                   God
                   be
                   as
                   the
                   dew
                   to
                   Israel
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   ,
                   he
                   must
                   needs
                   grow
                   as
                   the
                   Lilly
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 
                 such
                 a
                 dew
                 so
                 sweetly
                 distilling
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 gentle
                 
                 soft
                 rain
                 upon
                 the
                 mown
                 grass
                 ,
                 maketh
                 it
                 to
                 spring
                 again
                 ,
                 grow
                 again
                 ;
                 so
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 though
                 cut
                 down
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 very
                 low
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 with
                 a
                 sharp
                 temptation
                 ,
                 yet
                 a
                 refreshing
                 from
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 it
                 maketh
                 him
                 spring
                 up
                 again
                 ;
                 grace
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 growing
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 though
                 like
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 groweth
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 the
                 seeds
                 of
                 the
                 Cypress-trees
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 say
                 are
                 so
                 small
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 hardly
                 discernable
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 grow
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 tree
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   thy
                   talent
                   or
                   pound
                   hath
                   gained
                   ten
                   pounds
                
                 ;
                 we
                 our selves
                 do
                 not
                 
                 gain
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 traffick
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 ascribed
                 to
                 the
                 grace
                 it self
                 :
                 no
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 nor
                 can
                 his
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 increase
                 it self
                 ,
                 for
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 divine
                 quality
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 new
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 support
                 it self
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 increase
                 it self
                 ;
                 it
                 would
                 quickly
                 languish
                 ,
                 and
                 faint
                 ,
                 and
                 die
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 a
                 continual
                 influence
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Christ
                 to
                 supply
                 it
                 ;
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 for
                 this
                 supply
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 would
                 the
                 members
                 grow
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 could
                 they
                 extend
                 themselves
                 from
                 one
                 dimension
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 not
                 for
                 the
                 nourishment
                 they
                 receive
                 ?
                 no
                 more
                 can
                 his
                 grace
                 grow
                 without
                 a
                 continual
                 supply
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 how
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 it
                 vanisheth
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 but
                 cut
                 from
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 glorious
                 morning
                 without
                 clouds
                 ariseth
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 the
                 whole
                 hemisphere
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 light
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Sun
                 should
                 now
                 set
                 ,
                 would
                 that
                 light
                 grow
                 think
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 perfect
                 day
                 ?
                 Surely
                 no
                 ;
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 night
                 presently
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 swelling
                 stream
                 ,
                 it
                 fills
                 the
                 Channel
                 ,
                 and
                 over
                 floweth
                 its
                 banks
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 inriching
                 of
                 the
                 ground
                 about
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 cut
                 it
                 off
                 from
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 or
                 from
                 the
                 Sea
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 so
                 that
                 the
                 growth
                 ,
                 the
                 continuance
                 of
                 the
                 stream
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 fountain
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 mans
                 gifts
                 and
                 grace
                 rise
                 never
                 so
                 high
                 ,
                 and
                 over-flow
                 at
                 his
                 lips
                 ,
                 at
                 his
                 actions
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 others
                 also
                 fruitful
                 and
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 continual
                 supply
                 from
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 would
                 it
                 subsist
                 ,
                 would
                 it
                 not
                 languish
                 ?
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 an
                 Author
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   hast
                   thou
                   not
                   heard
                   ,
                   hast
                   thou
                   not
                   known
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   I
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Creator
                   of
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   faint
                   not
                   ,
                   neither
                   am
                   weary
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   though
                   you
                   faint
                   and
                   languish
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   faint
                   not
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   renew
                   your
                   strength
                   therefore
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   shall
                   run
                   and
                   not
                   be
                   weary
                   ,
                   though
                   now
                   you
                   cannot
                   lift
                   up
                   your
                   heads
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 reason
                 :
                 It
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 perfect
                 ,
                 
                 every
                 good
                 and
                 every
                 perfect
                 gift
                 cometh
                 from
                 the
                 Father
                 of
                 lights
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 be
                 more
                 perfect
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 sure
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 gifts
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Reason
                 may
                 be
                 an
                 auxiliary
                 to
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 will
                 perfect
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 he
                 beginneth
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 an
                 increase
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   increase
                   of
                   God
                
                 :
                 
                 now
                 why
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   a
                   measure
                   of
                   a
                   fulness
                   of
                   stature
                   to
                   be
                   attained
                   by
                   us
                   ,
                   before
                   we
                   be
                   made
                   meet
                   for
                   the
                   inheritance
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   in
                   light
                
                 ;
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 while
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 is
                 scarce
                 able
                 to
                 mannage
                 an
                 inheritance
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 meaneth
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 a
                 weak
                 Christian
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 mark
                 you
                 what
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   must
                   be
                   converted
                   and
                   become
                   as
                   little
                   children
                   ,
                   else
                   you
                   cannot
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 he
                 saw
                 some
                 
                 pride
                 ,
                 and
                 swelling
                 ,
                 and
                 ambition
                 of
                 their
                 spirits
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 faith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 this
                 must
                 be
                 fetched
                 out
                 of
                 you
                 one
                 way
                 or
                 other
                 ,
                 either
                 by
                 love
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 the
                 rod
                 ,
                 or
                 both
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 will
                 be
                 fit
                 to
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 heavenly
                 and
                 sweet
                 do
                 the
                 Saints
                 generally
                 grow
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 takes
                 them
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 so
                 glorious
                 a
                 building
                 as
                 the
                 temple
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 intended
                 ,
                 will
                 every
                 rough
                 stone
                 ,
                 a
                 rough-hewn-Christian
                 be
                 fit
                 to
                 lay
                 in
                 that
                 building
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 surely
                 those
                 knotty
                 pieces
                 shall
                 be
                 plained
                 ,
                 and
                 smoothed
                 ,
                 and
                 pollished
                 before
                 they
                 be
                 laid
                 in
                 that
                 glorious
                 Temple
                 in
                 heaven
                 :
                 remember
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 meetness
                 for
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 haply
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 care
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 too
                 meet
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 lest
                 we
                 be
                 taken
                 to
                 it
                 before
                 we
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 never
                 fear
                 that
                 ,
                 while
                 thou
                 hast
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 not
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 it
                 that
                 thou
                 never
                 come
                 thither
                 ,
                 thou
                 needest
                 not
                 fear
                 coming
                 thither
                 too
                 soon
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 causes
                 which
                 seem
                 to
                 call
                 for
                 a
                 word
                 here
                 to
                 open
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 you
                 say
                 then
                 to
                 persons
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 no
                 sooner
                 are
                 converted
                 but
                 they
                 dye
                 ;
                 what
                 time
                 have
                 they
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 meetness
                 of
                 the
                 inheritance
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ?
                 Remember
                 what
                 was
                 said
                 before
                 ,
                 that
                 growth
                 is
                 not
                 alway
                 in
                 all
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 pace
                 :
                 What
                 if
                 God
                 will
                 create
                 one
                 Adam
                 in
                 perfect
                 stature
                 the
                 first
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 rest
                 grow
                 to
                 it
                 by
                 degrees
                 ,
                 why
                 may
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 ?
                 what
                 if
                 some
                 grow
                 as
                 the
                 L●●lies
                 ,
                 
                 shoot
                 up
                 quickly
                 ,
                 much
                 in
                 a
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 are
                 longer
                 about
                 it
                 ;
                 if
                 all
                 must
                 grow
                 and
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 fittness
                 before
                 he
                 take
                 them
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 so
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 a
                 whole
                 year
                 turning
                 water
                 into
                 wine
                 in
                 his
                 ordinary
                 way
                 of
                 providence
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 wonderful
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 so
                 often
                 ,
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 a
                 moment
                 ;
                 
                   who
                   shall
                   say
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   what
                   dost
                   thou
                   ?
                
                 this
                 is
                 as
                 perfect
                 wine
                 ,
                 as
                 fit
                 to
                 be
                 drunk
                 ,
                 as
                 rich
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 spirits
                 as
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 he
                 made
                 a
                 large
                 progess
                 in
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 to
                 believe
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 confess
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 that
                 was
                 ,
                 was
                 no
                 small
                 power
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 when
                 himself
                 was
                 under
                 the
                 agonies
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 under
                 disgrace
                 and
                 the
                 shame
                 of
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 and
                 crucifying
                 and
                 dying
                 ,
                 yea
                 under
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 crying
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   My
                   God
                   my
                   God
                   why
                   hast
                   thou
                   forsaken
                
                 
                 me
                 ?
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 forsaken
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 in
                 a
                 sort
                 ,
                 and
                 forsaken
                 of
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 ye●
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 Disciples
                 also
                 ,
                 none
                 of
                 them
                 then
                 durst
                 openly
                 ●cknowledge
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 crucifying
                 ,
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 Peter
                 had
                 denyed
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 all
                 fled
                 from
                 him
                 before
                 ,
                 though
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 stood
                 and
                 looked
                 on
                 ,
                 yet
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 been
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 question
                 what
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 in
                 tenderness
                 towards
                 them
                 ,
                 would
                 have
                 them
                 be
                 let
                 go
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 himself
                 was
                 taken
                 ;
                 now
                 at
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 this
                 ,
                 when
                 heaven
                 and
                 earth
                 ,
                 looked
                 black
                 upon
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 to
                 own
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 despise
                 the
                 shame
                 of
                 the
                 Cross
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 dash
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 reprove
                 his
                 fellow
                 that
                 was
                 crucified
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 of
                 faith
                 :
                 I
                 le
                 tell
                 you
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 he
                 that
                 wrought
                 that
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 had
                 wrought
                 a
                 like
                 measure
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 told
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   should
                   this
                   day
                   be
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   Paradise
                   :
                
                 what
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 my
                 life
                 time
                 have
                 lived
                 so
                 wickedly
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 am
                 dying
                 under
                 my
                 guilt
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 moment
                 to
                 be
                 translated
                 into
                 a
                 glorious
                 Kingdom
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 could
                 not
                 but
                 surely
                 much
                 enlarge
                 his
                 heart
                 in
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 perfection
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 see
                 some
                 Christians
                 that
                 grow
                 more
                 in
                 a
                 moneth
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 year
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 then
                 many
                 do
                 in
                 many
                 years
                 ;
                 some
                 are
                 foolish
                 children
                 that
                 stick
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 breaking
                 forth
                 ,
                 some
                 make
                 haste
                 ,
                 and
                 run
                 much
                 in
                 
                 a
                 little
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 this
                 hinders
                 not
                 but
                 all
                 should
                 grow
                 to
                 their
                 measure
                 appointed
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 heaven
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 Believers
                 ;
                 how
                 can
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 pitch
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 they
                 grow
                 ●o
                 such
                 a
                 height
                 of
                 growth
                 ?
                 for
                 answer
                 ,
              
               
               
                 First
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 worth
                 the
                 noting
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 they
                 who
                 deny
                 them
                 the
                 priviledges
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 visible
                 and
                 outward
                 in
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 yet
                 dare
                 not
                 profess
                 ,
                 whatever
                 they
                 think
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 saved
                 ,
                 or
                 may
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 and
                 profess
                 tender
                 thoughts
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 such
                 
                   duri
                   patres
                   infantum
                
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 exclude
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 Disciples
                 fault
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 good
                 mens
                 now
                 ,
                 to
                 hinder
                 them
                 from
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 they
                 thought
                 they
                 were
                 but
                 troublesom
                 guests
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 capable
                 of
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 forbad
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 got
                 a
                 rebuke
                 for
                 their
                 labour
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 clear
                 enough
                 ,
                 even
                 from
                 the
                 old
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 other
                 then
                 written
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 had
                 means
                 to
                 know
                 that
                 they
                 did
                 belong
                 to
                 Christ
                 and
                 
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 reproved
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   Do
                   you
                   not
                   know
                   to
                   such
                   belongs
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   ?
                   you
                   might
                   have
                   known
                   and
                   ought
                   to
                   have
                   known
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   you
                   deserve
                   a
                   rebuke
                   for
                   it
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 good
                 mens
                 faults
                 now
                 a
                 daies
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 they
                 dare
                 not
                 exclude
                 them
                 from
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 glory
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 noted
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   no
                   unclean
                   thing
                   shall
                   ever
                   enter
                   into
                   that
                   place
                
                 ;
                 Children
                 by
                 nature
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 poor
                 leprous
                 polluted
                 creatures
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 pardoning
                 grace
                 and
                 cleansing
                 mercy
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 they
                 enter
                 into
                 glory
                 ?
                 and
                 because
                 we
                 cannot
                 apprehend
                 how
                 it
                 should
                 be
                 conveighed
                 ,
                 shall
                 we
                 therefore
                 deny
                 it
                 ?
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 pure
                 receptives
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 infants
                 as
                 
                 purely
                 receptives
                 as
                 we
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 more
                 purely
                 receptives
                 then
                 we
                 ?
                 for
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 the
                 same
                 seeds
                 of
                 rebellion
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 spawn
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 venomous
                 poysonous
                 nature
                 with
                 our selves
                 ,
                 miserable
                 sinful
                 off-spring
                 ,
                 of
                 miserable
                 sinful
                 parents
                 ;
                 yet
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 principles
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 into
                 such
                 actual
                 rebellion
                 as
                 we
                 ;
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 the
                 acts
                 increase
                 and
                 strengthen
                 the
                 habits
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 stronger
                 the
                 habits
                 are
                 ,
                 the
                 stronger
                 the
                 opposition
                 is
                 against
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 more
                 purely
                 receptive
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 What
                 hinders
                 but
                 they
                 in
                 as
                 short
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 brought
                 to
                 as
                 high
                 a
                 degree
                 of
                 grace
                 as
                 he
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 an
                 unspeakable
                 manner
                 ?
                 Was
                 it
                 not
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 that
                 John
                 leaped
                 within
                 the
                 womb
                 at
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 the
                 
                 mother
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 it
                 was
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 mother
                 
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 wondered
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 miracle
                 it
                 were
                 ;
                 truly
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 every
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 a
                 miracle
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 greater
                 miracle
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 work
                 upon
                 a
                 desperate
                 ,
                 prophane
                 ,
                 hard-hearted
                 sinner
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 all
                 his
                 life-time
                 been
                 working
                 wickedness
                 with
                 both
                 hands
                 earnestly
                 ;
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 in
                 one
                 day
                 fit
                 for
                 heaven
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 greater
                 opposition
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 greater
                 miracle
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 ?
                 Beside
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 considered
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 ,
                 what
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   that
                   receiveth
                   not
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   like
                   as
                   a
                   little
                
                 
                 
                   child
                   ,
                   cannot
                   enter
                   into
                   it
                   .
                
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 he
                 compareth
                 his
                 Disciples
                 to
                 Doves
                 and
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 doth
                 to
                 a
                 little
                 child
                 ,
                 this
                 proveth
                 nothing
                 :
                 But
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 considered
                 and
                 weighed
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 I
                 leave
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 judgement
                 of
                 impartial
                 persons
                 ;
                 he
                 saith
                 not
                 only
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 like
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 like
                 Doves
                 for
                 innocency
                 ;
                 he
                 saith
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 like
                 children
                 for
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 want
                 of
                 envy
                 ,
                 for
                 love
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   ye
                   cannot
                   enter
                   except
                   ye
                   receive
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   as
                   a
                   little
                   child
                   :
                
                 the
                 comparison
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 receiving
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 qualities
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 except
                 little
                 children
                 did
                 receive
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 how
                 can
                 the
                 Disciples
                 be
                 compared
                 to
                 them
                 in
                 receiving
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ?
                 how
                 can
                 they
                 be
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 made
                 the
                 very
                 standard
                 in
                 receiving
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 we
                 must
                 receive
                 it
                 as
                 little
                 children
                 receive
                 it
                 ;
                 you
                 never
                 find
                 such
                 a
                 like
                 speech
                 of
                 Doves
                 or
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 receive
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 as
                 Doves
                 or
                 as
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 capable
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 never
                 appointed
                 nor
                 prepared
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 Now
                 if
                 little
                 children
                 be
                 made
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 pattern
                 for
                 humility
                 ,
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 goeth
                 far
                 in
                 Christianity
                 .
                 O
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 step
                 ?
                 humility
                 ,
                 the
                 second
                 humility
                 ,
                 the
                 third
                 humility
                 ,
                 it
                 reacheth
                 to
                 the
                 top
                 of
                 the
                 Ladder
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 very
                 pattern
                 in
                 receiving
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God.
                 Surely
                 then
                 ,
                 such
                 children
                 as
                 we
                 allow
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 must
                 allow
                 some
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 comparison
                 were
                 not
                 true
                 nor
                 rightly
                 framed
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 allowed
                 to
                 be
                 as
                 holy
                 as
                 any
                 others
                 ;
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 if
                 we
                 consider
                 how
                 much
                 innocency
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 these
                 little
                 ones
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 we
                 have
                 rebelled
                 all
                 our
                 daies
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 never
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 played
                 the
                 hypocrites
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 never
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 dealt
                 falsly
                 in
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 never
                 
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 have
                 such
                 strong
                 lusts
                 in
                 act
                 and
                 vigour
                 ,
                 and
                 strong
                 habits
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 pride
                 ,
                 and
                 envy
                 ,
                 and
                 hatred
                 to
                 oppose
                 the
                 workings
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 ;
                 me
                 thinks
                 it
                 might
                 easily
                 be
                 yielded
                 unto
                 ,
                 that
                 former
                 supposition
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 saved
                 (
                 and
                 who
                 dare
                 deny
                 it
                 )
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 the
                 standard
                 of
                 receiving
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 therefore
                 they
                 may
                 quickly
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 height
                 :
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 reason
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 carried
                 further
                 then
                 I
                 had
                 any
                 thought
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 first
                 minded
                 it
                 as
                 an
                 Argument
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Another
                 reason
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 greater
                 our
                 growth
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 honour
                 he
                 hath
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 services
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 the
                 more
                 comfort
                 ;
                 this
                 doth
                 much
                 what
                 concern
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 of
                 years
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 for
                 to
                 such
                 I
                 speak
                 ;
                 I
                 give
                 it
                 therefore
                 as
                 a
                 reason
                 ,
                 only
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 persons
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 though
                 some
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 may
                 reach
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 hereby
                 God
                 hath
                 the
                 more
                 service
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 what
                 service
                 hath
                 a
                 Father
                 or
                 Mother
                 from
                 a
                 little
                 child
                 when
                 it
                 hangs
                 upon
                 the
                 breast
                 ?
                 many
                 a
                 weary
                 hand
                 she
                 hath
                 with
                 it
                 in
                 its
                 frowardness
                 ,
                 but
                 no
                 help
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 grown
                 up
                 it
                 will
                 do
                 something
                 ;
                 
                 so
                 while
                 a
                 poor
                 Believer
                 is
                 weak
                 and
                 feeble
                 ,
                 feeble
                 knees
                 and
                 weak
                 hands
                 ,
                 alas
                 can
                 scarce
                 stand
                 upon
                 their
                 legs
                 ,
                 every
                 little
                 wind
                 of
                 temptation
                 or
                 doctrine
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 blow
                 him
                 over
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 stagger
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 stands
                 scrupling
                 and
                 trembling
                 at
                 every
                 step
                 ,
                 and
                 doubting
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 set
                 a
                 foot
                 before
                 another
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Father
                 is
                 fain
                 to
                 take
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 and
                 teach
                 him
                 to
                 go
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 Ephraim
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 time
                 of
                 Gods
                 taking
                 pains
                 (
                 like
                 a
                 
                 tender-hearted
                 mother
                 )
                 with
                 his
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 truly
                 if
                 his
                 bowels
                 were
                 not
                 as
                 a
                 mothers
                 bowels
                 ,
                 yea
                 much
                 more
                 infinitely
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 never
                 endure
                 to
                 handle
                 us
                 so
                 tenderly
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 weakness
                 and
                 loathsomness
                 ;
                 now
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 grown
                 up
                 into
                 Christ
                 ,
                 are
                 strong
                 in
                 his
                 might
                 and
                 power
                 ,
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 do
                 him
                 some
                 service
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 expecteth
                 it
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 we
                 often
                 requite
                 him
                 as
                 Ifrael
                 did
                 after
                 all
                 his
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 he
                 nourisheth
                 and
                 bringeth
                 up
                 children
                 ,
                 feeding
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 bread
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 Manna
                 is
                 our
                 daily
                 bread
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 maketh
                 out
                 somethng
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 us
                 continually
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 presseth
                 the
                 promises
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 give
                 down
                 their
                 milk
                 and
                 sweetness
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 all
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 we
                 rebell
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 breaking
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 speaks
                 after
                 
                 
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 men
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 costs
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 dear
                 ,
                 whoever
                 they
                 be
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 true
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 no
                 need
                 of
                 our
                 service
                 ,
                 we
                 profit
                 not
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 work
                 deliverance
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 and
                 Church
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 never
                 a
                 Hester
                 to
                 pray
                 nor
                 mediate
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 some
                 other
                 way
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 ordinarily
                 useth
                 the
                 service
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 reward
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 more
                 abundant
                 ,
                 our
                 Crowns
                 of
                 grace
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 more
                 weighty
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 step
                 from
                 the
                 very
                 Cradle
                 to
                 the
                 Crown
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 is
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 growing
                 ,
                 until
                 it
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 of
                 that
                 fulness
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 honoured
                 indeed
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 by
                 our
                 growth
                 ,
                 
                   fortes
                   oreantur
                   fortibus
                
                 :
                 O
                 when
                 his
                 people
                 come
                 to
                 that
                 strength
                 ,
                 to
                 bear
                 the
                 Cross
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 deny
                 themselves
                 ,
                 to
                 hate
                 their
                 lives
                 for
                 his
                 sake
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Disciples
                 at
                 all
                 times
                 were
                 not
                 ripe
                 for
                 ;
                 how
                 doth
                 this
                 honour
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 Spirit
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 acted
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 their
                 enemies
                 themselves
                 have
                 been
                 confounded
                 with
                 the
                 consideration
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 strong
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 giving
                 glory
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 weak
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 a
                 babe
                 that
                 staggers
                 at
                 every
                 difficulty
                 ,
                 is
                 questioning
                 upon
                 every
                 occasion
                 whether
                 God
                 be
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 Israel
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 water
                 ;
                 O
                 ,
                 said
                 they
                 ,
                 
                 
                   is
                   ,
                   God
                   among
                   us
                
                 ?
                 because
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 water
                 ;
                 now
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 his
                 honour
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 children
                 live
                 in
                 a
                 family
                 together
                 ,
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 of
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 to
                 be
                 alway
                 children
                 ,
                 weaklings
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 consumpsit
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 dishonour
                 to
                 their
                 Father
                 and
                 Mother
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 more
                 choice
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 bread
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 this
                 wine
                 and
                 milk
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 Believers
                 live
                 upon
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 weaklings
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 it
                 dishonour
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 
                   his
                   flesh
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   meat
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   blood
                   drink
                   indeed
                   :
                
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 on
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 hard
                 to
                 perswade
                 men
                 so
                 ;
                 but
                 where
                 they
                 see
                 us
                 go
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 can
                 do
                 singular
                 things
                 
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 prosperity
                 ,
                 in
                 affliction
                 ,
                 which
                 others
                 cannot
                 do
                 :
                 O
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 surely
                 that
                 which
                 these
                 men
                 feed
                 
                 upon
                 is
                 rare
                 and
                 excellent
                 diet
                 indeed
                 :
                 Now
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 glory
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 only
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 acknowledged
                 among
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 which
                 addeth
                 nothing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 it
                 doth
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 he
                 requireth
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 jealous
                 of
                 it
                 indeed
                 :
                 Now
                 for
                 infants
                 ,
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                 though
                 they
                 act
                 little
                 among
                 men
                 ,
                 specially
                 while
                 properly
                 infants
                 ,
                 that
                 cannot
                 speak
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 thence
                 they
                 have
                 their
                 names
                 Infants
                 ;
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 little
                 appearance
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 very
                 consideration
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   should
                   infuse
                   grace
                   ,
                
                 yea
                 such
                 rich
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 ,
                 into
                 them
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 should
                 take
                 us
                 up
                 sometimes
                 with
                 more
                 admiration
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 taken
                 up
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 no
                 man
                 dare
                 deny
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 have
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 have
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 die
                 in
                 infancy
                 for
                 ought
                 we
                 know
                 ,
                 have
                 :
                 Now
                 how
                 admirable
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 but
                 God
                 hath
                 made
                 it
                 visible
                 in
                 some
                 extraordinary
                 cases
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 John
                 ;
                 is
                 it
                 stupendious
                 that
                 the
                 like
                 babe
                 should
                 leap
                 in
                 the
                 womb
                 for
                 joy
                 at
                 the
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 report
                 of
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 Believers
                 likely
                 would
                 have
                 done
                 upon
                 a
                 bare
                 report
                 ?
                 Beside
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 instances
                 of
                 little
                 children
                 wrought
                 upon
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 they
                 can
                 speak
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 make
                 it
                 appear
                 in
                 an
                 admirable
                 manner
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 call
                 God
                 Father
                 at
                 very
                 tender
                 years
                 ,
                 yea
                 know
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 his
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 have
                 a
                 Kingdom
                 prepared
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 me
                 thinks
                 these
                 things
                 are
                 enough
                 to
                 convince
                 us
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 such
                 necessity
                 of
                 years
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 more
                 admirable
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 Christ
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 admired
                 ?
                 Again
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 truly
                 this
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 much
                 in
                 his
                 eye
                 ,
                 next
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 glory
                 ,
                 which
                 indeed
                 is
                 much
                 magnified
                 by
                 the
                 comfortable
                 walking
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 groweth
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 freely
                 given
                 of
                 God
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 comfortably
                 he
                 
                 walks
                 ,
                 such
                 are
                 an
                 ornament
                 to
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 an
                 encouragement
                 and
                 invitation
                 of
                 others
                 to
                 enter
                 upon
                 the
                 same
                 waies
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 see
                 the
                 faces
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 shine
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 anointed
                 with
                 the
                 oyl
                 of
                 gladness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 
                 consist
                 in
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 joy
                 ,
                 and
                 peace
                 ,
                 this
                 encourageth
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 otherwise
                 would
                 be
                 disheartened
                 :
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 very
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 peoples
                 comfort
                 ;
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 blood
                 and
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 to
                 run
                 through
                 all
                 the
                 veins
                 of
                 the
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 for
                 the
                 consolation
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ;
                 
                   these
                   things
                   I
                   write
                   to
                   you
                   ,
                   that
                   your
                
                 
                 
                   joy
                   might
                   be
                   full
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   through
                   consolation
                   of
                   the
                   Scripture
                   we
                   might
                   have
                   hope
                
                 ;
                 else
                 why
                 are
                 there
                 so
                 many
                 promises
                 so
                 often
                 repeated
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ?
                 how
                 many
                 promises
                 of
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 set
                 forth
                 in
                 various
                 expressions
                 every
                 way
                 ,
                 to
                 affect
                 and
                 meet
                 
                 with
                 every
                 mans
                 condition
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 his
                 design
                 is
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ?
                 and
                 wherefore
                 are
                 the
                 examples
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 proposed
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 their
                 falls
                 ,
                 their
                 restoring
                 again
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 our
                 comfort
                 and
                 hope
                 ?
                 surely
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 design
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 surely
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 carry
                 on
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 the
                 knowledge
                 and
                 understanding
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 the
                 closing
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 work
                 is
                 done
                 but
                 imperfectly
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 though
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 revealed
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 from
                 faith
                 to
                 faith
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 an
                 eye
                 
                 opened
                 ?
                 and
                 as
                 the
                 light
                 groweth
                 clearer
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 eye
                 groweth
                 stronger
                 and
                 clearer
                 to
                 behold
                 it
                 :
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 little
                 matter
                 of
                 comfort
                 to
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 a
                 man
                 the
                 better
                 as
                 to
                 comfort
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 rich
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 nothing
                 of
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ?
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 doth
                 wonderfully
                 help
                 to
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 complaint
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 men
                 ?
                 O
                 they
                 cannot
                 l●ft
                 up
                 their
                 heads
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 carry
                 a
                 cheerful
                 heart
                 ;
                 why
                 ?
                 O
                 they
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 believe
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 do
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 ,
                 or
                 they
                 cannot
                 see
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 any
                 thing
                 right
                 in
                 them
                 :
                 Why
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 satisfie
                 a
                 tender
                 heart
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 see
                 and
                 discover
                 somewhat
                 in
                 himself
                 of
                 Gods
                 working
                 ;
                 now
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 small
                 as
                 a
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Cypress-seed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 scarce
                 discernable
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 it
                 groweth
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ,
                 at
                 last
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 see
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 sincerity
                 of
                 h●art
                 doth
                 more
                 ordinarily
                 and
                 strongly
                 prevail
                 against
                 the
                 sly
                 and
                 subtile
                 insinuations
                 of
                 sin
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 the
                 soul
                 can
                 see
                 that
                 his
                 heart
                 is
                 right
                 with
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 faith
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 strong
                 and
                 acts
                 strongly
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 doth
                 even
                 feel
                 that
                 it
                 doth
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 an
                 end
                 is
                 brought
                 to
                 all
                 those
                 sad
                 complaints
                 ;
                 let
                 men
                 of
                 corrupt
                 minds
                 say
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 appearances
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 notable
                 evidence
                 of
                 our
                 being
                 cloathed
                 with
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   we
                   walk
                   not
                   after
                   the
                   flesh
                   ,
                   but
                   after
                   the
                   Spirit
                
                 ;
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 pretend
                 to
                 have
                 no
                 condemnation
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 walk
                 after
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 loosly
                 and
                 vainly
                 ,
                 wickedly
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 never
                 doubt
                 nor
                 question
                 his
                 condition
                 ;
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 man
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 desperate
                 security
                 ,
                 a
                 lethargy
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 odds
                 but
                 he
                 perisheth
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   such
                   shall
                   die
                
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   live
                
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 one
                 day
                 know
                 ,
                 whether
                 Gods
                 Word
                 or
                 theirs
                 shall
                 stand
                 ▪
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 this
                 much
                 furthers
                 
                 their
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 great
                 designs
                 for
                 our
                 good
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 walk
                 comfortably
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 brings
                 o●
                 that
                 his
                 work
                 ;
                 that
                 spark
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 of
                 green
                 wood
                 ,
                 that
                 smothers
                 ,
                 and
                 smokes
                 ,
                 and
                 puts
                 out
                 our
                 eyes
                 almost
                 with
                 weeping
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 bloweth
                 it
                 up
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 bringeth
                 judgement
                 to
                 victory
                 ,
                 victory
                 over
                 our
                 corruptions
                 through
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 victory
                 over
                 our
                 doubtings
                 ,
                 fears
                 and
                 discomforts
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 
                 here
                 !
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Arguments
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 Application
                 then
                 ;
                 First
                 ,
                 this
                 will
                 speak
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 two
                 sorts
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 are
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ;
                 Such
                 as
                 make
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 ;
                 we
                 do
                 innovere
                 but
                 not
                 promovere
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 horse
                 in
                 a
                 mill
                 ,
                 go
                 round
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 at
                 night
                 where
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 ;
                 they
                 go
                 round
                 in
                 a
                 formal
                 compass
                 of
                 duty
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 grow
                 not
                 by
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 look
                 upon
                 many
                 professors
                 ,
                 and
                 consider
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 you
                 not
                 find
                 they
                 had
                 as
                 much
                 life
                 seven
                 years
                 ago
                 as
                 they
                 have
                 now
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 grown
                 in
                 faith
                 nothing
                 ,
                 their
                 faith
                 is
                 still
                 as
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 have
                 any
                 at
                 all
                 indeed
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 may
                 ,
                 its
                 true
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 grow
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 speaks
                 of
                 silly
                 women
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 alway
                 learning
                 and
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 there
                 are
                 silly
                 men
                 among
                 us
                 that
                 are
                 alway
                 learning
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 :
                 Some
                 indeed
                 I
                 pitty
                 much
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 natural
                 defect
                 in
                 their
                 understandings
                 ,
                 by
                 mediation
                 whereof
                 all
                 this
                 growth
                 is
                 perfected
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 in
                 some
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 will
                 hardly
                 ever
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 apprehend
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 a
                 mysterie
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 well
                 if
                 they
                 understand
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 life
                 ;
                 but
                 these
                 are
                 not
                 the
                 persons
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 among
                 us
                 have
                 wit
                 and
                 parts
                 enough
                 ,
                 can
                 understand
                 ,
                 and
                 manage
                 ,
                 and
                 improve
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 they
                 take
                 in
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 matters
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 they
                 take
                 up
                 their
                 rest
                 like
                 tyred
                 Jades
                 that
                 will
                 go
                 no
                 further
                 :
                 the
                 Apostle
                 reproveth
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 for
                 it
                 sharply
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 they
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 teachers
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 had
                 need
                 
                 to
                 be
                 taught
                 our selves
                 the
                 first
                 principles
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 Christianity
                 :
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 long
                 known
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 gray
                 hairs
                 upon
                 your
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 see
                 young
                 striplings
                 
                 out-grow
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 apprehend
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 mysteries
                 of
                 Christ
                 which
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 this
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 shame
                 to
                 you
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 
                 strange
                 sottishness
                 and
                 security
                 that
                 seizeth
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 their
                 souls
                 :
                 they
                 would
                 think
                 shame
                 that
                 a
                 young
                 man
                 of
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 experience
                 should
                 know
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 manage
                 their
                 trade
                 better
                 then
                 themselves
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 of
                 so
                 long
                 standing
                 and
                 experience
                 ,
                 but
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 out-stript
                 ,
                 and
                 content
                 themselves
                 with
                 any
                 thing
                 ;
                 that
                 your
                 grace
                 should
                 be
                 so
                 small
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 seed
                 still
                 ,
                 so
                 small
                 as
                 a
                 seed
                 ,
                 and
                 scarce
                 discernable
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 is
                 this
                 !
                 now
                 your
                 salvation
                 is
                 nearer
                 then
                 when
                 you
                 believed
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 are
                 as
                 far
                 from
                 being
                 meet
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 you
                 believed
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 unfit
                 are
                 we
                 for
                 death
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 have
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 the
                 grave
                 already
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 heed
                 this
                 ?
                 Surely
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 be
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 that
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 planted
                 in
                 Christ
                 do
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 find
                 thou
                 growest
                 ;
                 what
                 canst
                 thou
                 conclude
                 ,
                 but
                 one
                 of
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 ?
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 either
                 thou
                 hast
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 deceived
                 thy self
                 ,
                 and
                 thought
                 thou
                 hadst
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 within
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 hadst
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 thou
                 hadst
                 ,
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 grown
                 :
                 The
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 alway
                 as
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 thee
                 haply
                 appears
                 to
                 be
                 no
                 more
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 high
                 time
                 for
                 you
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 are
                 grown
                 to
                 such
                 years
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 have
                 been
                 planted
                 into
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 never
                 made
                 one
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ?
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 findeth
                 he
                 groweth
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 where
                 he
                 was
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 ago
                 ,
                 hath
                 cause
                 to
                 fear
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 me
                 thinks
                 this
                 should
                 startle
                 us
                 ,
                 a
                 company
                 of
                 lazie
                 professors
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 matter
                 whether
                 they
                 improve
                 or
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 Or
                 else
                 secondly
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 bad
                 enough
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 some
                 sad
                 disease
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 hinders
                 thy
                 growth
                 :
                 surely
                 somewhat
                 is
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 you
                 ;
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 a
                 child
                 stand
                 at
                 a
                 stay
                 for
                 two
                 or
                 three-years
                 ,
                 while
                 it
                 should
                 grow
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 living
                 child
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 groweth
                 not
                 ;
                 O
                 surely
                 it
                 hath
                 some
                 disease
                 or
                 another
                 ,
                 some
                 obstructions
                 hindering
                 the
                 course
                 between
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 members
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 fear
                 such
                 a
                 child
                 will
                 not
                 live
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 but
                 apply
                 this
                 to
                 your
                 souls
                 !
                 sure
                 you
                 have
                 some
                 desperate
                 disease
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 some
                 obstruction
                 or
                 another
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 world
                 is
                 gotten
                 between
                 you
                 
                 and
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 communication
                 is
                 hindred
                 ,
                 you
                 grow
                 not
                 up
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 draw
                 nothing
                 nearer
                 to
                 him
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 doth
                 it
                 never
                 enter
                 into
                 your
                 hearts
                 to
                 consider
                 this
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 not
                 afraid
                 of
                 perishing
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 ?
                 I
                 am
                 sure
                 your
                 condition
                 is
                 sad
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 growing
                 sensible
                 Christian
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 in
                 your
                 case
                 for
                 a
                 world
                 ;
                 and
                 are
                 you
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 worse
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 will
                 you
                 answer
                 it
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 considering
                 how
                 much
                 influence
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 ,
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 the
                 fat
                 things
                 of
                 his
                 house
                 in
                 abundance
                 ,
                 the
                 sincere
                 milk
                 of
                 the
                 word
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 for
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 most
                 places
                 have
                 had
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 your
                 souls
                 have
                 prospered
                 no
                 more
                 under
                 it
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 five
                 Talents
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 many
                 that
                 have
                 had
                 but
                 two
                 ,
                 but
                 one
                 ,
                 have
                 out-stript
                 some
                 of
                 you
                 ;
                 where
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 five
                 Sermons
                 ,
                 five
                 opportunities
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 glad
                 of
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 such
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 stronger
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 more
                 in
                 humility
                 ,
                 more
                 spiritual
                 minded
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 ;
                 can
                 you
                 answer
                 this
                 at
                 the
                 great
                 day
                 ?
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 first
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 sheweth
                 us
                 the
                 sad
                 condition
                 of
                 such
                 ,
                 as
                 instead
                 of
                 growing
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 alas
                 they
                 grow
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   evil
                   men
                   and
                   seducers
                   grow
                   worse
                
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 we
                 
                 must
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 do
                 grow
                 either
                 better
                 or
                 worse
                 ,
                 as
                 haply
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 have
                 occasion
                 to
                 speak
                 to
                 at
                 large
                 ;
                 either
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 David
                 groweth
                 stronger
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Saul
                 ;
                 either
                 the
                 flesh
                 or
                 the
                 spirit
                 prevails
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 two
                 sorts
                 of
                 persons
                 whose
                 condition
                 is
                 under
                 this
                 consideration
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Such
                 as
                 have
                 profest
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 were
                 green
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 now
                 their
                 leaf
                 is
                 fallen
                 ,
                 their
                 light
                 is
                 gone
                 out
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 fallen
                 from
                 their
                 place
                 of
                 standing
                 among
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 appearance
                 ;
                 never
                 was
                 there
                 an
                 age
                 more
                 fruitful
                 in
                 such
                 barrenness
                 then
                 this
                 is
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 Fir-tree
                 shaken
                 with
                 the
                 wind
                 ,
                 they
                 lose
                 their
                 fruit
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 are
                 turned
                 up
                 by
                 the
                 roots
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 are
                 become
                 as
                 a
                 dry
                 stick
                 ,
                 fit
                 for
                 nothing
                 but
                 to
                 burn
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   latter
                   end
                   of
                   such
                   men
                   is
                   worse
                   then
                   their
                   beginning
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   they
                   are
                   trees
                   twice
                   dead
                
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 dead
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 lost
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 a
                 visible
                 life
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 did
                 appear
                 to
                 men
                 to
                 be
                 alive
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 hope
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 tree
                 living
                 again
                 ?
                 truly
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 very
                 little
                 ;
                 I
                 have
                 oberved
                 
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 wish
                 I
                 could
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 more
                 trembling
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 men
                 as
                 these
                 grow
                 worse
                 ,
                 fall
                 off
                 and
                 decline
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 saddest
                 ,
                 hard-hearted
                 ,
                 desperate
                 ,
                 prophane
                 wretches
                 afterward
                 ;
                 or
                 the
                 most
                 besotted
                 worldlings
                 ,
                 and
                 seldom
                 are
                 they
                 recovered
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 I
                 may
                 speak
                 to
                 any
                 such
                 at
                 this
                 time
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 the
                 best
                 things
                 of
                 you
                 ;
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 such
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 tell
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 dangerous
                 condition
                 then
                 those
                 that
                 never
                 knew
                 God
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Such
                 as
                 never
                 yet
                 had
                 appearance
                 of
                 being
                 planted
                 into
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 no
                 growth
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 their
                 
                 naturals
                 ;
                 know
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 growing
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospel
                 doth
                 not
                 return
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 worse
                 every
                 day
                 then
                 other
                 ,
                 every
                 Sermon
                 then
                 other
                 ;
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 a
                 savour
                 of
                 death
                 to
                 death
                 to
                 you
                 ;
                 as
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 doth
                 condemn
                 sinners
                 like
                 to
                 
                 the
                 Gospel
                 rejected
                 ,
                 so
                 nothing
                 doth
                 harden
                 sinners
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 precious
                 promises
                 which
                 men
                 give
                 the
                 hearing
                 to
                 ,
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 alas
                 that
                 is
                 all
                 .
                 Isaiah
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 Evangelical
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 with
                 a
                 
                   make
                   you
                   the
                   ears
                   of
                   this
                
                 
                 
                   people
                   heavy
                   ,
                   that
                   hearing
                   they
                   might
                   hear
                   and
                   not
                   perceive
                   .
                
                 If
                 the
                 Son
                 be
                 not
                 kissed
                 when
                 he
                 is
                 offered
                 to
                 sinners
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 turn
                 their
                 
                 backs
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 angry
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 more
                 worthy
                 person
                 be
                 suitor
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 denyed
                 and
                 slighted
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 heel
                 lift
                 up
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 provoke
                 him
                 think
                 you
                 ?
                 surely
                 it
                 will
                 :
                 therefore
                 God
                 doth
                 usually
                 give
                 up
                 such
                 to
                 a
                 reprobate
                 mind
                 ,
                 yea
                 even
                 for
                 
                 despising
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ;
                 you
                 shall
                 ordinarily
                 see
                 where
                 the
                 Gospel
                 cometh
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 among
                 a
                 people
                 ,
                 it
                 works
                 more
                 mightily
                 then
                 afterward
                 ;
                 at
                 first
                 ,
                 though
                 men
                 are
                 prophane
                 ,
                 yet
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 had
                 the
                 Sun-shine
                 to
                 harden
                 the
                 Clay
                 into
                 a
                 Brick
                 ;
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 this
                 Gospel
                 and
                 means
                 of
                 growth
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 fire
                 ,
                 the
                 coals
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 either
                 they
                 do
                 melt
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 burn
                 sinners
                 into
                 stones
                 and
                 bricks
                 ,
                 and
                 sear
                 their
                 consciences
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 even
                 past
                 feeling
                 ,
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 we
                 have
                 so
                 many
                 desperately
                 wicked
                 persons
                 among
                 us
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 condition
                 is
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 growing
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 under
                 the
                 greatest
                 mercy
                 and
                 love
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 manifesteth
                 to
                 any
                 !
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 heaven
                 to
                 grow
                 worse
                 ,
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 the
                 Chambers
                 of
                 death
                 ?
                 Thou
                 knowest
                 thy self
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 more
                 desperate
                 prophane
                 wretch
                 then
                 formerly
                 ,
                 
                 making
                 no
                 conscience
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 heretofore
                 thy
                 soul
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 hath
                 trembled
                 at
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 goeth
                 down
                 without
                 regret
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 not
                 in
                 open
                 prophaneness
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 meltest
                 away
                 in
                 secret
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 that
                 no
                 eye
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 art
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 be
                 ?
                 the
                 Saints
                 that
                 grow
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 the
                 likeness
                 ,
                 and
                 image
                 ,
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 up
                 into
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 growest
                 up
                 into
                 the
                 likeness
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 up
                 in
                 t
                 〈…〉
                 im
                 ;
                 What
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 you
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 sinners
                 would
                 but
                 lay
                 these
                 things
                 to
                 heart
                 :
                 if
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 wast
                 overtaken
                 with
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 it
                 was
                 some
                 trouble
                 to
                 thee
                 ;
                 now
                 thou
                 wilt
                 work
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 thy
                 will
                 is
                 ingaged
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 haynous
                 the
                 sin
                 is
                 ;
                 what
                 can
                 you
                 expect
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 open
                 sinners
                 eyes
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 but
                 see
                 whether
                 they
                 are
                 going
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 are
                 doing
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 could
                 but
                 consider
                 what
                 bitterness
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 latter
                 end
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 next
                 Vse
                 shall
                 be
                 then
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 an
                 account
                 of
                 
                 our selves
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 grow
                 or
                 go
                 backward
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 every
                 day
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 will
                 hardly
                 be
                 discernable
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 daily
                 should
                 put
                 our selves
                 to
                 the
                 tryal
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 nothing
                 else
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 eat
                 up
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 endeavours
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 which
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 out
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 afterward
                 appear
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 should
                 spend
                 every
                 day
                 in
                 casting
                 up
                 his
                 whole
                 Books
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 how
                 he
                 groweth
                 in
                 his
                 estate
                 ,
                 would
                 h●nder
                 himself
                 of
                 those
                 endeavours
                 to
                 thrive
                 that
                 must
                 be
                 used
                 ,
                 else
                 he
                 cannot
                 thrive
                 ;
                 besides
                 ,
                 this
                 growth
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 a
                 day
                 usually
                 ,
                 though
                 sometimes
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 but
                 of
                 moneths
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 year
                 ,
                 or
                 so
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 sit
                 by
                 his
                 tree
                 ,
                 or
                 set
                 his
                 eye
                 upon
                 his
                 child
                 to
                 behold
                 his
                 motion
                 or
                 growth
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 lose
                 his
                 labour
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 better
                 seen
                 afterward
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 another
                 place
                 afterward
                 shall
                 be
                 spoken
                 ;
                 besides
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 should
                 daily
                 judge
                 of
                 our
                 growth
                 and
                 try
                 it
                 ,
                 alas
                 what
                 inconstant
                 judgements
                 should
                 we
                 make
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 ;
                 for
                 some
                 daies
                 we
                 are
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 daies
                 down
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 daies
                 under
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 a
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 daies
                 set
                 at
                 liberty
                 from
                 them
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 the
                 Merchant
                 maketh
                 a
                 losing
                 bargain
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 a
                 winning
                 ;
                 sometimes
                 his
                 cash
                 cometh
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 he
                 is
                 all
                 in
                 disbursments
                 ;
                 therefore
                 he
                 must
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 judge
                 of
                 his
                 estate
                 ,
                 whether
                 he
                 prosper
                 or
                 
                 thrive
                 by
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 day
                 ,
                 but
                 after
                 a
                 while
                 he
                 should
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 cast
                 up
                 his
                 Books
                 ,
                 see
                 how
                 it
                 standeth
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 to
                 perswade
                 a
                 Merchant
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 be
                 Bankrupt
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 hath
                 no
                 mind
                 to
                 look
                 upon
                 his
                 misery
                 ,
                 else
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 perswade
                 a
                 Merchant
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 take
                 his
                 set
                 times
                 for
                 perusing
                 his
                 Books
                 ,
                 casting
                 up
                 his
                 accounts
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 let
                 it
                 run
                 too
                 long
                 neither
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 any
                 should
                 advise
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 take
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 enemy
                 ,
                 suspect
                 him
                 for
                 one
                 that
                 would
                 undo
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 easie
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 believe
                 Satan
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 shuffle
                 us
                 off
                 from
                 this
                 work
                 of
                 casting
                 up
                 the
                 accounts
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ?
                 I
                 think
                 we
                 may
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 plead
                 guilty
                 here
                 ;
                 have
                 we
                 our
                 times
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 set
                 apart
                 for
                 this
                 work
                 of
                 self-searching
                 and
                 tryal
                 ?
                 not
                 an
                 hour
                 in
                 a
                 moneth
                 ,
                 or
                 many
                 moneths
                 ;
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 an
                 hour
                 in
                 a
                 quarter
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 day
                 in
                 a
                 year
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 ever
                 perform
                 this
                 duty
                 at
                 all
                 ?
                 truly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 ill
                 sign
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 backward
                 to
                 search
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 duty
                 :
                 you
                 heard
                 before
                 how
                 sad
                 a
                 thing
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ;
                 and
                 beside
                 ,
                 how
                 canst
                 thou
                 be
                 thankful
                 if
                 thou
                 take
                 not
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 he
                 loseth
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 will
                 neither
                 be
                 for
                 our
                 advantage
                 nor
                 comfort
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 here
                 I
                 hope
                 it
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 beside
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 growth
                 ,
                 under
                 that
                 other
                 ordinary
                 Simile
                 ,
                 of
                 growing
                 like
                 trees
                 or
                 plants
                 ;
                 in
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 nothing
                 more
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 then
                 that
                 where
                 Believers
                 are
                 compared
                 to
                 trees
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 branches
                 in
                 Christ
                 the
                 Vine
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 included
                 in
                 this
                 comparison
                 here
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 growth
                 in
                 quantity
                 ,
                 increase
                 in
                 quality
                 ,
                 and
                 goodness
                 and
                 swiftness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 hope
                 I
                 shall
                 meet
                 with
                 in
                 the
                 other
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 look
                 whether
                 you
                 grow
                 more
                 into
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 you
                 
                 grow
                 downward
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 a
                 tree
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 proportionably
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 top-heavy
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 blast
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 over-turn
                 it
                 ;
                 that
                 soul
                 groweth
                 to
                 purpose
                 ,
                 that
                 groweth
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 more
                 ;
                 now
                 what
                 is
                 this
                 root
                 but
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 ?
                 when
                 God
                 would
                 cut
                 a
                 people
                 down
                 by
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 dis-covenant
                 them
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 called
                 the
                 Covenant
                 he
                 and
                 his
                 Spirit
                 are
                 the
                 great
                 promises
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 Chris●
                 
                 
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 tendered
                 for
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 for
                 holiness
                 ,
                 for
                 redemption
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 .
                 Now
                 there
                 are
                 three
                 graces
                 specially
                 which
                 respect
                 the
                 root
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 labour
                 to
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 our selves
                 by
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 first
                 is
                 Faith
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 whereby
                 indeed
                 we
                 are
                 planted
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 that
                 grows
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 ;
                 time
                 was
                 when
                 our
                 faith
                 was
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 hath
                 it
                 deeper
                 rooting
                 ,
                 faster
                 hold
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 do
                 we
                 now
                 embrace
                 him
                 more
                 closely
                 then
                 we
                 did
                 ?
                 time
                 hath
                 been
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 understood
                 little
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 consequently
                 could
                 give
                 but
                 an
                 assent
                 to
                 what
                 we
                 understood
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 answerable
                 consent
                 ;
                 but
                 dost
                 thou
                 now
                 understand
                 it
                 more
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 a
                 firmer
                 assent
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 the
                 thing
                 ?
                 
                   wherein
                   the
                   Lord
                   hath
                   promised
                   to
                   give
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   him
                   remission
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   sins
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   remember
                   them
                   no
                   more
                   ,
                   and
                   blot
                   out
                   their
                   iniquities
                
                 ;
                 thou
                 assentest
                 to
                 this
                 truth
                 now
                 more
                 then
                 thou
                 didst
                 before
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 bloodiness
                 of
                 thy
                 guilt
                 was
                 that
                 which
                 dismayed
                 thee
                 ,
                 the
                 horridness
                 ,
                 the
                 filthyness
                 ,
                 the
                 multitude
                 ,
                 the
                 aggravations
                 of
                 thy
                 sins
                 ;
                 now
                 thou
                 seest
                 and
                 consentest
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 will
                 swallow
                 up
                 all
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 (
                 though
                 scarlet
                 )
                 as
                 white
                 as
                 snow
                 ;
                 though
                 the
                 time
                 was
                 ,
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 thy
                 sins
                 did
                 as
                 much
                 amaze
                 thee
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 did
                 the
                 Israelites
                 ,
                 O
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 now
                 thou
                 canst
                 look
                 upon
                 them
                 as
                 swallowed
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 red
                 Sea
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 a
                 Sea
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 a
                 red
                 Sea
                 of
                 precious
                 redeeming
                 blood
                 !
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 swallow
                 up
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 find
                 it
                 ?
                 O
                 observe
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 you
                 grow
                 in
                 your
                 assent
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 mortification
                 ,
                 subduing
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 prest
                 and
                 pestered
                 with
                 thy
                 lusts
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 ready
                 to
                 ●ay
                 ,
                 all
                 men
                 are
                 lyars
                 ,
                 in
                 thy
                 haste
                 :
                 O
                 notwithstanding
                 this
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 I
                 find
                 my
                 corruptions
                 strong
                 and
                 lively
                 :
                 but
                 now
                 thou
                 dost
                 not
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 question
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 but
                 assentest
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 closest
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 consent
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 assent
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 waitest
                 upon
                 God
                 for
                 the
                 fulfilling
                 of
                 it
                 until
                 his
                 time
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   that
                   believeth
                   ,
                   maketh
                   not
                   haste
                
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 make
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 all
                 thy
                 salvation
                 ,
                 here
                 thou
                 hangest
                 thy
                 hopes
                 ,
                 and
                 off
                 this
                 thou
                 wilt
                 not
                 be
                 beaten
                 ,
                 though
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 hast
                 found
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 thou
                 couldst
                 hardly
                 fasten
                 upon
                 it
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 find
                 this
                 ?
                 Bretheen
                 ,
                 see
                 
                 in
                 what
                 degrees
                 :
                 if
                 we
                 grow
                 not
                 here
                 ,
                 we
                 grow
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 to
                 any
                 purpose
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 And
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 indeed
                 included
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 of
                 self-denyal
                 ;
                 
                   if
                   any
                   man
                   will
                   be
                   my
                   Disciple
                   ,
                   he
                   must
                   deny
                
                 
                 
                   himself
                   and
                   take
                   up
                   his
                   Cross
                
                 ;
                 Deny
                 himself
                 ;
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 desirable
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 he
                 lookt
                 upon
                 as
                 conducible
                 to
                 salvation
                 ,
                 whether
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 or
                 gifts
                 ,
                 or
                 duties
                 ,
                 his
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 or
                 whatever
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 a
                 root
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 in
                 Adam
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 worm
                 of
                 sin
                 hath
                 smitten
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 withered
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 rottenness
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 growth
                 to
                 be
                 expected
                 from
                 it
                 but
                 what
                 will
                 be
                 rotten
                 :
                 Now
                 Christ
                 alone
                 in
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 grow
                 off
                 our
                 own
                 root
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 grow
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 :
                 Now
                 consider
                 this
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 time
                 hath
                 been
                 thou
                 hast
                 builded
                 much
                 of
                 thy
                 hopes
                 and
                 comforts
                 upon
                 what
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 in
                 thy self
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 thou
                 couldst
                 but
                 do
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 thou
                 couldst
                 be
                 quiet
                 and
                 take
                 comfort
                 in
                 thy
                 condition
                 :
                 now
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 do
                 more
                 or
                 do
                 less
                 ,
                 whatever
                 thou
                 art
                 enabled
                 to
                 do
                 through
                 him
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 find
                 that
                 thou
                 canst
                 bless
                 him
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 as
                 though
                 we
                 had
                 never
                 done
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 counting
                 all
                 but
                 as
                 menstruous
                 cloaths
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 the
                 less
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 more
                 encouraged
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 own
                 righteousness
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 because
                 then
                 it
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 sure
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 root
                 as
                 never
                 withers
                 ,
                 even
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 how
                 far
                 short
                 are
                 we
                 in
                 this
                 ?
                 though
                 we
                 have
                 seen
                 it
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 standing
                 upon
                 our
                 own
                 bottom
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 stand
                 upon
                 a
                 thing
                 that
                 stands
                 not
                 under
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 sinketh
                 ,
                 only
                 upon
                 the
                 Rock
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 learned
                 this
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 I
                 doubt
                 :
                 this
                 hinders
                 our
                 growth
                 much
                 ;
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 vessel
                 be
                 indeed
                 afloat
                 ,
                 yet
                 so
                 shallow
                 ,
                 keepeth
                 so
                 near
                 the
                 side
                 of
                 the
                 shore
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 it
                 ever
                 and
                 anon
                 strikes
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 it
                 can
                 make
                 no
                 considerable
                 progress
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 smiting
                 beside
                 :
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ;
                 well
                 ,
                 consider
                 then
                 ,
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 our
                 case
                 ,
                 we
                 could
                 not
                 launch
                 out
                 into
                 the
                 deep
                 ,
                 perfectly
                 trust
                 to
                 that
                 grace
                 revealed
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 have
                 one
                 foot
                 upon
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 feel
                 something
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 under
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 quiet
                 ;
                 is
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 thee
                 now
                 ?
                 that
                 thou
                 ar●
                 more
                 come
                 off
                 this
                 ,
                 thou
                 canst
                 now
                 though
                 thou
                 see
                 nothing
                 in
                 thy self
                 ,
                 yea
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 most
                 appearing
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 yet
                 wave
                 all
                 ,
                 come
                 clearly
                 off
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 alone
                 cast
                 
                 thy self
                 upon
                 the
                 waters
                 ,
                 commit
                 thy self
                 to
                 the
                 deep
                 ,
                 where
                 no
                 bottom
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 felt
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 growing
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 In
                 humility
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 another
                 which
                 indeed
                 doth
                 follow
                 upon
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 and
                 must
                 needs
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 for
                 nothing
                 emptyeth
                 more
                 then
                 faith
                 ,
                 nothing
                 layeth
                 the
                 soul
                 lower
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 prospering
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 
                   that
                   soul
                   that
                   is
                   lifted
                   up
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Prophet
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   not
                   right
                   within
                   him
                   :
                   Learn
                   of
                   me
                   ,
                   saith
                   our
                
                 
                 
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   am
                   meek
                   and
                   lowly
                   :
                
                 O
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 thus
                 low
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 hungry
                 ,
                 and
                 thirsty
                 ,
                 and
                 poor
                 in
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 sucks
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 then
                 a
                 taste
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 is
                 sweet
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Spirit
                 being
                 ready
                 to
                 yield
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 God
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 yield
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 every
                 thing
                 that
                 he
                 requireth
                 agreeable
                 to
                 his
                 will
                 ;
                 how
                 do
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 humility
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 examine
                 this
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 second
                 ,
                 and
                 third
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 step
                 of
                 
                   Jacobs
                   Ladder
                
                 ;
                 dost
                 thou
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 whereas
                 thou
                 wast
                 wont
                 to
                 over-look
                 and
                 undervalue
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 thy self
                 ;
                 now
                 rather
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 ,
                 that
                 every
                 one
                 fearing
                 God
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 thy self
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 vileness
                 of
                 thine
                 own
                 heart
                 ,
                 thou
                 seest
                 ;
                 before
                 thou
                 couldst
                 not
                 bear
                 a
                 reproof
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 thou
                 didst
                 not
                 turn
                 and
                 all
                 to
                 rent
                 him
                 that
                 reproved
                 thee
                 ,
                 though
                 with
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 mildness
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 snarl
                 ,
                 and
                 quarrel
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 cast
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 ,
                 into
                 his
                 own
                 teeth
                 that
                 reproved
                 thee
                 ;
                 now
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 reproved
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 nothing
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 but
                 fearest
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 too
                 true
                 of
                 thee
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 welcome
                 ,
                 thou
                 lovest
                 them
                 that
                 reprove
                 thee
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 heretofore
                 you
                 would
                 be
                 apt
                 to
                 complain
                 of
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 vileness
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 sad
                 mone
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 if
                 another
                 speak
                 but
                 an
                 ill
                 word
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 speak
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 you
                 then
                 you
                 deserve
                 ,
                 you
                 could
                 not
                 bear
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 if
                 they
                 speak
                 ill
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 art
                 thou
                 ready
                 to
                 lay
                 thy
                 hand
                 upon
                 thy
                 mouth
                 ,
                 sure
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 bid
                 them
                 speak
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 cause
                 enough
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 
                 cannot
                 say
                 worse
                 of
                 me
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 .
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 growth
                 in
                 humility
                 ;
                 before
                 thou
                 wert
                 ready
                 to
                 envy
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 had
                 more
                 gifts
                 ,
                 or
                 more
                 grace
                 ,
                 more
                 of
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 Gods
                 people
                 then
                 thy self
                 ;
                 now
                 thou
                 art
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 with
                 
                   Moses
                   ,
                   enviest
                   thou
                   for
                   my
                   sake
                   ?
                
                 thou
                 canst
                 sweetly
                 submit
                 to
                 his
                 disposal
                 of
                 thee
                 :
                 the
                 
                 least
                 thou
                 hast
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 thou
                 deservest
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 
                 obtains
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 when
                 thy
                 heart
                 is
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 frame
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 fit
                 to
                 receive
                 ;
                 so
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 less
                 then
                 the
                 least
                 of
                 his
                 mercies
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 an
                 argument
                 wherewith
                 he
                 pleaded
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 thou
                 art
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 though
                 in
                 never
                 so
                 mean
                 a
                 degree
                 of
                 service
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 so
                 be
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 but
                 thy
                 Father
                 and
                 own
                 thee
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 mayst
                 not
                 be
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 transfiguration
                 upon
                 the
                 mount
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 but
                 a
                 Disciple
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 mayst
                 not
                 get
                 within
                 the
                 cloud
                 with
                 Moses
                 ,
                 nor
                 be
                 a
                 Benjamin
                 ;
                 yet
                 if
                 
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 a
                 Son
                 and
                 a
                 Subject
                 ,
                 though
                 no
                 Favourite
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 contented
                 with
                 .
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 growth
                 !
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 search
                 and
                 try
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 this
                 pitch
                 ,
                 or
                 how
                 far
                 are
                 we
                 gone
                 herein
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 better
                 with
                 us
                 then
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 secondly
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 try
                 whether
                 we
                 grow
                 upward
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 downward
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 I
                 shall
                 consider
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 chief
                 faculties
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 mind
                 and
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 speak
                 somewhat
                 to
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 first
                 for
                 the
                 mind
                 ,
                 the
                 understanding
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 Do
                 you
                 find
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 grow
                 and
                 increase
                 in
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 his
                 will
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 darkness
                 that
                 is
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
                 naturally
                 ,
                 doth
                 vanish
                 by
                 any
                 degrees
                 ?
                 do
                 you
                 find
                 the
                 vail
                 doth
                 wear
                 thinner
                 that
                 was
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 begin
                 to
                 behold
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 with
                 a
                 more
                 open
                 face
                 then
                 before
                 ?
                 time
                 was
                 when
                 you
                 were
                 babes
                 in
                 understanding
                 ;
                 are
                 you
                 new
                 men
                 and
                 women
                 ,
                 or
                 are
                 you
                 past
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 babes
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 if
                 the
                 treasuries
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 were
                 laid
                 open
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 find
                 them
                 very
                 empty
                 of
                 this
                 heavenly
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 how
                 few
                 can
                 bring
                 out
                 of
                 their
                 treasuries
                 both
                 new
                 and
                 old
                 ?
                 This
                 will
                 appear
                 in
                 these
                 two
                 things
                 
                 specially
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 tossed
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 with
                 every
                 wind
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not-stablished
                 in
                 the
                 present
                 truth
                 ,
                 but
                 your
                 minds
                 are
                 floating
                 ,
                 and
                 hovering
                 ,
                 and
                 ready
                 to
                 settle
                 upon
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 presented
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 though
                 contrary
                 to
                 what
                 you
                 have
                 received
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 but
                 children
                 in
                 understanding
                 ;
                 how
                 easie
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 deceive
                 children
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 upon
                 them
                 Counters
                 instead
                 of
                 Gold
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 part
                 with
                 the
                 one
                 for
                 the
                 other
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 easie
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 lead
                 captive
                 silly-women
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                 calls
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 ever
                 learning
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 able
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 
                   a
                   weak
                   eye
                   that
                   cannot
                   discern
                   between
                
                 
                 
                 
                   things
                   that
                   differ
                   ,
                   hath
                   not
                   his
                   senses
                   exercised
                   to
                   discern
                   :
                
                 it
                 is
                 very
                 easie
                 to
                 put
                 one
                 thing
                 upon
                 them
                 for
                 another
                 ;
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 these
                 times
                 have
                 the
                 name
                 for
                 times
                 of
                 great
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 greater
                 knowledge
                 then
                 there
                 was
                 before
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 that
                 knowledge
                 shall
                 encrease
                 by
                 going
                 too
                 and
                 fro
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 for
                 all
                 that
                 ,
                 mens
                 eyes
                 are
                 very
                 weak
                 ,
                 they
                 cannot
                 discern
                 between
                 light
                 and
                 darkness
                 ,
                 but
                 put
                 darkness
                 for
                 light
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 all
                 errour
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 ignorance
                 of
                 the
                 Scripture
                 and
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 and
                 was
                 there
                 ever
                 any
                 times
                 more
                 fruitful
                 in
                 errour
                 then
                 these
                 are
                 ?
                 Alas
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 strangers
                 are
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 principles
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 if
                 examined
                 ,
                 in
                 them
                 that
                 pretend
                 to
                 such
                 high
                 discoveries
                 and
                 revelations
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 our
                 times
                 ,
                 
                   such
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   milk
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   of
                   strong
                   meat
                   ;
                   the
                   wisdom
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   a
                   mysterie
                   is
                   a
                   riddle
                   to
                   them
                
                 ;
                 the
                 
                 Apostle
                 spake
                 it
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 were
                 perfect
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 grown
                 men
                 and
                 women
                 ,
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 babes
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 find
                 your selves
                 easie
                 to
                 be
                 shaken
                 ,
                 to
                 turn
                 with
                 every
                 wind
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 like
                 a
                 weather-cock
                 ,
                 it
                 argues
                 you
                 are
                 but
                 children
                 ,
                 but
                 babes
                 ;
                 you
                 may
                 perswade
                 a
                 child
                 to
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 of
                 twenty
                 minds
                 in
                 an
                 hour
                 ,
                 because
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 sound
                 well-grounded
                 knowledge
                 of
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 perswade
                 him
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 his
                 meat
                 ,
                 his
                 drink
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 toy
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 some
                 pretended
                 loathsomness
                 in
                 it
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 poor
                 ,
                 weak
                 ,
                 ignorant
                 souls
                 ;
                 how
                 do
                 we
                 see
                 many
                 cheated
                 out
                 of
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 duties
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 close
                 walkings
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 things
                 of
                 no
                 moment
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 cunning
                 craftiness
                 of
                 them
                 who
                 lie
                 in
                 wait
                 to
                 deceive
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 thing
                 to
                 see
                 persons
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 of
                 greater
                 knowledge
                 then
                 ordinary
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 things
                 so
                 much
                 controverted
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 now
                 a
                 daies
                 ,
                 can
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 daies
                 time
                 be
                 so
                 tost
                 with
                 a
                 wind
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 a
                 strange
                 ,
                 a
                 contrary
                 practise
                 ;
                 this
                 easiness
                 to
                 forgo
                 our
                 principles
                 ,
                 argues
                 we
                 are
                 childish
                 and
                 weak
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Are
                 we
                 grown
                 in
                 understanding
                 ?
                 you
                 will
                 find
                 it
                 by
                 this
                 ;
                 thou
                 wilt
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 ready
                 ,
                 so
                 easie
                 to
                 take
                 offence
                 as
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 hast
                 been
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 before
                 men
                 are
                 acquainted
                 with
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 God
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 they
                 are
                 offended
                 at
                 every
                 thing
                 they
                 see
                 ;
                 the
                 Jews
                 were
                 offended
                 with
                 the
                 meanness
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 his
                 descent
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 Carpenters
                 Son
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Messias
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 the
                 weakness
                 of
                 their
                 understanding
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 did
                 not
                 consider
                 those
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 said
                 
                   there
                   should
                   be
                   no
                   beauty
                   in
                   him
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   desire
                   him
                
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 
                 he
                 should
                 come
                 meek
                 and
                 lowly
                 ,
                 riding
                 upon
                 an
                 Ass
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 were
                 offended
                 at
                 his
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 told
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   must
                   eat
                   his
                   flesh
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   his
                   blood
                   ,
                
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 conceive
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 many
                 of
                 his
                 Disciples
                 went
                 backward
                 and
                 walked
                 with
                 
                 him
                 no
                 more
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 sinners
                 ,
                 O
                 they
                 stumble
                 at
                 every
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 consider
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 pry
                 into
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 find
                 they
                 miss
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 in
                 their
                 duties
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 prejudiced
                 strongly
                 against
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 God
                 upon
                 this
                 score
                 ;
                 alas
                 it
                 is
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 a
                 corrupt
                 principle
                 within
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 laid
                 open
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 when
                 lust
                 and
                 temptation
                 meeteth
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 wonderfully
                 keep
                 them
                 ;
                 they
                 expect
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 Angels
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 altogether
                 spotless
                 and
                 pure
                 ,
                 even
                 while
                 they
                 are
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 are
                 offended
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 a
                 weak
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 newly
                 come
                 on
                 to
                 grace
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 every
                 little
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 they
                 stumble
                 at
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 offending
                 is
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 stumbling
                 upon
                 a
                 thing
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 hurt
                 themselves
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 either
                 by
                 being
                 drawn
                 to
                 sin
                 thereby
                 ,
                 being
                 encouraged
                 to
                 sin
                 thereby
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 by
                 being
                 grieved
                 at
                 it
                 without
                 cause
                 ;
                 you
                 know
                 a
                 child
                 cannot
                 get
                 over
                 that
                 which
                 a
                 man
                 maketh
                 nothing
                 of
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 stumbleth
                 and
                 falleth
                 :
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 discusseth
                 of
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 indifferent
                 things
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 All
                 
                 
                   men
                   have
                   not
                   this
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   that
                   an
                   Idol
                   is
                   nothing
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   if
                   some
                   weak
                   ones
                   ,
                   see
                   a
                   Brother
                   that
                   is
                   strong
                   eat
                   of
                   that
                   which
                   was
                   offered
                   to
                   an
                   Idol
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   knoweth
                   to
                   be
                   lawful
                   for
                   him
                   to
                   do
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   offended
                   at
                   it
                   :
                
                 this
                 argues
                 weakness
                 :
                 now
                 have
                 we
                 found
                 it
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 apt
                 to
                 take
                 offence
                 at
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 at
                 every
                 thing
                 in
                 others
                 almost
                 ?
                 and
                 now
                 we
                 can
                 bear
                 ;
                 it
                 argues
                 we
                 see
                 more
                 clearly
                 the
                 grounds
                 of
                 such
                 actions
                 ;
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Another
                 part
                 of
                 this
                 growth
                 upward
                 ,
                 I
                 place
                 in
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 indeed
                 the
                 main
                 ,
                 the
                 commanding
                 faculty
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 wherein
                 the
                 main
                 of
                 faith
                 doth
                 lie
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 other
                 graces
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 tender-heartedness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 :
                 dost
                 thou
                 find
                 then
                 that
                 heretofore
                 thy
                 will
                 was
                 more
                 unsettled
                 and
                 wavering
                 ,
                 being
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 halting
                 between
                 two
                 ,
                 thou
                 wast
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 come
                 up
                 so
                 fully
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 resolution
                 for
                 God
                 and
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 trample
                 all
                 under-foot
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 have
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 
                 either
                 hadst
                 some
                 reservation
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 be
                 saved
                 ;
                 now
                 thy
                 resolution
                 breaks
                 through
                 all
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 growth
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 A
                 man
                 of
                 a
                 weak
                 resolution
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 alas
                 if
                 a
                 temptation
                 come
                 ,
                 to
                 deny
                 him
                 the
                 allurements
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 he
                 forsakes
                 him
                 with
                 Demas
                 ,
                 and
                 imbraceth
                 the
                 present
                 world
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 frowns
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   draweth
                   ba●k
                   to
                   perdition
                
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 is
                 foiled
                 with
                 
                 Peter
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 much
                 abated
                 in
                 his
                 zeal
                 ,
                 groweth
                 to
                 a
                 more
                 indifferency
                 
                 of
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 would
                 joyn
                 Christ
                 and
                 Moses
                 together
                 with
                 the
                 temporizing
                 Jews
                 ,
                 to
                 keep
                 themselves
                 from
                 being
                 persecuted
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 Peter
                 himself
                 afterward
                 ,
                 alas
                 his
                 resolution
                 was
                 not
                 yet
                 so
                 strong
                 as
                 afterward
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 forbear
                 to
                 walk
                 with
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 as
                 before
                 he
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 was
                 an
                 offence
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 can
                 tell
                 the
                 time
                 when
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 men
                 we
                 have
                 sadly
                 miscarried
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 better
                 with
                 us
                 now
                 ?
                 have
                 we
                 now
                 more
                 courage
                 ?
                 have
                 we
                 for
                 fear
                 of
                 shame
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 with
                 Nicodemus
                 by
                 night
                 ?
                 and
                 now
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 
                 ashamed
                 of
                 Christ
                 nor
                 of
                 his
                 Gospel
                 ?
                 As
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 ashamed
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 were
                 persecuted
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 his
                 meanness
                 of
                 speech
                 were
                 despised
                 ,
                 his
                 preaching
                 in
                 a
                 suitable
                 manner
                 to
                 the
                 subject
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 of
                 a
                 Preachers
                 duty
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 not
                 ashamed
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 now
                 consider
                 ,
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 thee
                 such
                 boldness
                 ,
                 such
                 courage
                 ,
                 such
                 resolution
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 hold
                 fast
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 his
                 patience
                 ,
                 the
                 suffering-truth
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 tryed
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 grown
                 we
                 shall
                 miscarry
                 as
                 heretofore
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 .
                 Alas
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 touch
                 with
                 a
                 finger
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 blast
                 will
                 blow
                 a
                 c
                 〈…〉
                 d
                 over
                 and
                 over
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 grown
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 greater
                 resolutions
                 against
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 avoid
                 the
                 occasions
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 find
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 O
                 the
                 yielding
                 frame
                 of
                 your
                 hearts
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 weakness
                 ,
                 every
                 day
                 it
                 is
                 weaker
                 then
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 and
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 you
                 can
                 peremptorily
                 deny
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 deny
                 a
                 temptation
                 ?
                 O
                 you
                 may
                 not
                 do
                 this
                 and
                 sin
                 against
                 God!
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 grown
                 in
                 the
                 will
                 indeed
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 strong
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 these
                 resolutions
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 cannot
                 cease
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 where
                 we
                 were
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 affected
                 a
                 little
                 with
                 our
                 sins
                 upon
                 a
                 flash
                 or
                 pang
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 no
                 power
                 nor
                 
                 strength
                 to
                 resist
                 our
                 wills
                 ,
                 our
                 wills
                 are
                 as
                 weak
                 as
                 water
                 to
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 sin
                 ;
                 we
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 .
              
               
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 as
                 thus
                 downward
                 and
                 upward
                 ,
                 so
                 see
                 how
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 fruitfulness
                 ;
                 we
                 have
                 spoken
                 at
                 large
                 to
                 that
                 subject
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 bring
                 forth
                 fruits
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 cannot
                 escape
                 the
                 Axe
                 ;
                 now
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 therein
                 ;
                 a
                 young
                 tree
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 year
                 ,
                 cannot
                 be
                 expected
                 to
                 bear
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 better
                 grown
                 ;
                 no
                 more
                 a
                 young
                 Christian
                 :
                 here
                 I
                 would
                 only
                 mind
                 you
                 of
                 two
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 bring
                 forth
                 more
                 fruit
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 do
                 more
                 for
                 God
                 then
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 souls
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 prayed
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 now
                 do
                 it
                 more
                 often
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 three
                 times
                 a
                 day
                 with
                 Daniel
                 and
                 David
                 :
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 gavest
                 but
                 little
                 to
                 the
                 relief
                 of
                 the
                 poor
                 Saints
                 and
                 others
                 in
                 distress
                 ;
                 dost
                 thou
                 now
                 give
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 proportionable
                 to
                 thy
                 estate
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 blessed
                 thee
                 ?
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 proportion
                 which
                 
                 the
                 Apostle
                 maketh
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 where
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 didst
                 speak
                 but
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 savory
                 word
                 ,
                 now
                 dost
                 thou
                 grow
                 in
                 that
                 ?
                 is
                 thy
                 communication
                 much
                 more
                 seasoned
                 and
                 savoury
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 all
                 savoury
                 ,
                 tending
                 to
                 minister
                 grace
                 to
                 the
                 hearers
                 ?
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 hadst
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 scarce
                 a
                 thought
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 a
                 day
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 the
                 workings
                 of
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 him
                 are
                 pleasant
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 an
                 high
                 condition
                 ,
                 it
                 argues
                 thou
                 hast
                 grown
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 in
                 a
                 growing
                 condtition
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Is
                 that
                 more
                 fruit
                 you
                 bring
                 forth
                 ,
                 better
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 before
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 more
                 mellow
                 then
                 formerly
                 ?
                 or
                 if
                 thou
                 bring
                 forth
                 no
                 more
                 in
                 number
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 more
                 in
                 weight
                 ?
                 for
                 God
                 takes
                 not
                 our
                 services
                 by
                 number
                 but
                 by
                 weight
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sottishness
                 of
                 the
                 poor
                 blind
                 Papists
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 that
                 God
                 is
                 pleased
                 with
                 their
                 much
                 speaking
                 ,
                 with
                 pattering
                 over
                 so
                 many
                 
                   Avy
                   Maries
                
                 and
                 
                   Pater
                   Nosters
                
                 ,
                 or
                 principles
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
                 I
                 wish
                 our
                 practises
                 be
                 not
                 too
                 like
                 theirs
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 heretofore
                 thou
                 couldest
                 not
                 enlarge
                 thy self
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 thou
                 canst
                 ;
                 and
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 thou
                 art
                 much
                 grown
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 bulk
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 in
                 goodness
                 ;
                 are
                 thy
                 prayers
                 now
                 more
                 ,
                 the
                 breathings
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 within
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 less
                 of
                 thine
                 own
                 Spirit
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 much
                 strange
                 fire
                 mingled
                 with
                 our
                 sacrifices
                 ,
                 and
                 strange
                 incense
                 ,
                 strange
                 zeal
                 ,
                 even
                 our
                 own
                 passions
                 ,
                 instead
                 of
                 a
                 zeal
                 for
                 God!
                 Now
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 our
                 zeal
                 and
                 fire
                 
                 more
                 pure
                 ,
                 coming
                 down
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 even
                 from
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 warming
                 our
                 hearts
                 ?
                 Look
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 more
                 spiritual
                 in
                 duties
                 ,
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 act
                 our
                 faith
                 more
                 strongly
                 ,
                 wrestle
                 with
                 God
                 in
                 spirit
                 more
                 then
                 in
                 words
                 ?
                 children
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 with
                 bables
                 and
                 pictures
                 ,
                 and
                 flowers
                 in
                 the
                 corn
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 w●th
                 sweet
                 and
                 quaint
                 expressions
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 have
                 we
                 learned
                 to
                 worship
                 him
                 more
                 in
                 spirit
                 and
                 in
                 truth
                 ;
                 to
                 know
                 that
                 the
                 great
                 work
                 of
                 our
                 duties
                 lie
                 in
                 the
                 frame
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 toward
                 God
                 ,
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 in
                 preaching
                 ,
                 in
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 childishness
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 for
                 one
                 never
                 to
                 be
                 well
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 place
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 alway
                 upon
                 the
                 lap
                 and
                 dandled
                 ;
                 do
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 now
                 we
                 would
                 rather
                 be
                 made
                 serviceable
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 more
                 pure
                 hearts
                 ,
                 more
                 pure
                 ends
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   for
                   our selves
                   ,
                   but
                   for
                   his
                   glory
                   ,
                
                 we
                 ask
                 not
                 gifts
                 ,
                 parts
                 ,
                 
                 grace
                 ,
                 to
                 spend
                 it
                 upon
                 our
                 lusts
                 as
                 heretofore
                 ;
                 not
                 ●or
                 our
                 own
                 peace
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 take
                 our
                 ends
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 fitter
                 instruments
                 in
                 his
                 hands
                 for
                 his
                 glory
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 praise
                 and
                 honour
                 among
                 men
                 .
                 O
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 sticks
                 closer
                 to
                 us
                 then
                 this
                 ;
                 now
                 doth
                 this
                 sowrness
                 ,
                 crabbidness
                 of
                 our
                 fruits
                 wear
                 away
                 by
                 degrees
                 ;
                 is
                 it
                 better
                 with
                 us
                 in
                 these
                 respects
                 then
                 before
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 of
                 growth
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 will
                 add
                 but
                 one
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 Dost
                 thou
                 ●ind
                 that
                 thou
                 growest
                 by
                 the
                 opposition
                 thou
                 meetest
                 with
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 either
                 from
                 without
                 or
                 from
                 within
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 way
                 whatsoever
                 ?
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 from
                 opposition
                 without
                 ,
                 grace
                 will
                 grow
                 and
                 gather
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 either
                 from
                 men
                 or
                 from
                 the
                 Lood
                 ;
                 from
                 men
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 oppose
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 God
                 wherein
                 we
                 walk
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 stronger
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ;
                 as
                 when
                 Paul
                 preached
                 the
                 faith
                 which
                 once
                 he
                 had
                 destroyed
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 people
                 were
                 amazed
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 
                 Text
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 spake
                 of
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 changling
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   not
                   this
                   he
                   that
                   wasted
                   them
                   that
                   called
                   upon
                   his
                   name
                   in
                   Jerusalem
                   ?
                
                 but
                 Saul
                 waxed
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 stronger
                 ,
                 and
                 confounded
                 the
                 Jews
                 that
                 dwelled
                 at
                 Damaseus
                 ,
                 proving
                 that
                 this
                 was
                 the
                 Christ
                 .
                 As
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 is
                 hotter
                 by
                 antiperistasis
                 ,
                 in
                 coldest
                 weather
                 ;
                 the
                 Palm-trees
                 they
                 grow
                 like
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 in
                 the
                 proof
                 ,
                 that
                 raiseth
                 it self
                 up
                 under
                 a
                 weight
                 of
                 opposition
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 
                 mean
                 an
                 
                   Ish
                   〈…〉
                   elitish
                
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 against
                 every
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 
                 mans
                 hand
                 against
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 should
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 cross
                 ,
                 crooked
                 disposition
                 ,
                 do
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 or
                 vex
                 and
                 gall
                 persons
                 that
                 oppose
                 them
                 ;
                 but
                 grace
                 will
                 then
                 be
                 stirred
                 up
                 as
                 the
                 fire
                 by
                 the
                 wind
                 ,
                 that
                 bloweth
                 it
                 this
                 way
                 and
                 that
                 way
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 vain
                 to
                 blow
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 to
                 offer
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 increaseth
                 the
                 flame
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 resisting
                 that
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 Saints
                 a
                 〈…〉
                 ted
                 ;
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 thus
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 do
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 opposition
                 from
                 men
                 doth
                 cool
                 us
                 ,
                 discourage
                 us
                 ,
                 dishearten
                 us
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 dare
                 not
                 own
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 his
                 truth
                 and
                 way
                 ?
                 Truly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 feared
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 From
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 opposition
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 he
                 wrestleth
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 Jacobs
                 wrestling
                 with
                 God
                 implyeth
                 some
                 
                 opposition
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 wrestled
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   let
                   me
                   go
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 this
                 stirreth
                 him
                 up
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 earnestly
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 take
                 his
                 leave
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 poor
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 rebuked
                 for
                 crying
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   cryed
                   so
                   much
                   the
                   more
                   earnestly
                
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 so
                 our
                 Saviour
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 that
                 great
                 agony
                 ,
                 or
                 striving
                 under
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   prayed
                   so
                   much
                   the
                   more
                   earnestly
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 sometimes
                 hang
                 back
                 
                 or
                 hide
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 might
                 draw
                 out
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 his
                 peoples
                 hearts
                 toward
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Fisher
                 draweth
                 away
                 his
                 bait
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 fish
                 follow
                 it
                 the
                 more
                 eagerly
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 consider
                 this
                 now
                 ,
                 do
                 we
                 thus
                 grow
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 opposition
                 ?
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 say
                 to
                 us
                 we
                 are
                 dogs
                 ,
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 childrens
                 bread
                 ,
                 can
                 we
                 conclude
                 the
                 worst
                 against
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 gather
                 upon
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 crums
                 at
                 the
                 least
                 ?
              
               
                 But
                 then
                 there
                 is
                 opposition
                 from
                 our selves
                 ,
                 from
                 within
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 rebelling
                 of
                 our
                 lusts
                 ,
                 they
                 rise
                 and
                 swell
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 times
                 over-bear
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 foiled
                 ;
                 do
                 we
                 grow
                 by
                 this
                 ?
                 this
                 may
                 seem
                 somewhat
                 strange
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 acting
                 of
                 sin
                 should
                 tend
                 to
                 the
                 encreasing
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 for
                 that
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 proper
                 ;
                 for
                 every
                 act
                 of
                 sin
                 properly
                 doth
                 strengthen
                 the
                 habits
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 stronger
                 sin
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 weaker
                 grace
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 more
                 the
                 water
                 cools
                 ,
                 the
                 less
                 heat
                 there
                 is
                 remaining
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 accident
                 ,
                 as
                 water
                 cast
                 upon
                 a
                 coal-fire
                 ,
                 at
                 present
                 it
                 seemeth
                 to
                 put
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 afterward
                 it
                 burns
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 hotter
                 and
                 fiercer
                 .
                 So
                 grace
                 takes
                 occasion
                 hereby
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 it self
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 it self
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 it
                 maketh
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 humble
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 watchful
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 prayer
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 right
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 neither
                 sin
                 nor
                 Satan
                 gets
                 by
                 this
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 So
                 if
                 Peter
                 be
                 tost
                 in
                 that
                 sieve
                 of
                 vanity
                 ,
                 that
                 temptation
                 ,
                 and
                 fall
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 it
                 humbles
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 afterward
                 it
                 fetcheth
                 him
                 off
                 his
                 own
                 bottom
                 !
                 how
                 valiant
                 he
                 grew
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 And
                 Hezekiah
                 his
                 pride
                 in
                 the
                 business
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Babylon
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 tended
                 to
                 humble
                 him
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ;
                 do
                 we
                 find
                 it
                 thus
                 ?
                 doth
                 sin
                 increase
                 our
                 grace
                 ,
                 increase
                 even
                 by
                 our
                 falls
                 ?
                 do
                 we
                 get
                 ground
                 of
                 them
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 if
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 well
                 with
                 us
                 .
                 And
                 thus
                 much
                 shall
                 serve
                 for
                 the
                 tryal
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 next
                 Vse
                 then
                 will
                 be
                 for
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 find
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 none
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 we
                 grow
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 a
                 company
                 of
                 poor
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 for
                 proficiency
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 means
                 ;
                 I
                 should
                 advise
                 all
                 such
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 their
                 standing
                 ,
                 their
                 being
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 deceived
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 except
                 you
                 be
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 be
                 risen
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 vain
                 to
                 put
                 you
                 on
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 event
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 discharge
                 of
                 our
                 duty
                 .
                 A
                 rotten
                 root
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 the
                 branches
                 on
                 to
                 any
                 increase
                 ,
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 wither
                 and
                 rot
                 ,
                 and
                 perish
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 ;
                 look
                 to
                 your
                 foundation
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 I
                 should
                 not
                 need
                 to
                 press
                 this
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 for
                 the
                 notion
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 it
                 can
                 be
                 told
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   except
                   you
                   be
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   you
                   can
                   bring
                   forth
                   no
                   fruit
                   ,
                   much
                   less
                   can
                   you
                   increase
                   in
                   fruitfulness
                   .
                
                 If
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 shut
                 your
                 eyes
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 &
                 wink
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 did
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   stopped
                   their
                   eyes
                   lest
                   they
                   should
                
                 
                 
                   see
                   with
                   them
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 arise
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 are
                 you
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 so
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 have
                 him
                 to
                 arise
                 upon
                 you
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 be
                 made
                 one
                 with
                 him
                 ?
                 would
                 you
                 be
                 found
                 in
                 him
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 the
                 head
                 from
                 whence
                 righteousness
                 and
                 holiness
                 proceedeth
                 ?
                 deceive
                 not
                 your selves
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 Christ
                 offers
                 himself
                 to
                 you
                 all
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 will
                 may
                 come
                 and
                 take
                 him
                 for
                 his
                 head
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 root
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 grow
                 up
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 wert
                 willing
                 ,
                 then
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 in
                 him
                 ?
                 well
                 ,
                 surely
                 then
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 willing
                 ,
                 (
                 whatever
                 thou
                 pretendest
                 )
                 he
                 would
                 gather
                 thee
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Hen
                 the
                 Chickens
                 ,
                 where
                 they
                 grow
                 apace
                 from
                 the
                 heat
                 they
                 are
                 
                 cherished
                 with
                 ;
                 but
                 ye
                 would
                 not
                 ,
                 ye
                 would
                 not
                 ;
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 alive
                 through
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 this
                 union
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 find
                 you
                 grow
                 little
                 ,
                 or
                 haply
                 can
                 scarce
                 see
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 grown
                 ;
                 now
                 will
                 you
                 be
                 exhorted
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Apostles
                 words
                 ,
                 
                   Grow
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ;
                   Labour
                   to
                   improve
                   ,
                   to
                   come
                   on
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   fat
                   and
                   flourishing
                   ,
                   content
                   not
                   your selves
                   to
                   be
                   babes
                   in
                   Christ
                   ,
                   no
                   nor
                   young
                   men
                   ,
                   but
                   grow
                   up
                   to
                   be
                   Fathers
                   .
                
                 The
                 prosecution
                 of
                 this
                 Use
                 ,
                 the
                 general
                 Exhortation
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 first
                 lay
                 you
                 down
                 some
                 particulars
                 ,
                 wherein
                 among
                 others
                 specially
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 because
                 haply
                 if
                 we
                 rest
                 in
                 generals
                 ,
                 each
                 hearer
                 hath
                 not
                 his
                 skill
                 to
                 bring
                 it
                 to
                 particulars
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 the
                 motives
                 to
                 enforce
                 it
                 .
                 And
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 some
                 general
                 helps
                 to
                 growth
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 some
                 other
                 Exhortations
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 wherein
                 specially
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 our
                 growth
                 ;
                 and
                 first
                 in
                 knowledge
                 :
                 we
                 must
                 ●ook
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 hath
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 forecited
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   Grow
                   in
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 
                 Knowledge
                 is
                 not
                 here
                 put
                 by
                 way
                 of
                 contradistinct
                 .
                 from
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 no
                 grace
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 being
                 that
                 special
                 grace
                 which
                 doth
                 so
                 much
                 promote
                 and
                 further
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 all
                 grace
                 :
                 beside
                 ,
                 the
                 Papists
                 tell
                 us
                 ,
                 ignorance
                 is
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 devotion
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 faith
                 is
                 better
                 defined
                 by
                 ignorance
                 then
                 by
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 cals
                 faith
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 
                   by
                   his
                   knowldege
                   shall
                   my
                   righteous
                   servant
                   justifie
                   many
                   ,
                
                 that
                 is
                 faith
                 sure
                 ;
                 
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   life
                   eternal
                   ,
                   to
                   know
                   thee
                   the
                   only
                   true
                   God
                
                 ;
                 now
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 it
                 ;
                 they
                 boast
                 themselves
                 
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 Peter
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 little
                 they
                 own
                 him
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 ;
                 for
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   grow
                   in
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ▪
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 a
                 crucified
                 Christ
                 :
                 Now
                 saith
                 the
                 Papists
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 errour
                 and
                 schism
                 ,
                 and
                 ignorance
                 is
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 devotion
                 ;
                 just
                 as
                 the
                 Jews
                 made
                 their
                 boast
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 Saviour
                 confuteth
                 them
                 by
                 Moses
                 whom
                 they
                 so
                 much
                 boasted
                 of
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   one
                   who
                   accuseth
                   you
                   ,
                   even
                
                 Moses
                 ,
                 in
                 
                 
                   whom
                   you
                   trust
                   ,
                   for
                   if
                   ye
                   had
                   believed
                
                 Moses
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   had
                   believed
                   me
                   ,
                   for
                   he
                   wrote
                   of
                   me
                   .
                
                 So
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 one
                 that
                 will
                 accuse
                 them
                 in
                 this
                 point
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 even
                 Peter
                 ,
                 in
                 whom
                 they
                 trust
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   ye
                   may
                   grow
                   up
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   speaking
                   the
                   truth
                   in
                   love
                
                 ;
                 the
                 
                 
                 speaking
                 the
                 truth
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 grow
                 up
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 receiving
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 receiving
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 love
                 ;
                 a
                 well-qualified
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 him
                 crucified
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 desired
                 to
                 know
                 nothing
                 among
                 them
                 but
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   they
                   knew
                   Christ
                   and
                   him
                   crucified
                   ,
                   this
                   knowledge
                   would
                
                 
                 
                   produce
                   whatever
                   else
                   is
                   requisite
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   not
                   by
                   its
                   own
                   power
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   grace
                   carrying
                   it
                   on
                   .
                
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Colossians
                   ,
                   increasing
                   in
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   acknowledgment
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   strengthened
                   with
                   all
                   might
                   according
                   to
                   his
                   glorious
                   power
                   ,
                   to
                   all
                
                 
                 
                   patience
                   and
                   long-suffering
                   with
                   joy
                
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 himself
                 tells
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   wise
                   man
                   is
                   strong
                   ,
                   yea
                   a
                   man
                   of
                   understanding
                   increaseth
                
                 
                 strength
                 :
                 Why
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 may
                 there
                 not
                 be
                 much
                 knowledge
                 and
                 yet
                 little
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 this
                 too
                 necessary
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ?
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 much
                 knowledge
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 many
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 many
                 know
                 much
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 know
                 nothing
                 as
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 however
                 there
                 cannot
                 be
                 grace
                 without
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 a
                 compe
                 〈…〉
                 t
                 considerable
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 him
                 crucified
                 ;
                 Fuel
                 may
                 be
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 fire
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 fire
                 will
                 not
                 burn
                 nor
                 continue
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 fuel
                 ;
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 is
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 oyl
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 fuel
                 wherein
                 the
                 flame
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 liveth
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 do
                 but
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   grace
                   and
                   truth
                   came
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                
                 grace
                 and
                 truth
                 ,
                 therefore
                 grace
                 aboundeth
                 
                 now
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 he
                 came
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 more
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 came
                 to
                 reveal
                 the
                 truth
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 clear
                 ,
                 full
                 manner
                 then
                 before
                 ;
                 
                   when
                   the
                   vail
                   is
                   taken
                   away
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   was
                   upon
                   the
                   face
                   ,
                   then
                   beholding
                   Christ
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   open
                   face
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   changed
                   into
                   his
                   image
                   from
                   glory
                   to
                   glory
                   :
                
                 and
                 truly
                 there
                 is
                 all
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 whereby
                 grace
                 is
                 begotten
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 same
                 means
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 preserved
                 and
                 increased
                 :
                 Now
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 begotten
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 promised
                 to
                 be
                 sent
                 forth
                 to
                 convince
                 the
                 world
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 of
                 judgement
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                   James
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   begotten
                   us
                   again
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   will
                   by
                   his
                   word
                   of
                   truth
                   ,
                
                 and
                 therefore
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 grace
                 is
                 kept
                 alive
                 ,
                 by
                 our
                 keeping
                 this
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 and
                 increased
                 by
                 the
                 increasing
                 of
                 this
                 knowledge
                 ;
                 
                   Sanctifie
                   them
                
                 
                 
                   with
                   thy
                   truth
                   ,
                   thy
                   word
                   is
                   truth
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 concerning
                 his
                 Disciples
                 ;
                 
                   ye
                   shall
                   know
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   truth
                   shall
                   make
                   you
                   
                   free
                
                 ;
                 he
                 speaks
                 here
                 of
                 a
                 further
                 progress
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 were
                 his
                 Disciples
                 already
                 ,
                 only
                 he
                 promiseth
                 them
                 further
                 freedom
                 and
                 liberty
                 from
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 through
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ;
                 how
                 do
                 men
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 right
                 escape
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   through
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   ?
                
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 the
                 
                 
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   and
                   Saviour
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 and
                 how
                 come
                 they
                 to
                 wallow
                 in
                 their
                 vomit
                 again
                 ,
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 wallow
                 in
                 the
                 mire
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 imprisoning
                 and
                 smothering
                 the
                 truth
                 ?
                 the
                 principles
                 they
                 have
                 received
                 put
                 out
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 they
                 may
                 do
                 what
                 they
                 please
                 :
                 the
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 all
                 grace
                 is
                 conveyed
                 through
                 the
                 understanding
                 of
                 men
                 and
                 women
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 Lord
                 works
                 upon
                 us
                 as
                 reasonable
                 creatures
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 proposeth
                 things
                 to
                 the
                 understanding
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 Judge
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 assent
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 judge
                 the
                 goodness
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 propound
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 will
                 to
                 receive
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 
                   that
                   know
                   thy
                   name
                   will
                   trust
                   in
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 the
                 great
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 poor
                 sinners
                 are
                 strangers
                 from
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 God
                 
                   is
                   because
                   of
                   their
                   ignorance
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   therefore
                   the
                   heathen
                   call
                   not
                   upon
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   know
                   him
                   not
                
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 so
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 call
                 
                 not
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 we
                 ought
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 him
                 not
                 ;
                 either
                 we
                 neglect
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 a
                 slight
                 slubbering
                 manne
                 〈…〉
                 t
                 is
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 God
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 God
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 searching
                 the
                 hearts
                 ,
                 great
                 and
                 glorious
                 ,
                 and
                 jealous
                 :
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 poor
                 creatures
                 trust
                 not
                 more
                 perfectly
                 to
                 the
                 grace
                 that
                 is
                 revealed
                 ,
                 but
                 because
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 their
                 understandings
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 opened
                 to
                 behold
                 the
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 all
                 their
                 mountainous
                 sins
                 ,
                 wash
                 out
                 their
                 spots
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 deep
                 ;
                 pay
                 their
                 debts
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 
                 so
                 deeply
                 charged
                 :
                 if
                 poor
                 sinners
                 did
                 but
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 trust
                 more
                 perfectly
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 familiar
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 of
                 it
                 in
                 comparison
                 :
                 Ah
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 
                   those
                   that
                   crucified
                
                 
                 
                   Christ
                   knew
                   not
                   what
                   they
                   did
                   ,
                   else
                   they
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   done
                   it
                
                 ;
                 and
                 poor
                 sinners
                 now
                 that
                 stand
                 it
                 out
                 in
                 this
                 their
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 slight
                 the
                 offers
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 alas
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 you
                 do
                 ,
                 else
                 you
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 therefore
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 grow
                 in
                 any
                 grace
                 ,
                 all
                 graces
                 ,
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 else
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 knowledge
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 but
                 a
                 clear
                 understanding
                 of
                 the
                 dimensions
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 freeness
                 
                 and
                 fulness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 set
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 such
                 vile
                 ,
                 filthy
                 ,
                 polluted
                 wretches
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 had
                 no
                 comliness
                 ,
                 but
                 loathsomness
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 bring
                 us
                 so
                 near
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 one
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 one
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 and
                 reign
                 for
                 ever
                 with
                 him
                 as
                 Children
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 Spouse
                 :
                 if
                 the
                 soul
                 did
                 but
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 would
                 it
                 love
                 〈◊〉
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 again
                 !
                 would
                 men
                 be
                 proud
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 knew
                 this
                 as
                 they
                 ought
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 :
                 therefore
                 look
                 that
                 you
                 grow
                 in
                 this
                 :
                 there
                 were
                 never
                 more
                 wayes
                 and
                 means
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 him
                 cr●cified
                 ,
                 then
                 now
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 wanting
                 to
                 our selves
                 shamefully
                 :
                 we
                 cannot
                 conclude
                 ignorance
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 grow
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 of
                 understanding
                 increaseth
                 knowledge
                 :
                 learn
                 
                 of
                 any
                 body
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 faith
                 ;
                 the
                 Disciples
                 were
                 sensible
                 of
                 this
                 defect
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 prayed
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 increase
                 their
                 faith
                 ;
                 Faith
                 hath
                 a
                 wonderful
                 influence
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 
                   Be
                   it
                   unto
                   thee
                   even
                   as
                   thou
                   wilt
                   :
                
                 
                 Mat.
                 15.
                 28.
                 sa●●h
                 our
                 Saviour
                 to
                 the
                 Woman
                 of
                 Canaan
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 were
                 but
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith
                 ,
                 if
                 women
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 Wils
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 men
                 would
                 have
                 their
                 Wils
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith
                 ;
                 Faith
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 the
                 union
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 Christ
                 is
                 maintained
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 the
                 soul
                 cleaveth
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 strength
                 or
                 weakness
                 of
                 that
                 Will
                 ,
                 the
                 growth
                 in
                 other
                 respects
                 be
                 also
                 ;
                 a
                 strong
                 Faith
                 draweth
                 strongly
                 from
                 him
                 :
                 all
                 the
                 nourishment
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 suppl●es
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 whereby
                 it
                 is
                 digested
                 ,
                 is
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 Now
                 a
                 strong
                 Faith
                 draweth
                 these
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 more
                 abundantly
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 then
                 a
                 weak
                 Faith
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 whereby
                 we
                 suck
                 the
                 milk
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 consolation
                 ,
                 the
                 Promises
                 ;
                 we
                 feed
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   Eat
                   his
                   flesh
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   meat
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   his
                   blood
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   drink
                   indeed
                   ,
                
                 no
                 nourishment
                 like
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 do
                 by
                 Faith
                 partake
                 
                 of
                 the
                 fatness
                 of
                 the
                 Olive
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 accordingly
                 grow
                 in
                 other
                 Graces
                 ;
                 One
                 saith
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 Faith
                 that
                 virtually
                 is
                 all
                 Graces
                 ,
                 because
                 Faith
                 fetcheth
                 in
                 the
                 supplies
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 enable
                 to
                 all
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 patient
                 in
                 tribulation
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 believe
                 ;
                 and
                 impatiency
                 ,
                 it
                 proceedeth
                 from
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 Faith
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 believeth
                 ,
                 maketh
                 not
                 haste
                 ;
                 hence
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 turn
                 aside
                 from
                 following
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 
                 there
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 unevenness
                 in
                 our
                 walking
                 ;
                 we
                 cannot
                 walk
                 uprightly
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 weakness
                 of
                 Faith
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 did
                 believe
                 God
                 to
                 be
                 al-sufficient
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 all
                 fulness
                 of
                 good
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 full
                 defence
                 from
                 evil
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 Son
                 and
                 a
                 shield
                 ,
                 would
                 men
                 for
                 a
                 little
                 credit
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 honour
                 to
                 avoid
                 a
                 little
                 trouble
                 in
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 turn
                 aside
                 from
                 followin
                 〈…〉
                 he
                 Lord
                 ?
                 surely
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 .
                 How
                 often
                 doth
                 our
                 Saviour
                 rebuke
                 his
                 Disciples
                 for
                 the
                 littleness
                 of
                 their
                 Faith
                 ?
                 they
                 had
                 Faith
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 was
                 very
                 little
                 ;
                 
                   How
                   long
                   shall
                   I
                   be
                   with
                   you
                   ?
                   how
                   long
                   shall
                   I
                   suffer
                   you
                   ?
                
                 saith
                 he
                 in
                 one
                 place
                 ,
                 where
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 the
                 Devil
                 :
                 
                   And
                   will
                   not
                   God
                   take
                   care
                   of
                   you
                   much
                   more
                   then
                   of
                   Sparrows
                   ?
                   O
                   ye
                   of
                   little
                   Faith
                   !
                
                 had
                 they
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 teaching
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 were
                 but
                 of
                 little
                 faith
                 ?
                 
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 was
                 displeased
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 knew
                 they
                 could
                 never
                 do
                 much
                 to
                 honour
                 him
                 while
                 their
                 Faith
                 was
                 weak
                 :
                 as
                 now
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 difficult
                 cases
                 ,
                 as
                 Num.
                 11.
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 But
                 may
                 he
                 not
                 much
                 rather
                 take
                 us
                 up
                 for
                 this
                 :
                 the
                 Spirit
                 was
                 not
                 poured
                 out
                 as
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 bodily
                 presence
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 great
                 encouragement
                 to
                 beg
                 that
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 should
                 exceedingly
                 grow
                 in
                 this
                 Grace
                 ;
                 may
                 he
                 not
                 say
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 O
                 ye
                 of
                 little
                 Faith
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 ye
                 doubt
                 ?
                 why
                 do
                 you
                 walk
                 so
                 pensively
                 ,
                 and
                 hang
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 dishonour
                 of
                 my
                 Grace
                 ?
                 may
                 he
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 O
                 ye
                 of
                 little
                 Faith
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 you
                 perplex
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 rack
                 your selves
                 with
                 cares
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 ,
                 what
                 ye
                 shall
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 ye
                 shall
                 be
                 prvoided
                 for
                 ?
                 doth
                 not
                 your
                 heavenly
                 Father
                 take
                 care
                 of
                 you
                 ?
                 O
                 ye
                 of
                 little
                 Faith
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 ye
                 in
                 every
                 perplexity
                 and
                 trouble
                 ,
                 as
                 men
                 at
                 a
                 loss
                 ,
                 run
                 to
                 this
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 wherein
                 your
                 help
                 doth
                 lie
                 ?
                 O
                 ye
                 of
                 little
                 Faith
                 ,
                 why
                 do
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 means
                 fail
                 ,
                 then
                 cast
                 away
                 your
                 hope
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 help
                 in
                 God
                 ?
                 as
                 if
                 because
                 the
                 streams
                 were
                 dried
                 up
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 fountain
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 dry
                 also
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 this
                 Grace
                 :
                 if
                 ever
                 you
                 would
                 do
                 any
                 eminent
                 service
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 honour
                 him
                 ,
                 set
                 the
                 crown
                 on
                 him
                 in
                 any
                 condition
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith.
                 
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 In
                 that
                 Grace
                 of
                 Love
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 therein
                 .
                 First
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 dost
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 Faith
                 and
                 Knowledge
                 
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 will
                 love
                 him
                 usually
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 much
                 more
                 ;
                 love
                 ,
                 we
                 take
                 it
                 kindly
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 from
                 the
                 meanest
                 person
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 
                   O
                   love
                   the
                   Lord
                   ye
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   Saints
                
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 love
                 him
                 too
                 much
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 alway
                 err
                 in
                 his
                 love
                 :
                 the
                 more
                 you
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 you
                 may
                 ,
                 for
                 
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 end
                 of
                 his
                 perfections
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 his
                 mercy
                 ,
                 his
                 bowels
                 towards
                 you
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 searching
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 go
                 yet
                 deeper
                 and
                 deeper
                 ,
                 and
                 find
                 a
                 ground
                 for
                 the
                 increase
                 of
                 your
                 love
                 still
                 ;
                 you
                 love
                 Relations
                 ,
                 Husband
                 ,
                 Wife
                 ,
                 Children
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 for
                 relation
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 any
                 excellency
                 in
                 them
                 :
                 many
                 times
                 fond
                 we
                 are
                 :
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 be
                 so
                 fond
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 !
                 how
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 was
                 Rachel
                 ,
                 yea
                 sick
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 for
                 children
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 fond
                 mother
                 ;
                 O
                 we
                 cannot
                 live
                 without
                 
                 them
                 :
                 Ah
                 how
                 few
                 are
                 thus
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 !
                 well
                 ,
                 lobour
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 this
                 end
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Labour
                 to
                 present
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 Jesus
                 Christas
                 most
                 lovely
                 to
                 thee
                 ;
                 while
                 thou
                 entertainest
                 hard
                 thoughts
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 love
                 him
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 thus
                 with
                 thy self
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 fain
                 have
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 me
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 rigorous
                 and
                 cruel
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 that
                 delights
                 in
                 your
                 blood
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 that
                 you
                 should
                 love
                 him
                 :
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 present
                 him
                 to
                 your selves
                 ,
                 as
                 one
                 whose
                 bowels
                 are
                 continually
                 yearning
                 over
                 poor
                 souls
                 ,
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 one
                 full
                 of
                 compassions
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 mercy
                 and
                 tenderness
                 :
                 he
                 desires
                 not
                 the
                 
                 death
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 altogether
                 lovely
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 for
                 his
                 holiness
                 ,
                 his
                 purity
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 his
                 grace
                 and
                 mercy
                 :
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 most
                 moveth
                 to
                 love
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 while
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 weakness
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 high
                 pitch
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 for
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 Holiness
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 him
                 .
                 Think
                 often
                 then
                 seriously
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 dear
                 thoughts
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 that
                 rather
                 then
                 they
                 should
                 perish
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 interpose
                 between
                 them
                 and
                 the
                 everlasting
                 burnings
                 ,
                 though
                 be
                 were
                 sorely
                 scorched
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 will
                 not
                 this
                 draw
                 love
                 !
                 look
                 upon
                 him
                 with
                 his
                 precious
                 blood
                 trickling
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 drop
                 overtaking
                 another
                 ;
                 O
                 what
                 haste
                 did
                 love
                 make
                 !
                 O
                 how
                 lavish
                 was
                 his
                 love
                 !
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 spare
                 any
                 pains
                 ,
                 any
                 travel
                 of
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 sinners
                 might
                 live
                 ;
                 and
                 can
                 you
                 but
                 love
                 him
                 then
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 an
                 heart
                 must
                 that
                 creature
                 have
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 look
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 wrestling
                 with
                 strongest
                 wrath
                 of
                 his
                 
                 Father
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 needed
                 the
                 Ministry
                 of
                 Angels
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 love
                 him
                 ?
                 try
                 ,
                 see
                 whether
                 such
                 considerations
                 as
                 these
                 will
                 not
                 heighten
                 your
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 we
                 complain
                 of
                 want
                 of
                 love
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 love
                 a
                 thing
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 we
                 consider
                 not
                 :
                 see
                 then
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 find
                 still
                 some
                 new
                 beauty
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 which
                 you
                 should
                 love
                 him
                 yet
                 the
                 more
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Let
                 it
                 be
                 much
                 upon
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 he
                 hath
                 forgiven
                 thee
                 .
                 Alas
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 knew
                 that
                 ,
                 that
                 my
                 sins
                 were
                 forgiven
                 ,
                 I
                 should
                 love
                 him
                 indeed
                 abundantly
                 :
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 a
                 full
                 perswasion
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 hast
                 thou
                 not
                 a
                 good
                 hope
                 through
                 Grace
                 ?
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 lively
                 hope
                 ,
                 as
                 setteth
                 a
                 working
                 out
                 the
                 scum
                 ,
                 the
                 pollution
                 of
                 thy
                 heart
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ?
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 cause
                 of
                 great
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 why
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 left
                 thee
                 to
                 sink
                 in
                 despair
                 ,
                 and
                 perish
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 
                 much
                 did
                 that
                 sinner
                 love
                 him
                 !
                 
                   because
                   he
                   had
                   forgiven
                   her
                   much
                   ,
                   therefore
                   she
                   loved
                   much
                   .
                
                 Dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 could
                 this
                 be
                 ,
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 without
                 her
                 heart
                 dwelt
                 upon
                 this
                 consideration
                 ?
                 it
                 was
                 fresh
                 upon
                 her
                 spirit
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 more
                 she
                 considered
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 apparent
                 were
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 towards
                 her
                 :
                 O
                 so
                 many
                 Devils
                 cast
                 out
                 of
                 me
                 !
                 would
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 have
                 such
                 precious
                 thoughts
                 toward
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 ?
                 what
                 ,
                 an
                 Harlot
                 ,
                 a
                 filthy
                 ,
                 unclean
                 wretch
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 he
                 think
                 upon
                 me
                 ?
                 and
                 pitch
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 me
                 ?
                 and
                 pass
                 by
                 many
                 others
                 that
                 had
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 but
                 one
                 devil
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 love
                 to
                 me
                 that
                 had
                 seven
                 ?
                 O
                 she
                 could
                 not
                 hold
                 ;
                 her
                 bowels
                 within
                 her
                 were
                 ready
                 to
                 break
                 ;
                 she
                 must
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 she
                 must
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 upon
                 his
                 feet
                 ;
                 she
                 must
                 wash
                 him
                 with
                 her
                 tears
                 ,
                 and
                 wipe
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 hairs
                 of
                 her
                 head
                 ;
                 though
                 before
                 as
                 harlots
                 use
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 she
                 had
                 been
                 much
                 in
                 tricking
                 and
                 trimming
                 her
                 head
                 ,
                 yet
                 now
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 dishrifled
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 Towel
                 to
                 wipe
                 the
                 feet
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 O
                 here
                 is
                 love
                 !
                 kiss
                 his
                 feet
                 ,
                 if
                 she
                 may
                 not
                 kiss
                 his
                 lips
                 ,
                 and
                 blessed
                 soul
                 that
                 had
                 such
                 an
                 heart
                 given
                 her
                 !
                 Now
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 consider
                 this
                 ,
                 have
                 not
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 had
                 seven
                 devils
                 ,
                 have
                 there
                 not
                 been
                 seven
                 abominations
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 
                 fornicators
                 ,
                 adulterers
                 ,
                 filthy
                 unclean
                 wretches
                 ,
                 as
                 vile
                 wretches
                 as
                 ever
                 breathed
                 ;
                 now
                 consider
                 this
                 often
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 so
                 indeed
                 ?
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 looked
                 upon
                 such
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 pitched
                 his
                 love
                 upon
                 the
                 vilest
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 so
                 nigh
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 
                 we
                 not
                 love
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 where
                 are
                 such
                 workings
                 of
                 love
                 towards
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 poor
                 woman
                 manifested
                 !
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 dead
                 and
                 dry
                 :
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   His
                   love
                   of
                   Christ
                   constrained
                   him
                
                 ;
                 O
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 did
                 
                 so
                 eminently
                 save
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 call
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 darkness
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 height
                 of
                 his
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 that
                 then
                 mercy
                 should
                 ●eet
                 with
                 him
                 !
                 that
                 then
                 a
                 pardon
                 should
                 descend
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 fighting
                 and
                 rebelling
                 against
                 heaven
                 !
                 and
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 conquered
                 by
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whose
                 heart
                 was
                 full
                 of
                 blood
                 against
                 him
                 !
                 O
                 this
                 lying
                 upon
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 did
                 indear
                 his
                 soul
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Ah
                 dear
                 Friends
                 ,
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 consider
                 this
                 ;
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 sure
                 ,
                 that
                 hear
                 this
                 ,
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 do
                 tell
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 never
                 viler
                 then
                 we
                 :
                 and
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 met
                 with
                 us
                 ?
                 not
                 as
                 an
                 enemy
                 ,
                 but
                 poured
                 out
                 upon
                 us
                 such
                 a
                 stream
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 could
                 no
                 longer
                 withstand
                 it
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 do
                 we
                 not
                 love
                 him
                 accordingly
                 ?
                 O
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 !
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Mind
                 the
                 particular
                 experiences
                 thou
                 hast
                 had
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 and
                 tenderness
                 to
                 thee
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   love
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   heard
                   my
                   voice
                
                 ;
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 distress
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 cryed
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 heard
                 him
                 ,
                 therefore
                 he
                 would
                 love
                 him
                 ;
                 how
                 many
                 deliverances
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 wrought
                 particularly
                 for
                 us
                 ?
                 specially
                 he
                 hath
                 kept
                 us
                 from
                 sinning
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 thou
                 didst
                 not
                 go
                 on
                 to
                 the
                 wounding
                 of
                 thy
                 conscience
                 ,
                 the
                 dishonour
                 of
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 not
                 therefore
                 love
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 dear
                 friends
                 ,
                 how
                 often
                 hath
                 he
                 shaken
                 the
                 rod
                 over
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 hath
                 spared
                 ,
                 and
                 canst
                 thou
                 not
                 love
                 him
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 child
                 thinks
                 the
                 rod
                 cannot
                 stand
                 with
                 love
                 ,
                 yet
                 when
                 he
                 cometh
                 to
                 lay
                 away
                 childish
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 understand
                 as
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 he
                 loveth
                 his
                 father
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 chastened
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 suffered
                 him
                 to
                 take
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 heart
                 ;
                 so
                 should
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 .
                 But
                 consider
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 sweet
                 experiences
                 hast
                 thou
                 had
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ?
                 which
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 would
                 have
                 given
                 a
                 world
                 for
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 ;
                 many
                 a
                 kiss
                 of
                 his
                 lips
                 :
                 thou
                 scarce
                 ever
                 appearest
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 hast
                 a
                 smile
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 some
                 refreshing
                 ,
                 some
                 melting
                 ;
                 doth
                 not
                 this
                 indear
                 thy
                 heart
                 ?
                 consider
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 scarce
                 ever
                 findeth
                 such
                 sensible
                 refreshings
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 loveth
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 pure
                 love
                 indeed
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 frown
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 seem
                 to
                 shake
                 us
                 off
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 heed
                 us
                 nor
                 regard
                 us
                 ;
                 yet
                 our
                 souls
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 are
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 follow
                 him
                 still
                 .
                 But
                 thou
                 that
                 hast
                 such
                 fore-draughts
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 yea
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 O
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 these
                 me
                 thinks
                 should
                 much
                 increase
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 is
                 of
                 very
                 great
                 moment
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 more
                 abundant
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 much
                 more
                 ease
                 it
                 will
                 come
                 off
                 :
                 Paul
                 laboured
                 
                 more
                 abundantly
                 then
                 they
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 was
                 nothing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 O
                 he
                 loved
                 much
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 with
                 us
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 get
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 What
                 was
                 it
                 think
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 carried
                 our
                 Saviour
                 so
                 chearfully
                 through
                 all
                 his
                 travels
                 ,
                 and
                 griefs
                 ,
                 and
                 slightings
                 of
                 men
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 was
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 nothing
                 is
                 hard
                 to
                 love
                 ,
                 therefore
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 like-minded
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 secondly
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   grow
                   in
                   love
                   one
                   towards
                   another
                   ,
                
                 this
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 rejoycing
                 to
                 the
                 saithful
                 over-seers
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   bound
                   to
                   thank
                   God
                   alway
                   for
                   you
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   meet
                   ,
                   because
                   that
                   your
                   faith
                   groweth
                   exceedingly
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   charity
                   ,
                   or
                   love
                   of
                   every
                   one
                   of
                   you
                   all
                   toward
                   each
                   other
                   aboundeth
                   .
                
                 So
                 again
                 ,
                 as
                 touching
                 brotherly
                 love
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   have
                   no
                   need
                   that
                   I
                   write
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   for
                   ye
                   are
                   taught
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   love
                   one
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   do
                   the
                   same
                   thing
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Brethren
                   which
                   are
                   in
                   all
                
                 Ma●edonia
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   we
                   beseech
                   you
                   Brethren
                   to
                   abound
                   more
                   and
                   more
                
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 to
                 the
                 
                   Corinthians
                   ,
                   that
                   to
                   be
                   full
                   of
                   contention
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   dividing
                   zeal
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   sign
                   ,
                   not
                   of
                   growth
                   ,
                   but
                   childishness
                   .
                   I
                   am
                   of
                
                 Paul
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   of
                
                 Apollo
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   of
                
                 Cephas
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   of
                
                 Christ
                 ;
                 
                   are
                   you
                   not
                   carnal
                
                 ?
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 not
                 write
                 to
                 you
                 as
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 as
                 grown
                 men
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 carnal
                 ,
                 as
                 unto
                 babes
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 such
                 in
                 whom
                 the
                 flesh
                 did
                 much
                 prevail
                 ;
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 love
                 is
                 the
                 edifying-way
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 body
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 edifie
                 it self
                 in
                 love
                 ;
                 knowledge
                 puffeth
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 that
                 
                 pride
                 cometh
                 contention
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 wise
                 man
                 speaks
                 ;
                 but
                 love
                 edifies
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 would
                 the
                 Church
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Saints
                 grow
                 ,
                 if
                 all
                 the
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 zeal
                 ,
                 and
                 pains
                 which
                 is
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 maintaining
                 breaches
                 ,
                 factions
                 ,
                 separations
                 one
                 from
                 another
                 ,
                 did
                 all
                 run
                 in
                 one
                 stream
                 to
                 build
                 up
                 one
                 another
                 in
                 our
                 most
                 holy
                 faith
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 that
                 our
                 business
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 sweet
                 when
                 the
                 members
                 have
                 that
                 care
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 that
                 out
                 of
                 a
                 pure
                 spirit
                 of
                 love
                 to
                 consider
                 
                 
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 to
                 provoke
                 to
                 love
                 and
                 to
                 good
                 works
                 :
                 Now
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 rents
                 and
                 schisms
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 that
                 ●are
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 the
                 Apostle
                 note
                 such
                 ,
                 
                   nigro
                   carbone
                   ,
                   mark
                   them
                   that
                   caused
                   divisions
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   Doctrine
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   you
                   have
                   received
                   ,
                   and
                   avoid
                   them
                   ,
                   set
                   a
                   cross
                   upon
                   their
                   doors
                   ,
                   have
                   no
                   fellowship
                   with
                   them
                   .
                
                 You
                 know
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 breach
                 ,
                 a
                 dismembering
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 members
                 out
                 of
                 joint
                 ,
                 or
                 fearful
                 wounds
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 grief
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 growth
                 is
                 hindered
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Churches
                 walked
                 together
                 with
                 singleness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 then
                 were
                 they
                 multiplyed
                 ,
                 
                 then
                 they
                 prospered
                 and
                 increased
                 indeed
                 ;
                 the
                 Holy-Ghost
                 is
                 grieved
                 with
                 bitterness
                 ,
                 and
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 anger
                 :
                 when
                 the
                 Sea
                 was
                 divided
                 for
                 Israel
                 to
                 pass
                 through
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 weakened
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 the
                 waters
                 were
                 united
                 again
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 their
                 strength
                 ;
                 so
                 when
                 the
                 waters
                 run
                 in
                 one
                 Channel
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 love
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 strong
                 is
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 !
                 it
                 groweth
                 mightily
                 then
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 ,
                 the
                 enemies
                 of
                 Israel
                 are
                 drowned
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 so
                 many
                 fractions
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 streams
                 ,
                 it
                 being
                 divided
                 into
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 is
                 easily
                 passable
                 by
                 the
                 enemies
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 a
                 Spirit
                 of
                 love
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 but
                 more
                 love
                 in
                 Ministers
                 to
                 people
                 ,
                 how
                 would
                 they
                 do
                 more
                 then
                 they
                 do
                 ?
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 in
                 another
                 manner
                 then
                 they
                 do
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 in
                 people
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 more
                 earnest
                 for
                 their
                 Ministers
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 ;
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 indeed
                 ,
                 
                   labour
                   to
                   grow
                   in
                   love
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                   wherever
                   indeed
                   the
                   image
                   of
                   Christ
                   is
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   love
                   them
                   with
                   a
                   pure
                   heart
                   ,
                   unfeignedly
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   grow
                   in
                   humility
                   ,
                   to
                   grow
                   downward
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   willing
                   to
                   decrease
                   ,
                   so
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   may
                   increase
                   .
                
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 
                 were
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 should
                 find
                 it
                 very
                 hard
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 aside
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 as
                 David
                 was
                 to
                 the
                 building
                 of
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 was
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 blood
                 ;
                 or
                 as
                 Moses
                 was
                 for
                 his
                 unbelief
                 at
                 the
                 waters
                 of
                 strife
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 daily
                 working
                 this
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 what
                 we
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 through
                 grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 what
                 infinite
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 manifested
                 to
                 the
                 vilest
                 of
                 sinners
                 ;
                 this
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 lie
                 low
                 before
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 before
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 
                   In
                   mercy
                   ,
                   in
                   bowels
                   and
                   compassions
                   to
                   persons
                   in
                   necessity
                   and
                   distress
                   ;
                   O
                   be
                   ye
                   merciful
                   as
                   your
                   heavenly
                   Father
                   is
                   merciful
                   ,
                
                 take
                 him
                 for
                 o●●
                 pattern
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 continual
                 room
                 for
                 
                 
                 growth
                 and
                 increase
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 the
                 
                   Corinthians
                   ,
                   that
                   as
                   they
                   abounded
                   in
                   other
                   graces
                   ,
                   so
                   they
                   would
                   labour
                   to
                   abound
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   this
                   also
                
                 .
                 Ah
                 where
                 are
                 bowels
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 towards
                 one
                 anothers
                 souls
                 ?
                 with
                 what
                 tenderness
                 did
                 the
                 Apostle
                 stand
                 over
                 the
                 souls
                 of
                 those
                 poor
                 people
                 ,
                 warning
                 them
                 day
                 and
                 night
                 with
                 tears
                 ?
                 And
                 our
                 Saviour
                 over
                 
                   Jerusalem
                   ;
                   now
                   I
                   tell
                   you
                   again
                   weeping
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 give
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 !
                 indeed
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 tenderness
                 and
                 bowels
                 one
                 towards
                 another
                 ,
                 little
                 pittying
                 one
                 another
                 while
                 under
                 temptation
                 ;
                 we
                 can
                 rather
                 raise
                 our
                 hearts
                 one
                 against
                 another
                 ,
                 stomack
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 entertain
                 prejudice
                 one
                 
                 against
                 another
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 meekness
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 in
                 restoring
                 ,
                 setting
                 one
                 another
                 in
                 joint
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 faln
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 found
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 or
                 very
                 little
                 :
                 O
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 here
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 abound
                 in
                 works
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 much
                 ,
                 liberally
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 it
                 with
                 a
                 tender
                 heart
                 ,
                 an
                 upright
                 heart
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 obedience
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 ostentation
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 fifthly
                 ,
                 
                   Labour
                   to
                   grow
                   in
                   softness
                   of
                   heart
                   ,
                
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 stone
                 wasting
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 .
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 mean
                 by
                 softness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 only
                 an
                 aptness
                 to
                 melt
                 into
                 tears
                 ,
                 for
                 many
                 an
                 one
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 soft
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 cannot
                 weep
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 though
                 most
                 dispositions
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sweet
                 expression
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 towards
                 Christ
                 often-times
                 ;
                 though
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 much
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 much
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ;
                 many
                 tears
                 shed
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 upon
                 the
                 consideration
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 the
                 heart
                 hard
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ;
                 the
                 softness
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 lies
                 most
                 what
                 in
                 the
                 plyableness
                 and
                 yielding
                 of
                 the
                 spirit
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   do
                   all
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 as
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   found
                
                 David
                 my
                 
                 
                   servant
                   ,
                   one
                   that
                   will
                   do
                   all
                   my
                   will
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   speak
                   Lord
                   for
                   thy
                   servant
                   heareth
                   ,
                   Lord
                   what
                   wouldst
                   thou
                   have
                   me
                   to
                   do
                   ?
                
                 Now
                 alas
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 many
                 a
                 wretched
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 under
                 a
                 passion
                 ,
                 weeping
                 at
                 the
                 apprehension
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 go
                 away
                 and
                 return
                 to
                 it
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 plyable
                 ,
                 but
                 stubborn
                 :
                 wherein
                 did
                 lie
                 the
                 hardness
                 of
                 Pharaohs
                 heart
                 ?
                 it
                 lay
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 harken
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 nor
                 let
                 Israel
                 go
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 had
                 had
                 so
                 many
                 judgements
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 deliverances
                 ,
                 yet
                 all
                 would
                 not
                 soften
                 his
                 heart
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 iron
                 sinews
                 in
                 his
                 stiff
                 neck
                 ,
                 they
                 remained
                 such
                 still
                 ,
                 though
                 sometimes
                 he
                 seemed
                 to
                 relent
                 ,
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 no
                 sooner
                 the
                 hand
                 was
                 off
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 was
                 
                 more
                 hard
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 he
                 strouted
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 not
                 yield
                 to
                 let
                 Israel
                 go
                 .
                 So
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 heapeth
                 mercy
                 upon
                 mercy
                 to
                 melt
                 out
                 the
                 s●one
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 like
                 wax
                 to
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 mould
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 into
                 a
                 fashion
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 it
                 draweth
                 a
                 few
                 tears
                 from
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 never
                 the
                 more
                 plyable
                 to
                 God.
                 And
                 so
                 he
                 cometh
                 with
                 rod
                 upon
                 rod
                 ,
                 blow
                 after
                 blow
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 doth
                 it
                 gently
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 to
                 foften
                 and
                 make
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 more
                 plyable
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 it
                 affecteth
                 a
                 little
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 heart
                 as
                 stubborn
                 ,
                 as
                 unteachable
                 ,
                 as
                 far
                 from
                 yielding
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 as
                 before
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 softness
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 piece
                 of
                 joyners
                 work
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 all
                 glued
                 together
                 ,
                 one
                 part
                 to
                 another
                 .
                 Now
                 then
                 it
                 is
                 dissolved
                 and
                 broken
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 glue
                 ,
                 the
                 soder
                 is
                 melted
                 ,
                 and
                 one
                 piece
                 falls
                 from
                 another
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 their
                 sinful
                 objects
                 are
                 glued
                 together
                 by
                 carnal
                 affections
                 ;
                 now
                 then
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 broken
                 to
                 a
                 softness
                 ,
                 when
                 these
                 affections
                 are
                 dissolved
                 ,
                 when
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 our
                 objects
                 of
                 sin
                 fall
                 asunder
                 each
                 from
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 herein
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   be
                   more
                   spiritual
                   in
                   holy
                   duties
                   ,
                   more
                   inward
                   in
                   our
                   Communion
                   with
                   God
                
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 this
                 spoken
                 to
                 in
                 the
                 tryall
                 .
                 O
                 labour
                 then
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 spiritualness
                 ,
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 to
                 pray
                 with
                 more
                 faith
                 ,
                 with
                 more
                 fervency
                 ,
                 with
                 more
                 purity
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 ask
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 spend
                 it
                 upon
                 our
                 lusts
                 .
                 In
                 meditation
                 to
                 keep
                 closer
                 to
                 it
                 without
                 distraction
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 to
                 read
                 ,
                 to
                 hear
                 ,
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 duties
                 in
                 a
                 better
                 manner
                 :
                 but
                 enough
                 of
                 this
                 already
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 
                   In
                   your
                   holy
                   walking
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   your selves
                
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   be
                   seech
                   you
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   that
                   as
                   you
                   have
                   received
                   of
                   us
                   how
                   ye
                   ought
                   to
                   walk
                   and
                   please
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   ,
                   so
                   you
                   abound
                   more
                   and
                   more
                
                 ;
                 when
                 a
                 man
                 walks
                 with
                 God
                 alvvay
                 ,
                 setteth
                 the
                 Lord
                 as
                 before
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 vvill
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 vvalk
                 pleasingly
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 vvhen
                 by
                 faith
                 he
                 seeth
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 invisible
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 God
                 to
                 be
                 present
                 vvith
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 knovveth
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 ponder
                 his
                 vvaies
                 ;
                 O
                 hovv
                 eareful
                 shall
                 vve
                 be
                 then
                 of
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 as
                 vvell
                 as
                 of
                 our
                 vvords
                 and
                 actions
                 !
                 and
                 this
                 vve
                 do
                 by
                 faith
                 ,
                 believing
                 his
                 presence
                 vvith
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 all-seeing
                 eye
                 to
                 be
                 upon
                 us
                 still
                 ,
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 their
                 vvorkings
                 ;
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 prevailing
                 of
                 these
                 persvvasions
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 constancy
                 of
                 them
                 upon
                 our
                 spirits
                 ,
                 
                 vvill
                 our
                 vvaies
                 be
                 ordered
                 :
                 such
                 a
                 man
                 vvill
                 not
                 dare
                 to
                 harbour
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 vvill
                 rudely
                 rush
                 in
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 ruffian
                 may
                 rudely
                 offer
                 violence
                 to
                 a
                 chast
                 Matron
                 ,
                 she
                 vvill
                 not
                 endure
                 it
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 I
                 dare
                 not
                 :
                 as
                 Joseph
                 you
                 see
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 vvalking
                 vvith
                 our selves
                 by
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 restection
                 upon
                 our selves
                 ,
                 upon
                 our
                 actions
                 ,
                 our
                 waies
                 :
                 the
                 very
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 cause
                 we
                 grow
                 so
                 little
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 can
                 take
                 so
                 little
                 comfort
                 in
                 it
                 ;
                 herein
                 lies
                 the
                 excellency
                 and
                 glory
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 above
                 a
                 beast
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 can
                 recoyl
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 actions
                 ,
                 therefore
                 labour
                 to
                 improve
                 this
                 .
                 O
                 be
                 more
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 reproving
                 your selves
                 when
                 you
                 find
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 amiss
                 ,
                 whip
                 those
                 vain
                 thoughts
                 which
                 pass
                 through
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 them
                 their
                 Pass
                 ;
                 exhort
                 your selves
                 ,
                 stir
                 up
                 your selves
                 ,
                 comfort
                 and
                 chear
                 your selves
                 in
                 your
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 you
                 cannot
                 do
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 an
                 holy
                 walking
                 ,
                 even
                 reflecting
                 upon
                 your selves
                 and
                 your
                 own
                 state
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 speak
                 to
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   labour
                   to
                   grow
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   in
                   that
                   assurance
                   of
                   your
                   relative
                   grace
                
                 ;
                 your
                 adoption
                 ,
                 the
                 growth
                 and
                 other
                 grace
                 ,
                 its
                 true
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 help
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 labour
                 to
                 improve
                 it
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 :
                 how
                 chearfully
                 might
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 walk
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 but
                 know
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 freely
                 given
                 them
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 O
                 beg
                 the
                 Spirit
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 witnessing
                 ,
                 a
                 sealing-spirit
                 to
                 you
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 .
                 And
                 do
                 the
                 
                 same
                 diligence
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 assurance
                 of
                 hope
                 unto
                 the
                 end
                 ;
                 we
                 do
                 content
                 our selves
                 with
                 a
                 hope-well
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 we
                 should
                 strive
                 to
                 this
                 of
                 Thomas
                 ,
                 
                 
                   My
                   Lord
                   ,
                   my
                   God
                   ;
                   my
                   beloved
                   is
                   mine
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   his
                
                 ;
                 canst
                 thou
                 say
                 so
                 upon
                 good
                 grounds
                 ?
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 a
                 justified
                 and
                 a
                 sanctified
                 person
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 done
                 by
                 the
                 direct
                 act
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 acted
                 upon
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Promise
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 in
                 that
                 Promise
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 doth
                 close
                 with
                 ,
                 taking
                 Christ
                 
                   for
                   better
                   for
                   worse
                
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 this
                 is
                 by
                 the
                 reflect
                 act
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 grounded
                 upon
                 experience
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 condition
                 ordinarily
                 .
                 I
                 see
                 ,
                 I
                 feel
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 have
                 chosen
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 for
                 my
                 portion
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 is
                 mine
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 his
                 ;
                 I
                 have
                 many
                 sealings
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 many
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 lips
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 given
                 to
                 me
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 upright
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 I
                 can
                 approve
                 my
                 soul
                 to
                 him
                 as
                 
                   Peter
                   ,
                   Lord
                   thou
                   knowest
                   all
                   things
                   ,
                   thou
                   knowest
                   that
                   I
                   love
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 
                 
                 thus
                 the
                 soul
                 by
                 laying
                 up
                 those
                 experiences
                 that
                 it
                 hath
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 laying
                 them
                 together
                 ,
                 doth
                 from
                 all
                 come
                 (
                 through
                 grace
                 )
                 to
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 conclude
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 his
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 full
                 assurance
                 of
                 hope
                 and
                 faith
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 an
                 heaven
                 upon
                 earth
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 Well
                 ,
                 labour
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 your
                 conditions
                 may
                 be
                 safe
                 without
                 it
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 so
                 comfortable
                 to
                 your selves
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 honourable
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 profitable
                 likely
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 all
                 which
                 considerations
                 ,
                 if
                 well
                 weighed
                 and
                 improved
                 ,
                 I
                 presume
                 are
                 motives
                 enough
                 to
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 You
                 have
                 the
                 first
                 thing
                 in
                 this
                 general
                 Exhortation
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 wherein
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 labour
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 and
                 increase
                 .
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 Motives
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 particulars
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 the
                 first
                 shall
                 be
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 Text
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 it
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 pray
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 all
                 other
                 means
                 ,
                 for
                 prayer
                 is
                 one
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 we
                 shall
                 speak
                 ;
                 God
                 had
                 promised
                 he
                 would
                 bring
                 Israel
                 into
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 must
                 fight
                 for
                 it
                 first
                 ,
                 to
                 dispossess
                 the
                 Canaanites
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 promiseth
                 health
                 and
                 strength
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 as
                 choice
                 mercies
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 must
                 eat
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 use
                 Physick
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 occasion
                 serveth
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 encouragement
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 because
                 God
                 hath
                 promised
                 us
                 those
                 things
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 good
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 use
                 the
                 means
                 ;
                 he
                 promiseth
                 fruitfulness
                 to
                 the
                 earth
                 ;
                 what
                 ,
                 shall
                 the
                 plough-man
                 therefore
                 cast
                 the
                 plough
                 in
                 the
                 hedge
                 and
                 never
                 strike
                 stroak
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 God
                 bid
                 them
                 stand
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 only
                 see
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 somewhat
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 must
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 serve
                 providence
                 in
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 means
                 ;
                 so
                 here
                 it
                 is
                 promised
                 ,
                 O
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   work
                   out
                   your
                   salvation
                   with
                   fear
                   and
                   trembling
                   ,
                   for
                   it
                   is
                
                 
                 
                   he
                   that
                   worketh
                
                 :
                 Labour
                 to
                 be
                 more
                 spiritual
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 therein
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 Spirit
                 that
                 beareth
                 the
                 heavier
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 burthen
                 ,
                 he
                 helpeth
                 our
                 infirmities
                 ;
                 let
                 this
                 be
                 an
                 encouragement
                 
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 our
                 souls
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 promised
                 ;
                 think
                 not
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 to
                 sit
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 wait
                 when
                 this
                 will
                 fall
                 into
                 your
                 mouths
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 an
                 idle
                 complaining
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 be
                 up
                 and
                 doing
                 ,
                 and
                 labouring
                 to
                 use
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Every
                 man
                 would
                 grow
                 and
                 come
                 on
                 in
                 other
                 things
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 much
                 more
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 things
                 ;
                 you
                 would
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 your
                 children
                 come
                 on
                 and
                 thrive
                 in
                 body
                 ,
                 you
                 think
                 their
                 meat
                 is
                 not
                 well
                 bestowed
                 ,
                 
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 if
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 prosper
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 but
                 should
                 devour
                 ,
                 like
                 Pharaohs
                 lean
                 kine
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 never
                 the
                 fatter
                 ;
                 you
                 would
                 grow
                 in
                 your
                 names
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 your
                 estates
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 man
                 would
                 be
                 adding
                 bag
                 to
                 bag
                 ,
                 house
                 to
                 house
                 ,
                 land
                 to
                 land
                 ,
                 and
                 here
                 they
                 never
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 come
                 to
                 a
                 full
                 growth
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 but
                 make
                 you
                 half
                 so
                 dilgent
                 in
                 taking
                 half
                 the
                 pains
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 do
                 that
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 how
                 should
                 we
                 prosper
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 observable
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 of
                 Gaius
                 that
                 good
                 man
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   wisheth
                   he
                   may
                   prosper
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   even
                   as
                   his
                   soul
                   prospereth
                
                 ;
                 it
                 seemeth
                 the
                 good
                 man
                 ,
                 his
                 inward
                 man
                 was
                 renewed
                 ,
                 though
                 haply
                 his
                 estate
                 or
                 his
                 body
                 might
                 wax
                 old
                 and
                 decay
                 ,
                 yet
                 his
                 soul
                 prospered
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 maketh
                 that
                 a
                 pattern
                 of
                 the
                 prosperity
                 of
                 his
                 outward
                 man
                 ;
                 may
                 we
                 not
                 say
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 your
                 souls
                 did
                 prosper
                 ,
                 even
                 as
                 your
                 bodies
                 prosper
                 ?
                 You
                 are
                 fat
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 and
                 feed
                 your selves
                 
                 without
                 fear
                 ,
                 much
                 pampering
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 lean
                 ,
                 and
                 thin
                 ,
                 and
                 consumpsit
                 it
                 is
                 ?
                 what
                 fat
                 purses
                 ,
                 and
                 lean
                 souls
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 whatever
                 you
                 profess
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 thus
                 ,
                 I
                 must
                 tell
                 you
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 preposterousness
                 in
                 your
                 endeavours
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 this
                 ado
                 should
                 be
                 made
                 for
                 a
                 lump
                 of
                 clay
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 precious
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 neglected
                 ;
                 men
                 can
                 rise
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 end●
                 to
                 follow
                 their
                 business
                 ,
                 set
                 it
                 forward
                 ,
                 if
                 need
                 so
                 require
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 occasions
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 O
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 use
                 but
                 the
                 like
                 diligence
                 for
                 the
                 soul
                 upon
                 the
                 like
                 occasion
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 you
                 decline
                 ;
                 either
                 you
                 increase
                 or
                 decrease
                 ,
                 either
                 you
                 ebb
                 or
                 flow
                 ,
                 wax
                 or
                 wain
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 rows
                 against
                 the
                 stream
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 go
                 not
                 forward
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 carried
                 backward
                 .
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 a
                 stream
                 of
                 lusts
                 to
                 row
                 against
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 go
                 not
                 forward
                 ,
                 be
                 sure
                 we
                 go
                 backward
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 you
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 Apostle
                 doth
                 threaten
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 (
                 because
                 they
                 went
                 not
                 forward
                 )
                 
                 with
                 Apostacy
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 falling
                 away
                 quite
                 from
                 God
                 that
                 go
                 not
                 forward
                 ,
                 therefore
                 consider
                 this
                 seriously
                 ,
                 and
                 surely
                 it
                 will
                 put
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 our
                 growth
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 an
                 Ordinance
                 wherein
                 we
                 appear
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 but
                 either
                 we
                 soften
                 or
                 harden
                 ,
                 we
                 get
                 something
                 or
                 lose
                 something
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 returneth
                 not
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 other
                 appointment
                 of
                 his
                 .
              
               
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 else
                 withstand
                 enemies
                 ,
                 bear
                 crosses
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 a
                 child
                 is
                 over-born
                 by
                 a
                 touch
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 withstand
                 a
                 potent
                 enemy
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 strong
                 men
                 ,
                 
                   whom
                   resist
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   stedfast
                   in
                   the
                   faith
                
                 ;
                 
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 stedfastness
                 but
                 by
                 faith
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 resisting
                 but
                 by
                 this
                 stedfastness
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 give
                 ground
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 will
                 pursue
                 the
                 victory
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 turn
                 our
                 backs
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 we
                 cannot
                 keep
                 our
                 ground
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 some
                 strength
                 .
                 It
                 s
                 true
                 ,
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 born
                 with
                 his
                 armour
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 fabled
                 of
                 the
                 race
                 of
                 those
                 Giants
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Saints
                 have
                 their
                 breast-plate
                 of
                 faith
                 to
                 keep
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 shield
                 to
                 preserve
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 they
                 grow
                 in
                 strength
                 ,
                 so
                 are
                 they
                 able
                 to
                 weild
                 their
                 shield
                 ,
                 yea
                 it
                 groweth
                 stronger
                 and
                 more
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 off
                 a
                 blow
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saw
                 his
                 Disciples
                 were
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 bear
                 a
                 temptation
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 John
                 18.
                 8.
                 therefore
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 go
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 sought
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 ye
                 seek
                 me
                 ;
                 let
                 these
                 go
                 ;
                 as
                 yet
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 grown
                 to
                 that
                 stedfastness
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 ,
                 what
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 for
                 holy
                 ends
                 give
                 Satan
                 liberty
                 to
                 sift
                 thee
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 bran
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 faith
                 be
                 weak
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 sad
                 work
                 will
                 there
                 be
                 then
                 in
                 thy
                 soul
                 ?
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 prayed
                 ,
                 that
                 Peters
                 faith
                 should
                 not
                 fail
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 you
                 see
                 how
                 near
                 it
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 it
                 cost
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 except
                 we
                 be
                 grown
                 in
                 wisdom
                 and
                 understanding
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 ignorant
                 of
                 his
                 devices
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 take
                 us
                 alive
                 at
                 his
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 where
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 us
                 ,
                 nor
                 what
                 his
                 methods
                 of
                 deceiving
                 are
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 we
                 might
                 watch
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 crosses
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 child
                 can
                 bear
                 the
                 cross
                 ,
                 specially
                 if
                 great
                 ;
                 some
                 little
                 affliction
                 they
                 may
                 bear
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 our
                 Saviour
                 did
                 train
                 up
                 his
                 Disciples
                 to
                 it
                 by
                 degrees
                 :
                 at
                 first
                 only
                 they
                 threatned
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 charged
                 them
                 not
                 to
                 preach
                 
                 in
                 that
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 then
                 afterwards
                 ,
                 when
                 by
                 that
                 experience
                 of
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 somewhat
                 grown
                 ,
                 then
                 they
                 were
                 scourged
                 and
                 imprisoned
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 strength
                 grew
                 ,
                 so
                 afflictions
                 grew
                 :
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 suffer
                 much
                 for
                 Christ
                 :
                 while
                 our
                 faith
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 our
                 love
                 is
                 small
                 ,
                 our
                 patience
                 inconsiderable
                 ,
                 therefore
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 every
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Because
                 the
                 stronger
                 our
                 graces
                 are
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 discernable
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 ;
                 this
                 was
                 hinted
                 before
                 in
                 the
                 arguments
                 of
                 the
                 point
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 put
                 an
                 end
                 to
                 many
                 sad
                 complaints
                 
                 that
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 maketh
                 concerning
                 himself
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 grace
                 becometh
                 more
                 visible
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 shining
                 upon
                 it
                 to
                 discover
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 comfortable
                 may
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 walk
                 !
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Ministry
                 and
                 Ordinances
                 God
                 hath
                 given
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 our
                 growth
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   therefore
                   he
                   gave
                   some
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   some
                   Evangelists
                   ,
                   same
                   Pastors
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   edifying
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 now
                 ,
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 been
                 at
                 all
                 this
                 pains
                 ,
                 rising
                 up
                 early
                 ,
                 and
                 sending
                 messengers
                 upon
                 messengers
                 ,
                 one
                 after
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 pouring
                 out
                 the
                 gifts
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 to
                 befit
                 them
                 for
                 that
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 to
                 build
                 us
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 are
                 children
                 and
                 dwarfs
                 ?
                 What
                 a
                 shame
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 grief
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 God
                 ?
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 make
                 him
                 repent
                 of
                 the
                 good
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 withdraw
                 them
                 ?
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 A
                 very
                 hypocrite
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 may
                 grow
                 in
                 some
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 had
                 need
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 beyond
                 them
                 in
                 our
                 growth
                 ;
                 an
                 hypocrite
                 may
                 grow
                 in
                 parts
                 and
                 gifts
                 ,
                 may
                 learn
                 to
                 pray
                 and
                 preach
                 most
                 plausibly
                 ;
                 may
                 make
                 long
                 prayers
                 ,
                 with
                 those
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 inwardly
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 sticking
                 here
                 :
                 or
                 because
                 thou
                 growest
                 more
                 civilly
                 ,
                 escapest
                 the
                 pollutions
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 alas
                 ,
                 art
                 the
                 same
                 in
                 disposition
                 ,
                 a
                 swine
                 in
                 nature
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 growing
                 in
                 assent
                 to
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 saith
                 as
                 the
                 Devils
                 have
                 ,
                 which
                 maketh
                 them
                 tremble
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 kind
                 of
                 affection
                 too
                 ,
                 as
                 Herod
                 had
                 ;
                 but
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 we
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 danger
                 of
                 being
                 deceived
                 ,
                 by
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 narrowly
                 we
                 had
                 need
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 there
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 deceit
                 ;
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 spiritualness
                 of
                 service
                 and
                 duty
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 of
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 humility
                 ,
                 and
                 saving-faith
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 Wicked
                 men
                 grow
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 and
                 why
                 should
                 not
                 we
                 grow
                 better
                 and
                 better
                 ?
                 Shall
                 Satans
                 Kingdom
                 so
                 increase
                 and
                 grow
                 strong
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 grow
                 stronger
                 also
                 ?
                 how
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 need
                 had
                 we
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 our selves
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ,
                 considering
                 how
                 many
                 grow
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ?
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 The
                 stronger
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 habits
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 easie
                 will
                 our
                 acting
                 of
                 grace
                 be
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 we
                 come
                 off
                 so
                 hard
                 with
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 as
                 with
                 prayer
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 like
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 ?
                 
                 but
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 weak
                 in
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 prayer
                 ,
                 so
                 unacquainted
                 with
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 a
                 man
                 delights
                 to
                 do
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 befitted
                 for
                 ,
                 and
                 habituated
                 to
                 !
                 O
                 how
                 quickly
                 are
                 some
                 mens
                 spirits
                 up
                 in
                 duty
                 ,
                 like
                 tinder
                 to
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 or
                 like
                 the
                 spirits
                 of
                 wine
                 or
                 oyl
                 ,
                 quickly
                 fired
                 :
                 therefore
                 God
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 fat
                 offered
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 quickly
                 take
                 fire
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 our
                 services
                 come
                 off
                 with
                 delight
                 and
                 cheerfulness
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 pleased
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 so
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   rejoyced
                   they
                   were
                   counted
                   worthy
                   to
                   suffer
                   for
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 yet
                 a
                 little
                 before
                 ,
                 were
                 so
                 weak
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 all
                 forsook
                 him
                 ;
                 what
                 a
                 difference
                 is
                 here
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 rejoiced
                 that
                 God
                 had
                 given
                 them
                 such
                 a
                 willing
                 heart
                 to
                 lay
                 out
                 themselves
                 upon
                 the
                 Temple
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 build
                 an
                 House
                 to
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 when
                 a
                 mans
                 love
                 and
                 mercy
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 what
                 he
                 giveth
                 ,
                 it
                 cometh
                 hardly
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 like
                 drops
                 of
                 blood
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 say
                 )
                 but
                 afterward
                 he
                 can
                 freely
                 ,
                 willingly
                 emptie
                 his
                 purse
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 one
                 way
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 Commands
                 of
                 God
                 not
                 so
                 grievous
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 until
                 we
                 be
                 thus
                 grown
                 .
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 We
                 must
                 grow
                 to
                 our
                 pitch
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 can
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 kingdom
                 :
                 Mat.
                 18.
                 3
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Therefore
                 upon
                 all
                 these
                 considerations
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 be
                 exhorted
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 our
                 business
                 to
                 improve
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 to
                 wax
                 stronger
                 and
                 stronger
                 day
                 by
                 day
                 ;
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 Motives
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 Helps
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 next
                 enquiry
                 what
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 Grace
                 ;
                 since
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 necessary
                 a
                 work
                 lying
                 upon
                 us
                 all
                 ?
                 And
                 I
                 might
                 speak
                 distinctly
                 ,
                 First
                 ,
                 To
                 the
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 inherent
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 wherein
                 our
                 holiness
                 consisteth
                 ;
                 and
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 That
                 wherein
                 our
                 comfort
                 consisteth
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 our
                 relative
                 state
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 But
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 is
                 that
                 holiness
                 ,
                 those
                 several
                 Graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 each
                 whereof
                 shining
                 with
                 its
                 own
                 lustre
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 by
                 the
                 symmetry
                 and
                 conjunction
                 with
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 make
                 up
                 the
                 perfect
                 beauty
                 of
                 Holiness
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 in
                 general
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 grow
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 art
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 in
                 this
                 matter
                 ,
                 thou
                 must
                 exercise
                 Grace
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 grow
                 ;
                 what
                 a
                 rich
                 treasury
                 is
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Mind
                 ,
                 above
                 that
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 Che●t
                 ?
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 useth
                 of
                 the
                 one
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 hath
                 ;
                 the
                 more
                 he
                 useth
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 the
                 less
                 he
                 hath
                 .
                 How
                 did
                 the
                 Talent
                 increase
                 but
                 with
                 the
                 using
                 ?
                 that
                 is
                 signified
                 ,
                 by
                 putting
                 them
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 Changers
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 Talent
                 or
                 
                 
                 Pound
                 gained
                 five
                 Talents
                 ,
                 or
                 ten
                 ;
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 observed
                 by
                 so
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Scripture
                 in
                 commanding
                 or
                 requiring
                 any
                 Grace
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 doth
                 directly
                 and
                 immediately
                 command
                 the
                 Acts
                 and
                 the
                 Habits
                 obliquely
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Fountain
                 to
                 the
                 Stream
                 :
                 So
                 Baxter
                 saith
                 .
                 The
                 way
                 to
                 get
                 away
                 our
                 indisposedness
                 to
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 saith
                 Luther
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 pray
                 it
                 away
                 :
                 exercise
                 that
                 Grace
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 ability
                 given
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 find
                 it
                 grow
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 preferred
                 before
                 an
                 idle
                 complaining
                 ,
                 a
                 diligent
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 up
                 and
                 doing
                 ;
                 thou
                 findest
                 thy
                 Faith
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 canst
                 scarce
                 call
                 it
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 but
                 unbelief
                 :
                 labour
                 to
                 act
                 it
                 ,
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 often
                 :
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 it
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 souls
                 sincere
                 willingness
                 to
                 take
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 for
                 a
                 Saviour
                 and
                 Lord
                 ,
                 to
                 save
                 from
                 iniquites
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 from
                 the
                 condemnation
                 of
                 sin
                 now
                 ,
                 though
                 weakly
                 put
                 forth
                 ,
                 the
                 acts
                 of
                 willing
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 offered
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 find
                 it
                 will
                 grow
                 :
                 often
                 be
                 rowling
                 thy self
                 and
                 thy
                 burthen
                 ,
                 poor
                 burthened
                 soul
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 :
                 cast
                 thy self
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 find
                 as
                 much
                 rest
                 in
                 it
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 an
                 increase
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 feeling
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 dost
                 believe
                 after
                 a
                 time
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 other
                 things
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 is
                 there
                 a
                 day
                 that
                 goeth
                 over
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 use
                 for
                 Faith
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 life
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 :
                 
                   The
                   life
                   I
                   now
                   live
                   ,
                   I
                   live
                   by
                   the
                   Faith
                   of
                   the
                
                 
                 
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 much
                 need
                 of
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 it
                 daily
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 any
                 vital
                 acts
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 occasions
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 either
                 some
                 temptations
                 from
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 some
                 corruptions
                 stirring
                 and
                 disquieting
                 your
                 peace
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 scourgings
                 from
                 without
                 ,
                 some
                 buffetings
                 of
                 Satan
                 ,
                 some
                 deadness
                 and
                 security
                 growing
                 upon
                 you
                 daily
                 :
                 O
                 there
                 is
                 daily
                 need
                 of
                 acting
                 Faith
                 ,
                 as
                 there
                 is
                 to
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 ;
                 therefore
                 Israel
                 ,
                 their
                 Manna
                 was
                 their
                 daily
                 food
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 were
                 daily
                 stung
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 daily
                 look
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 Serpent
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 which
                 of
                 us
                 is
                 not
                 ?
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 a
                 Lamp
                 lighted
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 There
                 was
                 enery
                 morning
                 daily
                 a
                 triming
                 of
                 the
                 Lamps
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Sanctuary
                 ,
                 and
                 pouring
                 oyl
                 into
                 them
                 afresh
                 :
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 continue
                 ,
                 but
                 go
                 out
                 in
                 obscure
                 darkness
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 a
                 feeding
                 of
                 them
                 with
                 oyl
                 ;
                 this
                 we
                 may
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 exerciseth
                 not
                 his
                 Grace
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 none
                 ;
                 neither
                 hath
                 the
                 strength
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 ;
                 for
                 Habits
                 are
                 for
                 Acts
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 Acts
                 
                 strengthen
                 the
                 Habits
                 again
                 .
                 The
                 Learned
                 Aristotle
                 said
                 ,
                 A
                 wise
                 man
                 differed
                 nothing
                 from
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 exercised
                 not
                 his
                 wisdom
                 ;
                 and
                 saith
                 the
                 Wiseman
                 ,
                 
                   Even
                   a
                   fool
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   holds
                   his
                   peace
                   ,
                   is
                   counted
                   wise
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Act
                 is
                 that
                 chiefly
                 commanded
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 chiefly
                 rewarded
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 the
                 exercising
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 whereby
                 it
                 groweth
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 here
                 I
                 mind
                 :
                 Hath
                 not
                 every
                 day
                 its
                 evil
                 sufficient
                 to
                 it
                 ?
                 now
                 if
                 faith
                 ●e
                 not
                 
                 upon
                 the
                 wing
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 condition
                 is
                 that
                 soul
                 in
                 ?
                 therefore
                 exercise
                 it
                 :
                 use
                 legs
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 legs
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 love
                 ;
                 put
                 it
                 forth
                 ,
                 exercise
                 it
                 toward
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 daily
                 ,
                 and
                 toward
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 grow
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 how
                 do
                 benummed
                 limbs
                 that
                 have
                 no
                 feeling
                 nor
                 strength
                 ,
                 gather
                 strength
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 rubbing
                 ,
                 and
                 chasing
                 ,
                 and
                 exercising
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 though
                 a
                 mans
                 legs
                 be
                 so
                 benummed
                 ,
                 falling
                 for
                 a
                 step
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 scarce
                 set
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 ground
                 ,
                 yet
                 use
                 them
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 themselves
                 again
                 :
                 If
                 Merchants
                 money
                 lie
                 still
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 dead
                 thing
                 ,
                 it
                 increaseth
                 not
                 ;
                 but
                 they
                 must
                 turn
                 it
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 return
                 it
                 ,
                 use
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 exercise
                 their
                 trade
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 groweth
                 .
                 And
                 truly
                 I
                 am
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 reason
                 we
                 are
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 so
                 weak
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 ,
                 we
                 lie
                 complaining
                 and
                 making
                 sad
                 moan
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 our
                 weakness
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 careless
                 in
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 the
                 Grace
                 wherein
                 we
                 pretend
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 :
                 
                   The
                   desire
                   of
                   the
                   slothful
                   killeth
                   him
                   ;
                   for
                   his
                   hands
                   refuse
                   to
                   labour
                
                 ;
                 
                 we
                 may
                 mourn
                 our selves
                 away
                 off
                 our
                 legs
                 ,
                 and
                 spend
                 our
                 days
                 in
                 lamentable
                 complainings
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 never
                 be
                 the
                 better
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 put
                 forth
                 into
                 act
                 ,
                 what
                 we
                 have
                 already
                 received
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 faithful
                 in
                 trading
                 with
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 give
                 us
                 more
                 ?
                 action
                 and
                 motion
                 increase
                 heat
                 :
                 if
                 you
                 see
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 lie
                 starving
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 his
                 legs
                 are
                 stiff
                 ,
                 cannot
                 hardly
                 move
                 them
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 help
                 him
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 fire
                 ,
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 exercise
                 your
                 limbs
                 ,
                 rub
                 them
                 ,
                 chafe
                 them
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 get
                 heat
                 and
                 agility
                 into
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 See
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 exercise
                 one
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 another
                 :
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 a
                 sweet
                 harmony
                 and
                 dependency
                 of
                 the
                 Graces
                 one
                 upon
                 another
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 do
                 one
                 strengthen
                 another
                 ;
                 the
                 acts
                 of
                 our
                 Graces
                 ,
                 do
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 co-operate
                 ,
                 and
                 sweetly
                 conspire
                 to
                 the
                 promoting
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 ,
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 of
                 the
                 acts
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 acts
                 then
                 strengthen
                 the
                 habits
                 .
                 As
                 for
                 instance
                 ,
                 
                 you
                 see
                 in
                 an
                 Arch
                 ,
                 one
                 stone
                 strengthens
                 another
                 ,
                 take
                 away
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 fall
                 upon
                 your
                 head
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 so
                 earnestly
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   should
                   add
                   to
                   Faith
                   ,
                   Temperance
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 not
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 could
                 add
                 
                 one
                 habit
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 for
                 they
                 are
                 infused
                 together
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 acts
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 added
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ;
                 
                   For
                   if
                   ye
                   do
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   then
                   ye
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   barren
                   nor
                   unfruitful
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                   yea
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   never
                   fall
                   :
                   yea
                   ,
                   you
                   shall
                   have
                   an
                   abundant
                   entrance
                   into
                   the
                   everlasting
                   kingdom
                
                 ;
                 The
                 strength
                 of
                 a
                 building
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 lies
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 one
                 piece
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 the
                 due
                 compacting
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 joyning
                 part
                 to
                 his
                 part
                 ;
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 strong
                 beams
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 other
                 parts
                 be
                 weak
                 ,
                 the
                 rafters
                 ,
                 the
                 wall-plates
                 ,
                 or
                 such
                 considerable
                 pieces
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 well
                 joyned
                 together
                 ,
                 the
                 building
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 easily
                 fall
                 :
                 therefore
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 be
                 strong
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 indeed
                 ,
                 look
                 that
                 we
                 exercise
                 all
                 the
                 Graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 we
                 have
                 already
                 received
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 Faith
                 ,
                 nor
                 only
                 Love
                 ,
                 nor
                 only
                 Humility
                 ,
                 nor
                 only
                 Self-denial
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 :
                 labour
                 to
                 act
                 them
                 all
                 :
                 and
                 Temperance
                 ,
                 and
                 Heavenly-mindedness
                 ,
                 &c.
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 each
                 Grace
                 doth
                 grow
                 by
                 the
                 exercising
                 of
                 it self
                 ,
                 so
                 by
                 the
                 exercising
                 of
                 them
                 all
                 ;
                 they
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 mutual
                 influence
                 each
                 upon
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 to
                 strengthen
                 one
                 another
                 :
                 the
                 act
                 of
                 Faith
                 will
                 strengthen
                 the
                 acting
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 will
                 strengthen
                 faith
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 for
                 the
                 rest
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 If
                 you
                 would
                 grow
                 in
                 Grace
                 ,
                 You
                 must
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 prayer
                 :
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 much
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 much
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Prophet
                 puts
                 them
                 both
                 together
                 :
                 
                   He
                   will
                   pour
                   out
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Grace
                   and
                   Supplication
                   .
                
                 
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Apostle
                 
                   Jude
                   ,
                   But
                   you
                   Beloved
                   ,
                   building
                   up
                   your selves
                   in
                   your
                   most
                   holy
                   Faith
                   ,
                   praying
                   in
                   the
                   Holy
                
                 
                 Ghost
                 :
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 like
                 reason
                 for
                 building
                 up
                 our selves
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 Grace
                 :
                 praying
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 you
                 see
                 ,
                 to
                 grow
                 in
                 Grace
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 reason
                 that
                 Prayer
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 great
                 means
                 of
                 increasing
                 Grace
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 Because
                 in
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 exercising
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 Grace
                 usually
                 ,
                 of
                 any
                 other
                 service
                 we
                 do
                 to
                 God
                 :
                 there
                 our
                 repentance
                 is
                 exercised
                 ,
                 for
                 you
                 alwaies
                 find
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 drawing
                 nigh
                 to
                 God
                 :
                 David
                 ,
                 and
                 Ezra
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 still
                 they
                 begin
                 with
                 bewailing
                 their
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 expressing
                 their
                 
                 sorrow
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 because
                 no
                 man
                 was
                 to
                 appear
                 before
                 .
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 pure
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 pure
                 feet
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 since
                 we
                 
                 gather
                 soil
                 continually
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 of
                 acknowledging
                 our
                 iniquities
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 
                   he
                   is
                   faithful
                   and
                   just
                   to
                   forgive
                   them
                
                 ;
                 there
                 
                 is
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 where
                 ,
                 else
                 that
                 is
                 it
                 whereby
                 we
                 wrestle
                 with
                 God
                 in
                 Prayer
                 ;
                 Prayer
                 is
                 indeed
                 a
                 wrestling
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 Jacob
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 his
                 faith
                 whereby
                 he
                 overcame
                 ,
                 and
                 got
                 the
                 blessing
                 ;
                 a
                 man
                 must
                 pray
                 in
                 Faith
                 ,
                 else
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 worth
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 God
                 accepteth
                 no
                 service
                 ,
                 but
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 Faith
                 mixed
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 Love
                 exercised
                 toward
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 we
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 acting
                 of
                 our
                 desire
                 toward
                 him
                 ,
                 our
                 delight
                 in
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 to
                 his
                 Saints
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 can
                 
                 pray
                 feelingly
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 And
                 so
                 Humility
                 :
                 O
                 saith
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 
                 
                   Who
                   am
                   I
                   ,
                   dust
                   and
                   ashes
                   ?
                
                 And
                 
                   Jacob
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   less
                   then
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   thy
                   mercies
                
                 ;
                 In
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 Graces
                 are
                 set
                 awork
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 working
                 prayer
                 indeed
                 ;
                 our
                 thankfulness
                 and
                 all
                 our
                 supplications
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 known
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Every
                 
                 wheel
                 is
                 set
                 a
                 going
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 an
                 effectual
                 prayer
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 by
                 the
                 exercises
                 of
                 the
                 Graces
                 they
                 are
                 increased
                 ;
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 that
                 by
                 acting
                 Faith
                 upon
                 the
                 Promises
                 ,
                 pleading
                 them
                 ?
                 (
                 as
                 Jacob
                 did
                 )
                 
                   Thou
                   saidst
                   thou
                   wouldst
                
                 
                 
                   do
                   me
                   good
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 and
                 so
                 in
                 many
                 other
                 places
                 :
                 
                   Remember
                   thy
                   Word
                   to
                   thy
                   Servant
                   ,
                   whereupon
                   thou
                   hast
                   caused
                   me
                   to
                   hope
                   :
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 )
                 That
                 this
                 doth
                 not
                 increase
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 acting
                 of
                 Love
                 :
                 increase
                 it
                 therefore
                 .
                 Luther
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 much
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 was
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 much
                 Grace
                 ,
                 of
                 much
                 Courage
                 ,
                 and
                 Zeal
                 ,
                 and
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 Diligence
                 in
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God.
                 And
                 that
                 famous
                 Servant
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Mr.
                 Bolton
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 six
                 times
                 a
                 day
                 he
                 prayed
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 others
                 :
                 observe
                 it
                 when
                 you
                 will
                 ,
                 where
                 you
                 see
                 a
                 growing
                 Christian
                 indeed
                 ,
                 follow
                 him
                 to
                 his
                 Closet
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 man
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 much
                 prayer
                 ;
                 So
                 David
                 ,
                 and
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 But
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 another
                 reason
                 for
                 it
                 :
                 Because
                 Prayer
                 doth
                 carry
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 a
                 nearer
                 communion
                 with
                 God
                 :
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 gaining
                 acquaintance
                 with
                 God
                 ;
                 acquaint
                 thy self
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 mayst
                 have
                 peace
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 
                 have
                 prosperity
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 when
                 Job
                 discovered
                 such
                 weakness
                 in
                 his
                 impatiency
                 ,
                 saith
                 that
                 friend
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 
                   Surely
                   thou
                   restrainect
                   prayer
                   from
                   the
                   Almighty
                
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 didst
                 maintain
                 communion
                 
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 thus
                 with
                 thee
                 .
                 Now
                 whither
                 
                 should
                 we
                 go
                 with
                 empty
                 vessels
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 ?
                 whither
                 should
                 poor
                 ,
                 weak
                 ,
                 wounded
                 ,
                 lame
                 ,
                 feeble
                 creatures
                 go
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 him
                 that
                 hath
                 all
                 power
                 to
                 heal
                 and
                 strengthen
                 them
                 ?
                 God
                 hath
                 treasures
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 not
                 streight-hearted
                 ,
                 he
                 giveth
                 liberally
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 treasury
                 is
                 lockt
                 ,
                 and
                 prayer
                 
                 is
                 the
                 key
                 ,
                 and
                 faith
                 the
                 hand
                 that
                 turns
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 to
                 the
                 treasury
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 rich
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 rich
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 heirs
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 which
                 of
                 us
                 would
                 be
                 poor
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 a
                 warrant
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Treasury
                 ,
                 to
                 fetch
                 what
                 we
                 please
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 pains
                 would
                 there
                 be
                 ,
                 the
                 Treasurer
                 should
                 have
                 imployment
                 enough
                 :
                 if
                 God
                 would
                 but
                 perswade
                 us
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 visit
                 him
                 more
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   great
                   Treasurer
                   of
                   heaven
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   in
                   whom
                   all
                   treasures
                   of
                   wisdom
                   and
                   knowledge
                   are
                   hid
                
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 faith
                 and
                 all
                 grace
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   of
                   his
                   fulness
                   we
                   receive
                   grace
                   for
                   grace
                   .
                
                 O
                 how
                 
                 would
                 we
                 ply
                 him
                 ,
                 give
                 him
                 no
                 rest
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 much
                 more
                 of
                 our
                 company
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 slight
                 perswasions
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 prayer
                 as
                 a
                 duty
                 and
                 a
                 task
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 a
                 singular
                 means
                 of
                 improving
                 our
                 graces
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 were
                 we
                 but
                 as
                 much
                 in
                 Communion
                 with
                 God
                 as
                 David
                 ,
                 we
                 might
                 have
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 David
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 
                   ask
                   and
                   have
                   ,
                   knock
                   and
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   opened
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 which
                 works
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 
                 denyed
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 ask
                 ,
                 and
                 ask
                 not
                 amiss
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 heard
                 lately
                 .
                 God
                 
                 will
                 expend
                 willingly
                 his
                 treasures
                 of
                 grace
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 pour
                 out
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 enquired
                 of
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 prayer
                 ;
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 can
                 speak
                 it
                 but
                 too
                 experimentally
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 found
                 corruptions
                 prevail
                 ,
                 and
                 our selves
                 foyled
                 and
                 brought
                 under
                 ,
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 reason
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 restrained
                 prayer
                 from
                 the
                 Almighty
                 ;
                 either
                 we
                 have
                 neglected
                 this
                 duty
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 slight
                 and
                 slubbering
                 ,
                 shuffled
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 doors
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 door
                 ;
                 and
                 generally
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 more
                 easily
                 find
                 time
                 for
                 any
                 thing
                 then
                 for
                 prayer
                 ,
                 every
                 other
                 business
                 hath
                 its
                 hours
                 to
                 attend
                 upon
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 any
                 thing
                 be
                 neglected
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 prayer
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 posted
                 over
                 .
                 Whereas
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 no
                 more
                 hinder
                 our
                 business
                 then
                 our
                 meal-times
                 do
                 ,
                 which
                 must
                 be
                 had
                 :
                 and
                 I
                 know
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 seen
                 when
                 the
                 
                 prospering
                 presence
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 been
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 have
                 come
                 on
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 done
                 more
                 in
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 ,
                 then
                 at
                 another
                 time
                 ,
                 in
                 many
                 times
                 as
                 long
                 a
                 time
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 so
                 wretched
                 hearts
                 we
                 have
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 content
                 our selves
                 with
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 this
                 duty
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 appear
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 we
                 think
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 ;
                 we
                 do
                 not
                 strive
                 unto
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 watch
                 unto
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 labour
                 by
                 blowing
                 the
                 green
                 wood
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 hardly
                 kindle
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 it
                 on
                 a
                 flame
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 .
                 O
                 Jacob
                 would
                 not
                 let
                 him
                 go
                 without
                 a
                 blessing
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 in
                 what
                 a
                 sad
                 manner
                 do
                 we
                 many
                 
                 times
                 rise
                 off
                 our
                 knees
                 ,
                 with
                 our
                 hearts
                 further
                 off
                 from
                 God
                 then
                 we
                 came
                 :
                 is
                 this
                 to
                 obtain
                 a
                 blessing
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 take
                 pains
                 in
                 this
                 work
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 :
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 our
                 hearts
                 .
              
               
                 Alas
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 prayed
                 ,
                 and
                 prayed
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 for
                 ought
                 you
                 can
                 perceive
                 ,
                 you
                 grow
                 not
                 :
                 To
                 this
                 I
                 might
                 answer
                 many
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Dost
                 thou
                 find
                 that
                 hereby
                 thou
                 never
                 gettest
                 thy
                 heart
                 in
                 a
                 better
                 frame
                 ?
                 art
                 thou
                 never
                 wrought
                 up
                 to
                 some
                 sweet
                 frame
                 of
                 heart
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 humility
                 ?
                 Why
                 here
                 is
                 an
                 improving
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 in
                 prayer
                 ;
                 when
                 we
                 can
                 find
                 our
                 hearts
                 wrought
                 up
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 frame
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 growth
                 it self
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 therefore
                 thou
                 art
                 mistaken
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 do
                 not
                 find
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 sometimes
                 such
                 warnings
                 ,
                 and
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 the
                 pains
                 ,
                 thon
                 hast
                 sometimes
                 been
                 blowing
                 at
                 the
                 coal
                 ,
                 until
                 thy
                 arm
                 ake
                 with
                 holding
                 the
                 bellows
                 ;
                 and
                 thy
                 heart
                 akes
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 get
                 thy
                 faith
                 and
                 thy
                 affections
                 into
                 a
                 frame
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 art
                 as
                 dead
                 and
                 dull
                 as
                 before
                 .
                 Now
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 case
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 gain
                 thus
                 much
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 viler
                 ,
                 lower
                 thoughts
                 of
                 thy self
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 necessity
                 of
                 an
                 high-Priest
                 the
                 more
                 feelingly
                 ;
                 this
                 humbleth
                 ,
                 
                 this
                 emptyeth
                 of
                 self
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 growth
                 in
                 grace
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 small
                 improvement
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 thirdly
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 be
                 put
                 to
                 wait
                 for
                 an
                 answer
                 ,
                 know
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 excellency
                 of
                 faith
                 to
                 wait
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 hold
                 out
                 as
                 the
                 woman
                 of
                 Canaan
                 .
                 And
                 Jacob
                 wrestled
                 all
                 night
                 with
                 God.
                 So
                 Daniel
                 ,
                 
                 his
                 answer
                 cometh
                 not
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 he
                 began
                 to
                 pray
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 must
                 wait
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 go
                 through
                 with
                 his
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 afterwards
                 the
                 answer
                 cometh
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 thee
                 a
                 heart
                 to
                 wait
                 
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 give
                 him
                 over
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 growing
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 aware
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 no
                 easie
                 matter
                 to
                 wait
                 upon
                 God.
                 Alas
                 ,
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 in
                 a
                 mood
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 a
                 flash
                 under
                 a
                 stirring
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 O
                 he
                 will
                 go
                 and
                 pray
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 an
                 answer
                 come
                 not
                 presently
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 it
                 dyeth
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 waiteth
                 upon
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 have
                 no
                 nay
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 answer
                 at
                 one
                 time
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 to
                 it
                 again
                 and
                 again
                 ;
                 as
                 Paul
                 sought
                 God
                 thrice
                 for
                 the
                 removing
                 the
                 Thorn
                 ,
                 before
                 
                 he
                 had
                 an
                 answer
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Elias
                 ,
                 seven
                 times
                 his
                 servant
                 was
                 sent
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 an
                 answer
                 of
                 nothing
                 appearing
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 last
                 
                 but
                 a
                 little
                 cloud
                 ;
                 and
                 his
                 prayer
                 was
                 fervent
                 too
                 ,
                 as
                 appears
                 by
                 the
                 story
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 You
                 must
                 grow
                 upon
                 God
                 ,
                 knock
                 harder
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 come
                 not
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 cry
                 louder
                 ,
                 cry
                 out
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 ;
                 importunity
                 will
                 overcome
                 him
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 ;
                 yea
                 if
                 by
                 the
                 delay
                 of
                 
                 an
                 answer
                 ,
                 as
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 thou
                 be
                 kept
                 praying
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 fervently
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 wherein
                 we
                 more
                 grow
                 then
                 in
                 prayer
                 it self
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 exerciseth
                 us
                 with
                 such
                 occasions
                 ,
                 as
                 put
                 us
                 on
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 all
                 our
                 strength
                 to
                 wrestle
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 a
                 diligence
                 in
                 this
                 duty
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 as
                 averse
                 from
                 it
                 as
                 from
                 any
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 our
                 hearts
                 do
                 hang
                 back
                 ?
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswade
                 us
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 invincible
                 bonds
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 bind
                 us
                 close
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 by
                 woful
                 experience
                 ,
                 how
                 quickly
                 our
                 slippery
                 hearts
                 will
                 either
                 shift
                 themselves
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 into
                 a
                 formality
                 in
                 the
                 service
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Observe
                 your
                 answers
                 also
                 ;
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 being
                 alway
                 complaining
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 received
                 nothing
                 ,
                 or
                 were
                 nothing
                 grown
                 ,
                 whereby
                 God
                 loseth
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 what
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 us
                 already
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 procure
                 more
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 indeed
                 to
                 grieve
                 Gods
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 prayer
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 grieved
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 a
                 woful
                 declining
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 our
                 growth
                 will
                 go
                 on
                 but
                 very
                 slowly
                 .
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 pardon
                 me
                 for
                 standing
                 so
                 much
                 upon
                 this
                 point
                 ,
                 to
                 press
                 it
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 many
                 of
                 you
                 cannot
                 but
                 see
                 the
                 necessity
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 since
                 these
                 times
                 of
                 outward
                 prosperity
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 mind
                 it
                 in
                 your
                 own
                 cases
                 ,
                 lookers
                 on
                 may
                 easily
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 since
                 our
                 hands
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 declining
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 I
                 think
                 (
                 If
                 I
                 am
                 
                 mistaken
                 ,
                 I
                 should
                 be
                 glad
                 to
                 be
                 mistaken
                 )
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 wherein
                 we
                 are
                 hurt
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 upon
                 hurries
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 thronged
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 hands
                 so
                 full
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 cannot
                 have
                 those
                 times
                 and
                 seasons
                 to
                 work
                 our
                 hearts
                 up
                 in
                 this
                 duty
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 sad
                 when
                 our
                 hearts
                 have
                 most
                 need
                 of
                 pains-taking
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 such
                 cases
                 they
                 have
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 find
                 least
                 time
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 :
                 What
                 can
                 become
                 of
                 this
                 think
                 you
                 ?
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 help
                 to
                 this
                 growth
                 in
                 grace
                 will
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 Conscientiously
                 and
                 diligently
                 to
                 use
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 prayer
                 ;
                 I
                 speak
                 to
                 that
                 particular
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 of
                 so
                 general
                 concernment
                 ,
                 running
                 along
                 with
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 for
                 sanctification
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 You
                 heard
                 before
                 ,
                 that
                 knowledge
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 means
                 whereby
                 our
                 grace
                 doth
                 grow
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 conveyed
                 through
                 the
                 understanding
                 ,
                 the
                 consent
                 of
                 the
                 will
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 greater
                 or
                 lesser
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 apprehensions
                 which
                 the
                 mind
                 hath
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 goodness
                 ,
                 his
                 loveliness
                 ,
                 the
                 necessity
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 &c.
                 therefore
                 ,
                 
                   grace
                   and
                   truth
                   came
                   by
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   whom
                   beholding
                   as
                   in
                   a
                   glass
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   changed
                   into
                   his
                
                 
                 image
                 ;
                 this
                 glass
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 but
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 fat
                 do
                 men
                 grow
                 that
                 fare
                 deliciously
                 every
                 day
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 not
                 great
                 difference
                 between
                 feeding
                 upon
                 husks
                 when
                 the
                 kernel
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 and
                 feeding
                 upon
                 the
                 finest
                 of
                 the
                 wheat
                 ?
                 how
                 quickly
                 will
                 the
                 weakest
                 man
                 grow
                 strong
                 ,
                 feeding
                 upon
                 the
                 one
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 strongest
                 weak
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 feedeth
                 upon
                 the
                 other
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 that
                 ,
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 was
                 almost
                 beaten
                 off
                 his
                 leggs
                 :
                 Why
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 feast
                 ,
                 
                   a
                   feast
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   fat
                   things
                   ,
                   marrow
                   and
                   wines
                   upon
                   the
                   less
                   well-refined
                   ;
                   in
                   this
                   mountain
                   shall
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   hosts
                   make
                   to
                   all
                   people
                   a
                   feast
                   of
                   fat
                   things
                   ,
                   a
                   feast
                   of
                   wines
                   on
                   the
                   lees
                   ,
                   of
                   fat
                   things
                   full
                   of
                   marrow
                   ,
                   of
                   wines
                   on
                   the
                   lees
                   well-refined
                
                 ;
                 What
                 are
                 these
                 but
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 green
                 pastures
                 and
                 still
                 waters
                 ,
                 with
                 
                 these
                 he
                 promiseth
                 to
                 satiate
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 the
                 Priest
                 with
                 fatness
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   my
                   people
                   shall
                   be
                   satisfied
                   with
                   my
                   goodness
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   :
                   And
                   my
                   soul
                   shall
                   be
                   abundantly
                   satisfied
                   with
                   the
                   fatness
                   of
                   thy
                
                 
                 house
                 ,
                 there
                 it
                 is
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 63.
                 
                 Psalm
                 ,
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 longs
                 after
                 
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 Sanctuary
                 ,
                 O
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   soul
                   shall
                   be
                   satisfied
                   with
                   marrow
                   and
                   fatness
                   :
                
                 
                 What
                 can
                 be
                 said
                 more
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 Is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 grow
                 
                 fat
                 ,
                 to
                 increase
                 ?
                 and
                 did
                 not
                 God
                 give
                 therefore
                 Pastors
                 and
                 Teachers
                 to
                 dispence
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 for
                 the
                 edifying
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ?
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 to
                 the
                 Ephesians
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 these
                 Ordinances
                 ;
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 fat
                 things
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 have
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 stall
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 coop
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 fold
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 flourish
                 indeed
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 speaks
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   planted
                   in
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   shall
                   flourish
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   the
                   Courts
                   of
                   our
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Spouse
                 in
                 the
                 Canticles
                 was
                 so
                 earnest
                 ,
                 
                   Shew
                   me
                   where
                   thou
                   feedest
                   thy
                   flocks
                   ,
                   where
                
                 
                 
                   thou
                   makest
                   them
                   rest
                   at
                   noon
                   :
                
                 Alas
                 ,
                 many
                 poor
                 Believers
                 may
                 be
                 to
                 seek
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 feedeth
                 his
                 flocks
                 ,
                 specially
                 in
                 these
                 daies
                 ,
                 wherein
                 there
                 are
                 so
                 many
                 pretences
                 to
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Christianity
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 but
                 one
                 ;
                 but
                 at
                 least
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 this
                 will
                 follow
                 from
                 those
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Courts
                   of
                   his
                
                 
                 
                   house
                   is
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 we
                 should
                 inquire
                 where
                 the
                 flocks
                 are
                 fed
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 walk
                 with
                 them
                 and
                 among
                 them
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 where
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 found
                 then
                 ordinarily
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 I
                 do
                 desire
                 to
                 pitty
                 such
                 as
                 yet
                 cannot
                 see
                 this
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 the
                 use
                 and
                 improvement
                 of
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 much
                 more
                 necessary
                 then
                 the
                 other
                 ;
                 
                   desire
                   the
                   sincere
                   milk
                   of
                   the
                   Word
                   :
                
                 milk
                 ,
                 for
                 sweetness
                 and
                 nourishing
                 ;
                 and
                 
                 sincere
                 ,
                 without
                 mixture
                 of
                 errour
                 or
                 humane
                 wisdom
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 it
                 with
                 desires
                 ,
                 get
                 our
                 affections
                 up
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 not
                 to
                 it
                 that
                 we
                 digest
                 it
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 heard
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 likely
                 to
                 grow
                 by
                 it
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 lean
                 in
                 our
                 souls
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 God
                 bad
                 in
                 heavy
                 displeasure
                 sent
                 the
                 curse
                 upon
                 us
                 :
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 matter
                 ?
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 what
                 affections
                 ?
                 come
                 reeking
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 into
                 it
                 ,
                 with
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 and
                 hearts
                 full
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 the
                 stomack
                 is
                 full
                 already
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 room
                 for
                 the
                 Word
                 to
                 take
                 place
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 :
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 much
                 for
                 hearing
                 ,
                 but
                 digest
                 but
                 little
                 .
                 Ah
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 meditation
                 upon
                 what
                 we
                 hear
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 short
                 in
                 :
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 man
                 that
                 groweth
                 indeed
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 
                   Psalm
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   flourish
                   that
                   meditates
                   day
                   and
                   night
                   :
                
                 For
                 my
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 that
                 upon
                 a
                 Sabbath-day
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 how
                 much
                 we
                 hear
                 ,
                 to
                 spend
                 our
                 whole
                 time
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 time
                 left
                 for
                 chewing
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 working
                 
                 it
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 by
                 meditation
                 :
                 No
                 plough-man
                 would
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 think
                 he
                 never
                 plougheth
                 and
                 soweth
                 enough
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 maketh
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 harrowing
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 much
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 stoln
                 away
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 little
                 increase
                 ;
                 we
                 go
                 ●ow
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 again
                 over
                 head
                 and
                 ears
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 care
                 to
                 work
                 the
                 Word
                 upon
                 our
                 souls
                 ;
                 how
                 can
                 you
                 expect
                 to
                 prosper
                 in
                 your
                 souls
                 ?
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 fat
                 purses
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 but
                 lean
                 souls
                 ,
                 you
                 digest
                 not
                 your
                 meat
                 ;
                 a
                 Physitian
                 will
                 tell
                 you
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 how
                 much
                 you
                 eat
                 ,
                 but
                 how
                 much
                 you
                 digest
                 ,
                 that
                 tends
                 to
                 health
                 and
                 growth
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 the
                 other
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 the
                 Supper
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   meat
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   indeed
                
                 ;
                 but
                 do
                 we
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 to
                 improve
                 that
                 Ordinance
                 for
                 strengtheuing
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 to
                 
                 get
                 our
                 graces
                 up
                 ,
                 our
                 appetites
                 up
                 ,
                 our
                 faith
                 ,
                 our
                 love
                 upon
                 the
                 wing
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 ,
                 to
                 act
                 faith
                 and
                 love
                 in
                 the
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 to
                 drink
                 and
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 
                   wisdom
                   hath
                   killed
                   her
                   beasts
                   ,
                   and
                   mixed
                   her
                   wine
                   ,
                   and
                   furnished
                
                 
                 
                   her
                   table
                   among
                   us
                
                 ;
                 and
                 we
                 come
                 indeed
                 ,
                 but
                 without
                 wedding-garments
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 without
                 appetites
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 are
                 cast
                 
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 instead
                 of
                 receiving
                 Christ
                 ,
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 more
                 hardened
                 ,
                 Satan
                 entereth
                 into
                 some
                 poor
                 souls
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 no
                 marvel
                 then
                 if
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 grace
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 had
                 not
                 the
                 fat
                 things
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 not
                 denyed
                 them
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 his
                 table
                 is
                 richly
                 furnished
                 ;
                 the
                 dainties
                 are
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Maidens
                 that
                 are
                 sent
                 forth
                 now
                 to
                 call
                 you
                 are
                 weak
                 and
                 unworthy
                 ,
                 that
                 should
                 not
                 derogate
                 from
                 the
                 esteem
                 of
                 the
                 feast
                 ;
                 now
                 what
                 can
                 we
                 say
                 for
                 our selves
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 play
                 with
                 our
                 meat
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 fall
                 on
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 matter
                 not
                 for
                 digesting
                 it
                 ,
                 where
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 will
                 the
                 guilt
                 lie
                 ?
                 O
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 neglected
                 this
                 salvation
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 have
                 not
                 mist
                 an
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 yet
                 that
                 we
                 make
                 no
                 better
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 then
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 step
                 to
                 a
                 reformation
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 Do
                 you
                 think
                 this
                 vvere
                 a
                 pleasing
                 carriage
                 of
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 vvhen
                 he
                 is
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 lean
                 ,
                 and
                 ill-favoured
                 ,
                 his
                 Father
                 provideth
                 a
                 rich
                 banquet
                 ,
                 royal
                 dainties
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 setteth
                 them
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 intreateth
                 him
                 to
                 fall
                 on
                 ,
                 he
                 complains
                 of
                 his
                 vveakness
                 and
                 faintness
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 vvill
                 not
                 eat
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 frovvardness
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 pleasing
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 vvho
                 hath
                 so
                 richly
                 provided
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 to
                 hear
                 his
                 people
                 complaining
                 alvvay
                 of
                 their
                 vveakness
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 vveakness
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 provided
                 such
                 dainties
                 for
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 as
                 never
                 eye
                 savv
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 tasted
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 Believer
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 fat
                 and
                 flourishing
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 vvere
                 not
                 vvretchedly
                 vvanting
                 to
                 themselves
                 ;
                 they
                 complain
                 ,
                 and
                 complain
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 mind
                 it
                 ;
                 to
                 eat
                 ,
                 to
                 feed
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 for
                 this
                 their
                 grovvth
                 :
                 I
                 have
                 spoken
                 the
                 more
                 largely
                 here
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 knovv
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 knovv
                 it
                 is
                 our
                 ovvn
                 vvretched
                 neglect
                 of
                 our selves
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 cause
                 of
                 our
                 vvant
                 of
                 grovvth
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 help
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 the
                 distempers
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 healed
                 ,
                 that
                 hinder
                 your
                 grovvth
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 impossible
                 vvhile
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 a
                 Woolf
                 in
                 his
                 flesh
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 greedy
                 vven
                 that
                 sucks
                 all
                 the
                 nourishment
                 from
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 grovv
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 can
                 best
                 tell
                 vvhere
                 our
                 diseases
                 are
                 .
                 Some
                 have
                 obstructions
                 betvveen
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 the
                 passages
                 are
                 not
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 they
                 grovv
                 indeed
                 in
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 dry
                 ,
                 and
                 vvithered
                 ,
                 all
                 notion
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 affection
                 ;
                 hovv
                 little
                 affection
                 have
                 vve
                 the
                 most
                 of
                 us
                 ?
                 nothing
                 ansvverable
                 to
                 vvhat
                 vve
                 apprehend
                 of
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 vvell
                 vvith
                 us
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 hovv
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 have
                 surfeited
                 of
                 the
                 vvorld
                 and
                 the
                 comforts
                 thereo●
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 our
                 appetites
                 are
                 lost
                 to
                 these
                 dainties
                 and
                 fat
                 things
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 vvhereby
                 we
                 should
                 grovv
                 up
                 
                   like
                   Calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                
                 .
                 O
                 for
                 Christs
                 sake
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 you
                 love
                 your
                 souls
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 the
                 vvorld
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 vve
                 little
                 knovv
                 hovv
                 close
                 it
                 sticks
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 hovv
                 indiscernably
                 it
                 insinuates
                 it self
                 upon
                 us
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 we
                 consume
                 all
                 upon
                 our
                 lusts
                 ,
                 make
                 all
                 we
                 have
                 received
                 but
                 a
                 stepping-stone
                 to
                 raise
                 our
                 proud
                 spirits
                 upon
                 ;
                 how
                 apt
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 admiring
                 our selves
                 ?
                 this
                 was
                 well
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 was
                 well
                 done
                 by
                 us
                 :
                 instead
                 of
                 admiring
                 rich
                 grace
                 to
                 such
                 poor
                 dust
                 and
                 ashes
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 ;
                 this
                 dammeth
                 up
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 provokes
                 God
                 to
                 withdraw
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 presence
                 ,
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 vve
                 do
                 then
                 ?
                 then
                 vve
                 see
                 vvhat
                 vve
                 are
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 begin
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 end
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 these
                 lusts
                 that
                 do
                 prevail
                 ,
                 down
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 child
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 disease
                 as
                 the
                 Rickets
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 other
                 disease
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 may
                 give
                 it
                 all
                 the
                 nursing
                 ,
                 and
                 tending
                 ,
                 and
                 feeding
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 grow
                 uniformly
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 runs
                 into
                 the
                 head
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 in
                 vain
                 to
                 complain
                 of
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 growth
                 ,
                 
                 the
                 way
                 is
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 get
                 some
                 prescription
                 for
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 the
                 disease
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 object
                 come
                 between
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 and
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 interrupt
                 the
                 sweet
                 and
                 saving
                 influences
                 of
                 Christ
                 from
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 cannot
                 grow
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 that
                 shrubs
                 in
                 the
                 Wilderness
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 see
                 where
                 good
                 cometh
                 ,
                 or
                 plant
                 a
                 Tree
                 or
                 Plant
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 dark
                 place
                 where
                 the
                 Sun
                 never
                 cometh
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 kept
                 off
                 by
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 hinderance
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 grow
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 under
                 trees
                 that
                 shade
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 the
                 rain
                 from
                 the
                 seed
                 ,
                 most
                 herbs
                 will
                 not
                 grow
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ;
                 therefore
                 look
                 to
                 this
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 ever
                 you
                 hope
                 to
                 recover
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 grow
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Labour
                 to
                 make
                 special
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 promises
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 particularly
                 concern
                 this
                 matter
                 ;
                 I
                 know
                 this
                 is
                 reducible
                 to
                 that
                 former
                 head
                 of
                 exercising-grace
                 ,
                 and
                 particularly
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 because
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 special
                 object
                 whereupon
                 the
                 act
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 exercised
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 orders
                 sake
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 put
                 it
                 distinctly
                 by
                 it self
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 ;
                 is
                 this
                 the
                 grievance
                 of
                 thy
                 soul
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 growest
                 not
                 ?
                 Why
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 rich
                 Treasury
                 in
                 the
                 promises
                 ,
                 which
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 drawn
                 out
                 ,
                 cannot
                 but
                 much
                 further
                 our
                 growth
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 search
                 out
                 these
                 promises
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 many
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 give
                 you
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 a
                 taste
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 to
                 help
                 the
                 weak
                 ;
                 What
                 a
                 sweet
                 promise
                 is
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 Psalm
                 ?
                 look
                 upon
                 it
                 as
                 such
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   like
                   the
                   tree
                   planted
                   by
                   the
                   rivers
                   of
                   water
                
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 nothing
                 ordinarily
                 kills
                 trees
                 more
                 then
                 drought
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 ,
                 and
                 thus
                 to
                 have
                 moisture
                 with
                 heat
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 needs
                 grow
                 and
                 flourish
                 ;
                 therefore
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   Job
                   ,
                   a
                   tree
                   ,
                   though
                   cut
                   down
                   ,
                   yet
                   through
                   the
                   scent
                   of
                   water
                   it
                   will
                   sprout
                   again
                   :
                
                 Now
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 sweet
                 promise
                 to
                 that
                 end
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   planted
                   in
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   flourish
                
                 ;
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   go
                   forth
                
                 ,
                 (
                 it
                 is
                 
                 a
                 promise
                 )
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   Calves
                   of
                   the
                   stall
                   .
                
                 And
                 that
                 in
                 
                   Hos
                   .
                   14.
                   5.
                   
                   God
                   will
                   be
                   as
                   the
                   dew
                   unto
                   Israel
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   shall
                   grow
                   up
                   as
                   the
                   Lilly
                   ,
                   and
                   spread
                   his
                   roots
                   as
                
                 Lebanon
                 ;
                 
                   grow
                   in
                   rootedness
                   ,
                   and
                   grow
                   quickly
                   ,
                   and
                   grow
                   in
                   beauty
                   and
                   sweetness
                   ,
                   the
                   smell
                   shall
                   be
                   as
                
                 Lebanon
                 ;
                 here
                 the
                 growth
                 is
                 set
                 forth
                 under
                 that
                 metaphor
                 of
                 a
                 tree
                 ,
                 or
                 plant
                 ;
                 the
                 dew
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 mown
                 grass
                 ,
                 maketh
                 it
                 spring
                 again
                 ,
                 else
                 it
                 would
                 wither
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 corn
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 as
                 dead
                 under
                 the
                 clod
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 dew
                 maketh
                 it
                 grow
                 up
                 ;
                 or
                 
                 as
                 the
                 corn
                 that
                 seemed
                 to
                 wither
                 away
                 ,
                 the
                 dew
                 refresheth
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 it
                 revive
                 indeed
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 burthen
                 your
                 memories
                 ,
                 take
                 but
                 one
                 more
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Prophet
                 
                   Isaiah
                   ,
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   have
                   no
                   might
                   he
                   increaseth
                   strength
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   giveth
                   power
                   to
                   them
                
                 
                 
                   that
                   faint
                   ;
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   have
                   no
                   mights
                   ,
                
                 the
                 original
                 is
                 very
                 emphatical
                 ,
                 the
                 plural
                 with
                 the
                 Hebrews
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 note
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 affirmative
                 ,
                 setteth
                 forth
                 the
                 abundancy
                 ,
                 the
                 eminency
                 or
                 excellency
                 of
                 any
                 quaility
                 or
                 vertue
                 ,
                 as
                 wisdoms
                 for
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 in
                 many
                 places
                 in
                 the
                 Proverbs
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 most
                 excellent
                 wisdom
                 or
                 abundance
                 .
                 So
                 in
                 the
                 negative
                 ,
                 it
                 often
                 signifieth
                 the
                 great
                 want
                 in
                 an
                 eminent
                 degree
                 of
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 qualification
                 ,
                 as
                 here
                 ,
                 
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   no
                   strength
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 very
                 little
                 ,
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 faint
                 and
                 languish
                 ,
                 then
                 you
                 know
                 strength
                 is
                 very
                 little
                 .
                 So
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   are
                   a
                   people
                   of
                   no
                   understandings
                   ,
                
                 in
                 the
                 plural
                 
                 number
                 ;
                 and
                 again
                 ,
                 
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   safety
                   ,
                   or
                   salvation
                   ,
                   or
                   deliverance
                   wrought
                   in
                   the
                   earth
                   :
                
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 deliverance
                 at
                 all
                 :
                 the
                 meaning
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 not
                 many
                 deliverances
                 ,
                 but
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 any
                 at
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 here
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 
                   no
                   mights
                
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Original
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 read
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 
                   no
                   might
                
                 .
                 Alas
                 they
                 have
                 no
                 strength
                 ,
                 to
                 those
                 he
                 will
                 increase
                 might
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 gather
                 together
                 such
                 promises
                 as
                 these
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 dwell
                 upon
                 them
                 in
                 your
                 thoughts
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 or
                 second
                 sight
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 little
                 arising
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 must
                 dwell
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Bee
                 doth
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 off
                 the
                 flower
                 until
                 she
                 hath
                 gotten
                 some
                 sweetness
                 from
                 it
                 ;
                 So
                 do
                 you
                 ,
                 make
                 these
                 promises
                 the
                 object
                 of
                 your
                 meditation
                 :
                 can
                 you
                 have
                 any
                 thing
                 sweeter
                 to
                 meditate
                 upon
                 then
                 a
                 promise
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 ?
                 Sure
                 David
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 meditated
                 upon
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 meditations
                 were
                 sweet
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 were
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 commands
                 but
                 the
                 promises
                 :
                 these
                 indeed
                 are
                 the
                 honey-suckles
                 to
                 dwell
                 upon
                 ;
                 these
                 
                 you
                 shall
                 find
                 much
                 refreshing
                 in
                 :
                 break
                 the
                 bones
                 if
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 marrow
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 You
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 able
                 at
                 first
                 to
                 find
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 these
                 promises
                 ,
                 to
                 apprehend
                 the
                 fulness
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 except
                 you
                 dwell
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 can
                 never
                 further
                 improve
                 them
                 to
                 your
                 comfort
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 More
                 then
                 this
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 ●ay
                 your
                 mouths
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 consolations
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 child
                 will
                 have
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 draw
                 ,
                 and
                 draw
                 hard
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 mother
                 is
                 
                 fain
                 to
                 help
                 in
                 some
                 cases
                 to
                 press
                 it
                 down
                 too
                 ,
                 &
                 all
                 little
                 enough
                 ;
                 the
                 child
                 is
                 pleased
                 and
                 taken
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 breast
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 will
                 not
                 feed
                 nor
                 nourish
                 ;
                 no
                 more
                 will
                 our
                 beholding
                 the
                 promises
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 suck
                 ,
                 and
                 suck
                 strongly
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 ready
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 press
                 those
                 breasts
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 give
                 down
                 their
                 milk
                 ,
                 their
                 sweetness
                 and
                 fatness
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 specially
                 in
                 prayer
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 take
                 the
                 promises
                 that
                 concern
                 this
                 condition
                 of
                 yours
                 ,
                 tell
                 him
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 pleased
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 gracious
                 promises
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 free
                 ,
                 and
                 might
                 have
                 been
                 so
                 still
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 pleased
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 he
                 hath
                 ingaged
                 himself
                 to
                 give
                 strength
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 have
                 no
                 might
                 ;
                 and
                 Lord
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 hath
                 no
                 might
                 ,
                 no
                 strength
                 ;
                 I
                 am
                 in
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 lean
                 ,
                 faint
                 ,
                 languishing
                 condition
                 ,
                 wilt
                 thou
                 not
                 make
                 good
                 thy
                 Word
                 to
                 thy
                 poor
                 creature
                 ?
                 thou
                 hast
                 caused
                 me
                 to
                 hope
                 upon
                 this
                 Word
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 put
                 the
                 breast
                 into
                 my
                 mouth
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 thou
                 hast
                 shewed
                 it
                 thy
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 thou
                 not
                 make
                 it
                 give
                 down
                 its
                 sweetness
                 to
                 me
                 ?
                 O
                 make
                 good
                 thy
                 Word
                 to
                 thy
                 poor
                 creature
                 .
                 Lord
                 I
                 am
                 in
                 a
                 declining
                 condition
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 even
                 withering
                 ,
                 and
                 lose
                 of
                 my
                 greenness
                 ,
                 growing
                 yellow
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 done
                 for
                 me
                 lies
                 under
                 the
                 clods
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 promised
                 
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   the
                   dew
                   unto
                   Israel
                   ,
                
                 wilt
                 thou
                 not
                 make
                 good
                 thy
                 Word
                 unto
                 me
                 ?
                 and
                 so
                 thou
                 hast
                 planted
                 me
                 in
                 thy
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 promised
                 I
                 shall
                 grow
                 and
                 flourish
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Press
                 the
                 Lord
                 thus
                 with
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 O
                 he
                 loveth
                 to
                 have
                 his
                 bond
                 sued
                 in
                 the
                 Court
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
                 I
                 dare
                 undertake
                 that
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 thus
                 stirred
                 up
                 to
                 act
                 faith
                 upon
                 the
                 promises
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 soul
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 growing
                 condition
                 .
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 wells
                 in
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 Baacha
                 ,
                 the
                 wells
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 draw
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 you
                 grow
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 another
                 ;
                 I
                 shall
                 name
                 but
                 this
                 :
                 The
                 greatness
                 of
                 the
                 object
                 whereupon
                 your
                 hearts
                 are
                 to
                 dwell
                 much
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 doth
                 greaten
                 the
                 mind
                 more
                 then
                 the
                 greatness
                 of
                 the
                 Object
                 ,
                 whereupon
                 it
                 is
                 conversant
                 ;
                 you
                 see
                 it
                 by
                 experience
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 what
                 low
                 minds
                 ,
                 what
                 poor
                 and
                 weak
                 apprehensions
                 they
                 have
                 that
                 are
                 exercised
                 upon
                 low
                 objects
                 ,
                 never
                 rise
                 higher
                 ;
                 what
                 heightens
                 the
                 mind
                 of
                 a
                 Prince
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 a
                 Kingdom
                 ?
                 What
                 difference
                 is
                 there
                 between
                 the
                 mind
                 of
                 the
                 meanest
                 Mechanick
                 and
                 the
                 deepest
                 Polititian
                 ?
                 Such
                 difference
                 must
                 there
                 needs
                 be
                 between
                 the
                 heart
                 
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 is
                 poring
                 alway
                 upon
                 low
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 is
                 very
                 little
                 dwelt
                 upon
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 ground
                 
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   waxed
                   great
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   not
                   only
                   in
                   body
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   mind
                   and
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   he
                   waxed
                   strong
                   in
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   was
                   a
                   man
                   of
                   a
                   great
                   mind
                   ;
                   his
                   eye
                   was
                   upon
                   him
                   that
                   is
                   invisible
                   ,
                   the
                   great
                   God
                   Jehovah
                   Elohim
                   ,
                   who
                   giveth
                   being
                   to
                   his
                   promises
                   ,
                   keepeth
                   Covenant
                   with
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   Mighty
                   ,
                   Almighty
                   ,
                   can
                   do
                   what
                   he
                   will
                   do
                   in
                   heaven
                   and
                   earth
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   deep
                   places
                   :
                
                 This
                 made
                 him
                 so
                 great
                 :
                 therefore
                 he
                 was
                 above
                 the
                 fears
                 of
                 the
                 Kings
                 wrath
                 ,
                 he
                 cared
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 Before
                 indeed
                 he
                 was
                 afraid
                 and
                 fled
                 ,
                 he
                 then
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 so
                 much
                 converse
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 contemplation
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 knowledge
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 afterward
                 he
                 had
                 .
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 you
                 say
                 your
                 faith
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 to
                 get
                 it
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 lift
                 up
                 your
                 thoughts
                 to
                 this
                 great
                 object
                 ,
                 do
                 but
                 peruse
                 his
                 name
                 a
                 little
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 yea
                 often
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   God
                   ,
                   gracious
                   and
                   merciful
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
                 See
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 not
                 an
                 abundance
                 there
                 to
                 swallow
                 up
                 all
                 thy
                 doubts
                 and
                 fears
                 ;
                 O
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 miserable
                 
                 creature
                 !
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 merciful
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 misery
                 is
                 but
                 the
                 misery
                 of
                 a
                 creature
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 mercy
                 is
                 the
                 mercy
                 of
                 a
                 Creator
                 ,
                 a
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 are
                 thy
                 thoughts
                 of
                 thy
                 misery
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 hast
                 aggravated
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 height
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 can
                 be
                 ?
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 finite
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 thoughts
                 of
                 pardon
                 and
                 mercy
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 a
                 God
                 ,
                 infinitely
                 above
                 thy
                 thoughts
                 ,
                 either
                 of
                 misery
                 or
                 mercy
                 ;
                 if
                 his
                 thoughts
                 of
                 mercy
                 and
                 pardon
                 were
                 not
                 more
                 then
                 ours
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 in
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 they
                 would
                 never
                 answer
                 his
                 thoughts
                 of
                 our
                 misery
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 infinitely
                 above
                 ours
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 misery
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 most
                 vile
                 unworthy
                 wretch
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 O
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 I
                 am
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 for
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 as
                 I
                 to
                 believe
                 ?
                 Suppose
                 so
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 gracious
                 :
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 most
                 free
                 ,
                 infinitely
                 free
                 what
                 he
                 giveth
                 ,
                 he
                 looks
                 for
                 nothing
                 at
                 thy
                 hands
                 ,
                 only
                 acceptance
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 sure
                 I
                 have
                 wearied
                 out
                 his
                 patience
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 waited
                 upon
                 me
                 so
                 long
                 ;
                 he
                 is
                 long
                 suffering
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 I
                 have
                 such
                 an
                 abundance
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 so
                 full
                 :
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 abundance
                 of
                 goodness
                 ,
                 abundantly
                 pardon
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 truth
                 also
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Alas
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 shall
                 never
                 hold
                 out
                 ,
                 nor
                 keep
                 my
                 heart
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 quickly
                 back-slide
                 :
                 But
                 he
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 keepeth
                 mercy
                 for
                 thousands
                 ;
                 O
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 were
                 but
                 much
                 in
                 meditation
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   our
                   righteousness
                
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 name
                 ,
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 
                 things
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 ,
                 how
                 would
                 it
                 raise
                 our
                 spirits
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 would
                 it
                 increase
                 our
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 fear
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   There
                   is
                   mercy
                   with
                   thee
                   ,
                   that
                   thou
                   mayst
                   be
                   feared
                
                 ;
                 we
                 should
                 
                 find
                 a
                 very
                 great
                 influence
                 upon
                 all
                 our
                 Graces
                 ,
                 to
                 increase
                 them
                 ,
                 even
                 from
                 the
                 greatness
                 ,
                 the
                 fulness
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 this
                 Object
                 :
                 O
                 his
                 Almighty
                 Arm
                 !
                 whereby
                 he
                 laid
                 the
                 foundations
                 of
                 the
                 heavens
                 and
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 hanged
                 the
                 earth
                 upon
                 nothing
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 ,
                 though
                 thou
                 be
                 nothing
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 lay
                 a
                 foundation
                 of
                 eternal
                 comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 heavenly
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 earth
                 upon
                 nothing
                 ;
                 and
                 bestow
                 his
                 riches
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 his
                 power
                 and
                 wisdom
                 upon
                 nothing
                 :
                 therefore
                 labour
                 much
                 to
                 improve
                 this
                 great
                 Object
                 .
                 O
                 it
                 will
                 take
                 the
                 heart
                 much
                 off
                 these
                 poor
                 little
                 nothing
                 vanities
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 contented
                 with
                 our
                 portion
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 arm
                 us
                 against
                 all
                 the
                 fears
                 of
                 men
                 and
                 lights
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 what
                 will
                 it
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 pleased
                 but
                 to
                 breath
                 upon
                 our
                 endeavours
                 ,
                 in
                 fixing
                 our
                 hearts
                 upon
                 this
                 so
                 high
                 an
                 Object
                 ?
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 Another
                 is
                 ,
                 to
                 use
                 the
                 Society
                 of
                 growing
                 Christians
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 much
                 in
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 which
                 presupposeth
                 an
                 union
                 ,
                 
                   maketh
                   increase
                   of
                   the
                   Body
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   edifying
                   of
                   it
                
                 
                 
                   self
                   in
                   love
                
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 Graces
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 co-operation
                 or
                 working
                 together
                 ,
                 doth
                 help
                 to
                 strengthen
                 the
                 whole
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 Fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 tends
                 very
                 much
                 to
                 building
                 up
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   they
                   continued
                   together
                   daily
                   with
                   one
                   accord
                   ,
                
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 
                   with
                   one
                   consent
                   ,
                   with
                
                 
                 
                   one
                   heart
                   ,
                   then
                   the
                   Lord
                   added
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   daily
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   should
                   be
                   saved
                
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 hereby
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 strengthened
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 spirits
                 quickened
                 :
                 the
                 fire
                 groweth
                 to
                 a
                 flame
                 ,
                 when
                 many
                 brands
                 are
                 laid
                 together
                 ;
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 but
                 one
                 live
                 coal
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 dead
                 ones
                 ,
                 lay
                 them
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 an
                 increase
                 of
                 the
                 heat
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 will
                 walk
                 alone
                 ,
                 and
                 apart
                 from
                 the
                 communion
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 ,
                 shall
                 quickly
                 know
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 spirit
                 ,
                 what
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 them
                 is
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 that
                 are
                 move
                 growing
                 and
                 grown
                 then
                 others
                 are
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 are
                 under
                 diseases
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 or
                 somewhat
                 as
                 bad
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 ,
                 proced
                 not
                 ,
                 or
                 rather
                 decline
                 ?
                 there
                 is
                 little
                 to
                 be
                 got
                 by
                 the
                 fellowship
                 of
                 such
                 :
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 people
                 that
                 we
                 find
                 are
                 so
                 full
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 over
                 flowing
                 continually
                 ,
                 their
                 lips
                 feed
                 many
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 
                 bringing
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 good
                 treasury
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 things
                 both
                 new
                 and
                 old
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 still
                 telling
                 what
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 done
                 for
                 their
                 
                 souls
                 ,
                 or
                 still
                 they
                 are
                 stirring
                 up
                 others
                 ;
                 you
                 shall
                 receive
                 something
                 still
                 ,
                 if
                 your
                 own
                 hearts
                 be
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 frame
                 to
                 receive
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 the
                 example
                 of
                 a
                 lively
                 ,
                 sensible
                 ,
                 diligent
                 ,
                 close-walking
                 Christian
                 will
                 provoke
                 us
                 ?
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 )
                 
                   Your
                   charity
                   hath
                
                 
                 
                   provoked
                   many
                
                 :
                 it
                 will
                 put
                 us
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 follow
                 harder
                 after
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   To
                   do
                   the
                   same
                   diligence
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   full
                   assurance
                   of
                   hope
                   to
                   the
                   end
                
                 ;
                 wherefore
                 else
                 are
                 the
                 experiences
                 and
                 examples
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 Scripture
                 written
                 ?
                 what
                 David
                 found
                 ,
                 and
                 Jacob
                 found
                 by
                 experience
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 prayer
                 ,
                 wrestling
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 their
                 fallings
                 cost
                 them
                 both
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 being
                 dead
                 ,
                 might
                 yet
                 speak
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 might
                 converse
                 with
                 their
                 living
                 examples
                 ,
                 though
                 themselves
                 be
                 dead
                 :
                 even
                 as
                 faithful
                 Abel
                 being
                 dead
                 ,
                 yet
                 speaketh
                 ;
                 and
                 why
                 should
                 there
                 
                 not
                 be
                 such
                 a
                 Fellowship
                 of
                 Saints
                 to
                 communicate
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 found
                 of
                 God
                 ?
                 I
                 do
                 believe
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 may
                 with
                 thankful
                 hearts
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 saw
                 the
                 faces
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 by
                 their
                 examples
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 their
                 words
                 been
                 much
                 quickened
                 ,
                 much
                 stirred
                 up
                 ,
                 much
                 provoked
                 ;
                 therefore
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 grow
                 ,
                 converse
                 with
                 such
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 weak
                 in
                 faith
                 ,
                 find
                 out
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 whom
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 eminent
                 ,
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith
                 ,
                 converse
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 very
                 communicative
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 are
                 more
                 reserved
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 profitable
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 draw
                 it
                 out
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 dive
                 into
                 their
                 experiences
                 ,
                 how
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 that
                 measure
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 wherein
                 they
                 can
                 so
                 glorifie
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 walk
                 so
                 chearfully
                 before
                 him
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 for
                 Humility
                 and
                 Tenderness
                 :
                 where
                 thou
                 findest
                 any
                 eminent
                 in
                 these
                 ,
                 make
                 an
                 improvement
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 joyn
                 thy self
                 to
                 them
                 in
                 a
                 more
                 special
                 manner
                 ;
                 labour
                 to
                 get
                 somewhat
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 special
                 help
                 to
                 growth
                 in
                 Grace
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 knowledge
                 of
                 your
                 relative
                 State
                 ,
                 lay
                 together
                 your
                 experiences
                 you
                 have
                 had
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 beg
                 his
                 Spirit
                 to
                 shine
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 else
                 you
                 will
                 see
                 nothing
                 but
                 by
                 his
                 light
                 ;
                 but
                 a
                 word
                 or
                 two
                 more
                 to
                 this
                 afterward
                 .
                 Thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 General
                 Exhortation
                 .
              
               
                 I
                 have
                 a
                 double
                 Exhortation
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 more
                 particular
                 :
                 and
                 then
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Comfort
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 shut
                 up
                 all
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 particular
                 Exhortation
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 Be
                 sure
                 that
                 we
                 grow
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 measure
                 ;
                 
                   For
                   every
                   part
                   hath
                   a
                   measure
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   effectual
                   working
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   the
                   measure
                   of
                   every
                   part
                   .
                
                 I
                 doubt
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 eye
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 have
                 much
                 less
                 light
                 in
                 us
                 then
                 other
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ;
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 should
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 arm
                 and
                 hands
                 to
                 work
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 little
                 fingers
                 for
                 growth
                 ,
                 come
                 on
                 poorly
                 :
                 How
                 should
                 Magistrates
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 Ministers
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 bear
                 an
                 Office
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 of
                 Christ
                 ?
                 they
                 should
                 be
                 much
                 more
                 grown
                 ,
                 their
                 Faith
                 should
                 be
                 much
                 more
                 strong
                 then
                 other
                 mens
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 greater
                 works
                 lying
                 upon
                 them
                 then
                 
                 other
                 men
                 ;
                 and
                 who
                 is
                 their
                 sufficiency
                 ,
                 but
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 is
                 he
                 strong
                 to
                 any
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 but
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 Faith
                 ?
                 If
                 Paul
                 had
                 not
                 had
                 a
                 strong
                 Faith
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 never
                 done
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 with
                 such
                 unwearied
                 pains
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 nor
                 Moses
                 ,
                 nor
                 
                   Joshua
                   ;
                   Faith
                   it
                   works
                   by
                   Love
                   :
                
                 a
                 weak
                 Faith
                 can
                 do
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 in
                 these
                 employments
                 ,
                 
                 alas
                 ,
                 act
                 so
                 poorly
                 for
                 Christ
                 ?
                 our
                 faith
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 our
                 knowledge
                 is
                 weak
                 :
                 few
                 Apolloes
                 mighty
                 in
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 able
                 to
                 convince
                 gain-sayers
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 Apostle
                 exhorts
                 young
                 
                   Timothy
                   to
                   give
                   attendence
                   ,
                   do
                   his
                   diligence
                   in
                   reading
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   in
                   Exhortation
                   ;
                   give
                   thy self
                   wholly
                   to
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                   that
                   thy
                   profiting
                   may
                   appear
                   to
                   all
                   men
                   .
                
                 As
                 Jerom
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 ,
                 
                 said
                 he
                 did
                 ,
                 
                   discere
                   &
                   docere
                
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 learned
                 a
                 lesson
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 taught
                 it
                 to
                 them
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 double
                 score
                 then
                 ,
                 upon
                 which
                 Ministers
                 are
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 account
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 greater
                 works
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 greater
                 temptations
                 usually
                 to
                 grapple
                 with
                 ,
                 then
                 others
                 have
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 Devil
                 is
                 most
                 malicious
                 against
                 the
                 Light-bearers
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 the
                 Torch
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 to
                 give
                 light
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 
                   Even
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   knowledge
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   the
                   Glory
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   the
                   face
                   of
                   Jesus
                   :
                
                 He
                 knoweth
                 they
                 are
                 labouring
                 to
                 pull
                 down
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 he
                 
                 will
                 not
                 labour
                 to
                 pull
                 them
                 down
                 ,
                 their
                 souls
                 down
                 ?
                 O
                 how
                 his
                 finger
                 itches
                 to
                 be
                 winnowing
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 the
                 Disciples
                 !
                 
                 he
                 desires
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 begs
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 to
                 molest
                 Job
                 ,
                 that
                 Pillar
                 of
                 Religion
                 in
                 those
                 parts
                 ,
                 so
                 he
                 would
                 buffet
                 and
                 exercise
                 the
                 poor
                 Ministers
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 others
                 have
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 am
                 sure
                 some
                 have
                 their
                 hands
                 full
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hearts
                 full
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 then
                 to
                 be
                 men
                 grown
                 ,
                 and
                 strong
                 in
                 Faith
                 ,
                 to
                 resist
                 stedfast
                 ,
                 of
                 knowledge
                 in
                 his
                 depths
                 and
                 devices
                 !
                 But
                 this
                 
                 
                 is
                 not
                 all
                 :
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Because
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 others
                 doth
                 much
                 depend-upon
                 our
                 growth
                 :
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 as
                 the
                 bones
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ?
                 when
                 they
                 grow
                 no
                 more
                 ,
                 the
                 body
                 groweth
                 no
                 more
                 :
                 
                   They
                   are
                   called
                   Pillars
                   in
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 proportion
                 the
                 pillars
                 
                 bear
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 ,
                 the
                 bones
                 bear
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 .
                 No
                 marvel
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   Teachers
                   be
                   such
                   as
                   know
                   not
                   what
                   they
                   say
                   ,
                   and
                   whereof
                   they
                   affirm
                
                 ;
                 (
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 )
                 
                   That
                   their
                   hearers
                   also
                   be
                   like
                   those
                   silly
                   women
                   ,
                   alway
                   learning
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   able
                   to
                   come
                   to
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   .
                
                 O
                 what
                 need
                 then
                 had
                 young
                 Timothies
                 to
                 
                 be
                 stir
                 themselves
                 wholly
                 to
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 because
                 alas
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 wil
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 nothing
                 either
                 for
                 substance
                 or
                 manner
                 ,
                 that
                 may
                 be
                 for
                 the
                 edification
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 no
                 new
                 revelations
                 now
                 :
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 man
                 of
                 God
                 perfect
                 to
                 every
                 good
                 work
                 :
                 but
                 how
                 short
                 do
                 we
                 fall
                 in
                 our
                 understanding
                 of
                 them
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 sadness
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 be
                 more
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 were
                 more
                 sensible
                 to
                 consider
                 ,
                 that
                 for
                 ought
                 we
                 know
                 many
                 are
                 dwarfs
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 are
                 so
                 our selves
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 help
                 us
                 for
                 your
                 own
                 sakes
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 there
                 are
                 others
                 also
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 exhorted
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 their
                 growth
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 be
                 proportionable
                 to
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 Grace
                 you
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 enjoy
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 your
                 time
                 of
                 standing
                 in
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 how
                 long
                 hast
                 thou
                 been
                 planted
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 many
                 years
                 :
                 you
                 should
                 be
                 Fathers
                 in
                 Israel
                 ,
                 and
                 Mothers
                 in
                 Israel
                 ,
                 as
                 Deborah
                 was
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 so
                 with
                 you
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 very
                 sad
                 to
                 consider
                 ,
                 that
                 some
                 among
                 us
                 that
                 have
                 hoary
                 heads
                 ,
                 found
                 in
                 the
                 wayes
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 so
                 long
                 been
                 in
                 that
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 so
                 heavy
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 dull
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 little
                 Faith
                 and
                 Heavenly-mindedness
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 Christians
                 that
                 are
                 but
                 of
                 yesterday
                 ,
                 outstrip
                 them
                 in
                 many
                 things
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 shame
                 ?
                 therefore
                 labour
                 to
                 answer
                 your
                 mercies
                 ,
                 your
                 experiences
                 ,
                 your
                 light
                 and
                 means
                 you
                 have
                 enjoyed
                 by
                 your
                 growth
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 expected
                 ;
                 assure
                 your selves
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 Talent
                 but
                 shall
                 be
                 accounted
                 for
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 you
                 perish
                 not
                 ,
                 yet
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 full
                 reward
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 suffer
                 loss
                 :
                 for
                 a
                 Calf
                 of
                 the
                 Stall
                 to
                 grow
                 no
                 fatter
                 then
                 another
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 not
                 such
                 feeding
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 born
                 :
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 Pharoahs
                 lean
                 kine
                 ,
                 devouring
                 all
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 never
                 the
                 fatter
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 lean
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 we
                 had
                 never
                 lived
                 under
                 a
                 lively
                 searching
                 Ministry
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 of
                 this
                 
                 place
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 have
                 done
                 ;
                 assure
                 your selves
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 your
                 guilt
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 ;
                 to
                 be
                 watered
                 every
                 moment
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 as
                 dry
                 ,
                 and
                 hard
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 you
                 had
                 never
                 seen
                 when
                 good
                 had
                 come
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Another
                 particular
                 Exhortation
                 shall
                 be
                 to
                 help
                 one
                 another
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 were
                 we
                 not
                 wanting
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 in
                 this
                 respect
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 people
                 much
                 more
                 strong
                 in
                 the
                 Grace
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 in
                 our
                 power
                 to
                 help
                 one
                 another
                 to
                 grow
                 ?
                 all
                 the
                 supply
                 comes
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 the
                 Head
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 it
                 doth
                 so
                 principally
                 ,
                 
                   Phil.
                   1.
                   19.
                   
                   Joh.
                   1.
                   16.
                   2
                   
                   Cor.
                
                 3.
                 18.
                 
                 But
                 he
                 communicates
                 by
                 the
                 mediation
                 of
                 instruments
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 supply
                 of
                 every
                 part
                 ,
                 by
                 that
                 which
                 every
                 part
                 supplyeth
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 the
                 
                 spirits
                 conveighed
                 from
                 the
                 head
                 to
                 the
                 lowest
                 parts
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 by
                 mediation
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 parts
                 between
                 the
                 head
                 and
                 the
                 foot
                 ;
                 before
                 it
                 cometh
                 thither
                 ,
                 it
                 passeth
                 through
                 some
                 others
                 .
                 I
                 know
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 not
                 bound
                 up
                 to
                 any
                 instruments
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 teach
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 always
                 doth
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 without
                 means
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 breathing
                 in
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 most
                 ordinary
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 something
                 we
                 must
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 supply
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ;
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 all
                 Christian
                 Society
                 to
                 build
                 up
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 wherefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 intrusteth
                 us
                 with
                 such
                 Talents
                 ,
                 to
                 lay
                 them
                 out
                 for
                 the
                 good
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 whereby
                 our
                 own
                 Talents
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 using
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 instruments
                 in
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 others
                 ;
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 then
                 :
                 revealed
                 himself
                 to
                 thee
                 ?
                 thou
                 wast
                 in
                 an
                 horrible
                 pit
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 standing
                 ;
                 thou
                 sunkest
                 yet
                 lower
                 and
                 lower
                 :
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 set
                 thy
                 feet
                 upon
                 the
                 Rock
                 ?
                 what
                 then
                 ,
                 wilt
                 thou
                 keep
                 this
                 alway
                 to
                 thy self
                 ,
                 when
                 called
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 Christ
                 and
                 David
                 ,
                 
                 they
                 speak
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 God
                 had
                 done
                 ;
                 
                   And
                   many
                   shall
                   hear
                   ,
                   and
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   trust
                   in
                   God
                   :
                
                 it
                 encourageth
                 them
                 ▪
                 wherefore
                 doth
                 Paul
                 so
                 often
                 speak
                 what
                 he
                 had
                 been
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 had
                 obtained
                 mercy
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 others
                 that
                 should
                 come
                 after
                 ,
                 might
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 be
                 discouraged
                 by
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 great
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 ,
                 
                   Again
                   ,
                   my
                   soul
                   shall
                   make
                   her
                   boast
                   in
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   humble
                   shall
                   hear
                   thereof
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   glad
                
                 ;
                 this
                 
                 poor
                 man
                 cried
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 heard
                 him
                 .
                 No
                 sooner
                 did
                 Andrew
                 find
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 tels
                 Simon
                 :
                 O
                 we
                 have
                 
                 found
                 the
                 Messiah
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 Philip
                 saith
                 to
                 Nathaniel
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 
                 woman
                 of
                 Samaria
                 ,
                 she
                 no
                 sooner
                 had
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 O
                 she
                 was
                 full
                 ,
                 she
                 was
                 big
                 ,
                 until
                 she
                 was
                 delivered
                 :
                 
                   O
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   see
                   the
                   man
                   that
                   told
                   me
                   all
                   that
                   ever
                   I
                   did
                   :
                   is
                   not
                   this
                   the
                   Christ
                   ?
                
                 
                 
                   I
                   would
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   that
                   your
                   hearts
                   might
                   be
                   knit
                   together
                
                 
                 
                   in
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   comforted
                   ,
                   &c.
                   that
                   to
                   this
                   end
                   you
                   should
                   know
                   what
                   conflict
                   I
                   had
                   for
                   every
                   one
                   of
                   you
                
                 ;
                 wherefore
                 are
                 we
                 delivered
                 out
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 set
                 up
                 way-marks
                 ?
                 O
                 take
                 heed
                 how
                 you
                 come
                 there
                 ,
                 warn
                 others
                 that
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 neer
                 such
                 a
                 temptation
                 :
                 when
                 thou
                 art
                 converted
                 ,
                 strengthen
                 thy
                 Brethren
                 :
                 and
                 therefore
                 comforted
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 
                 comfort
                 others
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 indued
                 with
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 feed
                 many
                 .
                 Now
                 truly
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 of
                 the
                 solemn
                 meeting
                 ,
                 so
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 of
                 the
                 occasional
                 meetings
                 together
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 the
                 better
                 many
                 times
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 worse
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 a
                 sad
                 a
                 thing
                 is
                 this
                 ?
                 when
                 Saints
                 shall
                 meet
                 together
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 so
                 sweet
                 an
                 opportunity
                 of
                 stirring
                 up
                 one
                 another
                 to
                 love
                 ,
                 to
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 that
                 either
                 we
                 shall
                 spend
                 the
                 time
                 in
                 
                 foolish
                 talking
                 ,
                 and
                 jesting
                 ,
                 and
                 looseness
                 ,
                 and
                 looseness
                 of
                 Spirit
                 :
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 observe
                 it
                 ,
                 you
                 little
                 know
                 what
                 hurt
                 you
                 do
                 your
                 own
                 souls
                 by
                 this
                 lightness
                 ,
                 nor
                 what
                 hurt
                 you
                 do
                 to
                 others
                 :
                 do
                 you
                 never
                 reflect
                 in
                 the
                 evening
                 ,
                 what
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 doing
                 ,
                 what
                 company
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 ,
                 what
                 you
                 have
                 done
                 ,
                 what
                 you
                 have
                 gotten
                 ?
                 methinks
                 it
                 should
                 make
                 our
                 ▪
                 hearts
                 ake
                 ,
                 to
                 consider
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 lightness
                 and
                 frothiness
                 of
                 my
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 only
                 sinned
                 my self
                 ,
                 but
                 drawn
                 others
                 to
                 it
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 help
                 ,
                 but
                 hinder
                 one
                 another
                 .
                 Or
                 else
                 we
                 are
                 discoursing
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 of
                 this
                 and
                 that
                 bargain
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 raking
                 into
                 the
                 infirmities
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasing
                 our selves
                 with
                 that
                 ,
                 specially
                 of
                 those
                 :
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 altogether
                 of
                 our
                 minds
                 ,
                 whereby
                 our
                 spirits
                 are
                 imbittered
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 stir
                 up
                 one
                 another
                 to
                 bowels
                 and
                 compassions
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 How
                 many
                 such
                 opportunities
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 put
                 into
                 our
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 have
                 no
                 heart
                 to
                 them
                 ?
                 shall
                 I
                 beg
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 a
                 labouring
                 either
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 or
                 receive
                 some
                 good
                 :
                 O
                 think
                 every
                 moment
                 ill
                 spent
                 in
                 the
                 Fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 not
                 thus
                 improved
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 and
                 mouths
                 be
                 not
                 set
                 a
                 work
                 thus
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 be
                 working
                 upon
                 somewhat
                 which
                 is
                 
                 worse
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 grieving
                 and
                 wounding
                 of
                 our
                 spirits
                 ,
                 and
                 grieving
                 Gods
                 Spirit
                 :
                 Thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 Exhortation
                 also
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 last
                 Vse
                 then
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 believing
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 from
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 said
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 discouraged
                 .
                 If
                 it
                 be
                 thus
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 as
                 upon
                 whom
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 arisen
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 growing
                 condition
                 ,
                 then
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 think
                 of
                 my self
                 ?
                 alas
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 weak
                 ,
                 am
                 very
                 feeble
                 ,
                 am
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 For
                 answer
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 say
                 a
                 few
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 There
                 are
                 several
                 states
                 and
                 statures
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 babes
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 need
                 of
                 milk
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 strong
                 meat
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   ye
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   milk
                   :
                   I
                   could
                   not
                
                 
                 
                   speak
                   to
                   you
                   as
                   to
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   but
                   as
                   to
                   carnal
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   babes
                   in
                   Christ
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 such
                 in
                 whom
                 the
                 flesh
                 was
                 very
                 strong
                 and
                 prevailing
                 ;
                 
                 So
                 the
                 Apostle
                 John
                 writeth
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 under
                 three
                 states
                 ,
                 some
                 were
                 babes
                 ,
                 some
                 young
                 men
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 strength
                 and
                 vigour
                 ,
                 some
                 old
                 men
                 ,
                 Fathers
                 of
                 grown
                 experience
                 in
                 the
                 waies
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 Fathers
                 in
                 Israel
                 ,
                 and
                 Mothers
                 in
                 Israel
                 ;
                 some
                 are
                 but
                 just
                 entred
                 into
                 the
                 School
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 some
                 are
                 of
                 a
                 middle
                 form
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 highest
                 ,
                 some
                 are
                 but
                 gotten
                 within
                 the
                 door
                 of
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 happy
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 but
                 once
                 within
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 they
                 shall
                 go
                 further
                 and
                 further
                 :
                 Others
                 are
                 gone
                 further
                 ,
                 into
                 the
                 inner
                 Chambers
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 acquainted
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 inward
                 manner
                 ;
                 What
                 then
                 ,
                 wilt
                 thou
                 conclude
                 ,
                 that
                 because
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 a
                 man
                 the
                 first
                 day
                 ,
                 or
                 presently
                 ,
                 therefore
                 thou
                 art
                 no
                 child
                 of
                 grace
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 suppose
                 thou
                 art
                 but
                 a
                 child
                 ,
                 and
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 temptation
                 over-turns
                 thee
                 ,
                 draweth
                 thee
                 aside
                 ,
                 yet
                 remember
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 child
                 :
                 though
                 thou
                 be
                 not
                 a
                 strong
                 deeply
                 rooted
                 Cedar
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 art
                 planted
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 lately
                 :
                 though
                 yet
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 men
                 
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   perfect
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 to
                 bear
                 the
                 wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 a
                 mysterie
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 babes
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 of
                 despair
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Another
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 growing
                 condition
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 to
                 be
                 understood
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 every
                 moment
                 they
                 grow
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 their
                 declining
                 fits
                 ;
                 trees
                 and
                 plants
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 ,
                 have
                 their
                 Winters
                 ,
                 and
                 children
                 have
                 their
                 sicknesses
                 and
                 fits
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 are
                 at
                 a
                 stand
                 ,
                 though
                 afterward
                 haply
                 they
                 shoot
                 out
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 many
                 times
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 do
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 a
                 distemper
                 
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 decline
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 man
                 would
                 think
                 they
                 were
                 even
                 withering
                 and
                 dying
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 reviveth
                 again
                 ;
                 many
                 times
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 through
                 corruption
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 a
                 candle
                 ready
                 to
                 go
                 out
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 socket
                 ,
                 but
                 yet
                 afterwards
                 they
                 are
                 stirred
                 up
                 ,
                 they
                 trim
                 up
                 their
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 shine
                 more
                 clearly
                 and
                 sweetly
                 then
                 before
                 :
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 conclude
                 therefore
                 thou
                 art
                 no
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 altogether
                 with
                 thee
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 :
                 thou
                 hast
                 found
                 thy
                 heart
                 much
                 more
                 large
                 toward
                 God
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 tender
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 may
                 lose
                 our
                 first
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 grow
                 cold
                 and
                 dead
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 possible
                 
                 for
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 dye
                 under
                 such
                 a
                 condition
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 miscarry
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 ,
                 though
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 comfortable
                 for
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 so
                 honourable
                 for
                 God
                 ;
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 concluding
                 your
                 state
                 by
                 what
                 you
                 feel
                 at
                 present
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 temptation
                 hath
                 prevailed
                 ,
                 some
                 distemper
                 is
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 therefore
                 thou
                 must
                 heal
                 that
                 ,
                 get
                 that
                 removed
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 see
                 thou
                 wilt
                 grow
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Even
                 then
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 growing
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 that
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 :
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 least
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 we
                 are
                 nothing
                 ,
                 can
                 do
                 nothing
                 ,
                 specially
                 being
                 sensible
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 this
                 humbles
                 us
                 !
                 we
                 are
                 no
                 losers
                 by
                 this
                 ,
                 our
                 roots
                 cannot
                 be
                 too
                 much
                 spread
                 ,
                 nor
                 the
                 foundation
                 too
                 much
                 strengthened
                 ;
                 this
                 driveth
                 us
                 the
                 more
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 maketh
                 us
                 the
                 more
                 seriously
                 inquisitive
                 after
                 our
                 state
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 our
                 grounding
                 and
                 establishing
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 will
                 fit
                 us
                 for
                 further
                 growth
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 In
                 the
                 next
                 place
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 appearing
                 ,
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 thou
                 art
                 nothing
                 ,
                 hast
                 nothing
                 ,
                 all
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 withered
                 ,
                 no
                 fruit
                 appears
                 ,
                 even
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 seeth
                 the
                 root
                 in
                 the
                 ground
                 :
                 though
                 wee
                 see
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 pleased
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 though
                 Jobs
                 friends
                 think
                 he
                 was
                 a
                 withered
                 branch
                 ,
                 cut
                 off
                 from
                 Communion
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 had
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 within
                 him
                 :
                 come
                 into
                 a
                 garden
                 in
                 the
                 summer
                 ,
                 how
                 pleasant
                 and
                 how
                 glorious
                 it
                 is
                 furnished
                 with
                 all
                 variety
                 of
                 plants
                 and
                 flowers
                 ;
                 in
                 the
                 winter
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 appeareth
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 under
                 ground
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 the
                 Gardener
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 what
                 roots
                 he
                 hath
                 there
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 appear
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 can
                 tell
                 you
                 what
                 plants
                 he
                 shall
                 have
                 springing
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 spring
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 choice
                 and
                 tender
                 of
                 the
                 places
                 
                 where
                 they
                 grow
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 they
                 did
                 appear
                 and
                 put
                 forth
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 but
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 if
                 never
                 so
                 small
                 ,
                 if
                 right
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 the
                 thoughts
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 long
                 before
                 we
                 think
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 our
                 works
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   know
                
                 Abraham
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   command
                   his
                   house
                   after
                   him
                   ,
                   to
                   keep
                
                 
                 
                   my
                   Commandments
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 knoweth
                 what
                 sinners
                 would
                 be
                 if
                 they
                 lived
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 many
                 times
                 cuts
                 them
                 off
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 knoweth
                 what
                 his
                 people
                 would
                 be
                 and
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 though
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 under
                 a
                 temptation
                 ,
                 under
                 a
                 cloud
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 all
                 withered
                 and
                 dryed
                 up
                 .
                 Is
                 this
                 nothing
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 what
                 root
                 ,
                 what
                 seed
                 he
                 hath
                 sown
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 it
                 will
                 put
                 forth
                 ;
                 Say
                 not
                 then
                 ,
                 surely
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 regarded
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 dost
                 not
                 appear
                 to
                 thy self
                 to
                 grow
                 at
                 every
                 moment
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Alas
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 did
                 come
                 on
                 thus
                 and
                 thus
                 ,
                 as
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 doth
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 like
                 .
                 I
                 answer
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 to
                 follow
                 the
                 pattern
                 of
                 fruitful
                 and
                 growing-Christians
                 ;
                 but
                 what
                 if
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 give
                 thee
                 that
                 measure
                 that
                 he
                 giveth
                 another
                 ?
                 What
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 little
                 finger
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 is
                 as
                 an
                 arm
                 ?
                 canst
                 thou
                 expect
                 then
                 to
                 grow
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 he
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 knoweth
                 best
                 what
                 measure
                 is
                 good
                 for
                 us
                 ?
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 For
                 that
                 thy
                 desires
                 are
                 yet
                 higher
                 then
                 thy
                 growth
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 good
                 for
                 thee
                 ,
                 desire
                 growth
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 thou
                 wilt
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 could
                 wish
                 your
                 desires
                 were
                 more
                 earnest
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 your
                 endeavours
                 would
                 be
                 more
                 answerable
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 thy
                 desires
                 be
                 in
                 good
                 earnest
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 makest
                 it
                 thy
                 work
                 to
                 grow
                 and
                 come
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 canst
                 not
                 reach
                 thy
                 desires
                 ;
                 should
                 this
                 discourage
                 ?
                 No
                 ;
                 thou
                 shouldst
                 be
                 encouraged
                 ,
                 and
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 that
                 thy
                 desires
                 are
                 kept
                 up
                 after
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ;
                 that
                 you
                 say
                 not
                 sufficit
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 appointed
                 of
                 God
                 for
                 growth
                 ,
                 that
                 still
                 the
                 desires
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 should
                 be
                 uppermost
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 my
                 own
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 think
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 better
                 sign
                 of
                 a
                 growing
                 ,
                 then
                 an
                 eager
                 stomack
                 ,
                 except
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 disease
                 ,
                 which
                 can
                 hardly
                 be
                 in
                 spirituals
                 ,
                 though
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 desire
                 also
                 to
                 hear
                 more
                 then
                 he
                 digests
                 .
                 See
                 ,
                 the
                 Church
                 was
                 following
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 saith
                 she
                 ,
                 
                   Draw
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   run
                
                 ;
                 We
                 go
                 after
                 thee
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 
                 would
                 run
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Growth
                 is
                 not
                 sensible
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 visible
                 until
                 afterward
                 ;
                 that
                 degree
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 motion
                 is
                 not
                 perceived
                 until
                 afterward
                 :
                 
                 you
                 see
                 trees
                 ,
                 and
                 plants
                 ,
                 and
                 children
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 grown
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 you
                 sit
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 set
                 your
                 eyes
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 see
                 them
                 grow
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 discern
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 complain
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 grow
                 not
                 ;
                 would
                 you
                 not
                 bewray
                 much
                 weakness
                 ?
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 :
                 A
                 Merchant
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 casts
                 up
                 his
                 daily
                 accounts
                 ,
                 what
                 cometh
                 in
                 ,
                 what
                 goeth
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 doth
                 take
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 but
                 now
                 and
                 then
                 :
                 So
                 should
                 we
                 ,
                 though
                 daily
                 we
                 examine
                 our selves
                 ,
                 how
                 we
                 gain
                 or
                 lose
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 passages
                 ;
                 yet
                 to
                 examine
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 our
                 growth
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 every
                 day
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 little
                 purpose
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 told
                 you
                 before
                 ;
                 
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   cometh
                   not
                   with
                   observation
                   ;
                   both
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   in
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   administration
                   of
                   it
                   groweth
                   insensibly
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   falling
                   of
                   the
                   dew
                   from
                   the
                   womb
                   of
                   the
                   morning
                   ;
                   thou
                   hast
                   the
                   dew
                   of
                   thy
                   youth
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   will
                   be
                   as
                   the
                   dew
                   to
                   Israel
                   .
                
                 So
                 the
                 seed
                 sown
                 ,
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 grow
                 while
                 he
                 that
                 sowed
                 it
                 sleepeth
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 how
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 vain
                 to
                 observe
                 it
                 while
                 it
                 is
                 growing
                 ,
                 but
                 afterward
                 it
                 will
                 appear
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Though
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 affections
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 thou
                 maist
                 grow
                 notwithstanding
                 in
                 the
                 understanding
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 for
                 the
                 passions
                 indeed
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 the
                 lowest
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 place
                 most
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 O
                 if
                 we
                 can
                 be
                 but
                 so
                 and
                 so
                 affected
                 〈◊〉
                 a
                 rapture
                 of
                 joy
                 ,
                 a
                 melting
                 into
                 tears
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 sweet
                 yielding
                 Spirit
                 to
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 mistake
                 .
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 matter
                 was
                 new
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 wast
                 more
                 affected
                 with
                 it
                 passionately
                 then
                 now
                 thou
                 art
                 ;
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 new
                 things
                 do
                 affect
                 our
                 nature
                 most
                 ,
                 which
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 well
                 observe
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 children
                 are
                 taken
                 and
                 affected
                 with
                 every
                 thing
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 because
                 every
                 thing
                 is
                 new
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 which
                 men
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 except
                 with
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 so
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 Beside
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 blood
                 groweth
                 colder
                 in
                 old
                 age
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 spirits
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 agile
                 ,
                 there
                 cannot
                 be
                 expected
                 that
                 vigour
                 of
                 affection
                 in
                 old
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 sick
                 persons
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 young
                 ▪
                 persons
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 case
                 .
                 Besides
                 ,
                 these
                 passions
                 they
                 are
                 wonderful
                 unconstant
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 judgement
                 by
                 them
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 so
                 strangely
                 ebb
                 and
                 flow
                 ;
                 some
                 mens
                 natures
                 are
                 more
                 passionate
                 ,
                 apt
                 to
                 grieve
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 affected
                 with
                 every
                 little
                 thing
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 a
                 little
                 matter
                 will
                 set
                 their
                 passions
                 afloat
                 ;
                 others
                 are
                 more
                 stock-like
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 that
                 
                 moveth
                 their
                 affection
                 :
                 Now
                 a
                 little
                 thing
                 will
                 not
                 move
                 them
                 .
                 But
                 suppose
                 that
                 thou
                 dost
                 not
                 grow
                 in
                 these
                 so
                 much
                 ,
                 how
                 is
                 thy
                 understanding
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 grow
                 there
                 ,
                 abound
                 in
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 before
                 thou
                 wast
                 empty
                 ,
                 knewest
                 very
                 little
                 ;
                 now
                 thou
                 hast
                 a
                 Treasury
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 goest
                 on
                 herein
                 :
                 do
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 our
                 judgements
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 value
                 Christ
                 and
                 grace
                 at
                 a
                 higher
                 rate
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 counting
                 all
                 things
                 dross
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 him
                 ?
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 cleave
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 more
                 full
                 and
                 strong
                 purpose
                 of
                 heart
                 then
                 before
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 growth
                 indeed
                 to
                 the
                 purpose
                 .
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 grow
                 not
                 in
                 bigness
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 grow
                 in
                 sweetness
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 growth
                 Brethren
                 .
                 At
                 first
                 ,
                 Christians
                 run
                 up
                 
                 to
                 a
                 great
                 height
                 ,
                 a
                 pace
                 they
                 grow
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 but
                 afterwards
                 they
                 grow
                 in
                 the
                 sanctifiedness
                 of
                 that
                 knowledge
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 know
                 much
                 ,
                 they
                 know
                 little
                 as
                 they
                 ought
                 :
                 Now
                 thou
                 comest
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 as
                 thou
                 oughtest
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 humble
                 thee
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 to
                 endear
                 thee
                 to
                 Christ
                 more
                 :
                 Now
                 thou
                 art
                 more
                 peaceable
                 ,
                 more
                 apt
                 to
                 forgive
                 ,
                 less
                 censorious
                 ,
                 hast
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 that
                 dividing
                 spirit
                 that
                 formerly
                 thou
                 hadst
                 :
                 dost
                 thou
                 grow
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 sweetness
                 therefore
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 grow
                 so
                 ?
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 heat
                 ?
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 fatness
                 and
                 the
                 sweetness
                 of
                 the
                 growth
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 comfort
                 in
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 In
                 the
                 last
                 place
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 family
                 ,
                 
                   though
                   he
                   make
                   it
                   not
                   to
                   grow
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   this
                   is
                   all
                   my
                   hope
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   my
                   salvation
                
                 ;
                 yet
                 he
                 trusted
                 in
                 him
                 .
                 
                 It
                 is
                 God
                 that
                 maketh
                 it
                 to
                 grow
                 (
                 Brethren
                 )
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 free
                 ,
                 and
                 rich
                 in
                 his
                 influences
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 if
                 he
                 make
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ?
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 wilt
                 thou
                 question
                 all
                 his
                 work
                 in
                 thee
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 labour
                 to
                 believe
                 it
                 away
                 :
                 Here
                 are
                 many
                 promises
                 ,
                 trust
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 make
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ;
                 hang
                 upon
                 him
                 still
                 for
                 this
                 growth
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 still
                 make
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 yet
                 still
                 make
                 this
                 thy
                 salvation
                 ,
                 his
                 Covenant
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 see
                 not
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 fit
                 for
                 thee
                 ,
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 what
                 thou
                 findest
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 obstruction
                 ,
                 but
                 cast
                 not
                 away
                 thy
                 confidence
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 make
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 grow
                 :
                 and
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
           
             
             
             
               Christ
               his
               Willingness
               to
               accept
               Humbled
               Sinners
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   John
                   6.
                   37.
                   
                
                 
                   —
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   cast
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 IN
                 this
                 Chapter
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 Miracle
                 of
                 the
                 five
                 hundred
                 men
                 fed
                 with
                 five
                 loaves
                 and
                 two
                 fishes
                 ,
                 
                   ver
                   .
                   9
                   ,
                   10
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 which
                 was
                 no
                 small
                 Miracle
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 argued
                 devine
                 power
                 ,
                 to
                 multiply
                 so
                 small
                 a
                 quantity
                 into
                 a
                 sufficiency
                 for
                 so
                 many
                 hungry
                 bellies
                 ;
                 and
                 here
                 ,
                 if
                 ever
                 was
                 made
                 good
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   man
                   liveth
                   not
                   by
                   bread
                   alone
                   ,
                   but
                   by
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ;
                 much
                 more
                 where
                 he
                 hath
                 but
                 little
                 and
                 inconsiderable
                 ,
                 hath
                 but
                 Pulse
                 instead
                 of
                 dainty
                 fare
                 ,
                 a
                 cruse
                 of
                 oyl
                 ,
                 a
                 little
                 meal
                 ;
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 after
                 this
                 Miracle
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 had
                 woon
                 so
                 far
                 upon
                 their
                 affections
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 their
                 understandings
                 ,
                 though
                 very
                 carnal
                 ;
                 they
                 concluded
                 this
                 was
                 that
                 Prophet
                 which
                 they
                 expected
                 ,
                 ver
                 .
                 14.
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 a
                 special
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 beside
                 John
                 the
                 Baptist
                 ,
                 or
                 Elias
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 thought
                 he
                 should
                 come
                 again
                 ,
                 be
                 born
                 again
                 ,
                 misunderstanding
                 that
                 place
                 in
                 Mal.
                 4.
                 and
                 beside
                 ,
                 
                 Christ
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 they
                 expected
                 another
                 Prophet
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Antients
                 ,
                 
                   Chrysost
                   .
                   Theoph.
                   Cyril
                
                 and
                 Beza
                 also
                 conceive
                 ;
                 and
                 seemeth
                 very
                 plain
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 of
                 
                   John
                   ,
                   why
                   dost
                   thou
                   Baptize
                   if
                   thou
                   neither
                   be
                
                 Elias
                 ,
                 
                   nor
                   that
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   nor
                   yet
                   the
                   Christ
                   ?
                
                 
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 distinguished
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 me
                 thinks
                 here
                 they
                 were
                 carried
                 further
                 in
                 their
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 take
                 him
                 for
                 such
                 a
                 Prophet
                 ,
                 for
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   Our
                   Saviour
                
                 
                 
                   seeing
                   that
                   they
                   would
                   come
                   and
                   take
                   him
                   by
                   violence
                   to
                   make
                   him
                
                 
                 
                   King
                   ,
                   he
                   withdrew
                   himself
                   into
                   a
                   Mount
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                
                 15.
                 therefore
                 it
                 should
                 seem
                 they
                 had
                 some
                 kind
                 of
                 flash
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 carnal
                 conceipt
                 of
                 the
                 Messiah
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 temporal
                 King
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 in
                 pomp
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 needs
                 now
                 make
                 him
                 King.
                 Well
                 ,
                 our
                 Saviour
                 now
                 going
                 to
                 his
                 Disciples
                 upon
                 the
                 Sea
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 he
                 came
                 into
                 the
                 ship
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 forthwith
                 ashore
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 sweetly
                 and
                 swiftly
                 doth
                 any
                 work
                 of
                 Christ
                 or
                 for
                 Christ
                 go
                 on
                 when
                 he
                 himself
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 the
                 multitude
                 they
                 follow
                 him
                 ,
                 their
                 bellies
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 were
                 their
                 instructers
                 ,
                 their
                 gods
                 and
                 their
                 guides
                 ;
                 
                   ye
                   follow
                   me
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   loaves
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 takes
                 this
                 occasion
                 to
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   seek
                   for
                   that
                   food
                   that
                   perisheth
                   not
                
                 ;
                 they
                 were
                 sensible
                 of
                 the
                 hunger
                 of
                 their
                 bellies
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 taken
                 with
                 his
                 power
                 to
                 make
                 such
                 provision
                 for
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 even
                 where
                 there
                 was
                 nothing
                 in
                 comparison
                 .
                 O
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 poor
                 souls
                 were
                 in
                 a
                 starving
                 condition
                 !
                 and
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 sensible
                 of
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 endeavours
                 to
                 raise
                 their
                 apprehensions
                 somewhat
                 higher
                 ,
                 spending
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 Chapter
                 afterwards
                 ,
                 in
                 setting
                 forth
                 himself
                 ,
                 the
                 true
                 ,
                 the
                 spiritual
                 Shew-bread
                 ,
                 or
                 bread
                 of
                 faces
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 had
                 but
                 stomacks
                 and
                 appetites
                 suitable
                 to
                 the
                 necessities
                 of
                 their
                 poor
                 perishing
                 souls
                 .
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   had
                   not
                   aseeing
                   eye
                   ,
                   nor
                   a
                   hearing
                   ear
                   ,
                   nor
                   a
                   believing
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 when
                 they
                 heard
                 of
                 
                 bread
                 ,
                 
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   did
                   eat
                   ,
                   they
                   should
                   never
                   hunger
                   ;
                   Lord
                   give
                   us
                   this
                   bread
                   ,
                
                 said
                 they
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 knew
                 not
                 well
                 what
                 they
                 said
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 this
                 bread
                 was
                 tendered
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 had
                 no
                 mind
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 water
                 was
                 near
                 to
                 Hagar
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 saw
                 
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 so
                 the
                 bread
                 of
                 life
                 was
                 now
                 offering
                 himself
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 knew
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 our
                 Saviour
                 reproveth
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   you
                   also
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   have
                   seen
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   believe
                   not
                   ;
                   this
                   bread
                   is
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   the
                   bread
                   ,
                   but
                   spiritually
                   understood
                   ,
                   for
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   Spirit
                   that
                   quickeneth
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   flesh
                   profiteth
                   nothing
                   ,
                
                 (
                 saith
                 he
                 )
                 
                 even
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 Disciples
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 already
                 stumbled
                 at
                 this
                 Sermon
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 concerning
                 eating
                 his
                 flesh
                 and
                 drinking
                 his
                 blood
                 ;
                 but
                 (
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 )
                 
                   ye
                   believe
                   not
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 ye
                 will
                 not
                 take
                 of
                 this
                 bread
                 ,
                 eat
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 receive
                 and
                 apply
                 the
                 benefit
                 of
                 my
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 resurrection
                 ,
                 and
                 ascention
                 ,
                 and
                 intercession
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 I
                 understand
                 by
                 this
                 bread
                 in
                 a
                 spiritual
                 sense
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 nourished
                 to
                 eternal
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 was
                 a
                 sad
                 symptom
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 not
                 belonging
                 to
                 Gods
                 purpose
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 little
                 ground
                 to
                 conclude
                 it
                 as
                 yet
                 ;
                 for
                 our
                 Saviour
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   shall
                   come
                
                 ;
                 as
                 yet
                 ye
                 believe
                 not
                 ,
                 ye
                 have
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 me
                 with
                 hungry
                 souls
                 ,
                 though
                 you
                 have
                 followed
                 me
                 with
                 hungry
                 bellies
                 for
                 the
                 loaves
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 you
                 belong
                 to
                 the
                 election
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 be
                 of
                 those
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 given
                 to
                 me
                 from
                 eternity
                 ,
                 you
                 shall
                 come
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   him
                   that
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 
                   And
                   him
                   that
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                
                 ;
                 the
                 copulative
                 and
                 ,
                 speaks
                 as
                 great
                 a
                 latitude
                 of
                 the
                 subjects
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 verse
                 ,
                 
                   All
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   shall
                   come
                
                 ;
                 So
                 the
                 Greeks
                 use
                 the
                 Neuter-gender
                 ,
                 to
                 express
                 universality
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 speak
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   given
                   shall
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   cometh
                   being
                   given
                   of
                   his
                   Father
                
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 none
                 else
                 that
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 ;
                 
                   ye
                   believe
                   not
                
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   all
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   shall
                   come
                   ;
                   if
                   you
                   be
                   not
                   of
                   that
                   number
                   ,
                   ye
                   may
                   never
                   come
                   to
                   me
                   :
                
                 and
                 then
                 ,
                 
                   whosoever
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   east
                   him
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 Our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 in
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 hath
                 given
                 us
                 to
                 understand
                 what
                 welcome
                 ,
                 what
                 entertainment
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 sure
                 to
                 have
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 such
                 soul
                 .
                 So
                 that
                 at
                 once
                 he
                 hath
                 stopt
                 the
                 mouths
                 ,
                 or
                 prevented
                 and
                 cut
                 off
                 the
                 occasion
                 of
                 many
                 doubtings
                 ,
                 whereby
                 Satan
                 and
                 a
                 mans
                 own
                 heart
                 are
                 very
                 busie
                 to
                 block
                 up
                 our
                 way
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 come
                 .
                 O
                 ;
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 success
                 I
                 shall
                 have
                 if
                 I
                 go
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 I
                 may
                 haply
                 be
                 refused
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 good
                 sit
                 still
                 ,
                 as
                 rise
                 and
                 fall
                 (
                 we
                 use
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 thus
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 answering
                 our selves
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Now
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 to
                 cut
                 off
                 all
                 such
                 excuses
                 as
                 these
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 embolden
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 encourage
                 us
                 ,
                 hath
                 made
                 this
                 free
                 ,
                 this
                 general
                 ,
                 this
                 positive
                 declaration
                 of
                 his
                 willingness
                 to
                 receive
                 us
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 in
                 any
                 wise
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 soul
                 .
              
               
               
                 The
                 words
                 will
                 not
                 need
                 any
                 division
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 shall
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 speak
                 any
                 further
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 make
                 the
                 observation
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 this
                 ;
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   will
                   not
                   cast
                   out
                   any
                   poor
                   soul
                   that
                   cometh
                   to
                   him
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 more
                 change
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 what
                 necessity
                 requireth
                 :
                 he
                 speaking
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 useth
                 the
                 first
                 person
                 ;
                 we
                 speaking
                 of
                 him
                 must
                 use
                 the
                 third
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 variation
                 is
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 This
                 note
                 I
                 shall
                 endeavour
                 to
                 explain
                 ,
                 prove
                 ,
                 confirm
                 and
                 apply
                 to
                 us
                 all
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ;
                 First
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 coming
                 unto
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 And
                 secondly
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 casting
                 out
                 ;
                 which
                 he
                 promiseth
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 man
                 come
                 unto
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 For
                 the
                 first
                 then
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 speak
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 necessarily
                 presupposed
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 by
                 nature
                 far
                 off
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 strangers
                 from
                 
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 Covenant
                 of
                 promises
                 ,
                 enemies
                 to
                 God
                 and
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 our
                 own
                 salvation
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 miserable
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 content
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 leave
                 building
                 upon
                 it
                 as
                 a
                 thing
                 granted
                 by
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 with
                 us
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 
                 every
                 mothers
                 child
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 however
                 we
                 may
                 seem
                 to
                 be
                 near
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 an
                 outward
                 nearness
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Jews
                 were
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 his
                 
                 people
                 ,
                 near
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 us
                 at
                 the
                 present
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 opens
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 le
                 ts
                 down
                 the
                 white
                 sheet
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 wherein
                 we
                 have
                 all
                 varieties
                 of
                 heaven
                 in
                 our
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 voice
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   arise
                   and
                   eat
                   ,
                   come
                   and
                   eat
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   and
                   live
                
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 turn
                 our
                 backs
                 upon
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 thus
                 it
                 s
                 with
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 untill
                 the
                 Lord
                 proceeds
                 further
                 with
                 us
                 :
                 therefore
                 in
                 the
              
               
                 First
                 place
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 nature
                 ,
                 doth
                 immediately
                 presuppose
                 a
                 hearing
                 and
                 learning
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 in
                 time
                 haply
                 they
                 may
                 agree
                 :
                 and
                 this
                 I
                 speak
                 of
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 neither
                 my self
                 would
                 give
                 you
                 an
                 effect
                 ,
                 without
                 shewing
                 you
                 the
                 dependance
                 upon
                 its
                 cause
                 ,
                 lest
                 some
                 might
                 fasten
                 it
                 upon
                 a
                 false
                 root
                 ,
                 a
                 false
                 cause
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 put
                 a
                 fallacy
                 upon
                 themselves
                 ;
                 this
                 you
                 have
                 plainly
                 in
                 the
                 45.
                 ver
                 .
                 of
                 this
                 Chapter
                 ,
                 
                   Whosoever
                   therefore
                   hath
                   heard
                   and
                   learned
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   cometh
                   
                   unto
                   me
                
                 ;
                 where
                 ,
                 note
                 the
                 difference
                 of
                 the
                 tense
                 or
                 time
                 in
                 the
                 Text
                 ,
                 
                   whosoever
                   hath
                   heard
                   and
                   learned
                   doth
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   he
                   cometh
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   heard
                   and
                   learned
                
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 Gods
                 teaching
                 and
                 mans
                 learning
                 ;
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   all
                   taught
                   of
                   God
                   :
                
                 all
                 !
                 who
                 ?
                 all
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 womb
                 of
                 Gods
                 purpose
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 in
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 given
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 Not
                 simply
                 all
                 men
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 see
                 by
                 daily
                 experiences
                 contrary
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 dye
                 and
                 never
                 hear
                 of
                 Christ
                 :
                 how
                 many
                 that
                 hear
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 never
                 learn
                 any
                 thing
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 do
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 yea
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 that
                 seem
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 a
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 are
                 left
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 hearts
                 to
                 depart
                 (
                 which
                 is
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 casting
                 out
                 )
                 as
                 those
                 Disciples
                 afterward
                 ,
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 went
                 backward
                 ,
                 being
                 offended
                 at
                 our
                 Saviours
                 speech
                 ,
                 
                   concerning
                   eating
                   his
                   flesh
                   ,
                   and
                   drinking
                   his
                   blood
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   walked
                   with
                   him
                   any
                   more
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 note
                 it
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 Disciple
                 that
                 never
                 learned
                 ,
                 was
                 never
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 for
                 all
                 that
                 are
                 thus
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 learn
                 ,
                 they
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 that
                 so
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   never
                   cast
                   them
                   out
                   ,
                
                 
                 as
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 more
                 afterward
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 hearing
                 and
                 learning
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 being
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 in
                 order
                 goeth
                 before
                 the
                 conversion
                 of
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 whatever
                 it
                 be
                 in
                 time
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 this
                 Scripture
                 would
                 prove
                 the
                 needlesness
                 of
                 Ordinances
                 now
                 to
                 grown
                 Believers
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 prove
                 it
                 as
                 well
                 to
                 new
                 Converts
                 ,
                 for
                 these
                 are
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 grown
                 Believers
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 they
                 could
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 necessary
                 ,
                 neither
                 for
                 the
                 one
                 nor
                 for
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 to
                 what
                 end
                 did
                 the
                 most
                 wise
                 Governor
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 appoint
                 them
                 for
                 ?
                 nothing
                 ?
                 but
                 that
                 by
                 the
                 by
                 .
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 being
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Evangelist
                 sheweth
                 in
                 the
                 45.
                 verse
                 ,
                 bringing
                 that
                 Prophecy
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   all
                   taught
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 and
                 making
                 this
                 inference
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   whosoever
                   therefore
                   heareth
                   and
                   learneth
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                   :
                
                 Again
                 ,
                 this
                 being
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 nothing
                 else
                 but
                 the
                 drawing
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 44.
                 verse
                 ,
                 
                   no
                   man
                   cometh
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   except
                   the
                   Father
                   which
                   hath
                   sent
                   me
                   draw
                   him
                
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 written
                 in
                 the
                 Prophets
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   all
                   taught
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 therefore
                 I
                 conceive
                 that
                 this
                 hearing
                 and
                 learning
                 may
                 be
                 understood
                 thus
                 .
              
               
               
                 First
                 ,
                 By
                 hearing
                 ,
                 I
                 understand
                 the
                 usual
                 means
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 and
                 working
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 Gospel
                 of
                 Salvation
                 .
                 
                   How
                   can
                   they
                   believe
                   in
                   him
                   of
                   whom
                   they
                
                 
                 
                   have
                   not
                   heard
                
                 ?
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   And
                   Faith
                   cometh
                   by
                   hearing
                
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 called
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   therein
                   the
                   righteousness
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   revealed
                   from
                   Faith
                   to
                   Faith
                
                 thereby
                 :
                 wherein
                 ?
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 preached
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 the
                 Apostle
                 was
                 not
                 ashamed
                 :
                 by
                 the
                 preaching
                 thereof
                 poor
                 
                 creatures
                 were
                 brought
                 to
                 believe
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 :
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 righteousness
                 of
                 Christ
                 was
                 revealed
                 therein
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 conveighed
                 to
                 them
                 by
                 Faith.
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 what
                 course
                 the
                 Lord
                 holds
                 with
                 the
                 Heathen
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 Gospel
                 is
                 not
                 preached
                 by
                 men
                 like
                 themselves
                 ,
                 nor
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 given
                 us
                 a
                 positive
                 account
                 of
                 his
                 dealing
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 meddle
                 not
                 with
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 ordinary
                 way
                 of
                 Gods
                 working
                 of
                 Faith
                 in
                 them
                 who
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 capable
                 of
                 hearing
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 understanding
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 therefore
                 usually
                 ,
                 if
                 God
                 intend
                 to
                 bring
                 
                 on
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 bring
                 them
                 under
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 either
                 to
                 dwell
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 Word
                 accidentally
                 to
                 be
                 among
                 them
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 observable
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 Pauls
                 conversion
                 ,
                 only
                 he
                 himself
                 heard
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 talked
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 the
                 men
                 that
                 were
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 because
                 God
                 intended
                 this
                 vision
                 for
                 Paul
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 for
                 them
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 said
                 in
                 another
                 place
                 ,
                 to
                 hear
                 a
                 voice
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 voice
                 of
                 Paul
                 ,
                 and
                 wondered
                 to
                 hear
                 him
                 speak
                 ,
                 and
                 heard
                 no
                 body
                 speaking
                 to
                 
                 him
                 :
                 hearing
                 then
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 is
                 hearing
                 him
                 speak
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 that
                 speaks
                 therein
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 By
                 the
                 hearing
                 may
                 also
                 be
                 understood
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 some
                 whisperings
                 and
                 motions
                 ,
                 and
                 secret
                 workings
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 many
                 a
                 man
                 hath
                 many
                 times
                 in
                 hearing
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 passeth
                 by
                 ,
                 and
                 breatheth
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 upon
                 one
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 upon
                 another
                 ,
                 putting
                 on
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 fasten
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 sweet
                 and
                 precious
                 ;
                 inwardly
                 speaking
                 to
                 their
                 understandings
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 sure
                 the
                 men
                 concerned
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 threatning
                 ,
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 promise
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 
                 part
                 of
                 Gods
                 striving
                 by
                 his
                 Spirit
                 with
                 rebellious
                 sinners
                 that
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 nor
                 obey
                 .
                 Now
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 more
                 inward
                 hearing
                 then
                 the
                 former
                 ;
                 some
                 sit
                 under
                 the
                 same
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Sword
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 maketh
                 no
                 more
                 entrance
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 then
                 
                 upon
                 a
                 brazen
                 wall
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 must
                 be
                 a
                 sharp
                 sword
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 must
                 divide
                 an
                 heart
                 of
                 stone
                 :
                 many
                 a
                 blow
                 is
                 laid
                 at
                 a
                 sturdy
                 Oak
                 ,
                 an
                 old
                 grown
                 sinner
                 ,
                 before
                 his
                 heart
                 beginneth
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 to
                 shake
                 :
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Then
                 for
                 the
                 learning
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 ,
                 which
                 goeth
                 before
                 the
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 this
                 I
                 take
                 to
                 to
                 be
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 not
                 only
                 by
                 his
                 Messengers
                 maketh
                 his
                 word
                 plain
                 before
                 us
                 ,
                 lays
                 it
                 to
                 our
                 Consciences
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Ax
                 to
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 the
                 Tree
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 he
                 opens
                 our
                 understandings
                 ,
                 plucks
                 open
                 our
                 eyes
                 to
                 behold
                 the
                 light
                 ,
                 teacheth
                 us
                 indeed
                 ;
                 he
                 teacheth
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 in
                 special
                 these
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 he
                 is
                 lost
                 ,
                 a
                 son
                 of
                 perdition
                 for
                 ought
                 he
                 knoweth
                 :
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 Creature
                 in
                 the
                 Ship
                 ,
                 like
                 Jonas
                 ,
                 though
                 ready
                 to
                 sink
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 asleep
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Ship
                 had
                 sunk
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 all
                 one
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 they
                 come
                 and
                 awake
                 him
                 up
                 ,
                 thou
                 sleeper
                 ,
                 
                 dost
                 thou
                 not
                 see
                 thou
                 art
                 sinking
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 dying
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 perishing
                 ?
                 so
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 takes
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 sleepy
                 ,
                 dead
                 sinner
                 by
                 the
                 understanding
                 ,
                 tels
                 him
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 the
                 man
                 condemned
                 ,
                 wrath
                 abideth
                 upon
                 thee
                 particularly
                 ;
                 what
                 dost
                 thou
                 mean
                 ?
                 wilt
                 thou
                 have
                 the
                 flames
                 of
                 hell
                 about
                 thy
                 ears
                 ,
                 before
                 thou
                 wilt
                 stir
                 a
                 foot
                 ?
                 what
                 ,
                 wilt
                 thou
                 bring
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 upon
                 thy
                 head
                 ?
                 thus
                 the
                 Spirit
                 cometh
                 ,
                 and
                 shaketh
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 sleep
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 he
                 never
                 dreamed
                 what
                 his
                 condition
                 was
                 before
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 Spirits
                 convincing
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 setteth
                 his
                 sins
                 in
                 order
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 setteth
                 a
                 man
                 upon
                 the
                 search
                 into
                 his
                 condition
                 ,
                 then
                 represents
                 all
                 his
                 sins
                 in
                 their
                 bloody
                 guilt
                 and
                 condemning
                 nature
                 :
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 with
                 
                 a
                 mouth
                 like
                 hell
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 swallow
                 him
                 up
                 :
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 convictions
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 teacheth
                 him
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 now
                 no
                 longer
                 to
                 lie
                 securely
                 in
                 that
                 condition
                 :
                 if
                 he
                 continue
                 here
                 ,
                 he
                 must
                 perish
                 :
                 therefore
                 now
                 he
                 beginneth
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 him
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 do
                 ?
                 to
                 whom
                 shall
                 I
                 turn
                 my self
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 no
                 hope
                 of
                 pardon
                 ,
                 no
                 mercy
                 for
                 me
                 ?
                 
                   O
                   what
                   shall
                   we
                   do
                
                 (
                 said
                 they
                 in
                 
                   Acts
                   2.
                   )
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   be
                   saved
                
                 ?
                 if
                 the
                 Ship
                 be
                 sinking
                 ,
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 time
                 to
                 look
                 about
                 for
                 a
                 Plank
                 ,
                 a
                 Mast
                 ,
                 something
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 ,
                 something
                 to
                 stop
                 the
                 leak
                 ;
                 if
                 now
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 granadoes
                 be
                 cast
                 into
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 broken
                 ,
                 and
                 tearing
                 all
                 to
                 pieces
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 flames
                 of
                 hell
                 have
                 caught
                 hold
                 upon
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 
                 delay
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 working
                 with
                 a
                 mans
                 natural
                 principle
                 for
                 self-preservation
                 ,
                 puts
                 him
                 on
                 to
                 enquire
                 for
                 somewhat
                 to
                 quench
                 it
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 beginneth
                 to
                 cry
                 out
                 ,
                 fire
                 ,
                 fire
                 ,
                 in
                 his
                 soul
                 ;
                 O
                 he
                 cannot
                 hold
                 it
                 !
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 teacheth
                 yet
                 further
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 learneth
                 this
                 also
                 effectually
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 help
                 for
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 neither
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 take
                 the
                 quintescence
                 of
                 all
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 usually
                 before
                 have
                 a
                 high
                 esteem
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 temper
                 them
                 together
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 make
                 a
                 balsom
                 for
                 this
                 wound
                 ;
                 now
                 all
                 the
                 Spirits
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 Creatures
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 could
                 be
                 extracted
                 ,
                 I
                 mean
                 the
                 comforts
                 that
                 might
                 arise
                 from
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 keep
                 the
                 poor
                 languishing
                 soul
                 from
                 fainting
                 and
                 dying
                 ,
                 waters
                 of
                 the
                 fullest
                 cup
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 overflow
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 ;
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 have
                 rivers
                 of
                 pleasures
                 in
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 creature-comforts
                 ,
                 honours
                 ,
                 relations
                 ,
                 parts
                 ,
                 learning
                 ,
                 gifts
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 they
                 be
                 ,
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 poor
                 creature
                 is
                 now
                 taught
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 quench
                 this
                 spark
                 that
                 is
                 gotten
                 into
                 the
                 conscience
                 ;
                 I
                 mean
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 allay
                 the
                 trouble
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 heal
                 the
                 wounds
                 of
                 his
                 spirit
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 now
                 he
                 knoweth
                 not
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 the
                 Hart
                 ,
                 they
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 smitten
                 with
                 an
                 arrow
                 ,
                 goeth
                 to
                 her
                 herb
                 to
                 cause
                 the
                 arrow
                 to
                 fall
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 other
                 creatures
                 being
                 poysoned
                 ,
                 stung
                 ,
                 sick
                 ,
                 distempered
                 ,
                 run
                 to
                 their
                 cure
                 by
                 a
                 natural
                 instinct
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 ,
                 when
                 God
                 hath
                 shot
                 this
                 arrow
                 into
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 it
                 wounds
                 too
                 deep
                 ,
                 sticks
                 too
                 fast
                 for
                 the
                 teeth
                 of
                 any
                 creature
                 to
                 pluck
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 the
                 vertue
                 of
                 any
                 creature
                 ;
                 yea
                 they
                 are
                 so
                 far
                 from
                 healing
                 ,
                 that
                 rather
                 the
                 consideration
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 are
                 as
                 oyl
                 to
                 the
                 flame
                 ,
                 to
                 vex
                 and
                 wound
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 more
                 :
                 well
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 taught
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 learneth
                 this
                 effectually
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 notion
                 only
                 ,
                 goeth
                 far
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 many
                 convinced
                 of
                 their
                 wounds
                 ,
                 their
                 bleeding
                 ,
                 dying
                 condition
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 imagine
                 there
                 is
                 help
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 something
                 else
                 :
                 they
                 run
                 to
                 a
                 duty
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 fasting
                 would
                 make
                 amends
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 run
                 to
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 ,
                 unfaithful
                 Shepherds
                 that
                 will
                 daub
                 and
                 heal
                 them
                 deceitfully
                 ,
                 get
                 it
                 skinned
                 over
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 the
                 world
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 building
                 ,
                 and
                 planting
                 ,
                 and
                 marrying
                 ,
                 and
                 drinking
                 ,
                 and
                 pastimes
                 ,
                 these
                 may
                 skin
                 over
                 the
                 wound
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 heals
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 miserable
                 is
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 so
                 deluded
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 they
                 that
                 are
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 learn
                 ,
                 they
                 learn
                 this
                 
                 effectually
                 and
                 practically
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 in
                 the
                 creature
                 that
                 can
                 do
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 They
                 learn
                 this
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 be
                 
                 but
                 as
                 a
                 cloud
                 without
                 rain
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 a
                 fire
                 ,
                 a
                 Well
                 without
                 water
                 ,
                 a
                 broken
                 Cistern
                 that
                 leaks
                 out
                 all
                 ,
                 a
                 Torrent
                 ,
                 a
                 Brook
                 that
                 is
                 dried
                 up
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 parched
                 and
                 burnt
                 up
                 with
                 the
                 scorching
                 heat
                 of
                 the
                 displeasure
                 of
                 God.
                 O
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 setteth
                 a
                 soul
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 ,
                 and
                 looks
                 upon
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 consuming
                 fire
                 ,
                 with
                 his
                 eyes
                 as
                 a
                 flaming
                 fire
                 ,
                 ready
                 with
                 a
                 
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 devour
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 cannot
                 get
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 sight
                 .
                 O
                 now
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 all
                 their
                 comforts
                 will
                 not
                 skreen
                 them
                 from
                 his
                 eyes
                 :
                 but
                 what
                 will
                 ?
                 only
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 be
                 a
                 cooling
                 shadow
                 ,
                 to
                 shadow
                 us
                 from
                 this
                 scorching
                 heat
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 the
                 Spirit
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswadeth
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 we
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 will
                 talk
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 O
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 our
                 help
                 and
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 look
                 for
                 salvation
                 in
                 no
                 other
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 grown
                 now
                 so
                 cus●omary
                 a
                 thing
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 every
                 mans
                 mouth
                 ;
                 but
                 to
                 how
                 few
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 spoken
                 this
                 to
                 our
                 hearts
                 that
                 thus
                 it
                 is
                 ?
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Again
                 ,
                 another
                 thing
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 before
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 :
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 let
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 oyntments
                 to
                 heal
                 :
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 expend
                 that
                 precious
                 balm
                 of
                 Gilead
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 else
                 the
                 soul
                 will
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 that
                 that
                 keepeth
                 off
                 many
                 a
                 soul
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 ;
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 perswadeth
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 
                 been
                 an
                 enemy
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 grieved
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 torn
                 his
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 rent
                 his
                 flesh
                 with
                 horrid
                 oaths
                 and
                 blasphemies
                 ,
                 trampled
                 his
                 blood
                 under
                 foot
                 ,
                 have
                 been
                 never
                 so
                 horrid
                 a
                 transgressor
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 perswadeth
                 him
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 sinners
                 without
                 exception
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 Suppose
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 whose
                 skill
                 were
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 store
                 of
                 Medicines
                 so
                 inexhaustible
                 ,
                 and
                 soveraign
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 so
                 large
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 he
                 proclaimeth
                 to
                 all
                 ,
                 that
                 whosoever
                 is
                 wounded
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 desperately
                 ;
                 whosoever
                 is
                 sick
                 unto
                 the
                 death
                 ,
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 Stone
                 ,
                 another
                 of
                 the
                 Gout
                 ,
                 another
                 of
                 the
                 plague
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 cure
                 you
                 all
                 ;
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 if
                 poor
                 creatures
                 did
                 believe
                 this
                 ,
                 were
                 perswaded
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 before
                 ;
                 O
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 mine
                 is
                 a
                 plague
                 sore
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 past
                 cure
                 ;
                 mine
                 is
                 an
                 hereditary
                 disease
                 ,
                 saith
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 far
                 gone
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 be
                 cured
                 ;
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 perish
                 ;
                 O
                 mine
                 is
                 such
                 
                 a
                 disease
                 ;
                 it
                 will
                 cost
                 more
                 pains
                 and
                 charge
                 then
                 I
                 think
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 to
                 cure
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 cometh
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 perisheth
                 ;
                 just
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 secretly
                 insinuate
                 it
                 into
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 how
                 willingly
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 writ
                 it
                 upon
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 ,
                 to
                 heal
                 ,
                 to
                 save
                 the
                 soul
                 that
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 which
                 in
                 the
                 order
                 of
                 nature
                 go
                 before
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 now
                 for
                 the
                 acts
                 wherein
                 it
                 formally
                 consist
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 thus
                 made
                 sensible
                 of
                 what
                 is
                 in
                 himself
                 working
                 to
                 death
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 nor
                 in
                 any
                 other
                 creature
                 to
                 save
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 from
                 the
                 teaching
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 how
                 able
                 and
                 willing
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 ariseth
                 a
                 desire
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 after
                 the
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 not
                 as
                 if
                 this
                 did
                 flow
                 or
                 were
                 produced
                 by
                 the
                 former
                 apprehensions
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 own
                 necessities
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 fulness
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 fountain
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 openness
                 of
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 sealed
                 to
                 none
                 that
                 come
                 ;
                 for
                 alas
                 ,
                 one
                 grace
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 habitual
                 and
                 deeply
                 rooted
                 ,
                 cannot
                 produce
                 another
                 ,
                 no
                 not
                 faith
                 it self
                 produce
                 love
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Spirit
                 which
                 works
                 faith
                 ,
                 works
                 love
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 also
                 ;
                 much
                 less
                 then
                 ,
                 can
                 a
                 conviction
                 be
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 a
                 conviction
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 turning
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 hath
                 so
                 opened
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 an
                 Hagar
                 to
                 see
                 the
                 fountain
                 opened
                 that
                 was
                 near
                 her
                 before
                 ,
                 but
                 she
                 saw
                 it
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 that
                 our
                 bottle
                 is
                 dryed
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 other
                 hopes
                 in
                 the
                 creature
                 perished
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 inclineth
                 the
                 Will
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 then
                 he
                 works
                 sweetly
                 ,
                 though
                 strongly
                 ,
                 an
                 inclination
                 ,
                 a
                 desire
                 after
                 him
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 as
                 in
                 nature
                 ,
                 an
                 ordinary
                 providence
                 concurring
                 with
                 the
                 actings
                 of
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 necessities
                 .
                 When
                 Hagar
                 saw
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 she
                 needs
                 no
                 further
                 perswasion
                 to
                 go
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 her
                 necessity
                 was
                 a
                 cord
                 strong
                 enough
                 to
                 draw
                 her
                 ,
                 yea
                 a
                 weight
                 ,
                 a
                 spring
                 to
                 carry
                 her
                 swiftly
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 bottles
                 dryed
                 ,
                 see
                 that
                 the
                 creatures
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   us
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   :
                
                 and
                 see
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 fountain
                 opened
                 ,
                 yet
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 waywardness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 yea
                 such
                 the
                 enmity
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 streams
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 toward
                 us
                 were
                 as
                 strong
                 as
                 death
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 yet
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 had
                 rather
                 sit
                 down
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 see
                 some
                 sullen
                 creatures
                 taken
                 from
                 their
                 damms
                 ,
                 will
                 rather
                 perish
                 then
                 receive
                 
                 food
                 at
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 such
                 an
                 indisposition
                 and
                 aversness
                 to
                 man
                 there
                 is
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 case
                 ,
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 come
                 in
                 by
                 another
                 act
                 of
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 bow
                 the
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 desirous
                 of
                 himself
                 ;
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 this
                 act
                 of
                 power
                 is
                 put
                 forth
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 beginneth
                 to
                 long
                 ,
                 to
                 desire
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 him
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 might
                 but
                 have
                 a
                 sight
                 
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 then
                 there
                 is
                 getting
                 upon
                 the
                 tree
                 by
                 a
                 low
                 Zacheus
                 ,
                 then
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 ascending
                 in
                 this
                 Ordinance
                 and
                 that
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 and
                 everywhere
                 the
                 desire
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 affections
                 are
                 to
                 the
                 soul
                 as
                 the
                 feet
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 that
                 which
                 carryeth
                 the
                 soul
                 in
                 and
                 out
                 in
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 this
                 object
                 ,
                 or
                 from
                 that
                 object
                 ;
                 O
                 then
                 when
                 shall
                 I
                 come
                 and
                 appear
                 before
                 him
                 !
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 In
                 this
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 is
                 included
                 a
                 passing
                 all
                 other
                 stands
                 and
                 rests
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 cometh
                 near
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 falls
                 short
                 of
                 him
                 ;
                 as
                 an
                 arrow
                 not
                 drawn
                 up
                 to
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 falls
                 short
                 of
                 the
                 mark
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 it
                 sticks
                 where
                 it
                 fastens
                 ,
                 goeth
                 no
                 further
                 :
                 So
                 here
                 ,
                 some
                 upon
                 their
                 convictions
                 ,
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 their
                 conditions
                 ,
                 run
                 to
                 this
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 ;
                 to
                 this
                 duty
                 ,
                 to
                 that
                 ;
                 as
                 things
                 that
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 as
                 performances
                 ,
                 should
                 give
                 rest
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 and
                 alas
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 bottles
                 themselves
                 ,
                 if
                 Christ
                 be
                 not
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 found
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 sought
                 by
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 dry
                 and
                 sapless
                 ;
                 when
                 many
                 a
                 rich
                 man
                 in
                 hearing
                 a
                 Sermon
                 ,
                 hath
                 a
                 qualm
                 cometh
                 over
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 beginneth
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 little
                 sick
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Word
                 hath
                 lanced
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 strikes
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 ;
                 what
                 doth
                 he
                 do
                 ?
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 chears
                 himself
                 with
                 this
                 ,
                 Surely
                 if
                 I
                 were
                 such
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 God
                 would
                 not
                 regard
                 me
                 ,
                 God
                 would
                 never
                 have
                 blessed
                 me
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 ,
                 therefore
                 this
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 foolish
                 melancholly
                 fit
                 :
                 The
                 drunkard
                 and
                 the
                 wanton
                 can
                 eat
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 sing
                 ,
                 and
                 dance
                 down
                 twenty
                 such
                 pills
                 as
                 these
                 ;
                 though
                 they
                 troubled
                 them
                 a
                 little
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 they
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 claw
                 it
                 off
                 ;
                 The
                 civil
                 good-natured
                 man
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 see
                 and
                 know
                 himself
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 is
                 none
                 of
                 the
                 worst
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 much
                 good
                 in
                 the
                 place
                 where
                 he
                 is
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 he
                 prayeth
                 ,
                 and
                 heareth
                 ,
                 and
                 keepeth
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 and
                 thinks
                 this
                 shall
                 make
                 amends
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 walks
                 in
                 the
                 sparks
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 kindling
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 rest
                 ,
                 
                   for
                   they
                   shall
                   lie
                   down
                   in
                   sorrow
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                
                 
                 
                 
                   have
                   it
                   from
                   the
                   hand
                   of
                   God
                   too
                   ;
                   &
                   then
                   ,
                   who
                   can
                   resist
                   it
                   when
                   lifted
                   up
                   ,
                   or
                   heal
                   his
                   blow
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   given
                   ?
                
                 I
                 tell
                 you
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 grand
                 imposture
                 of
                 most
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 can
                 hardly
                 be
                 ,
                 but
                 we
                 must
                 sometime
                 or
                 another
                 be
                 convinced
                 our
                 condition
                 by
                 nature
                 is
                 very
                 sad
                 and
                 forlorn
                 ,
                 and
                 men
                 are
                 not
                 men
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 carried
                 forth
                 to
                 seek
                 some
                 course-for
                 their
                 escaping
                 ;
                 and
                 how
                 few
                 alas
                 ,
                 reach
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 therefore
                 we
                 mnst
                 needs
                 stick
                 somewhere
                 short
                 of
                 him
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 that
                 none
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 who
                 think
                 upon
                 more
                 probable
                 grounds
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 think
                 so
                 of
                 us
                 too
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 such
                 as
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 that
                 we
                 sit
                 not
                 down
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 we
                 perish
                 :
                 Therefore
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 goeth
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 alas
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 profits
                 ,
                 pleasures
                 at
                 will
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 as
                 rich
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 hath
                 as
                 much
                 content
                 in
                 relations
                 suitable
                 to
                 his
                 hearts
                 as
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 as
                 much
                 in
                 praying
                 ,
                 fasting
                 ,
                 hearing
                 ,
                 using
                 of
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 as
                 another
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 all
                 this
                 is
                 nothing
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 satisfieth
                 him
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 take
                 up
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 but
                 husks
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 satisfie
                 ,
                 however
                 they
                 may
                 fill
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 unto
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 going
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 builded
                 much
                 what
                 upon
                 the
                 willingness
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 receive
                 them
                 ;
                 this
                 desire
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 haply
                 more
                 fitly
                 may
                 be
                 annexed
                 to
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 save
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 .
                 O
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 knoweth
                 this
                 ,
                 
                 O
                 then
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 were
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 now
                 when
                 the
                 soul
                 cometh
                 to
                 understand
                 ,
                 is
                 perswaded
                 he
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 all
                 that
                 come
                 :
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 Spirit
                 quickning
                 ,
                 perswading
                 ;
                 the
                 soul
                 resolves
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 venter
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 go
                 and
                 cast
                 my self
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 bear
                 my self
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 hang
                 all
                 my
                 weight
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 also
                 he
                 is
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 imprest
                 upon
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 drawing
                 nigh
                 ,
                 yea
                 not
                 nigh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 coming
                 unto
                 him
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 touch
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 secret
                 ,
                 a
                 touch
                 of
                 faith
                 that
                 others
                 take
                 no
                 notice
                 
                 of
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 that
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 through
                 the
                 fears
                 and
                 troubles
                 that
                 are
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 earnestness
                 of
                 Spirit
                 to
                 have
                 all
                 quieted
                 and
                 cleansed
                 ,
                 and
                 done
                 away
                 forthwith
                 ,
                 thinketh
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 touched
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 may
                 have
                 touched
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 come
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 carried
                 out
                 in
                 his
                 affections
                 indeed
                 and
                 in
                 truth
                 beyond
                 all
                 ;
                 count
                 all
                 as
                 nothing
                 ,
                 as
                 dung
                 and
                 
                 
                 dross
                 ;
                 as
                 an
                 hungry
                 man
                 would
                 prefer
                 a
                 piece
                 of
                 bread
                 before
                 much
                 riches
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 eat
                 nor
                 drink
                 gold
                 nor
                 silver
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 &
                 he
                 is
                 resolved
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 lie
                 at
                 the
                 pool
                 of
                 Bethesda
                 ,
                 
                 
                   his
                   eyes
                   shall
                   be
                   up
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   up
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   hang
                   on
                   him
                   ,
                   not
                   let
                   him
                   go
                   ,
                   except
                   he
                   shake
                   him
                   off●
                   into
                   hell
                
                 ;
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 soul
                 indeed
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 He
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 with
                 words
                 too
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 heart-words
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 words
                 of
                 confession
                 (
                 I
                 will
                 wrap
                 up
                 
                 these
                 things
                 as
                 fast
                 as
                 I
                 can
                 ,
                 I
                 doubt
                 I
                 stay
                 too
                 long
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 part
                 )
                 words
                 of
                 confession
                 ,
                 and
                 words
                 of
                 petition
                 ;
                 of
                 confession
                 ,
                 so
                 the
                 poor
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   have
                   sinned
                   against
                   heaven
                   and
                   before
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   am
                   no
                   more
                   worthy
                   to
                   be
                   called
                   thy
                   Son.
                
                 O
                 I
                 have
                 
                 sinned
                 from
                 the
                 womb
                 ,
                 conceived
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 born
                 in
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 sinned
                 before
                 thee
                 ,
                 not
                 regarding
                 thy
                 all-seeing
                 eye
                 ,
                 desperately
                 ,
                 against
                 light
                 ,
                 against
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 against
                 mercy
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 against
                 all
                 that
                 grace
                 whereby
                 thou
                 hast
                 waited
                 upon
                 me
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   I
                   am
                   no
                   more
                   worthby
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   be
                   called
                   thy
                   sun
                   :
                   O
                   I
                   am
                   not
                   worthy
                   to
                   lift
                   up
                   mine
                   eye
                   toward
                   heaven
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 Publican
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   am
                   not
                   worthy
                   to
                   come
                   near
                   to
                   the
                   Temple
                   ,
                   to
                   come
                   among
                   the
                   company
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                
                 ;
                 but
                 stands
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 acknowledgeth
                 his
                 vileness
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 with
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 deserveth
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 owned
                 by
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 nor
                 by
                 any
                 of
                 his
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 fall
                 upon
                 me
                 as
                 a
                 mill-stone
                 ,
                 to
                 grind
                 me
                 to
                 power
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 me
                 no
                 wrong
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 With
                 words
                 of
                 petition
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 mercy
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 heal
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 himself
                 to
                 us
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 be
                 our
                 God
                 ;
                 a
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 throughly
                 sensible
                 of
                 his
                 want
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 cryeth
                 our
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 not
                 with
                 a
                 still
                 listless
                 desire
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 heart
                 maketh
                 a
                 noise
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 O
                 give
                 me
                 Christ
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 dye
                 ;
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 save
                 
                 my
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 else
                 I
                 perish
                 ;
                 O
                 sin
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 swallow
                 me
                 up
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 grave
                 and
                 hell
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 shut
                 their
                 mouths
                 upon
                 me
                 ,
                 save
                 me
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 perish
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 waves
                 and
                 billows
                 of
                 thy
                 displeasure
                 are
                 the
                 shaking
                 and
                 breaking
                 of
                 many
                 poor
                 souls
                 .
                 O
                 what
                 mone
                 many
                 times
                 will
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 wants
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 make
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   lead
                   me
                   to
                   the
                   rock
                   that
                   is
                   higher
                   then
                   I
                   :
                
                 O
                 how
                 he
                 sucks
                 the
                 promises
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 argument
                 he
                 can
                 fetch
                 out
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 cometh
                 with
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 laies
                 it
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 yea
                 every
                 letter
                 of
                 his
                 name
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   
                   Lord
                   God
                   ,
                   gracious
                   and
                   merciful
                   ,
                
                 &c.
                 he
                 pleadeth
                 to
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   thy
                   name
                   is
                   great
                   to
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                
                 therefore
                 pardon
                 me
                 ;
                 O
                 mine
                 iniquity
                 is
                 great
                 ,
                 therefore
                 pardon
                 ;
                 thy
                 faithfulness
                 ,
                 thy
                 mercy
                 ,
                 thy
                 promise
                 ,
                 thy
                 dear
                 Son
                 ,
                 the
                 highest
                 pledge
                 of
                 thy
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 save
                 sinners
                 ,
                 the
                 price
                 is
                 paid
                 ,
                 the
                 greatest
                 part
                 is
                 done
                 already
                 ;
                 all
                 that
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 can
                 find
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 then
                 make
                 use
                 of
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 sweet
                 breathings
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 near
                 approaches
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 soul
                 feel
                 little
                 comfort
                 for
                 the
                 present
                 ,
                 yet
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 :
                 So
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   make
                   me
                   but
                   as
                   one
                   of
                   thine
                   hyred
                   servants
                   .
                
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 closing
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 offered
                 ,
                 not
                 by
                 the
                 halves
                 ,
                 
                   Christ
                   is
                   not
                   divided
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 ,
                 his
                 righteousness
                 from
                 his
                 holiness
                 ,
                 nor
                 his
                 holiness
                 from
                 his
                 righteousness
                 ;
                 therefore
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   as
                   you
                   have
                   received
                   Christ
                   Jesus
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   so
                   walk
                   in
                   him
                   :
                
                 O
                 here
                 many
                 are
                 
                 deceived
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 his
                 ;
                 what
                 a
                 strange
                 unreasonable
                 thing
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 the
                 benefit
                 of
                 having
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 their
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 heirs
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 subject
                 as
                 children
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 all
                 the
                 immunities
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 prosperity
                 of
                 soul
                 under
                 him
                 as
                 a
                 King
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 submit
                 themselves
                 to
                 him
                 as
                 King
                 and
                 Lord
                 ;
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 him
                 for
                 an
                 husband
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 will
                 not
                 obey
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 serve
                 our selves
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 search
                 this
                 out
                 ,
                 keep
                 it
                 as
                 close
                 as
                 we
                 can
                 from
                 others
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 think
                 well
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 yea
                 from
                 our selves
                 also
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 juglings
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 we
                 cannot
                 keep
                 it
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 soul
                 that
                 takes
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 without
                 any
                 reserve
                 and
                 equivocation
                 ;
                 
                   Aug.
                   Is
                   non
                   modo
                   durus
                
                 ,
                 was
                 no
                 good
                 sign
                 of
                 his
                 condition
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 though
                 afterward
                 it
                 was
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 find
                 he
                 acknowledgeth
                 it
                 ,
                 &
                 bewails
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 grant
                 that
                 the
                 doom
                 of
                 Ananias
                 and
                 Saphira
                 reach
                 not
                 to
                 many
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 for
                 pretending
                 to
                 give
                 up
                 the
                 whole
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 reserve
                 part
                 to
                 our selves
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 pretend
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 divide
                 him
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 you
                 see
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 this
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 then
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Lord
                
                 ,
                 nor
                 cryeth
                 out
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   Temple
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Temple
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 that
                 
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 having
                 a
                 few
                 faint
                 wishings
                 and
                 wouldings
                 ,
                 which
                 like
                 the
                 untimely
                 birth
                 of
                 a
                 woman
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 bable
                 ,
                 perish
                 and
                 never
                 appear
                 more
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 your
                 sucking
                 sweetness
                 from
                 your
                 own
                 duties
                 ,
                 performances
                 ,
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 any
                 thing
                 short
                 of
                 Christ
                 that
                 is
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 Dear
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 loyter
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 up
                 our
                 rest
                 short
                 of
                 thee
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 bare
                 acknowledgement
                 of
                 our
                 being
                 sinners
                 in
                 the
                 general
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 
                   Lord
                   have
                   mercy
                
                 from
                 the
                 mouth
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 sense
                 of
                 our
                 condition
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 pardoned
                 alone
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 none
                 of
                 us
                 should
                 miscarry
                 ;
                 and
                 O
                 that
                 it
                 were
                 so
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 see
                 it
                 good
                 :
                 But
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 earnest
                 breathings
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 ,
                 broken
                 ,
                 lost
                 soul
                 ,
                 the
                 moan
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 wounded
                 creature
                 ,
                 the
                 pantings
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 languishing
                 heart
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 making
                 him
                 alone
                 our
                 stay
                 ,
                 a
                 resigning
                 our selves
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 here
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 .
                 Pardon
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 I
                 am
                 too
                 slow
                 for
                 the
                 acute
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 wish
                 I
                 be
                 not
                 as
                 much
                 too
                 swift
                 for
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 that
                 are
                 dull
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 slow
                 of
                 heart
                 to
                 understand
                 and
                 believe
                 these
                 things
                 ;
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 people
                 now
                 a
                 daies
                 ,
                 I
                 take
                 it
                 ,
                 doth
                 call
                 upon
                 us
                 to
                 speak
                 oftner
                 and
                 more
                 fully
                 to
                 beat
                 it
                 upon
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 then
                 any
                 other
                 thing
                 ;
                 as
                 I
                 find
                 still
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 preachings
                 of
                 the
                 Apostles
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 endeavour
                 to
                 make
                 good
                 that
                 truth
                 most
                 necessarily
                 ,
                 that
                 Jesus
                 was
                 the
                 Christ
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 was
                 most
                 opposed
                 in
                 those
                 daies
                 ;
                 so
                 now
                 this
                 being
                 granted
                 by
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 already
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 sinners
                 ,
                 the
                 main
                 work
                 lies
                 herein
                 ,
                 to
                 undeceive
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 who
                 think
                 all
                 is
                 well
                 enough
                 with
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 more
                 large
                 in
                 this
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 much
                 more
                 large
                 then
                 I
                 thought
                 to
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 thing
                 then
                 is
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 this
                 not
                 casting
                 out
                 ,
                 wherein
                 lies
                 the
                 marrow
                 ,
                 and
                 fatness
                 ,
                 and
                 sweetness
                 of
                 this
                 Scripture
                 ;
                 and
                 indeed
                 I
                 think
                 the
                 whole
                 Book
                 of
                 God
                 doth
                 not
                 afford
                 a
                 more
                 refreshing
                 word
                 ,
                 a
                 more
                 establishing
                 word
                 to
                 a
                 poor
                 weak
                 creature
                 then
                 this
                 is
                 :
                 O
                 then
                 let
                 us
                 see
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 !
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 :
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 must
                 know
                 this
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 many
                 a
                 
                 doubting
                 ,
                 trembling
                 ,
                 misgiving-heart
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 have
                 done
                 this
                 in
                 us
                 and
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 hath
                 given
                 us
                 thus
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 truth
                 :
                 for
                 degrees
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 formerly
                 spoken
                 of
                 ,
                 I
                 intend
                 not
                 them
                 as
                 to
                 make
                 up
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 our
                 duty
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 a
                 weaker
                 and
                 a
                 stronger
                 measure
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 in
                 truth
                 it
                 can
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 we
                 come
                 ,
                 know
                 for
                 thine
                 everlasting
                 comf
                 〈…〉
                 t
                 ,
                 as
                 base
                 thoughts
                 as
                 thou
                 hast
                 of
                 thy self
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 thy
                 vileness
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 thy
                 unworthiness
                 ,
                 thy
                 dear
                 Saviour
                 hath
                 precious
                 thoughts
                 of
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 written
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 thou
                 wast
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 wrought
                 this
                 work
                 in
                 thee
                 and
                 for
                 thee
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 long
                 before
                 this
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 truth
                 is
                 ,
                 were
                 not
                 he
                 first
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 last
                 in
                 the
                 work
                 ,
                 the
                 Alpha
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 Omega
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 work
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 should
                 we
                 abide
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 
                   O
                   thy
                   Law
                   is
                   in
                   my
                   heart
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Psal
                   .
                   44.
                   8.
                   thy
                   command
                   ,
                   I
                   delight
                   to
                   do
                   thy
                   will
                
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 was
                 that
                 ?
                 that
                 all
                 that
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 given
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 redeem
                 ,
                 and
                 deliver
                 ,
                 and
                 save
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 thus
                 with
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 were
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 before
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 said
                 of
                 that
                 Queen
                 when
                 she
                 dyed
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   if
                   her
                   heart
                   were
                   opened
                   ,
                   they
                   should
                   find
                
                 Calice
                 there
                 .
                 Ah
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 surely
                 the
                 names
                 of
                 the
                 choice
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 now
                 appears
                 and
                 breaks
                 out
                 by
                 this
                 that
                 is
                 given
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   ,
                   shall
                   come
                   to
                   me
                
                 ;
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 our
                 names
                 were
                 then
                 upon
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 are
                 upon
                 his
                 heart
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 Priest
                 did
                 bear
                 the
                 names
                 of
                 Israel
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 such
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 ;
                 
                   O
                   my
                   loving
                   kindness
                   I
                   will
                   never
                   take
                   from
                   thee
                
                 ;
                 however
                 he
                 may
                 chastise
                 ,
                 however
                 he
                 may
                 
                 with-hold
                 comfort
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 ,
                 yet
                 believe
                 it
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 every
                 poor
                 weak
                 creature
                 might
                 this
                 day
                 have
                 it
                 given
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 thy
                 greatest
                 fear
                 ,
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 lest
                 thou
                 shouldest
                 lose
                 him
                 ,
                 lest
                 
                 he
                 should
                 disown
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 mercy
                 on
                 thee
                 :
                 Alas
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 impossible
                 ,
                 as
                 white
                 to
                 be
                 black
                 ,
                 or
                 black
                 white
                 :
                 hath
                 he
                 once
                 owned
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 manifest
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 in
                 drawing
                 thee
                 ,
                 bringing
                 thee
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 now
                 change
                 his
                 mind
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 as
                 man
                 he
                 might
                 repent
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 not
                 as
                 man
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 comfort
                 is
                 here
                 ,
                 what
                 encouragement
                 is
                 this
                 !
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 
                 his
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 his
                 Family
                 ,
                 his
                 School
                 ,
                 his
                 Vineyard
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 for
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 this
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 faith
                 ;
                 and
                 by
                 that
                 faith
                 ;
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 one
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 with
                 all
                 his
                 members
                 ;
                 so
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   we
                   are
                   members
                
                 
                 
                   one
                   of
                   another
                   ;
                   ye
                   are
                   come
                   ,
                
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   Mount-Sion
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   assembly
                   of
                   the
                   first-born
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 gathered
                 into
                 the
                 flock
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 ye
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 cast
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 come
                 to
                 pass
                 ,
                 that
                 through
                 the
                 ignorance
                 of
                 men
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 visible
                 Church
                 or
                 Churches
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 little
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 cannot
                 but
                 be
                 a
                 burthen
                 to
                 a
                 gracious
                 spirit
                 ;
                 and
                 oh
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 so
                 clear
                 up
                 his
                 mind
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 not
                 thus
                 by
                 mis-apprehension
                 be
                 a
                 burden
                 each
                 to
                 other
                 ;
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 thus
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 of
                 the
                 invisible
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 knoweth
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 knoweth
                 his
                 own
                 image
                 there
                 ,
                 his
                 own
                 hand-writing
                 there
                 ,
                 every
                 spark
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 kindling
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 be
                 deceived
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 fear
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 away
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 Church
                 the
                 assembly
                 of
                 the
                 first-born
                 ,
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 this
                 his
                 family
                 ;
                 will
                 a
                 Parent
                 cast
                 out
                 his
                 child
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 begotten
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 image
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 some
                 deformity
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 and
                 imperfection
                 that
                 it
                 doth
                 not
                 resemble
                 the
                 father
                 in
                 ,
                 or
                 because
                 of
                 its
                 weakness
                 in
                 those
                 parts
                 which
                 it
                 hath
                 ?
                 even
                 grace
                 for
                 grace
                 we
                 have
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 though
                 weak
                 and
                 imperfect
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 cast
                 out
                 ?
                 surely
                 no.
                 
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 send
                 away
                 empty
                 ,
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 neither
                 at
                 our
                 first
                 coming
                 ,
                 no
                 nor
                 our
                 after-coming
                 unto
                 him
                 :
                 Not
                 at
                 our
                 first
                 coming
                 ;
                 where
                 is
                 the
                 soul
                 that
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 did
                 thus
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 and
                 was
                 refused
                 ,
                 was
                 sent
                 away
                 ?
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 camest
                 full
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 thy self
                 ,
                 not
                 with
                 such
                 an
                 empty
                 hand
                 to
                 take
                 him
                 ;
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 camest
                 with
                 a
                 false
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 well
                 might
                 he
                 cast
                 thee
                 cut
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 knoweth
                 how
                 the
                 heart
                 stands
                 towards
                 him
                 :
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 wast
                 troubled
                 only
                 with
                 the
                 smart
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 the
                 filthiness
                 ,
                 the
                 putrifaction
                 of
                 the
                 wound
                 and
                 loathsom
                 nature
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 wouldst
                 have
                 Christ
                 only
                 to
                 have
                 served
                 thy
                 turn
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 wouldst
                 have
                 turned
                 thy
                 back
                 upon
                 him
                 :
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 knoweth
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 resisteth
                 the
                 proud
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 a
                 Pharisaical
                 spirit
                 ,
                 
                 
                 a
                 man
                 of
                 a
                 Laodicean
                 temper
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 rich
                 and
                 needeth
                 nothing
                 ,
                 
                 cometh
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 a
                 complement
                 ;
                 thou
                 comest
                 to
                 him
                 whole
                 ,
                 not
                 sick
                 ,
                 nor
                 wounded
                 ;
                 if
                 thou
                 didst
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 heart
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 believe
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 would
                 have
                 cast
                 thee
                 out
                 ,
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 I
                 can
                 believe
                 that
                 be
                 can
                 lie
                 who
                 is
                 truth
                 it self
                 .
                 O
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 venture
                 upon
                 this
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ▪
                 be
                 his
                 condition
                 never
                 so
                 sad
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 refuse
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 we
                 perish
                 for
                 our
                 not
                 coming
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Even
                 in
                 our
                 after-comings
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 ;
                 tell
                 me
                 ,
                 when
                 didst
                 thou
                 ever
                 come
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 heart
                 sensible
                 of
                 thy
                 want
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 renewing
                 of
                 the
                 acts
                 of
                 self-denyal
                 ,
                 being
                 nothing
                 in
                 thy self
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 we●test
                 away
                 empty
                 ?
                 did
                 ever
                 any
                 hungering
                 soul
                 come
                 to
                 ▪
                 this
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 where
                 we
                 have
                 the
                 most
                 royal
                 dainties
                 that
                 ever
                 it self
                 affords
                 in
                 some
                 degree
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 strong
                 wines
                 of
                 consolation
                 ,
                 and
                 didst
                 thou
                 go
                 away
                 empty
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 cometh
                 full
                 ,
                 goeth
                 away
                 empty
                 ;
                 
                 but
                 he
                 that
                 cometh
                 empty
                 ,
                 goeth
                 away
                 filled
                 with
                 some
                 refreshing
                 :
                 Haply
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 put
                 to
                 it
                 to
                 wait
                 a
                 little
                 while
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 have
                 it
                 thou
                 shalt
                 :
                 If
                 either
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 wanted
                 a
                 fulness
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 room
                 enough
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 for
                 us
                 all
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 wanted
                 propensity
                 and
                 bowels
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 were
                 not
                 a
                 merciful
                 ,
                 pittiful
                 high-Priest
                 ,
                 
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 know
                 our
                 meanings
                 by
                 our
                 very
                 looks
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 know
                 our
                 hearts
                 where
                 they
                 are
                 upright
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 indeed
                 ,
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 ground
                 to
                 be
                 discouraged
                 ;
                 but
                 who
                 can
                 suppose
                 any
                 of
                 these
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 more
                 strongly
                 close
                 with
                 these
                 ;
                 with
                 what
                 confidence
                 should
                 we
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 full
                 a
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
                 should
                 we
                 find
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 fruits
                 here
                 ,
                 ●f
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 more
                 ?
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 ;
                 for
                 every
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 hath
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 heaven
                 already
                 ,
                 as
                 
                 an
                 unbeliever
                 hath
                 one
                 foot
                 in
                 hell
                 already
                 ;
                 where
                 our
                 hope
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 ▪
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 ●ay
                 they
                 are
                 there
                 ,
                 they
                 
                 should
                 be
                 there
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 our
                 Anchor
                 ,
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 there
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 ,
                 our
                 head
                 is
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 taken
                 possession
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 went
                 to
                 prepare
                 a
                 place
                 for
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 are
                 called
                 ,
                 things
                 that
                 have
                 salvation
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 
                 not
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 by
                 no
                 means
                 :
                 two
                 negatives
                 do
                 deny
                 more
                 ve●emently
                 :
                 some
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 the
                 Kingdoms
                 children
                 ,
                 Members
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 lived
                 under
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Jews
                 did
                 strangers
                 ;
                 others
                 ,
                 any
                 that
                 hear
                 ,
                 and
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 obey
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 received
                 in
                 .
                 Now
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 our
                 hearts
                 are
                 so
                 vain
                 ,
                 we
                 can
                 scarce
                 settle
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 the
                 woful
                 condition
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 but
                 no
                 man
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 Christ
                 shall
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 greatness
                 shall
                 enter
                 in
                 ,
                 nor
                 riches
                 ,
                 nor
                 beauty
                 ,
                 nor
                 learning
                 ,
                 nor
                 gifts
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 ,
                 but
                 meerly
                 the
                 coming
                 unto
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 cast
                 out
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 .
              
               
                 You
                 have
                 seen
                 already
                 ,
                 what
                 ▪
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 in
                 many
                 particulars
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 is
                 necessarily
                 presupposed
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 or
                 sort
                 whatsoever
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 the
                 difficulty
                 is
                 to
                 perswade
                 poor
                 creatures
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 upon
                 the
                 turning
                 pin
                 ;
                 many
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   ,
                   if
                   thou
                   wilt
                
                 ,
                 
                 
                   thou
                   canst
                   make
                   me
                   clean
                
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 willingness
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 we
                 many
                 times
                 doubt
                 very
                 much
                 of
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 tongue
                 of
                 men
                 nor
                 Angels
                 that
                 can
                 perswade
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 this
                 ;
                 and
                 well
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 us
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 ,
                 for
                 then
                 the
                 Faith
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 would
                 consist
                 in
                 the
                 wisdom
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 only
                 :
                 let
                 me
                 lay
                 before
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 my
                 own
                 ,
                 a
                 few
                 considerations
                 from
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 which
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 pleased
                 to
                 breath
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 a
                 support
                 to
                 Faith
                 in
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 then
                 ,
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 promised
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 any
                 man
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 And
                 shall
                 men
                 that
                 are
                 lyars
                 ,
                 yet
                 count
                 it
                 their
                 honour
                 to
                 make
                 good
                 their
                 
                 word
                 ;
                 and
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 his
                 honour
                 is
                 not
                 as
                 dear
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 men
                 is
                 to
                 them
                 ?
                 is
                 he
                 not
                 the
                 Amen
                 ,
                 the
                 faithful
                 and
                 true
                 Witness
                 ?
                 all
                 that
                 he
                 saith
                 is
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 Amen
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 his
                 own
                 nature
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 and
                 faithful
                 ?
                 is
                 he
                 equal
                 ,
                 or
                 equals
                 with
                 his
                 Father
                 ?
                 (
                 as
                 some
                 critically
                 
                 note
                 )
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 perfections
                 essential
                 :
                 and
                 is
                 he
                 not
                 equal
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 truth
                 ?
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 
                   God
                   who
                   cannot
                
                 
                 
                   lye
                   ,
                   hath
                   promised
                
                 ;
                 would
                 he
                 not
                 cease
                 to
                 be
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 highest
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 rule
                 of
                 all
                 perfections
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 
                 any
                 obliquity
                 in
                 him
                 ?
                 is
                 not
                 Satan
                 a
                 lyar
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 father
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 father
                 a
                 lie
                 then
                 upon
                 God
                 ?
                 what
                 a
                 Mediatour
                 were
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 should
                 the
                 Promises
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 be
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 Amen
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 could
                 falsifie
                 his
                 own
                 word
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ?
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 surely
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 hath
                 promised
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 
                 see
                 he
                 hath
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 not
                 be
                 as
                 good
                 as
                 his
                 word
                 ?
                 did
                 he
                 eve●
                 break
                 with
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 unworthy
                 ?
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 plea
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 :
                 did
                 he
                 ever
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 ?
                 hath
                 he
                 not
                 been
                 as
                 good
                 as
                 his
                 word
                 ?
                 
                   And
                   is
                   he
                   not
                   the
                   same
                
                 
                 
                   yesterday
                   ,
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   ?
                
                 But
                 thus
                 much
                 for
                 the
                 first
                 :
                 it
                 leads
                 to
                 the
                 second
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 If
                 that
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 should
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 plainly
                 be
                 argued
                 to
                 be
                 changable
                 :
                 for
                 I
                 shewed
                 you
                 before
                 ,
                 that
                 none
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 were
                 in
                 his
                 heart
                 before
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   his
                   delight
                   was
                   with
                   the
                   sons
                   of
                
                 
                 men
                 :
                 and
                 is
                 he
                 now
                 so
                 changed
                 ,
                 as
                 when
                 they
                 do
                 come
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 ▪
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ?
                 did
                 he
                 before
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 )
                 please
                 himself
                 with
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 Saviour
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 to
                 save
                 them
                 from
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 wrath
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 opened
                 for
                 sin
                 and
                 for
                 uncleanness
                 ,
                 he
                 should
                 refuse
                 them
                 ?
                 would
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 more
                 then
                 a
                 shadow
                 of
                 turning
                 ,
                 if
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 once
                 was
                 so
                 toward
                 them
                 ,
                 should
                 now
                 be
                 turned
                 so
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 disown
                 them
                 when
                 they
                 follow
                 after
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 
                 this
                 cannot
                 be
                 !
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 If
                 so
                 ,
                 It
                 would
                 be
                 rather
                 a
                 slighting
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 gift
                 ;
                 for
                 he
                 hath
                 given
                 them
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 even
                 before
                 the
                 world
                 was
                 ;
                 in
                 which
                 respect
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   are
                   said
                   to
                   be
                   chosen
                   in
                   Christ
                   before
                   the
                   foundation
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   :
                   all
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   to
                
                 
                 
                   me
                   ,
                   shall
                   come
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   many
                   as
                   were
                   ordained
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   ,
                   believed
                
                 ;
                 
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 now
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 cometh
                 with
                 his
                 mouth
                 in
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 rope
                 about
                 his
                 neck
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 confession
                 ,
                 petition
                 ,
                 with
                 sighs
                 and
                 groans
                 ,
                 with
                 mournings
                 over
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 mournings
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 now
                 shut
                 up
                 his
                 mercy
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 turn
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 an
                 high
                 undervaluing
                 of
                 the
                 gift
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 slighting
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 you
                 know
                 that
                 gifts
                 are
                 not
                 given
                 from
                 one
                 friend
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 but
                 as
                 tokens
                 of
                 respect
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 gave
                 a
                 number
                 of
                 poor
                 creatures
                 to
                 his
                 Son
                 for
                 him
                 to
                 redeem
                 and
                 purchase
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 
                 slight
                 them
                 now
                 ,
                 his
                 Fathers
                 love
                 would
                 be
                 much
                 undervalued
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 It
                 would
                 be
                 failing
                 in
                 his
                 trust
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 undertaker
                 for
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 help
                 was
                 laid
                 upon
                 this
                 mighty
                 one
                 ,
                 mighty
                 to
                 save
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 end
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 undertook
                 the
                 ransoming
                 and
                 redeeming
                 of
                 a
                 people
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Father
                 committed
                 the
                 charge
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 
                   He
                   came
                   not
                   to
                   do
                   his
                   own
                   Will
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Will
                   of
                   him
                   that
                   sent
                   him
                
                 ;
                 (
                 as
                 he
                 saith
                 in
                 that
                 place
                 )
                 
                   I
                   delight
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   do
                   thy
                   Will
                
                 ;
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 :
                 and
                 what
                 was
                 that
                 Will
                 ?
                 That
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   none
                   that
                   come
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   should
                   miscarry
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   Fathers
                   Will
                   that
                   hath
                   sent
                   me
                   ,
                   that
                   of
                   all
                   which
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   should
                   lose
                   nothing
                   ,
                   but
                   raise
                   it
                   up
                   at
                   the
                   last
                   day
                   ,
                
                 (
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 )
                 as
                 Mediator
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 the
                 influence
                 of
                 an
                 Head
                 unto
                 the
                 Members
                 ;
                 so
                 to
                 raise
                 them
                 up
                 ,
                 is
                 here
                 meant
                 :
                 Well
                 ,
                 
                   Of
                   ,
                   all
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                
                 either
                 in
                 his
                 purpose
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 or
                 actually
                 in
                 their
                 Calling
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 an
                 evidence
                 of
                 the
                 secret
                 purpose
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   should
                   lose
                   none
                   :
                   now
                   none
                   can
                   come
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   except
                   he
                   be
                   given
                   to
                   Christ
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 clear
                 ,
                 by
                 comparing
                 the
                 words
                 of
                 the
                 Text
                 with
                 the
                 former
                 :
                 
                   Ye
                   will
                   not
                   come
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   or
                   ye
                   have
                   seen
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   believe
                   not
                   :
                
                 but
                 though
                 you
                 believe
                 not
                 ,
                 
                   All
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   shall
                   come
                   ,
                   shall
                   believe
                   in
                   me
                   :
                
                 well
                 ,
                 
                   As
                   many
                   as
                   were
                   ordained
                   ,
                   believed
                   ,
                   came
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   :
                
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 expounded
                 
                 this
                 coming
                 the
                 last
                 time
                 .
                 Now
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 if
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 should
                 not
                 take
                 up
                 every
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 discharge
                 his
                 trust
                 ,
                 do
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 which
                 he
                 hath
                 undertaken
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 what
                 a
                 Saviour
                 should
                 we
                 make
                 of
                 him
                 ?
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Then
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 should
                 slight
                 and
                 undervalue
                 his
                 own
                 blood
                 :
                 he
                 only
                 knew
                 what
                 a
                 value
                 his
                 Godhead
                 put
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 accordingly
                 ,
                 he
                 only
                 can
                 bear
                 a
                 proportionable
                 esteem
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ;
                 did
                 he
                 not
                 shed
                 his
                 precious
                 blood
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   whosoever
                   believeth
                   ,
                   might
                   not
                   perish
                   ,
                   but
                   have
                   everlasting
                   life
                   ?
                
                 or
                 whosoever
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 might
                 not
                 perish
                 ?
                 for
                 believing
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 convertible
                 with
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 doubtless
                 comprehended
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 main
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 And
                 what
                 then
                 ,
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 laden
                 with
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 whose
                 burthen
                 is
                 too
                 heavy
                 for
                 him
                 to
                 bear
                 ,
                 cometh
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 groaning
                 and
                 panting
                 for
                 ease
                 and
                 refreshing
                 ,
                 rowls
                 himself
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 hangs
                 
                 all
                 his
                 weight
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 lies
                 at
                 his
                 feet
                 in
                 his
                 weariness
                 of
                 spirit
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 now
                 cast
                 out
                 this
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 would
                 not
                 this
                 be
                 an
                 undervaluing
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 price
                 of
                 our
                 redemption
                 ?
                 would
                 it
                 not
                 appear
                 that
                 he
                 was
                 lavish
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ?
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 so
                 angry
                 with
                 sinners
                 for
                 trampling
                 
                 his
                 blood
                 under
                 their
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 neglecting
                 so
                 great
                 salvation
                 ,
                 
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 wrought
                 out
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 not
                 long
                 since
                 heard
                 )
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 (
                 think
                 you
                 )
                 be
                 guilty
                 of
                 slighting
                 his
                 own
                 most
                 precious
                 blood
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 And
                 would
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 a
                 neglecting
                 of
                 the
                 salvation
                 ,
                 to
                 improve
                 the
                 price
                 he
                 hath
                 laid
                 down
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 exclude
                 any
                 poor
                 sinner
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 have
                 not
                 been
                 what
                 he
                 might
                 be
                 ?
                 surely
                 if
                 ever
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 would
                 have
                 balked
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 to
                 lay
                 down
                 the
                 price
                 ,
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 his
                 blood
                 ▪
                 for
                 sinners
                 ,
                 when
                 
                 he
                 was
                 amazed
                 at
                 the
                 apprehension
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 displeasure
                 ,
                 when
                 that
                 cup
                 of
                 trembling
                 and
                 astonishment
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 put
                 into
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 drunk
                 off
                 to
                 the
                 very
                 dregs
                 ;
                 but
                 yet
                 he
                 willingly
                 undertook
                 this
                 ,
                 took
                 it
                 off
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 ,
                 that
                 nothing
                 might
                 remain
                 of
                 the
                 dregs
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ;
                 which
                 potion
                 put
                 him
                 into
                 a
                 bloody
                 sweat
                 ,
                 filled
                 him
                 with
                 horror
                 ,
                 and
                 even
                 astonished
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 hath
                 he
                 done
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 it
                 possible
                 he
                 should
                 now
                 slight
                 it
                 ,
                 by
                 casting
                 out
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 purchased
                 with
                 so
                 dear
                 a
                 rate
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Because
                 this
                 would
                 be
                 to
                 undo
                 what
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 done
                 ;
                 For
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Fathers
                 work
                 to
                 draw
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 to
                 teach
                 them
                 ,
                 (
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 )
                 before
                 they
                 can
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   No
                   man
                   can
                   come
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   except
                   the
                   Father
                   which
                   hath
                   sent
                   me
                
                 
                 
                   draw
                   him
                
                 ;
                 you
                 could
                 not
                 have
                 a
                 desire
                 towards
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 breathing
                 after
                 the
                 water-brooks
                 ,
                 the
                 Fountain
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 breathed
                 it
                 into
                 thee
                 ;
                 now
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 cast
                 out
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 with
                 such
                 breathings
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 would
                 quench
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 would
                 put
                 out
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 should
                 destroy
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 instead
                 of
                 destroying
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 devil
                 ;
                 
                 therefore
                 surely
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 his
                 Father
                 hath
                 drawn
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 love
                 :
                 Is
                 it
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 a
                 Saviour
                 to
                 cut
                 the
                 cords
                 ,
                 whereby
                 poor
                 creatures
                 
                 are
                 drawn
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 rather
                 of
                 a
                 murderer
                 ,
                 a
                 soul-destroyer
                 ?
                 and
                 can
                 we
                 have
                 such
                 hard
                 thoughts
                 of
                 Christ
                 our
                 dearest
                 Saviour
                 ?
                 O
                 far
                 be
                 it
                 from
                 us
                 !
                 this
                 cannot
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 He
                 would
                 hereby
                 bring
                 upon
                 himself
                 the
                 imputation
                 of
                 delusion
                 ,
                 and
                 mocking
                 of
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 because
                 of
                 his
                 Promise
                 ,
                 and
                 offers
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 two
                 respects
                 among
                 others
                 ;
                 for
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 dwell
                 too
                 long
                 upon
                 these
                 things
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Because
                 of
                 the
                 many
                 invitations
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 mind
                 ,
                 how
                 he
                 proclaims
                 it
                 to
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 thirsteth
                 :
                 
                   Come
                   ,
                   come
                   ,
                   buy
                   wine
                   and
                   milk
                
                 
                 
                   without
                   money
                   or
                   monies
                   worth
                
                 ;
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 no
                 worthiness
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 money
                 to
                 buy
                 an
                 acccptation
                 ,
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Waters
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Fountain
                 ,
                 to
                 the
                 Waters
                 ,
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 shut
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 cast
                 them
                 away
                 ?
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 such
                 imposture
                 in
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   Come
                   to
                   me
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   weary
                
                 
                 
                   and
                   heavy-laden
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   give
                   you
                   rest
                   :
                
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 is
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 perswaded
                 of
                 his
                 burthen
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 rest
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 and
                 cometh
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 sink
                 at
                 his
                 foot
                 ,
                 and
                 faint
                 away
                 under
                 his
                 burthen
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 there
                 suffer
                 him
                 to
                 perish
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 away
                 his
                 face
                 from
                 him
                 ?
                 I
                 beseech
                 you
                 ,
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Apostle
                 )
                 as
                 if
                 God
                 did
                 beseech
                 you
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 ye
                 rebels
                 ,
                 for
                 so
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 ,
                 ye
                 run-aways
                 ,
                 what
                 
                 do
                 you
                 mean
                 ?
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 perish
                 ?
                 
                   Why
                   will
                   ye
                   dye
                
                 (
                 saith
                 he
                 )
                 
                   O
                   house
                   of
                   Israel
                
                 ?
                 why
                 now
                 if
                 a
                 rebel
                 turn
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 heart
                 relent
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 would
                 fain
                 close
                 with
                 this
                 Prince
                 of
                 Peace
                 ,
                 that
                 would
                 fain
                 be
                 at
                 peace
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 think
                 he
                 will
                 turn
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 him
                 Surely
                 no
                 :
                 he
                 might
                 have
                 done
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 thief
                 upon
                 the
                 Cross
                 ,
                 that
                 truly
                 repented
                 and
                 believed
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 any
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 do
                 so
                 ,
                 then
                 sinners
                 had
                 something
                 to
                 answer
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 we
                 should
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 thee
                 ;
                 who
                 would
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 mocked
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 deceived
                 ,
                 tantalized
                 ,
                 
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 fountain
                 opened
                 ,
                 and
                 stand
                 open
                 for
                 any
                 to
                 come
                 that
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 willing
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 rowl
                 a
                 stone
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 deceiving
                 ?
                 the
                 Jews
                 indeed
                 took
                 Christ
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 deceiver
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 they
                 came
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 I
                 wish
                 we
                 be
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 Jews
                 in
                 heart
                 ,
                 though
                 we
                 be
                 Christians
                 in
                 name
                 ,
                 our
                 conversation
                 witnesseth
                 to
                 our
                 faces
                 ;
                 for
                 why
                 else
                 do
                 not
                 sinners
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 except
                 they
                 
                 look
                 upon
                 all
                 these
                 invitations
                 of
                 Christ
                 as
                 delusions
                 ;
                 but
                 take
                 heed
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 they
                 perished
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 also
                 perish
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 gain-saying
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 He
                 would
                 be
                 convicted
                 of
                 imposture
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 should
                 reject
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 is
                 he
                 also
                 that
                 draweth
                 them
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 else
                 they
                 could
                 not
                 come
                 .
                 So
                 he
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   When
                   I
                   am
                   lifted
                   up
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   draw
                   all
                   men
                   unto
                   me
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   all
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   draw
                
                 
                 
                   to
                   me
                
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 he
                 doth
                 objective
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 carkass
                 draweth
                 the
                 Eagles
                 together
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 willow
                 branch
                 draweth
                 the
                 Lambs
                 after
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 fair
                 lovely
                 object
                 draweth
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 sweet
                 melody
                 draweth
                 the
                 ear
                 ;
                 and
                 effective
                 also
                 ,
                 for
                 what
                 the
                 Father
                 doth
                 ;
                 he
                 doth
                 also
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 and
                 the
                 Father
                 are
                 one
                 .
                 Now
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 draw
                 and
                 perswade
                 men
                 ,
                 send
                 forth
                 his
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 his
                 arm
                 unbared
                 and
                 stretched
                 out
                 ,
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 willing
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 deliverance
                 
                 and
                 salvation
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 filthiness
                 and
                 power
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 from
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 ,
                 will
                 he
                 shut
                 them
                 out
                 ?
                 were
                 not
                 this
                 horrible
                 deceit
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 surely
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 cannot
                 so
                 deceive
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 most
                 unworthy
                 thoughts
                 of
                 him
                 !
              
               
                 Eighthly
                 and
                 lastly
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 inconsistent
                 with
                 his
                 bowels
                 and
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 which
                 naturally
                 he
                 hath
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 specially
                 such
                 as
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 given
                 unto
                 him
                 ;
                 could
                 the
                 Father
                 shut
                 out
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 Son
                 when
                 he
                 returned
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 his
                 bowels
                 would
                 not
                 bear
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   ran
                   and
                   met
                   him
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Joseph
                 made
                 it
                 a
                 little
                 strange
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 to
                 his
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 spake
                 a
                 little
                 roughly
                 to
                 
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 mind
                 you
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 hold
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 fain
                 to
                 go
                 into
                 a
                 place
                 to
                 weep
                 ,
                 
                   egerere
                   dolorem
                
                 ,
                 to
                 empty
                 his
                 affection
                 into
                 tears
                 for
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 those
                 Brethren
                 of
                 his
                 that
                 had
                 done
                 him
                 so
                 much
                 wrong
                 ,
                 dealt
                 so
                 hardly
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 O
                 when
                 he
                 heard
                 them
                 confess
                 what
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 consciences
                 smit
                 them
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 then
                 doubtless
                 his
                 bowels
                 were
                 rowled
                 together
                 within
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 he
                 made
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 cover
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 into
                 prison
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 his
                 bowels
                 were
                 moved
                 ;
                 and
                 was
                 he
                 not
                 a
                 type
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 this
                 ?
                 haply
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 in
                 other
                 respects
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 determine
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 cometh
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 sold
                 him
                 for
                 a
                 lust
                 ,
                 dealt
                 hardly
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 crucified
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 
                 he
                 is
                 convinced
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 he
                 mourns
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 mourns
                 over
                 him
                 ;
                 did
                 Josephs
                 bowels
                 yearn
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 his
                 bowels
                 ?
                 is
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 women
                 to
                 be
                 compared
                 to
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 no
                 ;
                 he
                 may
                 seem
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 to
                 turn
                 his
                 back
                 upon
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 love
                 is
                 burning
                 within
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 burst
                 out
                 into
                 a
                 flame
                 ;
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 what
                 workings
                 there
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 towards
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ;
                 as
                 a
                 Father
                 ,
                 that
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 to
                 humble
                 his
                 child
                 ,
                 will
                 make
                 it
                 strange
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 full
                 is
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 how
                 much
                 ado
                 hath
                 he
                 to
                 hold
                 ,
                 as
                 Joseph
                 to
                 his
                 Brethren
                 !
                 O
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 rejoycing
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 poor
                 sinners
                 do
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 to
                 see
                 his
                 seed
                 ,
                 to
                 see
                 his
                 blood
                 that
                 was
                 sowed
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 
                   Semen
                   Ecclesiae
                
                 to
                 come
                 up
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 his
                 rejoycing
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 any
                 Husband
                 man
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 that
                 sows
                 precious
                 seed
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 puts
                 forth
                 ,
                 beat
                 it
                 down
                 again
                 ,
                 nip
                 off
                 the
                 buds
                 ,
                 the
                 tops
                 of
                 it
                 ?
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 :
                 he
                 is
                 grieved
                 when
                 poor
                 creatures
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 through
                 hardness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 and
                 waywardness
                 :
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 fountain
                 ,
                 but
                 sit
                 down
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 with
                 Hagar
                 ,
                 weeping
                 over
                 our
                 empty
                 bottles
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 sad
                 moan
                 and
                 complaints
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 among
                 the
                 Jews
                 :
                 O
                 did
                 he
                 ever
                 in
                 the
                 daies
                 of
                 his
                 flesh
                 refuse
                 any
                 poor
                 creature
                 that
                 came
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 either
                 for
                 healing
                 of
                 soul
                 or
                 body
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 lesser
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 came
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 for
                 the
                 healing
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 did
                 he
                 not
                 heal
                 the
                 soul
                 ?
                 and
                 all
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 abundant
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 .
                 O
                 surely
                 then
                 ,
                 now
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 being
                 no
                 less
                 tender
                 of
                 his
                 poor
                 people
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 come
                 now
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   cast
                   them
                   out
                   .
                
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 write
                 these
                 arguments
                 upon
                 our
                 hearts
                 :
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 may
                 have
                 occasion
                 ,
                 or
                 have
                 at
                 present
                 need
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 perswade
                 us
                 of
                 this
                 truth
                 .
              
               
                 We
                 now
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Application
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 1.
                 
                 And
                 first
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 Vse
                 ,
                 It
                 may
                 serve
                 for
                 a
                 lamentation
                 ,
                 to
                 lament
                 the
                 backwardness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 were
                 not
                 backward
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 
                 him
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 all
                 this
                 ado
                 to
                 make
                 poor
                 creatures
                 willing
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 !
                 what
                 a
                 strange
                 enmity
                 is
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 run
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 instead
                 of
                 coming
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 follow
                 with
                 a
                 Pardon
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 purchased
                 with
                 his
                 blood
                 ;
                 O
                 I
                 am
                 Jesus
                 who
                 dyed
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 turn
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 toward
                 you
                 ,
                 
                 turn
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 delight
                 not
                 in
                 your
                 death
                 ,
                 turn
                 unto
                 me
                 ;
                 O
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 die
                 ?
                 and
                 yet
                 poor
                 creatures
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 O
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 keep
                 us
                 off
                 thus
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 in
                 our
                 unwillingness
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 unto
                 him
                 ,
                 have
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 many
                 times
                 clearly
                 been
                 convinced
                 that
                 our
                 condition
                 hath
                 been
                 slark
                 naught
                 ?
                 that
                 we
                 stand
                 guilty
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 by
                 no
                 means
                 clear
                 the
                 guilty
                 :
                 and
                 convinced
                 that
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 doing
                 away
                 of
                 this
                 guilt
                 ,
                 a
                 bloting
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 hand-writings
                 that
                 are
                 against
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 contrary
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 but
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 like
                 sullen
                 creatures
                 ,
                 will
                 rather
                 perish
                 then
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 believe
                 but
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 are
                 convinced
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 shift
                 can
                 we
                 make
                 to
                 smother
                 our
                 convictions
                 ?
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 :
                 but
                 it
                 appears
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 As
                 long
                 as
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 could
                 have
                 husks
                 to
                 fill
                 his
                 belly
                 
                 with
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 come
                 home
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 the
                 poor
                 woman
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 had
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 spend
                 upon
                 the
                 Physitians
                 ,
                 she
                 came
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 poor
                 sinners
                 can
                 make
                 a
                 shift
                 to
                 daub
                 over
                 the
                 breaches
                 that
                 sometimes
                 the
                 Word
                 maketh
                 upon
                 their
                 consciences
                 ,
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 fault
                 lies
                 in
                 the
                 Will
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 :
                 
                   Ye
                   will
                   not
                   come
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                
                 
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   ye
                   might
                   have
                   life
                   ;
                   how
                   often
                   would
                   I
                   have
                   gathered
                   you
                   as
                   a
                   Hen
                   doth
                   her
                   Chickens
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   would
                   not
                   ?
                
                 they
                 would
                 rather
                 perish
                 then
                 be
                 healed
                 by
                 such
                 an
                 hand
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 the
                 deadly
                 enmity
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 by
                 nature
                 !
                 What
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 willing
                 to
                 be
                 healed
                 ,
                 
                   wilt
                   thou
                   be
                   made
                   whole
                
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 prophane
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 still
                 ;
                 proud
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 still
                 ;
                 unclean
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 still
                 :
                 We
                 know
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 put
                 on
                 Christ
                 ,
                 we
                 must
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 our
                 former
                 conversation
                 .
                 O
                 wretched
                 love
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 that
                 preferreth
                 it
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 salvation
                 of
                 our
                 poor
                 souls
                 !
                 What
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 loth
                 
                 through
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 to
                 take
                 the
                 shame
                 of
                 our
                 iniquities
                 ?
                 Haply
                 something
                 of
                 this
                 nature
                 kept
                 off
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 :
                 Is
                 it
                 not
                 more
                 shame
                 to
                 do
                 sin
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 acknowledge
                 it
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 done
                 ?
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 how
                 strange
                 a
                 thing
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 men
                 should
                 take
                 such
                 pains
                 to
                 hew
                 out
                 broken
                 Cisterns
                 to
                 themselves
                 that
                 will
                 hold
                 no
                 water
                 ?
                 dig
                 deep
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 find
                 some
                 rest
                 there
                 ;
                 exhaust
                 their
                 strength
                 in
                 duties
                 ,
                 in
                 
                 prayers
                 ,
                 and
                 tears
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 self-Saviours
                 do
                 ,
                 specially
                 the
                 Papists
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 wish
                 there
                 be
                 none
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 they
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 that
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 that
                 pardon
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 cost
                 us
                 nothing
                 but
                 acceptance
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ;
                 O
                 the
                 enmity
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 there
                 such
                 an
                 heart
                 in
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 best
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 overcome
                 us
                 with
                 his
                 loving-kindness
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 a
                 thing
                 worthy
                 to
                 be
                 bewailed
                 ?
                 Yea
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 possible
                 with
                 tears
                 of
                 blood
                 ;
                 being
                 such
                 an
                 aversion
                 from
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 dearest
                 love
                 of
                 our
                 Saviour
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 .
                 Or
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 the
                 more
                 love
                 we
                 find
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 are
                 our
                 hearts
                 the
                 more
                 averse
                 from
                 him
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 did
                 profess
                 himself
                 an
                 enemy
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 destroy
                 and
                 slay
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 came
                 near
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 scatter
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 streams
                 of
                 flaming
                 indignation
                 ,
                 issuing
                 from
                 his
                 throne
                 and
                 presence
                 ,
                 we
                 could
                 do
                 no
                 more
                 then
                 run
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 now
                 do
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 lay
                 it
                 to
                 heart
                 !
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Vse
                 shall
                 be
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 us
                 the
                 grievous
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 and
                 haply
                 this
                 may
                 make
                 poor
                 creatures
                 afraid
                 of
                 straining
                 curtesie
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 afraid
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 because
                 of
                 their
                 vileness
                 ,
                 &c.
                 to
                 complement
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Consider
                 but
                 the
                 unreasonableness
                 of
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 above
                 other
                 sins
                 indeed
                 ;
                 though
                 all
                 sin
                 be
                 unreasonable
                 ,
                 other
                 sins
                 they
                 have
                 some
                 pretence
                 of
                 profit
                 ,
                 or
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 hath
                 nothing
                 but
                 wo
                 and
                 misery
                 attending
                 it
                 ,
                 condemnation
                 .
                 
                 But
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 not
                 insist
                 upon
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 hardly
                 any
                 thing
                 but
                 Satan
                 and
                 a
                 mans
                 carnal
                 reason
                 will
                 put
                 a
                 specious
                 pretence
                 upon
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Therefore
                 consider
                 this
                 unreasonableness
                 ;
                 First
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 
                 of
                 our selves
                 ,
                 that
                 being
                 plunged
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 depth
                 of
                 distraction
                 and
                 misery
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 guilt
                 ,
                 and
                 wrath
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 sinking
                 and
                 drowning
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 put
                 out
                 the
                 hand
                 to
                 lay
                 hold
                 upon
                 a
                 twig
                 ,
                 upon
                 something
                 held
                 out
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 unreasonable
                 ,
                 and
                 unnatural
                 ?
                 it
                 raceth
                 out
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 self-preservation
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 every
                 man
                 by
                 nature
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 bold
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 the
                 greatest
                 reason
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 improved
                 to
                 keep
                 off
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 unreasonable
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 depravation
                 of
                 our
                 carnal
                 reason
                 :
                 had
                 it
                 not
                 been
                 unreasonable
                 if
                 Hagar
                 ,
                 having
                 a
                 fountain
                 opened
                 her
                 before
                 her
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 she
                 languishing
                 for
                 thirst
                 ,
                 and
                 must
                 perish
                 without
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 would
                 sit
                 still
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 unreasonable
                 ?
              
               
                 Again
                 ,
                 If
                 we
                 look
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 who
                 seeks
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 beseecheth
                 us
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 of
                 pardon
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 the
                 Creator
                 cometh
                 down
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 ,
                 poor
                 worms
                 who
                 have
                 our
                 being
                 by
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 might
                 be
                 dissolved
                 with
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 stand
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 accept
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 bestow
                 himself
                 and
                 his
                 infinite
                 all-sufficiency
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 unreasonable
                 ?
                 that
                 a
                 Prince
                 should
                 seek
                 to
                 a
                 worthless
                 rebel
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 of
                 it
                 :
                 If
                 he
                 had
                 any
                 need
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 upon
                 that
                 account
                 would
                 have
                 poor
                 sinners
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 supply
                 of
                 his
                 wants
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 something
                 ;
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 want
                 ;
                 the
                 indigency
                 is
                 on
                 our
                 part
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 unbelief
                 is
                 the
                 more
                 unreasonable
                 thing
                 :
                 O
                 how
                 might
                 we
                 here
                 break
                 out
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   hear
                   ye
                   heavens
                   ,
                   and
                   give
                   ear
                   O
                   earth
                   ,
                
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 both
                 ,
                 heir
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 the
                 offended
                 Majesty
                 seeks
                 to
                 poor
                 rebelling
                 worms
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 they
                 come
                 not
                 in
                 ,
                 they
                 close
                 not
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 As
                 the
                 unreasonableness
                 of
                 the
                 thing
                 ,
                 so
                 also
                 we
                 may
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 the
                 injuriousness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ;
                 I
                 would
                 a
                 little
                 insist
                 upon
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 ,
                 because
                 that
                 though
                 I
                 find
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 heart
                 seemeth
                 to
                 be
                 weary
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 afraid
                 of
                 sinning
                 against
                 God
                 in
                 other
                 kinds
                 ,
                 yet
                 seeth
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 how
                 exceedingly
                 he
                 sins
                 against
                 him
                 by
                 his
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 not
                 closing
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 therefore
                 see
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 place
                 ,
                 the
                 injuriousness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 how
                 injurious
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ?
                 for
                 if
                 the
                 truth
                 were
                 known
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 we
                 need
                 so
                 much
                 ado
                 ,
                 why
                 
                 we
                 come
                 not
                 in
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 We
                 either
                 think
                 he
                 cannot
                 save
                 us
                 ;
                 our
                 sins
                 are
                 so
                 great
                 ;
                 O
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 never
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 have
                 accepted
                 of
                 great
                 sinners
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 Paul
                 ,
                 and
                 Manasses
                 ,
                 and
                 Magdalen
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 was
                 never
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 ;
                 O
                 surely
                 ,
                 my
                 wounds
                 are
                 such
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 healing
                 for
                 them
                 :
                 What
                 is
                 this
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 make
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 weak
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Physitian
                 of
                 no
                 value
                 ?
                 Is
                 there
                 any
                 sin
                 higher
                 then
                 the
                 imbrewing
                 their
                 hands
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 himself
                 ?
                 and
                 suppose
                 thou
                 be
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 thou
                 cryest
                 out
                 of
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 come
                 so
                 often
                 to
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 with
                 a
                 common
                 heart
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 guilty
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 accessary
                 to
                 his
                 death
                 :
                 and
                 cannot
                 his
                 blood
                 cleanse
                 ,
                 even
                 from
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 shed
                 it
                 ?
                 were
                 not
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 sensible
                 os
                 this
                 ?
                 how
                 dishonourable
                 is
                 
                 this
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 will
                 be
                 measuring
                 of
                 him
                 by
                 our selves
                 ?
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 mercy
                 ,
                 as
                 far
                 as
                 a
                 mans
                 ,
                 a
                 creatures
                 bowels
                 and
                 thoughts
                 will
                 reach
                 :
                 mind
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 an
                 end
                 ,
                 not
                 minding
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 God
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 man
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 an
                 high
                 wrong
                 unto
                 our
                 Saviour
                 :
                 O
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 sure
                 ,
                 receive
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 as
                 I
                 ;
                 O
                 I
                 am
                 so
                 laden
                 and
                 so
                 loathsom
                 a
                 wretch
                 ;
                 what
                 should
                 he
                 do
                 with
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 as
                 I
                 ?
                 What
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 possible
                 thou
                 shouldest
                 remember
                 how
                 many
                 promises
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 invitations
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 expostulations
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 ;
                 what
                 intreaties
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 call
                 in
                 question
                 his
                 willingness
                 !
                 why
                 ,
                 what
                 do
                 you
                 make
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 O
                 ,
                 how
                 doth
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 in
                 effect
                 ,
                 dethrone
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 disgracing
                 the
                 Throne
                 of
                 his
                 Glory
                 ,
                 robbeth
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 mercy
                 ,
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 his
                 bowels
                 ,
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 he
                 most
                 glorieth
                 in
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 injurious
                 then
                 to
                 thy
                 dear
                 Saviour
                 ?
                 Would
                 not
                 you
                 think
                 it
                 a
                 wrong
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 from
                 one
                 of
                 your
                 children
                 ,
                 that
                 had
                 offended
                 you
                 as
                 highly
                 as
                 you
                 can
                 imagine
                 ?
                 suppose
                 he
                 had
                 sought
                 your
                 life
                 ,
                 as
                 Absolom
                 did
                 Davids
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 the
                 Father
                 seeks
                 ,
                 thou
                 suest
                 to
                 thy
                 son
                 ;
                 O
                 how
                 many
                 promises
                 thou
                 heapest
                 up
                 ,
                 one
                 upon
                 another
                 ,
                 backest
                 them
                 with
                 oaths
                 ,
                 wooest
                 him
                 ,
                 intreatest
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 ,
                 to
                 accept
                 of
                 a
                 pardon
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 he
                 believeth
                 you
                 not
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 you
                 can
                 do
                 or
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 real
                 in
                 the
                 thing
                 ;
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 injurious
                 ?
                 doth
                 he
                 not
                 wrong
                 exceedingly
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 former
                 ;
                 and
                 is
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 very
                 case
                 ?
              
               
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 See
                 how
                 much
                 unkindness
                 there
                 is
                 in
                 this
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 directly
                 against
                 the
                 love
                 ,
                 the
                 bowels
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 which
                 sound
                 toward
                 poor
                 creatures
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 in
                 every
                 intreaty
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 could
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 do
                 more
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 then
                 he
                 did
                 ?
                 was
                 not
                 his
                 life
                 dear
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 the
                 death
                 sor
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 might
                 be
                 a
                 pardon
                 for
                 us
                 ?
                 and
                 do
                 we
                 thus
                 requite
                 him
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 slight
                 it
                 ,
                 never
                 to
                 mind
                 it
                 ?
                 or
                 if
                 we
                 do
                 sometimes
                 a
                 little
                 ,
                 yet
                 to
                 stand
                 out
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 :
                 What
                 unkindness
                 was
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Jews
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 so
                 recorded
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   came
                   to
                   his
                   own
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   own
                   received
                   him
                   not
                
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 his
                 own
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 ;
                 and
                 so
                 
                 he
                 is
                 ours
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 others
                 ;
                 but
                 he
                 came
                 of
                 them
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 flesh
                 in
                 a
                 nearer
                 manner
                 ,
                 and
                 sent
                 to
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   received
                   him
                   not
                
                 :
                 But
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Us
                 poor
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 out-casts
                 ,
                 
                 that
                 were
                 strangers
                 ,
                 afar
                 off
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 near
                 in
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 near
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 and
                 to
                 himself
                 ,
                 is
                 this
                 love
                 nothing
                 to
                 be
                 thus
                 slighted
                 ?
                 for
                 how
                 few
                 among
                 us
                 do
                 believe
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 all
                 this
                 ?
                 nothing
                 breaks
                 the
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 creature
                 more
                 then
                 unkindness
                 :
                 and
                 surely
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 the
                 thoughts
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 hearts
                 were
                 not
                 stony
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 breaking
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 hitherto
                 ,
                 so
                 many
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 dealt
                 so
                 unkindly
                 with
                 Christ
                 as
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 .
              
               
                 But
                 fourthly
                 ,
                 see
                 the
                 dangerousness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 set
                 a
                 trembling
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 weary
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 any
                 other
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Other
                 sins
                 have
                 but
                 their
                 own
                 particular
                 guilt
                 ,
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 particularly
                 binding
                 over
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 to
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 entayling
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 the
                 Law
                 upon
                 a
                 poor
                 sinner
                 ;
                 so
                 every
                 sin
                 doth
                 ,
                 every
                 oath
                 ,
                 every
                 lie
                 ,
                 every
                 unclean
                 thought
                 ,
                 wanton
                 look
                 ,
                 adultery
                 ,
                 fornication
                 of
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 the
                 heart
                 or
                 eye
                 ;
                 but
                 unbelief
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 binds
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 sins
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 besides
                 its
                 own
                 proper
                 guilt
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 least
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 before
                 :
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 it
                 binds
                 all
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 if
                 Paul
                 had
                 not
                 believed
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 his
                 persecution
                 had
                 yet
                 lain
                 upon
                 his
                 head
                 .
                 O
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 
                   if
                   ye
                   believe
                   not
                   ,
                   ye
                   shall
                   dye
                   in
                   your
                   sins
                
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 your
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 but
                 in
                 all
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 this
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 edge
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 may
                 say
                 ,
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 guilt
                 
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 how
                 dangerous
                 a
                 sin
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 judge
                 ye
                 ;
                 you
                 are
                 terrified
                 and
                 affrighted
                 with
                 your
                 grievous
                 abominations
                 ,
                 rebellions
                 ,
                 filthiness
                 of
                 your
                 waies
                 ,
                 you
                 never
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 haply
                 ,
                 but
                 your
                 heart
                 sinketh
                 within
                 you
                 :
                 why
                 know
                 this
                 ,
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 unbelief
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 keepeth
                 all
                 this
                 upon
                 the
                 soul
                 :
                 if
                 that
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 but
                 aceept
                 of
                 deliverance
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 take
                 him
                 ,
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 cast
                 you
                 out
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 turn
                 you
                 away
                 without
                 a
                 pardon
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 reason
                 of
                 your
                 burthens
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 is
                 because
                 of
                 unbelief
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 dangerous
                 ,
                 because
                 above
                 other
                 sins
                 ,
                 it
                 brings
                 a
                 mans
                 blood
                 upon
                 his
                 own
                 head
                 ;
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 word
                 (
                 me
                 thinks
                 )
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 Apostle
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   take
                   God
                   to
                   witness
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   am
                   pure
                   from
                
                 
                 
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   all
                   men
                   ;
                   if
                   you
                   perish
                   ,
                   your
                   blood
                   will
                   be
                   upon
                   your
                   head
                   :
                
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 guilty
                 of
                 your
                 own
                 death
                 ,
                 your
                 own
                 murther
                 ,
                 your
                 own
                 damnation
                 ,
                 and
                 everlasting
                 separation
                 from
                 God
                 ;
                 much
                 more
                 may
                 our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 free
                 from
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 you
                 all
                 ,
                 sinners
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 dyed
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 made
                 an
                 All-sufficient
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 the
                 Justice
                 of
                 my
                 Father
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 sins
                 ,
                 laid
                 down
                 a
                 price
                 ,
                 enough
                 to
                 ransom
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 you
                 would
                 none
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 you
                 cared
                 not
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 I
                 have
                 made
                 this
                 known
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 else
                 you
                 had
                 had
                 some
                 excuse
                 ,
                 some
                 cloak
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 have
                 no
                 cloak
                 for
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 unbelief
                 ;
                 If
                 I
                 had
                 not
                 wooed
                 you
                 ,
                 intreated
                 you
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 by
                 my
                 Messengers
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 something
                 to
                 ext●nuate
                 at
                 least
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 all
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 infinitely
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 able
                 to
                 speak
                 ,
                 for
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 why
                 then
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 clear
                 from
                 your
                 blood
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 what
                 he
                 undertook
                 to
                 do
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 spared
                 not
                 himself
                 to
                 the
                 least
                 drop
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 blood
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 O
                 this
                 must
                 needs
                 bring
                 poor
                 sinners
                 blood
                 upon
                 their
                 own
                 heads
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 This
                 unbelief
                 brings
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 upon
                 our
                 heads
                 ,
                 for
                 if
                 after
                 all
                 this
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 and
                 said
                 to
                 perswade
                 us
                 to
                 make
                 us
                 willing
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 stand
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 not
                 guilty
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 ?
                 If
                 an
                 unworthy
                 receiving
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 bring
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 
                 this
                 guilt
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 an
                 unbelieving
                 heart
                 ,
                 in
                 hearing
                 of
                 this
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 bring
                 a
                 man
                 under
                 the
                 same
                 guilt
                 ?
                 for
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 the
                 same
                 
                 Jesus
                 that
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 broken
                 for
                 sinners
                 ?
                 and
                 the
                 same
                 blood
                 shed
                 for
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 held
                 forth
                 in
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 to
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 Preached
                 to
                 the
                 ear
                 ?
                 even
                 so
                 plain
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 before
                 their
                 faces
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 saith
                 to
                 the
                 Galathians
                 ;
                 O
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 this
                 should
                 make
                 us
                 afraid
                 of
                 resting
                 any
                 longer
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 us
                 look
                 about
                 us
                 ;
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 as
                 hard-hearted
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 ,
                 could
                 not
                 endure
                 :
                 their
                 consciences
                 prickt
                 them
                 I
                 believe
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 flie
                 in
                 their
                 faces
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 would
                 not
                 endure
                 the
                 Apostles
                 to
                 Preach
                 Christ
                 :
                 say
                 
                 they
                 ,
                 ye
                 would
                 bring
                 upon
                 us
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 this
                 man.
                 O
                 me
                 thinks
                 this
                 stirs
                 the
                 stoutest
                 sinners
                 among
                 us
                 ;
                 I
                 delight
                 not
                 to
                 bring
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 such
                 sad
                 things
                 as
                 these
                 are
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 bring
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 upon
                 your
                 heads
                 ,
                 but
                 let
                 us
                 take
                 heed
                 we
                 do
                 it
                 not
                 our selves
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 shall
                 find
                 that
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 dregs
                 of
                 the
                 cup
                 of
                 wrath
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 reclaimed
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 we
                 have
                 so
                 much
                 under-valued
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 cast
                 his
                 love
                 behind
                 us
                 by
                 our
                 unbelief
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 Vse
                 shall
                 be
                 then
                 of
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 soul
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 in
                 your
                 hardened
                 
                 condition
                 ,
                 never
                 made
                 sensible
                 of
                 your
                 need
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 the
                 less
                 hopes
                 to
                 prevail
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 Doctrine
                 is
                 foolishness
                 to
                 such
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 foolishness
                 to
                 speak
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 soveraignty
                 of
                 a
                 medicine
                 ,
                 the
                 readiness
                 of
                 a
                 Physitian
                 to
                 heal
                 ,
                 to
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 feels
                 not
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 wounded
                 ;
                 and
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 Christ
                 and
                 of
                 faith
                 to
                 many
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 ;
                 but
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 poor
                 souls
                 that
                 haply
                 are
                 convinced
                 of
                 their
                 lost
                 condition
                 by
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 water
                 in
                 
                   the
                   bottle
                   is
                   spent
                
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 
                 cannot
                 see
                 the
                 fountain
                 near
                 them
                 &
                 opened
                 ,
                 haply
                 for
                 grief
                 ,
                 for
                 weeping
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 over-charged
                 with
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 come
                 not
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 received
                 the
                 tongue
                 of
                 the
                 Learned
                 for
                 this
                 end
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   speak
                   a
                   word
                   in
                   due
                   season
                   ,
                
                 
                 would
                 speak
                 by
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 his
                 poor
                 unworthy
                 Messenger
                 to
                 such
                 hearts
                 !
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 thou
                 wilt
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 art
                 thou
                 resolved
                 to
                 sit
                 languishing
                 over
                 an
                 empty
                 bottle
                 and
                 perish
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 is
                 refreshing
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 O
                 no
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 not
                 sit
                 still
                 and
                 perish
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 healing
                 and
                 mercy
                 to
                 be
                 had
                 ;
                 why
                 ,
                 dost
                 thou
                 
                 not
                 believe
                 that
                 he
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 save
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ?
                 where
                 sin
                 
                 hath
                 most
                 abounded
                 ,
                 there
                 Grace
                 can
                 superabound
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 .
                 If
                 I
                 thought
                 there
                 were
                 any
                 
                 stuck
                 at
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 spend
                 a
                 few
                 words
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 but
                 consider
                 those
                 Scriptures
                 fore-mentioned
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 main
                 thing
                 is
                 ,
                 whether
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 accept
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 saith
                 one
                 :
                 O
                 you
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 vileness
                 of
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 the
                 horrid
                 pollutions
                 of
                 my
                 ways
                 ,
                 else
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 harder
                 thoughts
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 therefore
                 thou
                 art
                 ready
                 to
                 conclude
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 look
                 at
                 thee
                 sure
                 .
                 Let
                 me
                 here
                 propound
                 a
                 few
                 Considerations
                 to
                 thee
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Consider
                 how
                 injurious
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 Grace
                 ,
                 to
                 measure
                 it
                 by
                 our
                 thoughts
                 ;
                 limit
                 not
                 the
                 holy
                 one
                 of
                 Israel
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 Glory
                 
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   God
                   ,
                   gracious
                   and
                   merciful
                   ,
                
                 and
                 that
                 whereby
                 he
                 infinitely
                 transcendeth
                 all
                 other
                 gods
                 and
                 men
                 ;
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   like
                   unto
                   thee
                   ?
                   pardoning
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   transgression
                   and
                   sin
                
                 ;
                 and
                 canst
                 thou
                 comprehend
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 thy
                 poor
                 narrow
                 thoughts
                 ?
                 thou
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 O
                 if
                 any
                 man
                 had
                 so
                 offended
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 not
                 have
                 born
                 it
                 ,
                 I
                 could
                 never
                 have
                 been
                 reconciled
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 if
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 another
                 can
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 much
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 enables
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 love
                 ,
                 to
                 pray
                 for
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 embrace
                 those
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 bloody
                 manner
                 seek
                 their
                 lives
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 come
                 and
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Disciples
                 did
                 Paul
                 ;
                 and
                 doubtless
                 Stephen
                 would
                 have
                 hug'd
                 them
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 had
                 then
                 had
                 their
                 hearts
                 changed
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 can
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 do
                 ,
                 when
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 been
                 guilty
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 trampled
                 it
                 under
                 feet
                 ,
                 turned
                 their
                 backs
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 crucified
                 him
                 ,
                 when
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 So
                 in
                 Acts
                 2.
                 
                 Thou
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wert
                 but
                 such
                 a
                 sinner
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 hadst
                 not
                 sinned
                 against
                 such
                 love
                 and
                 mercy
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 accepted
                 ;
                 when
                 thy
                 thoughts
                 are
                 at
                 an
                 end
                 and
                 lost
                 ,
                 then
                 is
                 infinite
                 Grace
                 beginning
                 to
                 be
                 Glorious
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 left
                 thee
                 altogether
                 without
                 excuse
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 cut
                 off
                 all
                 pretences
                 that
                 sinners
                 might
                 make
                 for
                 their
                 keeping
                 off
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 both
                 here
                 and
                 in
                 other
                 places
                 .
                 O
                 saith
                 one
                 ,
                 
                   He
                   hath
                   waited
                   so
                   long
                   upon
                   me
                   ,
                   stretched
                   out
                   his
                   hands
                   all
                   the
                   day
                   long
                   to
                   me
                
                 ;
                 While
                 I
                 have
                 been
                 
                 rebelling
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 been
                 intreating
                 me
                 to
                 be
                 reconciled
                 ;
                 he
                 hath
                 stood
                 so
                 long
                 at
                 the
                 door
                 knocking
                 ,
                 that
                 now
                 sure
                 he
                 is
                 gone
                 ;
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 nor
                 take
                 my
                 soul
                 into
                 
                 fellowship
                 with
                 himself
                 .
                 I
                 am
                 an
                 old
                 sinner
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 I
                 could
                 arm
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 boy
                 up
                 my self
                 with
                 any
                 thing
                 ,
                 carnal
                 reasonings
                 ,
                 moral
                 services
                 ,
                 vain
                 delights
                 ,
                 and
                 creature-comforts
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 never
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 :
                 what
                 though
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 ready
                 to
                 receive
                 when
                 ever
                 thou
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 
                   Had
                   not
                   the
                   poor
                   Woman
                   in
                   the
                   Gospel
                   spent
                   all
                   upon
                   the
                   Physitians
                   ,
                   before
                   she
                
                 
                 
                   came
                   to
                   Christ
                
                 ?
                 if
                 she
                 could
                 have
                 had
                 balm
                 any
                 where
                 else
                 ,
                 she
                 would
                 never
                 have
                 gone
                 to
                 Gilead
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 for
                 that
                 Physitian
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 he
                 cast
                 her
                 out
                 notwithstanding
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 
                   He
                   giveth
                   liberally
                   ,
                   and
                   upbraideth
                   not
                   :
                
                 he
                 hits
                 her
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 
                 teeth
                 with
                 her
                 unworthiness
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 she
                 cometh
                 ,
                 he
                 healeth
                 her
                 distemper
                 .
                 Was
                 not
                 this
                 the
                 Prodigals
                 case
                 ?
                 would
                 he
                 ever
                 have
                 gone
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 could
                 have
                 gotten
                 husks
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 thing
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 ,
                 doth
                 his
                 father
                 upbraid
                 him
                 with
                 it
                 ?
                 what
                 ,
                 thou
                 be
                 received
                 now
                 ,
                 that
                 hast
                 stood
                 out
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 ever
                 thou
                 couldst
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 necessity
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 love
                 that
                 hath
                 driven
                 thee
                 home
                 ,
                 therefore
                 take
                 thy
                 course
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 bread
                 for
                 thee
                 ;
                 O
                 this
                 would
                 have
                 broken
                 the
                 heart
                 quite
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 ever
                 discouraged
                 him
                 for
                 coming
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 he
                 meeteth
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 notwithstanding
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 ready
                 he
                 is
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 embrace
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 Parable
                 setteth
                 forth
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 saith
                 another
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 so
                 poor
                 ,
                 miserable
                 ,
                 have
                 nothing
                 at
                 all
                 in
                 me
                 but
                 sin
                 and
                 misery
                 :
                 suppose
                 so
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 the
                 more
                 need
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 most
                 ready
                 to
                 reveal
                 himself
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 need
                 him
                 most
                 ,
                 yea
                 thou
                 art
                 the
                 more
                 fit
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 for
                 while
                 thou
                 hast
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 subsist
                 upon
                 ,
                 thou
                 wilt
                 not
                 come
                 off
                 thy self
                 clearly
                 and
                 fully
                 as
                 thou
                 oughtest
                 ;
                 besides
                 ,
                 remember
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 is
                 able
                 to
                 bestow
                 his
                 riches
                 upon
                 nothing
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 make
                 a
                 world
                 of
                 nothing
                 :
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 new
                 Creation
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 can
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 bestow
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 upon
                 nothing
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 thou
                 hast
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 Prodigal
                 had
                 in
                 his
                 returning
                 ;
                 O
                 but
                 he
                 cannot
                 but
                 abhorr
                 me
                 ,
                 my
                 sins
                 are
                 not
                 slight
                 scars
                 ,
                 and
                 races
                 ,
                 but
                 deep
                 wounds
                 ,
                 and
                 festering
                 wounds
                 ,
                 running
                 sores
                 ,
                 bloody
                 issues
                 ,
                 loathsom
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 :
                 did
                 the
                 woman
                 with
                 the
                 bloody
                 issue
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 find
                 a
                 repulse
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 loathsomness
                 of
                 her
                 distemper
                 ?
                 or
                 the
                 Lepers
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 theirs
                 ?
                 or
                 Lazarus
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 his
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 therein
                 is
                 the
                 great
                 commendation
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 in
                 their
                 blood
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 loveth
                 them
                 ,
                 
                 yet
                 he
                 receiveth
                 them
                 .
                 In
                 one
                 word
                 for
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 stop
                 the
                 mouths
                 of
                 these
                 clamours
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hath
                 said
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 not
                 be
                 as
                 good
                 as
                 his
                 word
                 ?
                 he
                 hath
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   if
                   any
                   man
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   cast
                   him
                   out
                   ,
                
                 be
                 his
                 distemper
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 be
                 his
                 uuworthiness
                 what
                 it
                 will
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 :
                 therefore
                 never
                 make
                 that
                 an
                 obstruction
                 ,
                 but
                 rather
                 an
                 argument
                 to
                 put
                 thee
                 on
                 to
                 go
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 because
                 thy
                 want
                 of
                 him
                 is
                 so
                 great
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 is
                 found
                 in
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 that
                 these
                 hard
                 thoughts
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 before
                 thou
                 hast
                 tryed
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 experience
                 of
                 a
                 repulse
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 are
                 but
                 a
                 prejudice
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 how
                 glad
                 is
                 the
                 enemy
                 of
                 our
                 peace
                 ,
                 if
                 any
                 way
                 he
                 can
                 keep
                 poor
                 souls
                 off
                 from
                 Christ
                 ;
                 will
                 you
                 judge
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 hard-hearted
                 ,
                 and
                 unkind
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 before
                 you
                 have
                 tried
                 him
                 ?
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 judge
                 so
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 is
                 to
                 add
                 sin
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 worsens
                 our
                 condition
                 daily
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Consider
                 this
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 add
                 to
                 thy
                 own
                 experience
                 ,
                 the
                 experience
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 ;
                 ask
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 tell
                 thee
                 ,
                 O
                 never
                 was
                 there
                 viler
                 wretches
                 then
                 they
                 themselves
                 were
                 !
                 they
                 had
                 as
                 vile
                 and
                 base
                 thoughts
                 of
                 themselves
                 as
                 thou
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 as
                 much
                 discouraged
                 as
                 thou
                 art
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 when
                 they
                 came
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 obtain
                 mercy
                 ,
                 they
                 found
                 Grace
                 in
                 his
                 sight
                 ,
                 the
                 Scepter
                 was
                 held
                 out
                 to
                 them
                 .
                 Ask
                 of
                 Paul
                 ,
                 who
                 though
                 dead
                 ,
                 yet
                 speaketh
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 will
                 tell
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 never
                 wast
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 he
                 ,
                 imbrewing
                 his
                 hands
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 a
                 persecutor
                 ,
                 blasphemer
                 ,
                 injurious
                 .
                 Ask
                 but
                 Magdalen
                 ,
                 and
                 she
                 will
                 tell
                 thee
                 ,
                 that
                 she
                 had
                 seven
                 Devils
                 for
                 one
                 haply
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 .
                 And
                 so
                 will
                 Peter
                 and
                 David
                 :
                 O
                 thou
                 never
                 hadst
                 thy
                 hand
                 in
                 blood
                 ,
                 in
                 adultery
                 ,
                 in
                 denying
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 these
                 found
                 mercy
                 ;
                 
                   And
                   is
                   not
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   the
                   same
                   yesterday
                   ,
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                
                 
                 ever
                 ?
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Thou
                 canst
                 have
                 no
                 good
                 evidence
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 one
                 given
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 world
                 began
                 ,
                 until
                 thou
                 comest
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 
                   All
                   that
                   the
                   Father
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   shall
                
                 
                 come
                 .
                 What
                 then
                 ,
                 shall
                 sinners
                 abuse
                 this
                 doctrine
                 ,
                 to
                 set
                 light
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 cast
                 off
                 all
                 care
                 of
                 their
                 condition
                 ,
                 because
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 given
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 come
                 ?
                 no
                 :
                 But
                 sadly
                 consider
                 this
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 be
                 not
                 yet
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 as
                 yet
                 declared
                 
                 to
                 be
                 one
                 that
                 is
                 given
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 not
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 son
                 of
                 perdition
                 ;
                 and
                 wo
                 is
                 thee
                 that
                 thou
                 wast
                 ever
                 born
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 yet
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 knowest
                 thou
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 ever
                 have
                 an
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 heart
                 to
                 believe
                 ,
                 or
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ?
                 Faith
                 is
                 not
                 at
                 your
                 command
                 ,
                 nor
                 Christ
                 at
                 your
                 command
                 for
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 O
                 consider
                 this
                 ye
                 that
                 forget
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 forget
                 your
                 own
                 welfare
                 ;
                 
                   As
                   many
                   as
                   were
                   ordained
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   ,
                   believed
                
                 ;
                 the
                 rest
                 were
                 
                 hardened
                 .
              
               
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 A
                 rational
                 Motive
                 shall
                 be
                 this
                 ;
                 In
                 other
                 distractions
                 a
                 possibility
                 of
                 relief
                 will
                 make
                 poor
                 Creatures
                 put
                 themselves
                 upon
                 extream
                 hazards
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 possible
                 they
                 should
                 escape
                 without
                 such
                 a
                 hazard
                 running
                 ;
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 business
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 should
                 we
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 run
                 an
                 hazard
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 any
                 ,
                 where
                 there
                 is
                 probability
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 certainty
                 of
                 speeding
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 .
                 So
                 the
                 Lepers
                 ,
                 you
                 know
                 their
                 argument
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   we
                   stay
                   here
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   perish
                   ;
                   if
                   we
                   go
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   escape
                   .
                
                 So
                 Esther
                 ,
                 she
                 knew
                 if
                 she
                 went
                 not
                 into
                 the
                 King
                 at
                 
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 her
                 neck
                 was
                 upon
                 the
                 block
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 she
                 did
                 go
                 in
                 ,
                 she
                 might
                 haply
                 speed
                 and
                 prosper
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 she
                 ventures
                 hard
                 ;
                 if
                 the
                 Scepter
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 held
                 out
                 to
                 her
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 cost
                 her
                 ,
                 her
                 life
                 there
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 body
                 did
                 lie
                 at
                 the
                 stake
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 starved
                 for
                 want
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 designed
                 to
                 destruction
                 by
                 enemies
                 ;
                 but
                 here
                 soul
                 and
                 body
                 lie
                 at
                 the
                 stake
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 
                 in
                 danger
                 of
                 perishing
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
                 there
                 was
                 only
                 a
                 possibility
                 of
                 escaping
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 certainty
                 of
                 escaping
                 :
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 in
                 any
                 wise
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 cheerfully
                 would
                 Esther
                 have
                 run
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 if
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 such
                 a
                 Law
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 ever
                 the
                 Queen
                 cometh
                 ,
                 the
                 Scepter
                 should
                 be
                 held
                 out
                 to
                 her
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 here
                 :
                 there
                 they
                 ran
                 a
                 very
                 desperate
                 hazard
                 ,
                 but
                 here
                 is
                 no
                 hazard
                 run
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 a
                 sure
                 word
                 of
                 promise
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   heaven
                   and
                   earth
                   shall
                   pass
                   away
                   ,
                   before
                   a
                   tittle
                   of
                   it
                   shall
                   pass
                   away
                   :
                   whoever
                   cometh
                   to
                   Christ
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   in
                   no
                   wise
                   cast
                   him
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 thus
                 wayward
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 will
                 toward
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 have
                 such
                 unworthy
                 thoughts
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 make
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 his
                 Word
                 of
                 promise
                 ,
                 his
                 death
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 slight
                 all
                 ,
                 falsifie
                 all
                 ,
                 when
                 poor
                 sinners
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 invitation
                 ;
                 
                   he
                   was
                   
                   grieved
                
                 (
                 saith
                 the
                 Text
                 )
                 
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   unbelief
                   and
                   hardness
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   their
                   hearts
                
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 Jews
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Jerusalem
                   ,
                   Jerusalem
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 he
                 wept
                 over
                 it
                 ,
                 when
                 nothing
                 would
                 do
                 to
                 perswade
                 them
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 thou
                 art
                 grieved
                 ,
                 and
                 Christ
                 is
                 grieved
                 by
                 this
                 frowardness
                 of
                 thine
                 ;
                 Suppose
                 the
                 Father
                 of
                 the
                 prodigal
                 son
                 in
                 the
                 Gospel
                 had
                 invited
                 him
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 promised
                 him
                 all
                 the
                 inheritance
                 ,
                 to
                 put
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
                 ,
                 confirm
                 his
                 love
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 no
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 mispent
                 all
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 undone
                 my self
                 ,
                 fed
                 upon
                 husks
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 I
                 could
                 get
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 I
                 am
                 ready
                 to
                 perish
                 not
                 being
                 able
                 to
                 procure
                 them
                 :
                 here
                 I
                 will
                 sit
                 and
                 dye
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 believe
                 that
                 thou
                 wilt
                 accept
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 canst
                 ever
                 love
                 me
                 ,
                 or
                 receive
                 me
                 more
                 :
                 would
                 not
                 this
                 grieve
                 the
                 father
                 think
                 you
                 ?
                 I
                 know
                 poor
                 mourning
                 soul
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 not
                 grieve
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 I
                 tell
                 thee
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 wouldst
                 not
                 ,
                 thou
                 must
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 accept
                 of
                 his
                 kindness
                 and
                 love
                 ,
                 believe
                 his
                 faithfulness
                 ,
                 and
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 thy
                 soul
                 shall
                 be
                 established
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 fourth
                 Use
                 shall
                 be
                 then
                 to
                 exalt
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ;
                 we
                 might
                 
                   altus
                   repetere
                
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 speak
                 something
                 to
                 the
                 purchasing
                 of
                 us
                 at
                 so
                 dear
                 a
                 rate
                 as
                 his
                 precious
                 blood
                 ;
                 corruptible
                 things
                 ,
                 as
                 Silver
                 and
                 Gold
                 are
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 be
                 named
                 the
                 same
                 day
                 with
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 no
                 possibility
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 the
                 
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                   〈◊〉
                
                 paid
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 invite
                 us
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 so
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 draw
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 hear
                 and
                 learn
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 be
                 all
                 taught
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 drawing
                 of
                 his
                 Father
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 we
                 cannot
                 come
                 ,
                 which
                 
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 heard
                 already
                 formerly
                 ;
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 abundance
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 more
                 he
                 hath
                 promised
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 perform
                 ;
                 whoever
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 .
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 limited
                 himself
                 to
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 sort
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 receive
                 all
                 that
                 should
                 not
                 continue
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 or
                 s●all
                 not
                 rise
                 to
                 such
                 an
                 height
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 much
                 Grace
                 to
                 receive
                 any
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 excludeth
                 none
                 ;
                 if
                 any
                 man
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 .
                 Are
                 there
                 not
                 many
                 souls
                 in
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 set
                 to
                 their
                 seals
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 truth
                 in
                 Iesus
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 and
                 me
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 sinners
                 ?
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 
                 cast
                 out
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 been
                 drunkards
                 ,
                 covetous
                 ,
                 unclean
                 ,
                 effeminate
                 ,
                 what
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 them
                 in
                 1
                 Cor.
                 6
                 ?
                 Such
                 were
                 some
                 of
                 you
                 :
                 and
                 what
                 would
                 have
                 become
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 cast
                 out
                 all
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 bloody
                 persecutors
                 ,
                 what
                 would
                 have
                 become
                 of
                 Paul
                 ?
                 Ah
                 poor
                 soul
                 !
                 bethink
                 thy self
                 in
                 what
                 filth
                 and
                 blood
                 thou
                 didst
                 wallow
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 put
                 off
                 his
                 own
                 comliness
                 upon
                 thee
                 ?
                 and
                 then
                 think
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 had
                 limited
                 his
                 receiving
                 of
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 come
                 to
                 such
                 or
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 ,
                 what
                 then
                 had
                 become
                 of
                 thee
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 abounding
                 Grace
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 towards
                 poor
                 sinners
                 !
                 let
                 us
                 exalt
                 it
                 ,
                 meditate
                 much
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 heighten
                 it
                 in
                 thy
                 thoughts
                 ;
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 thoughts
                 more
                 sweet
                 ,
                 or
                 profitable
                 ,
                 more
                 melting
                 of
                 that
                 stone
                 in
                 thy
                 heart
                 ,
                 we
                 so
                 sadly
                 complain
                 of
                 ,
                 more
                 indearing
                 and
                 engaging
                 of
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 then
                 these
                 are
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 5.
                 
                 Vse
                 5.
                 
                 Then
                 surely
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 falling
                 away
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 from
                 justifying
                 ,
                 sanctifying
                 Grace
                 once
                 received
                 ;
                 for
                 what
                 
                 else
                 is
                 this
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 coming
                 for
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 for
                 pardon
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Lord
                 our
                 Righteousness
                 ;
                 the
                 Father
                 
                 hath
                 found
                 a
                 Ransom
                 now
                 in
                 his
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 the
                 poor
                 sinner
                 maketh
                 after
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 holiness
                 also
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 is
                 made
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Sanctification
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 Righteousness
                 and
                 Holiness
                 to
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 now
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 :
                 If
                 he
                 had
                 said
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 except
                 he
                 sin
                 to
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 degree
                 after
                 my
                 receiving
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 somewhat
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 will
                 I
                 do
                 it
                 .
                 O
                 blessed
                 bosom
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 never
                 shut
                 out
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 is
                 once
                 gotten
                 in
                 to
                 it
                 !
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 cast
                 us
                 not
                 out
                 when
                 we
                 come
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 ?
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 ,
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 that
                 we
                 our selves
                 may
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 Christ
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 sinner
                 himself
                 may
                 ●all
                 off
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 have
                 been
                 received
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 put
                 in
                 
                 his
                 bosom
                 ,
                 warmed
                 with
                 his
                 love
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 true
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 sinner
                 were
                 his
                 own
                 keeper
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 somewhat
                 like
                 ;
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 left
                 to
                 the
                 liberty
                 of
                 our
                 wils
                 ,
                 whether
                 we
                 would
                 abide
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 yea
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 quickly
                 be
                 lost
                 again
                 ;
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 doth
                 not
                 only
                 not
                 cast
                 us
                 out
                 ,
                 except
                 we
                 cast
                 our selves
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 he
                 holds
                 us
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Father
                 holds
                 us
                 in
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 stronger
                 then
                 all
                 :
                 
                   None
                   shall
                   be
                   able
                   to
                   pluck
                   them
                   out
                   of
                
                 
                 
                   his
                   hand
                
                 :
                 he
                 lays
                 hold
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 puts
                 his
                 fear
                 there
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 Peace
                 of
                 God
                 also
                 placeth
                 he
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 pregnable
                 garrison
                 there
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 never
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 except
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                 could
                 deny
                 his
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 for
                 my
                 part
                 ,
                 I
                 see
                 not
                 how
                 any
                 soul
                 that
                 in
                 truth
                 is
                 come
                 on
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 can
                 finally
                 apostatize
                 ,
                 though
                 from
                 some
                 common
                 grace
                 they
                 may
                 withdraw
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 true
                 Grace
                 ,
                 though
                 not
                 of
                 this
                 kind
                 which
                 is
                 saving
                 .
                 But
                 what
                 then
                 ,
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 hold
                 us
                 to
                 himself
                 whether
                 we
                 will
                 or
                 no
                 ?
                 No
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   But
                   he
                   maketh
                   us
                   willing
                   in
                   the
                   day
                
                 
                 
                   of
                   his
                   power
                
                 ;
                 so
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 any
                 more
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 leave
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 depart
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 nor
                 is
                 it
                 an
                 infringement
                 of
                 our
                 liberty
                 at
                 all
                 to
                 be
                 determined
                 to
                 one
                 party
                 either
                 of
                 the
                 contradiction
                 of
                 contrariety
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 use
                 to
                 distinguish
                 them
                 ,
                 for
                 God
                 himself
                 is
                 determined
                 to
                 one
                 part
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 will
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 is
                 evil
                 as
                 evil
                 ;
                 nor
                 the
                 Angels
                 in
                 heaven
                 established
                 and
                 confirmed
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 their
                 liberty
                 sure
                 is
                 much
                 greater
                 then
                 ours
                 ;
                 well
                 then
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 he
                 will
                 never
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 therefore
                 they
                 shall
                 persevere
                 when
                 once
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 him
                 in
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 God
                 hath
                 put
                 that
                 principle
                 into
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 shall
                 never
                 depart
                 themselves
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 loose
                 any
                 lust
                 ,
                 any
                 temptation
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 shall
                 ruin
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 were
                 in
                 effect
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 moral
                 sense
                 ,
                 a
                 casting
                 of
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 whatsoever
                 will
                 he
                 do
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 6.
                 
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Yet
                 here
                 let
                 me
                 put
                 in
                 a
                 double
                 Caution
                 :
                 First
                 ,
                 Let
                 
                 sinners
                 ,
                 impenitent
                 sinners
                 that
                 yet
                 stand
                 it
                 out
                 ,
                 protract
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 their
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 as
                 
                   Aug.
                   O
                   modo
                   Domine
                
                 ,
                 take
                 a
                 warning
                 word
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 do
                 not
                 so
                 abuse
                 this
                 sweet
                 and
                 pretious
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 encourage
                 themselves
                 thereby
                 in
                 an
                 evil
                 way
                 :
                 tush
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 drunkard
                 ,
                 the
                 unclean
                 person
                 ,
                 to
                 morrow
                 
                 shall
                 be
                 as
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 more
                 abundant
                 :
                 it
                 is
                 time
                 enough
                 to
                 repent
                 ,
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 so
                 tender
                 and
                 so
                 merciful
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 ever
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 us
                 out
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 we
                 do
                 treasure
                 up
                 many
                 bags
                 ,
                 and
                 fill
                 up
                 the
                 measure
                 of
                 sin
                 fuller
                 then
                 others
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 made
                 no
                 
                 limitation
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 us
                 out
                 :
                 what
                 a
                 lamentable
                 condition
                 is
                 that
                 man
                 in
                 ,
                 whose
                 stomack
                 turns
                 an
                 honey-comb
                 into
                 poyson
                 to
                 him
                 !
                 here
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 precious
                 cordial
                 ,
                 the
                 very
                 Spirits
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 in
                 this
                 our
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 how
                 sinners
                 do
                 turn
                 it
                 into
                 a
                 deadly
                 potion
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 !
                 what
                 Spiders
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 that
                 can
                 suck
                 venom
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 sweetest
                 flowers
                 ?
                 but
                 suppose
                 this
                 be
                 true
                 ,
                 that
                 when
                 ever
                 thou
                 comest
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 received
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 in
                 any
                 wise
                 ;
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 truth
                 in
                 the
                 Hypothesis
                 that
                 lies
                 hid
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 either
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 power
                 to
                 come
                 of
                 thy self
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 ,
                 thy
                 will
                 at
                 command
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 proper
                 to
                 say
                 so
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 commanding
                 faculty
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 ;
                 or
                 else
                 this
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 will
                 draw
                 thee
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 thee
                 a
                 will
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 when
                 thou
                 hast
                 lived
                 a
                 while
                 longer
                 in
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 :
                 Ah
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 thou
                 little
                 knowest
                 the
                 deceitfulness
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 thy
                 own
                 heart
                 ;
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 reason
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 now
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ?
                 is
                 it
                 not
                 because
                 thou
                 art
                 held
                 so
                 fast
                 in
                 the
                 embraces
                 of
                 thy
                 darling
                 lusts
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 sin
                 that
                 kils
                 with
                 its
                 embraces
                 ,
                 poisons
                 with
                 its
                 kisses
                 !
                 and
                 tell
                 me
                 ,
                 is
                 that
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 get
                 looser
                 from
                 thy
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 more
                 ready
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 to
                 go
                 on
                 in
                 sin
                 ,
                 to
                 satisfie
                 and
                 fulfill
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ?
                 surely
                 no
                 :
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 the
                 deceitfulness
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 whereby
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 more
                 hardened
                 
                 every
                 act
                 ,
                 then
                 before
                 ;
                 It
                 may
                 please
                 him
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 abundant
                 riches
                 of
                 his
                 Grace
                 to
                 draw
                 such
                 a
                 presumptuous
                 sinner
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 admired
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 thou
                 shouldst
                 rather
                 tremble
                 when
                 thou
                 thinkest
                 ,
                 I
                 now
                 put
                 off
                 my
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 untill
                 a
                 more
                 convenient
                 opportunity
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 if
                 this
                 never
                 come
                 ?
                 what
                 if
                 my
                 soul
                 be
                 taken
                 from
                 me
                 this
                 night
                 ,
                 now
                 the
                 Arrows
                 of
                 God
                 are
                 scattered
                 among
                 our
                 dwellings
                 ?
                 and
                 what
                 if
                 I
                 never
                 have
                 a
                 heart
                 ,
                 nor
                 some
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 and
                 repent
                 ,
                 but
                 go
                 on
                 still
                 and
                 grow
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 hard
                 and
                 desperate
                 ,
                 and
                 sinning
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 perish
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 sinners
                 would
                 consider
                 this
                 that
                 forget
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 abuse
                 not
                 this
                 Grace
                 of
                 
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 When
                 did
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 tell
                 thee
                 how
                 long
                 he
                 would
                 wait
                 upon
                 thee
                 to
                 be
                 gracious
                 ?
                 doth
                 he
                 not
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   to
                   day
                
                 
                 
                   if
                   ye
                   will
                   hear
                   his
                   voice
                   ,
                   harden
                   not
                   your
                   hearts
                
                 ;
                 you
                 may
                 possibly
                 out-live
                 your
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 a●d
                 Christ
                 is
                 waiting
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 striving
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 better
                 for
                 you
                 ,
                 you
                 had
                 never
                 been
                 born
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Another
                 caution
                 shall
                 be
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 have
                 come
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 found
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 take
                 heed
                 they
                 abuse
                 not
                 this
                 grace
                 to
                 wantonness
                 .
                 If
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 in
                 any
                 wise
                 
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 so
                 much
                 ado
                 ?
                 O
                 what
                 viperous
                 natures
                 have
                 we
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 ready
                 to
                 turn
                 all
                 to
                 poyson
                 !
                 this
                 principle
                 is
                 in
                 every
                 heart
                 among
                 us
                 ,
                 therefore
                 watch
                 over
                 it
                 :
                 The
                 Doctrine
                 is
                 Christs
                 ,
                 a
                 truth
                 in
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 hath
                 no
                 tendency
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 froward
                 walking
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 in
                 its
                 own
                 nature
                 doth
                 more
                 tend
                 to
                 kil
                 sin
                 then
                 grace
                 ,
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 grace
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 &
                 truly
                 ,
                 if
                 grace
                 &
                 love
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 nothing
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 nothing
                 runs
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 to
                 the
                 heart
                 so
                 home
                 ,
                 as
                 this
                 unsearchable
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 if
                 we
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 in
                 no
                 wise
                 cast
                 us
                 out
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 wretched
                 ,
                 graceless
                 conclusion
                 ,
                 to
                 say
                 no
                 more
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 to
                 continue
                 in
                 sin
                 that
                 grace
                 might
                 abound
                 ;
                 the
                 Apostle
                 was
                 well
                 taught
                 in
                 
                 Christs
                 School
                 ,
                 and
                 both
                 by
                 Revelation
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 personal
                 experience
                 in
                 his
                 own
                 case
                 ;
                 he
                 knew
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 exceeding
                 abundance
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 doth
                 he
                 argue
                 from
                 mercy
                 to
                 duty
                 ?
                 So
                 our
                 Saviour
                 himself
                 ,
                 who
                 best
                 knoweth
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 Author
                 and
                 Finisher
                 ,
                 
                   come
                   to
                   me
                
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   give
                   you
                   rest
                   :
                
                 
                 And
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 may
                 they
                 sit
                 still
                 and
                 take
                 their
                 ease
                 ,
                 never
                 trouble
                 themselves
                 more
                 concerning
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 never
                 care
                 how
                 to
                 walk
                 in
                 well-pleasing
                 to
                 Christ
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 the
                 next
                 words
                 are
                 ,
                 
                   take
                   my
                   yoak
                   upon
                   you
                   ,
                   for
                   it
                   is
                   easie
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   light
                   :
                
                 It
                 is
                 no
                 great
                 matter
                 he
                 expecteth
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 what
                 he
                 might
                 expect
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 recompence
                 of
                 reward
                 ;
                 a
                 Belial
                 is
                 a
                 Monster
                 in
                 the
                 Church
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 a
                 man
                 without
                 yoak
                 ,
                 like
                 a
                 wild-Ass
                 ,
                 snuffing
                 up
                 the
                 wind
                 ,
                 and
                 doing
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 hearts
                 lust
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 bold
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 let
                 men
                 pretend
                 to
                 what
                 they
                 will
                 ,
                 that
                 man
                 that
                 hath
                 drunk
                 deepest
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 most
                 firmly
                 rooted
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 free-grace
                 of
                 
                 God
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 brings
                 forth
                 fruit
                 in
                 the
                 greatest
                 abundance
                 of
                 any
                 other
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 therefore
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 this
                 abuse
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Vse
                 7.
                 
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 Then
                 let
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 make
                 this
                 the
                 comfort
                 ,
                 the
                 stay
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 that
                 to
                 which
                 they
                 have
                 recourse
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 doubts
                 and
                 fears
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 never
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ;
                 labour
                 to
                 set
                 a
                 high
                 price
                 upon
                 this
                 promise
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 worthy
                 to
                 be
                 written
                 in
                 every
                 heart
                 of
                 a
                 Believer
                 in
                 golden
                 letters
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 too
                 often
                 too
                 apt
                 to
                 turn
                 aside
                 to
                 our
                 broken
                 Cisterns
                 for
                 refreshings
                 when
                 troubles
                 seize
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 how
                 do
                 they
                 by
                 their
                 emptiness
                 quickly
                 cause
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 fall
                 off
                 from
                 them
                 ?
                 as
                 a
                 Bee
                 cometh
                 to
                 a
                 flower
                 ,
                 abideth
                 not
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 quickly
                 emptyeth
                 ,
                 it
                 sucks
                 out
                 all
                 the
                 sweetness
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 to
                 another
                 ;
                 and
                 truly
                 ,
                 such
                 are
                 all
                 things
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 go
                 to
                 drink
                 at
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 refresh
                 our
                 weary
                 spirits
                 :
                 but
                 here
                 you
                 may
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ,
                 these
                 are
                 waters
                 that
                 never
                 fail
                 ;
                 never
                 any
                 were
                 occasioned
                 to
                 fall
                 off
                 from
                 Christ
                 because
                 of
                 emptiness
                 in
                 him
                 ,
                 nor
                 yet
                 because
                 of
                 satiety
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Horse-leach
                 when
                 gorged
                 full
                 :
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 Christs
                 breasts
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 milk
                 ,
                 full
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 abundant
                 consolation
                 do
                 they
                 minister
                 ;
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 need
                 to
                 fear
                 that
                 hunger
                 or
                 thirst
                 shall
                 force
                 thee
                 away
                 from
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Nor
                 yet
                 secondly
                 ,
                 will
                 these
                 comforts
                 ever
                 forsake
                 thee
                 ,
                 ever
                 cast
                 thee
                 out
                 ;
                 relations
                 come
                 together
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 delight
                 they
                 take
                 each
                 in
                 other
                 ;
                 and
                 many
                 a
                 man
                 is
                 much
                 taken
                 up
                 with
                 the
                 imbraces
                 of
                 this
                 well-favoured
                 harlot
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 what
                 between
                 the
                 lusts
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 the
                 lust
                 of
                 the
                 eye
                 ,
                 and
                 pride
                 of
                 life
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 besides
                 the
                 killing
                 of
                 the
                 imbraces
                 ,
                 the
                 sinner
                 must
                 leave
                 them
                 ,
                 or
                 they
                 will
                 leave
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 then
                 ?
                 O
                 but
                 once
                 get
                 into
                 the
                 arms
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 imbraces
                 cure
                 instead
                 of
                 killing
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 never
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 more
                 .
                 O
                 me
                 thinks
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 one
                 rowling
                 of
                 this
                 sweet
                 morsel
                 under
                 the
                 tongue
                 ,
                 were
                 enough
                 to
                 sweeten
                 any
                 
                 condition
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 happy
                 soul
                 that
                 hath
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 sense
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Yea
                 more
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 have
                 not
                 cast
                 thee
                 out
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 coming
                 ,
                 much
                 less
                 afterward
                 in
                 thy
                 after-comings
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 more
                 of
                 his
                 fulness
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 thee
                 out
                 ,
                 not
                 send
                 thee
                 away
                 empty
                 ;
                 if
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 ever
                 thrown
                 thee
                 off
                 ,
                 it
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 while
                 thou
                 wast
                 a
                 stranger
                 to
                 him
                 ;
                 yet
                 when
                 thou
                 camest
                 to
                 him
                 in
                 a
                 weary
                 ,
                 burthened
                 condition
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 respect
                 to
                 thy
                 condition
                 ,
                 had
                 pitty
                 on
                 thee
                 ,
                 gave
                 thee
                 rest
                 ,
                 admitted
                 thee
                 with
                 all
                 thy
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 guilt
                 ,
                 and
                 took
                 it
                 away
                 ;
                 will
                 he
                 not
                 much
                 more
                 have
                 now
                 bowels
                 towards
                 thee
                 ?
                 can
                 he
                 cast
                 thee
                 out
                 now
                 for
                 thy
                 defects
                 and
                 deformities
                 ?
                 O
                 surely
                 no.
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 Fathers
                 and
                 Mothers
                 hearts
                 to
                 your
                 children
                 ,
                 tell
                 me
                 ,
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 a
                 poor
                 child
                 ,
                 though
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 untowardness
                 he
                 falls
                 ,
                 wounds
                 himself
                 ,
                 bleedeth
                 ,
                 fainteth
                 ,
                 deformeth
                 himself
                 ,
                 cometh
                 to
                 his
                 father
                 ,
                 O
                 father
                 pitty
                 ,
                 father
                 help
                 ,
                 father
                 heal
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 what
                 in
                 me
                 lies
                 undone
                 my self
                 ;
                 though
                 he
                 be
                 angry
                 at
                 his
                 miscarriage
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 bowels
                 work
                 towards
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 doth
                 not
                 upon
                 this
                 account
                 cast
                 him
                 out
                 :
                 And
                 it
                 is
                 worth
                 noting
                 ,
                 when
                 our
                 Saviour
                 was
                 offended
                 with
                 his
                 Disciples
                 for
                 their
                 little
                 faith
                 in
                 the
                 storm
                 ,
                 they
                 came
                 and
                 awaked
                 him
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 
                   Lord
                   save
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   perish
                
                 ;
                 his
                 tenderness
                 was
                 such
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 rebuked
                 them
                 for
                 their
                 unbelief
                 ,
                 he
                 rebuked
                 the
                 Sea
                 
                 and
                 the
                 wind
                 .
                 O
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 surely
                 ,
                 surely
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 his
                 tenderness
                 towards
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 feast
                 of
                 fat
                 things
                 ,
                 here
                 are
                 the
                 wines
                 on
                 the
                 lees
                 to
                 revive
                 and
                 refresh
                 the
                 poor
                 drooping
                 spirits
                 ;
                 lose
                 not
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 your
                 condition
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 meditating
                 upon
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 Object
                 .
                 But
                 some
                 will
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   this
                   be
                   so
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   sad
                   with
                   me
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   have
                   thought
                   I
                   came
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   found
                   comfort
                   and
                   refreshing
                   ,
                   and
                   rest
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   alas
                   ,
                   now
                   he
                   hath
                   cast
                   me
                   off
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   surely
                   I
                   was
                   never
                   truly
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   for
                   none
                   that
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   doth
                   he
                   in
                   any
                   wise
                   cast
                   off
                   .
                
              
               
                 For
                 answer
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 conceive
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 mistake
                 ,
                 such
                 qualms
                 as
                 these
                 seize
                 upon
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 sometimes
                 ,
                 when
                 we
                 
                 will
                 needs
                 live
                 by
                 sight
                 and
                 not
                 by
                 faith
                 :
                 And
                 sometimes
                 the
                 
                 Lord
                 may
                 please
                 to
                 hide
                 his
                 face
                 from
                 his
                 own
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 no
                 marvel
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 troubled
                 ;
                 
                   in
                   a
                   little
                   wrath
                   I
                   hid
                   my
                   face
                   ,
                
                 
                 &c.
                 
                 Sometimes
                 our
                 lusts
                 come
                 and
                 steal
                 away
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 bereaveth
                 us
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 the
                 sensibleness
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 where
                 they
                 have
                 laid
                 our
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 is
                 our
                 sad
                 complaint
                 ;
                 then
                 we
                 mourn
                 ,
                 as
                 children
                 ,
                 thinking
                 themselves
                 forsaken
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Mother
                 be
                 but
                 stept
                 aside
                 haply
                 on
                 purpose
                 upon
                 some
                 necessary
                 occasion
                 .
                 So
                 
                   David
                   ,
                   I
                   said
                   I
                   am
                   cast
                   out
                   of
                   thy
                   sight
                   .
                
                 So
                 
                   Jonas
                   ,
                   What
                   ,
                   hath
                   the
                   Lord
                   shut
                   up
                   his
                   tender
                   mercies
                   ,
                   hath
                   he
                   taken
                   his
                   leave
                   of
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   he
                   be
                   gone
                   for
                   ever
                   ?
                
                 
                 all
                 this
                 while
                 the
                 Mother
                 is
                 behind
                 the
                 Curtain
                 ,
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 every
                 sigh
                 ,
                 seeth
                 every
                 tear
                 fall
                 from
                 the
                 child
                 ,
                 mindeth
                 every
                 expression
                 of
                 longing
                 and
                 breaking
                 desires
                 after
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 forsaking
                 ,
                 a
                 casting
                 out
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 fitting
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 for
                 the
                 receiving
                 more
                 of
                 his
                 love
                 afterward
                 .
                 Why
                 art
                 thou
                 then
                 so
                 disquieted
                 ,
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 droopest
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 more
                 hope
                 nor
                 help
                 for
                 thee
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 a
                 little
                 turned
                 his
                 face
                 away
                 from
                 thee
                 ?
                 O
                 happy
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 canst
                 not
                 bear
                 his
                 absence
                 ,
                 that
                 followest
                 so
                 hard
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 that
                 mournest
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 sign
                 he
                 hath
                 left
                 some
                 sweetness
                 upon
                 the
                 heart
                 to
                 draw
                 thee
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 not
                 cast
                 thee
                 off
                 ;
                 but
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 would
                 work
                 thee
                 more
                 
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 with
                 that
                 sin
                 that
                 hath
                 made
                 the
                 separation
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 he
                 might
                 abide
                 with
                 thee
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Object
                 .
                 
                   Alas
                   but
                   I
                   know
                   not
                   whether
                   I
                   have
                   ever
                   yet
                   come
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ;
                   I
                   am
                   perswaded
                   that
                   such
                   as
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   aright
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   never
                   cast
                   them
                   out
                   ;
                   but
                   my
                   scru●le
                   yet
                   sticks
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   afraid
                   of
                   deceiving
                   my self
                   ,
                   and
                   thinking
                   I
                   come
                   to
                   him
                   when
                   I
                   come
                   not
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   have
                   thus
                   long
                   come
                   and
                   followed
                   after
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   yet
                   got
                   a
                   smile
                   from
                   him
                   to
                   this
                   day
                   ;
                   therefore
                   he
                   seemeth
                   to
                   shake
                   me
                   off
                   ,
                   and
                   cast
                   me
                   out
                   .
                
              
               
                 Let
                 me
                 speak
                 a
                 few
                 things
                 to
                 this
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 That
                 though
                 he
                 hold
                 thee
                 off
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 and
                 seem
                 
                 not
                 to
                 own
                 thee
                 ,
                 in
                 respect
                 of
                 the
                 comforts
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 yet
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 he
                 doth
                 stay
                 and
                 support
                 thee
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 his
                 strengthening
                 presence
                 ,
                 else
                 thou
                 wert
                 never
                 able
                 to
                 endure
                 to
                 hold
                 out
                 mourning
                 after
                 him
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 When
                 thy
                 heart
                 is
                 so
                 drawn
                 out
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 live
                 ,
                 nor
                 be
                 satisfied
                 without
                 thou
                 mournest
                 ,
                 pinest
                 ,
                 languishest
                 after
                 him
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 a
                 coming
                 ,
                 a
                 true
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 when
                 thou
                 hast
                 all
                 things
                 else
                 that
                 heart
                 can
                 wish
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 thou
                 hast
                 relations
                 ,
                 estate
                 ,
                 name
                 as
                 good
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 yet
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 be
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 nothing
                 without
                 interest
                 in
                 him
                 ;
                 thou
                 runnest
                 from
                 Ordinance
                 to
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 from
                 one
                 Congregation
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 from
                 reading
                 to
                 prayer
                 ,
                 yet
                 findest
                 no
                 satisfaction
                 in
                 all
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 say
                 to
                 that
                 soul
                 ,
                 Thou
                 hast
                 an
                 evidence
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 clear
                 one
                 too
                 ,
                 he
                 hath
                 indeed
                 received
                 thee
                 ,
                 or
                 thou
                 wert
                 never
                 able
                 thus
                 to
                 breath
                 after
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 may
                 hold
                 thee
                 off
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 shut
                 thee
                 out
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 made
                 thee
                 willing
                 indeed
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 as
                 King
                 and
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 purified
                 by
                 him
                 ,
                 subdued
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 saved
                 by
                 him
                 ?
                 Alas
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 whether
                 I
                 am
                 or
                 no
                 :
                 if
                 not
                 ,
                 what
                 then
                 meaneth
                 all
                 thy
                 stuffing
                 thy
                 bed
                 with
                 groans
                 ?
                 What
                 mean
                 those
                 Rivers
                 of
                 tears
                 shed
                 over
                 him
                 ?
                 what
                 meaneth
                 thy
                 following
                 so
                 hard
                 after
                 him
                 ?
                 What
                 ,
                 is
                 it
                 possible
                 that
                 any
                 man
                 should
                 make
                 such
                 heavy
                 moan
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 poor
                 souls
                 do
                 for
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 not
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 have
                 him
                 ?
                 If
                 thou
                 wouldest
                 not
                 have
                 him
                 ,
                 me
                 thinks
                 thou
                 wouldest
                 rather
                 run
                 away
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 then
                 run
                 after
                 him
                 :
                 what
                 ascending
                 is
                 there
                 up
                 into
                 this
                 tree
                 and
                 that
                 tree
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 passeth
                 by
                 in
                 an
                 Ordinance
                 ,
                 to
                 get
                 a
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 the
                 poor
                 soul
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 that
                 he
                 would
                 have
                 ,
                 fain
                 have
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 when
                 one
                 sight
                 of
                 him
                 would
                 be
                 so
                 refreshing
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 O
                 go
                 away
                 rejoycing
                 and
                 triumphing
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 that
                 ever
                 he
                 hath
                 looked
                 upon
                 thee
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 thee
                 willing
                 
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 for
                 surely
                 thou
                 art
                 a
                 willing
                 soul
                 who
                 art
                 so
                 affected
                 towards
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 willing
                 ,
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                 surely
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 receiving
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 closing
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 thus
                 taking
                 with
                 one
                 hand
                 Christ
                 for
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 giving
                 up
                 a
                 mans
                 self
                 to
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 other
                 hand
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 thing
                 thy
                 soul
                 groans
                 for
                 ;
                 now
                 if
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 be
                 so
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 be
                 so
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 ,
                 what
                 can
                 interpose
                 to
                 hinder
                 or
                 break
                 the
                 match
                 ?
                 surely
                 nothing
                 .
              
               
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 Thou
                 must
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 wait
                 a
                 while
                 haply
                 ,
                 before
                 thou
                 have
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 thy
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ;
                 before
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 suck
                 the
                 sweetness
                 that
                 floweth
                 from
                 him
                 to
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 hast
                 broken
                 thy
                 bones
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 brought
                 wrath
                 upon
                 thy
                 soul
                 ,
                 as
                 David
                 complains
                 ;
                 O
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 rest
                 in
                 his
                 bones
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 must
                 have
                 a
                 time
                 to
                 knit
                 again
                 .
                 A
                 man
                 will
                 rather
                 lie
                 upon
                 his
                 bed
                 a
                 Prisoner
                 a
                 few
                 daies
                 ,
                 then
                 be
                 a
                 Cripple
                 all
                 the
                 daies
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 ;
                 therefore
                 they
                 say
                 a
                 Horse
                 leg
                 is
                 incurable
                 if
                 broke
                 ,
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 endure
                 to
                 be
                 bound
                 ,
                 to
                 lie
                 quiet
                 .
              
               
                 Submit
                 to
                 the
                 Chyrurgians
                 hand
                 and
                 skill
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 doing
                 ;
                 but
                 alas
                 ,
                 such
                 broken
                 bones
                 heal
                 but
                 slowly
                 through
                 many
                 humors
                 ;
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 sin
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 may
                 be
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 longer
                 ,
                 but
                 wait
                 ;
                 Remember
                 the
                 pains
                 that
                 Elijahs
                 servant
                 took
                 to
                 go
                 up
                 and
                 down
                 that
                 steep
                 hill
                 Carmel
                 with
                 wearyness
                 seven
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 brought
                 news
                 of
                 nothing
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 until
                 at
                 last
                 ,
                 he
                 sees
                 a
                 little
                 cloud
                 which
                 filled
                 the
                 heavens
                 :
                 So
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 recompence
                 all
                 ;
                 at
                 last
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 abundance
                 of
                 rain
                 to
                 refresh
                 thy
                 weary
                 parched
                 soul
                 .
              
               
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 Be
                 frequent
                 in
                 acting
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 putting
                 forth
                 the
                 acts
                 of
                 thy
                 willingness
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 if
                 he
                 be
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 thee
                 ,
                 for
                 hereby
                 the
                 habit
                 of
                 faith
                 will
                 grow
                 stronger
                 ,
                 the
                 little
                 grain
                 of
                 Mustard-seed
                 thou
                 shalt
                 see
                 take
                 strong
                 rooting
                 and
                 spread
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 then
                 the
                 acts
                 will
                 be
                 stronger
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 will
                 yet
                 again
                 strengthen
                 the
                 habit
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 this
                 means
                 the
                 grace
                 will
                 appear
                 more
                 visible
                 :
                 So
                 that
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 thou
                 shalt
                 even
                 feel
                 in
                 thy
                 very
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 dost
                 believe
                 ,
                 if
                 thou
                 often
                 
                 put
                 forth
                 this
                 act
                 of
                 recumbency
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 casting
                 thy self
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 into
                 his
                 arms
                 ,
                 at
                 his
                 feet
                 ;
                 and
                 see
                 if
                 thou
                 find
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 at
                 last
                 thou
                 have
                 not
                 this
                 witness
                 in
                 thy self
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 dost
                 believe
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
                 And
                 then
                 happy
                 soul
                 ,
                 thou
                 mayest
                 take
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 that
                 condition
                 ;
                 
                   Thou
                   shalt
                   never
                   be
                   cast
                   out
                   .
                
              
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           
             The
             first
             Table
             contains
             the
             General
             and
             Particular
             Heads
             (
             as
             they
             follow
             in
             their
             order
             )
             in
             the
             preceding
             Subject
             ,
             
               Circumspect
               Walking
               ,
               A
               Christians
               Wisdom
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Text
             opened
             ,
             Page
             55.
             out
             of
             which
             this
             first
             doctrine
             is
             raised
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             is
             a
             duty
             Christians
             are
             strictly
             charged
             with
             to
             walk
             circumspectly
             ,
             ibid.
             
          
           
             But
             first
             there
             is
             enquired
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             to
             walk
             circumspectly
             ,
          
           
             Here
             you
             have
             first
             the
             Matter
             of
             a
             Christians
             conversation
             expressed
             by
             walking
             ,
             which
             includes
             all
             a
             mans
             actions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Spiritual
             .
             2.
             
             Civil
             .
             3.
             
             Natural
             .
             55
             ,
             56
          
           
             This
             Latiude
             appears
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             that
             walking
             is
             a
             motion
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             From
             other
             Principles
             .
             2.
             
             By
             other
             Rules
             then
             the
             men
             of
             the
             world
             walk
             by
             ,
             ibid.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             is
             a
             
               Terminus
               a
               quo
            
             ,
             from
             whence
             they
             walk
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             from
             sin
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             
               Terminus
               ad
               quem
            
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             to
             God
             in
             Christ
             .
             57
          
           
             4.
             
             This
             Motion
             is
             a
             progressive
             motion
             .
          
           
             
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 constant
                 
                   
                     Motion
                     ,
                  
                
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 It
                 it
                 a
                 pleasant
              
            
             ibid.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Here
             you
             have
             the
             manner
             of
             this
             walking
             Circumspectly
             ,
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Now
             to
             this
             exact
             walking
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             There
             must
             go
             a
             Rule
             ,
             57
          
           
             
             2.
             
             Knowledge
             to
             understand
             ,
             and
             wisdom
             rightly
             to
             apply
             the
             rule
             .
             58
          
           
             3.
             
             Keeping
             close
             to
             the
             rule
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             not
             following
             a
             multitude
             as
             most
             do
             .
             59
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             not
             following
             the
             Examples
             of
             the
             Saints
             further
             then
             they
             follow
             Christ
             .
             60
          
           
             4.
             
             There
             must
             be
             a
             mending
             not
             only
             the
             external
             part
             ,
             but
             the
             inside
             and
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             rule
             .
             61
          
           
             5.
             
             Carrying
             an
             even
             course
             towards
             heaven
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             6.
             
             Making
             it
             a
             mans
             work
             to
             walk
             exactly
             with
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 A
                 watchful
                 eye
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 A
                 trembling
                 heart
                 .
              
            
          
           
             The
             second
             thing
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Text
             ,
          
           
             That
             it
             is
             a
             duty
             so
             strictly
             charged
             upon
             the
             Saints
             ,
             proved
             63
          
           
             The
             Reasons
             of
             the
             third
             thing
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Text.
             
          
           
             Why
             this
             duty
             is
             charged
             upon
             the
             Saints
             ,
             
               (
               viz.
            
             )
             to
             walk
             circumspectly
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Because
             they
             are
             the
             children
             of
             the
             light
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Because
             their
             steps
             are
             more
             eyed
             then
             other
             mens
             .
             64
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             regard
             of
             God
             himself
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             regard
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Many
             men
             watch
             for
             their
             Halting
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Some
             men
             are
             scandalized
             by
             their
             uneven
             walking
             .
          
           
             Either
             good
             or
             evil
             Men.
             65
          
           
             3.
             
             Because
             all
             have
             erring
             hearts
             ,
             and
             naturally
             love
             to
             wander
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             Because
             there
             are
             many
             by-paths
             whereinto
             they
             may
             step
             awry
             .
             66.
             
          
           
             The
             first
             Use
             shews
             ,
             that
             among
             the
             much
             profession
             of
             Christ
             there
             is
             little
             power
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             The
             second
             use
             reproves
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             People
             of
             God
             that
             come
             short
             of
             this
             exact
             Walking
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Those
             that
             instead
             of
             following
             God
             fully
             ,
             have
             their
             hearts
             divided
             .
             67
          
           
             1.
             
             Some
             that
             content
             themselves
             only
             with
             the
             shews
             of
             religion
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Some
             that
             are
             all
             for
             morality
             and
             honesty
             of
             conversation
             .
             68
          
           
             3.
             
             Some
             that
             neither
             fear
             God
             ,
             nor
             reverence
             Man.
             ibid.
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Those
             are
             reproved
             that
             make
             exact
             walking
             the
             object
             of
             their
             scorn
             .
          
           
             The
             third
             Use
             is
             for
             Exhortation
             ,
             to
             buckle
             to
             this
             duty
             of
             exact
             walking
             .
             69
          
           
             From
             whence
             follows
             the
             Motives
             ,
          
           
             As
             1.
             
             The
             way
             wherein
             to
             walk
             ,
             is
             all
             overspread
             with
             snares
             .
             70
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 To
                 tempt
                 into
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 To
                 Tempt
                 for
                 sin
                 .
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             necessity
             of
             it
             unto
             the
             end
             .
             71
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             difficulty
             of
             it
             .
             72
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             love
             of
             many
             waxes
             cold
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             God
             hath
             much
             honour
             by
             it
             .
             73
          
           
             6
             Others
             may
             be
             drawn
             to
             a
             liking
             of
             it
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             The
             Directions
             herein
             how
             to
             walk
             exactly
             ,
             are
             .
          
           
             
             1.
             
             Labouring
             to
             get
             an
             heart
             sensible
             of
             wandrings
             .
             74
          
           
             2.
             
             Setting
             the
             heart
             always
             as
             in
             Gods
             presence
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             Letting
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             dwell
             richly
             in
             the
             heart
             .
             75
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 all
                 wisdom
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 all
                 understanding
                 .
              
            
          
           
             4.
             
             Applying
             the
             rule
             to
             a
             mans
             ways
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             Enquiring
             of
             God
             in
             every
             serious
             undertaking
             .
             77
          
           
             6.
             
             Looking
             to
             Humility
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             Taking
             heed
             of
             squint-eyed
             ends
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             8.
             
             Taking
             heed
             of
             halting
             between
             two
             .
             78
          
           
             9.
             
             Fore-casting
             what
             temptations
             to
             meet
             with
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             God.
             ibid.
             
          
           
             10.
             
             Labouring
             to
             Arm
             with
             a
             strong
             perswasion
             of
             Gods
             Al-sufficiency
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             Now
             then
             Plead
             not
             against
             the
             difficulty
             of
             this
             circumspect
             walking
             79
          
           
             For
             first
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             difficult
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             exexcellent
             it
             is
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             is
             nothing
             so
             hard
             ,
             but
             diligence
             will
             overcome
             ,
             if
             the
             soul
             be
             in
             Christ
             .
          
           
             For
             ,
             1.
             
             Then
             it
             hath
             a
             fulness
             of
             strength
             .
             80
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             hath
             in
             Christ
             all
             the
             Promises
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             The
             second
             Doctrine
             ,
          
           
             That
             it
             is
             a
             proof
             of
             Christian
             Wisdom
             to
             walk
             circumspectly
             ,
             Proved
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             From
             Places
             of
             Scripture
             .
             81
          
           
             It
             is
             further
             confirmed
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             that
             it
             is
             wisdom
             to
             propound
             a
             right
             end
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             provide
             and
             make
             use
             of
             the
             right
             means
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             To
             take
             the
             nearest
             and
             easiest
             way
             .
             83
          
           
             4.
             
             To
             suit
             and
             shape
             a
             mans
             course
             according
             to
             the
             exigence
             of
             his
             condition
             .
             84
          
           
             5.
             
             To
             do
             it
             in
             its
             season
             or
             time
             .
             85
          
           
             6.
             
             To
             go
             through
             s●itch
             with
             the
             work
             .
             ibid.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             To
             take
             a
             Course
             for
             the
             fullest
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             last
             end
             .
             86
          
           
             8.
             
             To
             make
             sure
             the
             title
             of
             inheritance
             .
             87
          
           
             The
             Application
             serves
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             To
             wipe
             off
             that
             slandering
             imputation
             of
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             The
             false
             accuser
             of
             the
             Brethren
             ,
             &c.
             
             Casts
             upon
             Religion
             .
             89
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             retort
             folly
             upon
             the
             wisdom
             of
             the
             world
             .
             90
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             Pitching
             upon
             a
             wrong
             end
             ,
             ibid.
             
          
           
             Considering
             ,
             1.
             
             That
             all
             these
             things
             here
             will
             not
             run
             parallel
             with
             the
             souls
             to
             eternity
             .
             91
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             these
             things
             while
             they
             are
             kept
             here
             do
             not
             satisfie
             the
             soul
             ibid.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             miscarrying
             in
             the
             right
             means
             .
             92
          
           
             
             1.
             
             In
             being
             wise
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             being
             satisfied
             with
             the
             bare
             name
             of
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             In
             being
             wise
             in
             their
             own
             conceits
             .
          
           
             Now
             then
             ,
             Let
             the
             sons
             of
             true
             wisdom
             justifie
             her
             by
             a
             circumspectual
             walking
             .
             93
          
           
             1.
             
             Labouring
             to
             cease
             from
             their
             own
             wisdom
             .
             94
          
           
             2.
             
             Begging
             the
             Spirit
             of
             wisdom
             more
             earnestly
             .
             95
          
           
             And
             it
             will
             be
             found
             that
             he
             will
             guide
             them
             by
             his
             Counsell
             ;
             And
             afterwards
             receive
             them
             to
             Glory
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           
             The
             first
             Alphabetical
             Table
             ,
             containing
             the
             principal
             heads
             ,
             and
             matter
             in
             the
             foregoing
             Treatise
             of
             
               The
               Parable
               of
               the
               ten
               Virgins
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 A
              
               
                 ADmissions
                 into
                 Christs
                 fellowship
                 and
                 communion
                 ,
                 they
                 who
                 are
                 stricter
                 herein
                 then
                 Christ
                 would
                 have
                 them
                 ,
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 blamed
                 ,
                 pag.
                 93
              
               
                 Affections
                 in
                 man
                 are
                 dull
                 ,
                 22
              
               
                 Afflict
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 Christ
                 is
                 not
                 forward
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 86
              
               
                 Afflictions
                 are
                 said
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 cry
                 ,
                 201
              
               
                 Allegory
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 2
              
               
                 Angels
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 they
                 called
                 ,
                 192
              
               
                 Angry
                 ,
                 sometimes
                 Christ
                 is
                 with
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 yet
                 not
                 properly
                 ,
                 81
              
               
                 Antichrist
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 308
              
               
                 Arch-angels
                 voice
                 ,
                 the
                 fore-runner
                 of
                 Christs
                 general
                 coming
                 to
                 Judgement
                 ,
                 is
                 understood
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 cry
                 ,
                 200
              
               
                 Awake
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 188
              
               
                 Awake
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 been
                 kept
                 so
                 in
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 need
                 ,
                 is
                 double
                 and
                 treble
                 mercy
                 ,
                 195
              
               
                 Awakened
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 by
                 God
                 ,
                 should
                 sweeten
                 his
                 severest
                 dealings
                 towards
                 us
                 ,
                 205
              
               
                 Aims
                 ,
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 as
                 high
                 as
                 heaven
                 ,
                 253
              
            
          
           
             
               
               
                 B
              
               
                 Beginners
                 ,
                 young
                 ,
                 are
                 to
                 look
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 able
                 so
                 to
                 run
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 obtain
                 ,
                 382
              
               
                 To
                 Believe
                 things
                 ,
                 men
                 are
                 exceeding
                 slow
                 ,
                 21
              
               
                 Believers
                 profession
                 may
                 decline
                 ,
                 240
              
               
                 Believers
                 profession
                 growing
                 low
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 their
                 duty
                 to
                 renew
                 it
                 ,
                 256
              
               
                 Breaches
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 making
                 them
                 ,
                 98
              
               
                 Bride
                 ,
                 who
                 this
                 is
                 ,
                 35
              
               
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 Christ
                 stands
                 in
                 that
                 relation
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 33
              
               
                 Bridegroom
                 ,
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 is
                 he
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 consider
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     His
                     Birth
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     His
                     Beauty
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     His
                     Riches
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     His
                     Honour
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     His
                     Power
                     .
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     His
                     lovely
                     disposition
                     ,
                     from
                  
                
                 p.
                 38
                 to
                 40
              
               
                 Bridegroom
                 and
                 Bride
                 ,
                 the
                 causes
                 that
                 concur
                 to
                 the
                 making
                 up
                 their
                 relation
                 between
                 them
                 ,
                 41
              
               
                 Bridegrooms
                 coming
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 desired
                 ,
                 81
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 C
              
               
                 Change
                 in
                 us
                 to
                 true
                 wisdom
                 must
                 be
                 great
                 ,
                 118
              
               
                 Christ
                 and
                 the
                 Church
                 are
                 related
                 .
                 See
                 Bridegroom
                 .
              
               
                 Christ
                 Redeems
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 woes
                 them
                 ,
                 from
                 p.
                 41.
                 to
                 p.
                 44
              
               
                 Christ
                 hath
                 satisfied
                 all
                 that
                 can
                 be
                 demanded
                 ,
                 49
              
               
                 Christ
                 makes
                 the
                 soul
                 give
                 up
                 it self
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Considerately
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     In
                     truth
                     sincerely
                     .
                  
                
                 53
              
               
                 Christ
                 laies
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 his
                 bosom
                 ,
                 63
              
               
                 Christ
                 owns
                 many
                 before
                 they
                 own
                 him
                 ,
                 97
              
               
                 Choice
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 74
              
               
                 Choose
                 not
                 the
                 prosperity
                 that
                 is
                 expected
                 to
                 accompany
                 Christ
                 ,
                 74
              
               
                 Nor
                 his
                 graces
                 ,
                 but
                 himself
                 first
                 ,
                 75
              
               
                 Church
                 visible
                 hath
                 two
                 sorts
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 9
              
               
                 Church
                 visible
                 compared
                 to
                 ten
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 &
                 p.
                 10
              
               
                 Church
                 visible
                 is
                 made
                 up
                 of
                 visible
                 Saints
                 ,
                 87
              
               
                 Church
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 too
                 blame
                 that
                 make
                 no
                 difference
                 between
                 them
                 ,
                 92
              
               
                 Church
                 visible
                 hath
                 in
                 it
                 some
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 bad
                 ,
                 94
              
               
                 Church
                 ,
                 what
                 she
                 should
                 do
                 when
                 Members
                 become
                 scandalous
                 ,
                 99
              
               
                 Closing
                 ,
                 not
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 danger
                 ,
                 69
              
               
                 Closing
                 ,
                 with
                 Christ
                 ;
                 the
                 Motives
                 to
                 perswade
                 ,
                 70
              
               
                 Coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 doth
                 delay
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 proved
                 by
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 120
              
               
                 Coming
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 ,
                 121
              
               
                 Coming
                 ,
                 in
                 what
                 sense
                 Christ
                 is
                 said
                 to
                 delay
                 it
                 ,
                 p.
                 122.
                 and
                 in
                 what
                 
                 sense
                 not
                 to
                 delay
                 it
                 ,
                 124
              
               
                 Coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 abuse
                 and
                 mock
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 reproved
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 word
                 to
                 mind
                 them
                 ,
                 from
                 130
                 ,
                 to
                 137
              
               
                 Coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 something
                 noted
                 thereupon
                 ,
                 198
              
               
                 Coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ordinarily
                 is
                 at
                 midnight
                 ,
                 208
              
               
                 Communion
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 is
                 twofold
                 ,
                 353
              
               
                 Conditions
                 ,
                 two
                 there
                 are
                 that
                 usually
                 wither
                 mens
                 professions
                 ,
                 245
              
               
                 Conscience
                 hath
                 yet
                 some
                 stirring
                 ,
                 158
              
               
                 Cry
                 goeth
                 before
                 Christs
                 coming
                 ,
                 what
                 this
                 is
                 put
                 for
                 ,
                 6
              
               
                 Cry
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 taken
                 for
                 ,
                 197
              
               
                 Cry
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 noted
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 199
              
               
                 And
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Cry
                 ,
                 its
                 relative
                 consideration
                 ,
                 and
                 wherefore
                 there
                 is
                 such
                 before
                 Christs
                 coming
                 ,
                 201
                 ,
                 202
              
               
                 Cry
                 of
                 such
                 before
                 the
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 use
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 thereof
                 ,
                 206.
                 and
                 the
                 danger
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 done
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 D
              
               
                 Day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 must
                 be
                 waited
                 for
                 by
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 137
              
               
                 Day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 how
                 sinners
                 must
                 wait
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 139
              
               
                 Day
                 of
                 Christ
                 coming
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 nearest
                 ,
                 when
                 least
                 expected
                 ,
                 214
              
               
                 Day
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 concerned
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 279
              
               
                 Declinings
                 may
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 even
                 near
                 their
                 end
                 ,
                 243
              
               
                 Declinings
                 in
                 Gods
                 people
                 ,
                 should
                 teach
                 us
                 many
                 things
                 ,
                 246
              
               
                 Delay
                 ,
                 See
                 Coming
                 .
              
               
                 Deliverance
                 ,
                 whence
                 doth
                 it
                 come
                 ,
                 156
              
               
                 Discouragements
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 armed
                 against
                 ,
                 251
                 ,
                 252
              
               
                 Dividing
                 ,
                 upon
                 every
                 occasion
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 98
              
               
                 To
                 Do
                 what
                 a
                 man
                 knows
                 he
                 is
                 slow
                 ,
                 23
              
               
                 Door
                 of
                 heaven
                 will
                 be
                 shut
                 against
                 all
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 not
                 ready
                 to
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 363
              
               
                 Door
                 is
                 twofold
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Door
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 shut
                 against
                 us
                 ,
                 what
                 have
                 we
                 to
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 ,
                 371
              
               
                 Dulness
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 26
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 E
              
               
                 Entrance
                 ,
                 abundant
                 into
                 glory
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 preparation
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 required
                 ,
                 328
              
               
                 Espousals
                 ,
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 it
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 46
              
               
                 Espousals
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 The
                 difference
                 between
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 espousals
                 between
                 men
                 and
                 women
                 ,
                 86
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 F
              
               
                 Faithful
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 must
                 be
                 unto
                 Christ
                 ,
                 8
              
               
                 Fall
                 away
                 from
                 grace
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 reproved
                 ,
                 254
              
               
                 
                 Favourites
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 so
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 admire
                 it
                 ,
                 351
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 taken
                 for
                 ,
                 339
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 may
                 be
                 looked
                 upon
                 two
                 waies
                 340
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 in
                 it
                 the
                 Communion
                 of
                 the
                 Saints
                 shall
                 be
                 heightened
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 p.
                 343.
                 and
                 it
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 so
                 ,
                 345
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 how
                 Christ
                 brings
                 the
                 Saints
                 in
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 347
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 into
                 it
                 ,
                 none
                 else
                 can
                 bring
                 but
                 Christ
                 ,
                 348
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 to
                 it
                 sinners
                 are
                 invited
                 ,
                 353
              
               
                 With
                 two
                 cautions
                 ,
                 
                   ib
                   d.
                
                 
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 the
                 sinners
                 that
                 say
                 they
                 have
                 it
                 already
                 ,
                 answered
                 ,
                 355
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 laies
                 a
                 necessity
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 357
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 are
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 prepare
                 for
                 it
                 in
                 heaven
                 ,
                 358
              
               
                 Feast
                 ,
                 to
                 those
                 that
                 enter
                 in
                 with
                 Christ
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 comfort
                 ,
                 360
              
               
                 Fellowships
                 .
                 See
                 Admissions
                 .
              
               
                 Folly
                 of
                 formal
                 professors
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 appears
                 ,
                 111
              
               
                 Folly
                 ,
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 are
                 guilty
                 of
                 it
                 reproved
                 ,
                 290
              
               
                 Folly
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 doth
                 consist
                 ,
                 299
              
               
                 See
                 Wisdom
                 .
              
               
                 Formality
                 ,
                 if
                 no
                 more
                 doth
                 fail
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 263
              
               
                 Formalists
                 ,
                 to
                 all
                 them
                 a
                 terrible
                 word
                 ,
                 402
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 G
              
               
                 God
                 for
                 his
                 own
                 glory
                 comes
                 in
                 a
                 time
                 unknown
                 ,
                 210
              
               
                 God
                 the
                 Father
                 giveth
                 his
                 people
                 to
                 his
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 giveth
                 his
                 Son
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 41
              
               
                 God
                 and
                 the
                 world
                 are
                 of
                 two
                 minds
                 ,
                 114
              
               
                 Gods
                 goodness
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 in
                 awakening
                 them
                 ,
                 204
              
               
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 its
                 preaching
                 to
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 understood
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 cry
                 ,
                 199
              
               
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 if
                 men
                 refuse
                 and
                 reject
                 it
                 ,
                 no
                 wonder
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 369
              
               
                 Grace
                 distinguished
                 ,
                 99
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 its
                 largeness
                 to
                 sinners
                 ,
                 97
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 its
                 act
                 Saints
                 may
                 loose
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 its
                 habit
                 ,
                 172
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 its
                 throne
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 there
                 is
                 to
                 ply
                 it
                 ,
                 194
              
               
                 Grace
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 abused
                 ,
                 255
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 if
                 once
                 in
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 never
                 lost
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 be
                 rendered
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 256
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 its
                 getting
                 being
                 put
                 off
                 till
                 the
                 last
                 day
                 ,
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 folly
                 ,
                 286
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 the
                 going
                 to
                 the
                 creature
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 note
                 of
                 great
                 folly
                 ,
                 298
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 denyed
                 ,
                 302
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 none
                 that
                 have
                 any
                 surplusage
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 more
                 then
                 will
                 serve
                 their
                 turn
                 ,
                 309
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 to
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 enough
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 a
                 reproving
                 word
                 ,
                 311
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 think
                 they
                 have
                 
                 but
                 little
                 ,
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Comfort
                 ,
                 313
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 its
                 day
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 do
                 trifle
                 away
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 when
                 pity
                 shall
                 arise
                 from
                 none
                 ,
                 315
              
               
                 Graces
                 must
                 be
                 had
                 ,
                 gotten
                 and
                 kept
                 in
                 a
                 lively
                 frame
                 ,
                 218
              
               
                 Graces
                 ,
                 how
                 they
                 must
                 be
                 acted
                 ,
                 219
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 249
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 H
              
               
                 Heart
                 of
                 man
                 is
                 unconstant
                 ,
                 23
              
               
                 Heart
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 trusted
                 in
                 the
                 highest
                 frame
                 ,
                 194
              
               
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 men
                 may
                 come
                 very
                 neer
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 shut
                 out
                 ,
                 379
              
               
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 what
                 will
                 become
                 of
                 them
                 who
                 never
                 set
                 foot
                 towards
                 it
                 ,
                 380
              
               
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 in
                 it
                 the
                 Saints
                 Communion
                 will
                 be
                 heightned
                 ,
                 343
              
               
                 Holiness
                 real
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 366
              
               
                 Honoured
                 ,
                 wherein
                 Father
                 and
                 Son
                 are
                 ,
                 69
              
               
                 Hypocrisie
                 deep
                 may
                 lie
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 95
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 Christ
                 coming
                 to
                 judge
                 at
                 midnight
                 is
                 like
                 an
                 evil
                 snare
                 ,
                 212
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 when
                 Christ
                 comes
                 upon
                 them
                 unawares
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 Terror
                 ,
                 215
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 may
                 go
                 very
                 far
                 towards
                 heaven
                 and
                 Salvation
                 ,
                 from
                 122
                 to
                 231
              
               
                 Hypoctites
                 ,
                 how
                 many
                 men
                 know
                 whether
                 they
                 be
                 such
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 234
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 never
                 have
                 respect
                 to
                 all
                 Gods
                 Commandments
                 ,
                 236
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 profession
                 will
                 not
                 carry
                 them
                 through
                 all
                 conditions
                 ,
                 262
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 lean
                 upon
                 two
                 Pillars
                 that
                 will
                 fail
                 them
                 ,
                 266
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 may
                 long
                 lie
                 hid
                 from
                 themselves
                 ,
                 268
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 ordinarily
                 are
                 not
                 diligent
                 ,
                 or
                 laborious
                 in
                 searching
                 within
                 ,
                 272
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 I
              
               
                 James
                 King
                 ,
                 what
                 once
                 he
                 said
                 ,
                 173
              
               
                 Jealousie
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 68
              
               
                 Jeroms
                 resolution
                 ,
                 297
              
               
                 Jerusalem
                 had
                 her
                 day
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 279
              
               
                 Jesus
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 magnified
                 ,
                 we
                 to
                 be
                 humbled
                 and
                 convinced
                 of
                 folly
                 ,
                 from
                 389
                 to
                 391
              
               
                 Infants
                 of
                 Believers
                 are
                 external
                 Saints
                 ,
                 94
              
               
                 Justice
                 satisfied
                 ,
                 See
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Justice
                 and
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 upon
                 what
                 account
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 magnified
                 ,
                 322
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 K
              
               
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 taken
                 for
                 ,
                 87
              
               
                 
                   Kingdom
                   of
                
                 Heaven
                 is
                 compared
                 to
                 a
                 Feast
                 ,
                 339
              
               
                 Know
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 Christ
                 doth
                 not
                 ,
                 shall
                 never
                 enter
                 into
                 his
                 Marriage-feast
                 ,
                 396
              
               
                 Know
                 them
                 not
                 ,
                 Christ
                 will
                 declare
                 this
                 at
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Judgment
                 unto
                 Hypocrites
                 ,
                 399
              
               
                 
                 Knowledge
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 those
                 that
                 have
                 none
                 231
              
               
                 Knowing
                 of
                 a
                 soul
                 by
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 〈◊〉
                 understood
                 ,
                 393
              
               
                 Known
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 many
                 never
                 are
                 that
                 profess
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 profess
                 to
                 know
                 him
                 ,
                 392
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 L
              
               
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 11
                 103
              
               
                 Lamps
                 of
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 burn
                 low
                 ,
                 yet
                 are
                 they
                 not
                 put
                 out
                 244
              
               
                 Lamps
                 must
                 be
                 trimmed
                 every
                 day
                 ,
                 254
              
               
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 ,
                 257
              
               
                 Lamps
                 ,
                 their
                 Motives
                 to
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 ,
                 258
              
               
                 Lamps
                 our
                 own
                 ,
                 what
                 we
                 should
                 do
                 to
                 trim
                 them
                 ,
                 260
              
               
                 Law
                 requires
                 absolute
                 obedience
                 ,
                 69
              
               
                 Long-sufferance
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 treasure
                 up
                 that
                 despise
                 it
                 ,
                 134
              
               
                 Look
                 unto
                 two
                 things
                 ,
                 383
              
               
                 Love
                 transcendent
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 54
              
               
                 Love
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 us
                 should
                 ever
                 keep
                 us
                 low
                 ,
                 59
              
               
                 Love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 souls
                 objections
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 answered
                 ,
                 78
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 M
              
               
                 Magistrates
                 who
                 are
                 the
                 keepers
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 vineyard
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 155
              
               
                 Man
                 ,
                 in
                 him
                 Christ
                 sees
                 nothing
                 desirable
                 ,
                 47
              
               
                 Man
                 ,
                 in
                 him
                 a
                 double
                 principle
                 ,
                 146
              
               
                 Man
                 or
                 Men
                 ,
                 though
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 for
                 Grace
                 ,
                 yet
                 will
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 Glory
                 ,
                 385
              
               
                 Marriage
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 338
              
               
                 Marriages
                 used
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 with
                 feasting
                 ,
                 53
              
               
                 Measures
                 that
                 are
                 false
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 being
                 deceived
                 by
                 them
                 ,
                 251
              
               
                 Members
                 of
                 Christs
                 visible
                 Church
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 one
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 priviledge
                 ,
                 98
              
               
                 Members
                 unregenerated
                 in
                 a
                 visible
                 Church
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 99
              
               
                 Memory
                 in
                 man
                 is
                 a
                 leaking
                 vessel
                 ,
                 21
              
               
                 Metaphor
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 2
              
               
                 Midnight
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 208
              
               
                 See
                 coming
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
               
                 Ministers
                 plea
                 for
                 putting
                 the
                 People
                 in
                 remembrance
                 ,
                 24
              
               
                 Ministers
                 wisdom
                 in
                 pressing
                 truths
                 ,
                 25
              
               
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 44
              
               
                 Ministers
                 duty
                 ,
                 67
              
               
                 Ministers
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 156
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 N
              
               
                 Novelties
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 of
                 affecting
                 them
                 ,
                 28
              
               
                 Number
                 our
                 days
                 ,
                 labour
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 117
              
               
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 must
                 neither
                 
                 be
                 neglected
                 ,
                 nor
                 slighted
                 ,
                 253
              
               
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 many
                 that
                 think
                 they
                 can
                 get
                 grace
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 reproved
                 ,
                 300
              
               
                 Ornaments
                 ,
                 look
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 get
                 them
                 ready
                 ,
                 81
              
               
                 Oyl
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 104
              
               
                 Oyl
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 to
                 cha●e
                 it
                 in
                 our
                 hearts
                 ,
                 32
              
               
                 Oyl
                 ,
                 Motives
                 to
                 have
                 it
                 in
                 our
                 Vessels
                 ,
                 115
              
               
                 Oyl
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 know
                 we
                 have
                 it
                 ,
                 118
              
               
                 Oyl
                 in
                 your
                 vessels
                 ,
                 must
                 surely
                 be
                 had
                 in
                 readiness
                 ,
                 217
              
               
                 Oyl
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 go
                 to
                 the
                 Saints
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 have
                 a
                 denyal
                 ,
                 302
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 P
              
               
                 Papists
                 reproved
                 for
                 taking
                 upon
                 them
                 to
                 sell
                 grace
                 ,
                 306
              
               
                 Papists
                 are
                 like
                 to
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 299
              
               
                 Parable
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 1
              
               
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 slept
                 ,
                 156
              
               
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 make
                 profession
                 of
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 an
                 exhortation
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 232
              
               
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 considerations
                 to
                 stir
                 them
                 up
                 to
                 cut
                 off
                 all
                 delayes
                 ,
                 293
              
               
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 are
                 guided
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 318
              
               
                 Perfection
                 in
                 this
                 life
                 there
                 is
                 not
                 ,
                 192
              
               
                 Plots
                 and
                 -
                 Purposes
                 ,
                 how
                 it
                 comes
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 many
                 are
                 taken
                 away
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 213
              
               
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 253
              
               
                 Profession
                 without
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 is
                 but
                 folly
                 ,
                 104
              
               
                 Professions
                 ,
                 all
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 folls
                 ,
                 115
              
               
                 Professors
                 formal
                 ,
                 what
                 such
                 are
                 to
                 know
                 ,
                 265
              
               
                 Professors
                 formal
                 ,
                 a
                 startling
                 word
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 280
              
               
                 Professors
                 real
                 ,
                 to
                 them
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 Exhortation
                 ,
                 282
              
               
                 Professors
                 trifling
                 ,
                 a
                 warning
                 word
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 316.
                 
                 Their
                 doleful
                 condition
                 ,
                 371.
                 
                 See
                 
                   Saints
                   .
                   Formalists
                
                 .
              
               
                 Promises
                 ,
                 from
                 them
                 conclude
                 that
                 Christ
                 will
                 not
                 put
                 away
                 any
                 soul
                 ,
                 84
              
               
                 Prophecyings
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 despise
                 them
                 ,
                 what
                 to
                 remember
                 ,
                 24
              
               
                 Put
                 away
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 souls
                 objections
                 answered
                 ,
                 85
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 R
              
               
                 Readiness
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 maintain
                 it
                 ,
                 337
              
               
                 Reaidness
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 326
              
               
                 Ready
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 when
                 Christ
                 cometh
                 ,
                 do
                 enter
                 with
                 him
                 into
                 glory
                 ,
                 325
              
               
                 Ready
                 a
                 child
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 before
                 he
                 desire
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 desire
                 it
                 before
                 he
                 be
                 ready
                 ,
                 329
                 ,
                 330
              
               
                 Ready
                 soul
                 is
                 in
                 a
                 blessed
                 condition
                 ,
                 332
              
               
                 Ready
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 put
                 this
                 question
                 ,
                 333
              
               
                 Ready
                 to
                 enter
                 ,
                 what
                 need
                 there
                 is
                 to
                 
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 372
              
               
                 With
                 Directions
                 what
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 373
                 374
              
               
                 Refuges
                 ,
                 how
                 hard
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 beat
                 a
                 man
                 off
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 319
              
               
                 Refuges
                 ,
                 what
                 they
                 should
                 teach
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 brought
                 off
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 321
              
               
                 Rejoyce
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 the
                 soul
                 must
                 ,
                 79
              
               
                 See
                 willing
                 .
              
               
                 Resurrection
                 of
                 the
                 dead
                 ,
                 a
                 Saint
                 falls
                 short
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 though
                 he
                 have
                 never
                 so
                 much
                 grace
                 here
                 ,
                 311
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 S
              
               
                 Saints
                 seeming
                 and
                 real
                 ,
                 in
                 what
                 respect
                 called
                 ,
                 and
                 compared
                 to
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 10
              
               
                 Saints
                 real
                 and
                 formal
                 ,
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 do
                 distinguish
                 them
                 ,
                 14
              
               
                 Saints
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 60
              
               
                 Saints
                 ought
                 to
                 communicate
                 their
                 experiences
                 each
                 to
                 other
                 ,
                 305
              
               
                 Saints
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 good
                 esteem
                 of
                 hypocrites
                 ,
                 229
              
               
                 Saint-ship
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 requisite
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 89
              
               
                 Similitude
                 is
                 the
                 mother
                 of
                 mistakes
                 ,
                 271
              
               
                 Sins
                 greatness
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 lies
                 ,
                 151
              
               
                 Sin
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 know
                 whether
                 the
                 conflict
                 of
                 it
                 be
                 right
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 238
              
               
                 Sinners
                 hearts
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 self-confidence
                 and
                 presumption
                 ,
                 383
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 what
                 kind
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 145
              
               
                 Noted
                 by
                 two
                 degrees
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 147
              
               
                 Sleep
                 of
                 Formalists
                 and
                 Saints
                 do
                 differ
                 ,
                 1●7
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 considerations
                 to
                 stir
                 us
                 up
                 out
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 163
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 it
                 will
                 find
                 no
                 ease
                 ,
                 169
              
               
                 Sleep
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 kept
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 considerations
                 to
                 heighten
                 our
                 praises
                 ,
                 177
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 apt
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 when
                 most
                 need
                 to
                 be
                 awake
                 ,
                 187
              
               
                 Sleep
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 argues
                 ,
                 192
              
               
                 Sleep
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 deep
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Sleeping
                 ,
                 the
                 sad
                 effects
                 of
                 it
                 is
                 matter
                 of
                 mourning
                 ,
                 155
              
               
                 Sleeping
                 ,
                 cautions
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 171
              
               
                 Sleepy
                 ,
                 the
                 end
                 why
                 God
                 leaves
                 his
                 people
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 frame
                 ,
                 153
              
               
                 Slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 145
              
               
                 Slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 the
                 time
                 considerable
                 ,
                 143
              
               
                 Slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 incident
                 to
                 the
                 best
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 144
              
               
                 Slumbering
                 and
                 sleeping
                 ,
                 argues
                 an
                 hour
                 of
                 need
                 to
                 watch
                 in
                 ,
                 196
              
               
                 Sorrow
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 know
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 right
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 235
              
               
                 Souls
                 dejected
                 ,
                 have
                 arguments
                 set
                 before
                 them
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 58
              
               
                 Soul
                 of
                 man
                 hath
                 two
                 things
                 in
                 it
                 considerable
                 ,
                 106
              
               
                 Souls
                 evil
                 or
                 loss
                 ,
                 112
              
               
                 Souls
                 doubting
                 ,
                 to
                 them
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 encouragement
                 ,
                 407
              
               
                 Spirit
                 of
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 greatest
                 woer
                 ,
                 44
              
               
                 Spirit
                 of
                 grace
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 need
                 to
                 keep
                 in
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 195
              
               
                 
                 Spirit
                 must
                 not
                 be
                 grieved
                 when
                 we
                 have
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 254
              
               
                 Spirits
                 prophane
                 ,
                 reproved
                 ,
                 135
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 T
              
               
                 Teachers
                 false
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 waies
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 heed
                 of
                 .
                 250
              
               
                 Teachers
                 of
                 God
                 have
                 a
                 pattern
                 set
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 24
              
               
                 Temptation
                 hath
                 an
                 hour
                 .
                 See
                 Awaking
                 .
              
               
                 Things
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 inculcated
                 upon
                 Believers
                 ,
                 bespeaks
                 somewhat
                 more
                 to
                 be
                 learned
                 ,
                 28
              
               
                 Time
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 good
                 use
                 of
                 ,
                 both
                 by
                 Saints
                 and
                 Sinners
                 ,
                 139
                 140
              
               
                 Time
                 unknown
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 put
                 for
                 ,
                 208
              
               
                 Truth
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 abusing
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 a
                 word
                 for
                 conviction
                 ,
                 130
              
               
                 Truths
                 divine
                 ,
                 have
                 cautions
                 against
                 the
                 nauseating
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 27
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 V
              
               
                 Vessel
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 15
              
               
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 why
                 so
                 called
                 ,
                 10
              
               
                 Virgins
                 foolish
                 ,
                 their
                 request
                 to
                 the
                 wise
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 262
                 ,
                 286
              
               
                 
                   Virgins
                   wise
                
                 ,
                 their
                 answer
                 to
                 the
                 foolish
                 Virgins
                 ,
                 301
                 ,
                 314.
                 
                 See
                 Lamps
                 .
              
               
                 Vnderstanding
                 in
                 man
                 is
                 very
                 dull
                 ,
                 20
              
               
                 Vnion
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 so
                 sure
                 that
                 it
                 cannot
                 be
                 shaken
                 ,
                 87
              
               
                 Vnreadiness
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 365
              
               
                 Vnready
                 ,
                 two
                 or
                 three
                 persons
                 likely
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 ,
                 367
              
               
                 Vnregenerate
                 estate
                 .
                 See
                 Members
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 W
              
               
                 Watch
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 such
                 men
                 as
                 do
                 ,
                 or
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 18
              
               
                 Watch
                 ,
                 the
                 reason
                 wherefore
                 ,
                 211
              
               
                 Watch
                 ,
                 to
                 it
                 men
                 are
                 perswaded
                 ,
                 216
              
               
                 Willing
                 to
                 close
                 ,
                 They
                 whom
                 Christ
                 hath
                 made
                 so
                 ,
                 should
                 labour
                 to
                 make
                 it
                 sure
                 ,
                 75
              
               
                 Wisdom
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 lies
                 ,
                 105
              
               
                 Wisdom
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 compleating
                 of
                 it
                 hath
                 three
                 things
                 ,
                 106
              
               
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 a
                 pretended
                 and
                 real
                 Saint
                 ,
                 compared
                 ,
                 108
              
               
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 a
                 Saint
                 and
                 a
                 fool
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 appears
                 ,
                 113
              
               
                 Withdrawing
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 us
                 ,
                 their
                 difference
                 ,
                 87
              
               
                 World.
                 See
                 Church
                 .
              
               
                 Workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 understood
                 by
                 that
                 ,
                 398
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 Y
              
               
                 Yield
                 up
                 themselves
                 to
                 Christ
                 .
                 To
                 such
                 a
                 word
                 of
                 comfort
                 ,
                 86
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
           
             The
             second
             Alphabetical
             Table
             ,
             containing
             the
             principal
             heads
             ,
             and
             matter
             in
             the
             foregoing
             Treatise
             of
             
               Christ
               the
               Sun
               of
               Righteousness
               hath
               healing
               in
               his
               wings
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 A
              
               
                 ACquaintance
                 we
                 gain
                 with
                 God
                 by
                 prayer
                 ,
                 625
              
               
                 Afflictions
                 outward
                 ,
                 from
                 them
                 there
                 is
                 freedom
                 ,
                 505
              
               
                 
                   
                     From
                  
                   
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         The
                         fear
                         of
                         them
                         .
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         The
                         presence
                         of
                         them
                         .
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         The
                         evil
                         of
                         them
                         ,
                         from
                         ,
                         506
                         ,
                         to
                         507
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 Arise
                 ,
                 when
                 Christ
                 doth
                 upon
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 he
                 brings
                 enlargement
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 479
                 ,
                 508
              
               
                 Arising
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 righteousness
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 434
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 B
              
               
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 the
                 Authors
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 486
              
               
                 Bondage
                 there
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     By
                     Captivity
                     ,
                     487
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     By
                     sale
                     ,
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     By
                     birth
                     ,
                     489
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     By
                     tenure
                     and
                     usurpation
                     ,
                     490
                  
                
              
               
                 Bondage
                 to
                 sin
                 ,
                 its
                 consequences
                 ,
                 492
              
               
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 sin
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 494
              
               
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 sinners
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 exhorted
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 going
                 forth
                 ,
                 529
              
               
                 Bondage
                 ,
                 what
                 God
                 requires
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 set
                 free
                 from
                 it
                 ,
                 536
              
               
                 Bondage
                 unto
                 men
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 brought
                 under
                 ,
                 544
              
               
                 See
                 Sin.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 C
              
               
                 Ceremonies
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 from
                 these
                 there
                 is
                 freedom
                 ,
                 508
              
               
                 
                 Children
                 are
                 made
                 free
                 by
                 grace
                 ,
                 not
                 by
                 natural
                 generation
                 ,
                 518
              
               
                 Children
                 may
                 be
                 free
                 in
                 the
                 account
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 be
                 the
                 servants
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 520
              
               
                 Children
                 of
                 Believers
                 can
                 grow
                 ,
                 581
              
               
                 Christ
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 valued
                 by
                 us
                 ,
                 423
              
               
                 Christ
                 ,
                 of
                 him
                 there
                 is
                 great
                 necessity
                 ,
                 452
              
               
                 Christ
                 is
                 the
                 only
                 pipe
                 through
                 which
                 grace
                 is
                 conveyed
                 ,
                 568
              
               
                 Come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 considerations
                 so
                 to
                 do
                 ,
                 473
              
               
                 Communion
                 of
                 Saints
                 ,
                 in
                 it
                 much
                 growth
                 to
                 be
                 gotten
                 ,
                 637
              
               
                 Converted
                 ones
                 ,
                 though
                 suddenly
                 dying
                 ,
                 yet
                 can
                 grow
                 in
                 grace
                 ,
                 579
              
               
                 Covenant
                 of
                 works
                 ,
                 from
                 this
                 there
                 is
                 freedom
                 ,
                 504
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 D
              
               
                 Day
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 412
              
               
                 Darkness
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 494
              
               
                 Darkness
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 495
              
               
                 Denyal
                 of
                 self
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 grows
                 ,
                 so
                 we
                 grow
                 ,
                 594
              
               
                 Duties
                 holy
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 be
                 more
                 spiritual
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 615
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 E
              
               
                 End
                 ,
                 look
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 571
              
               
                 Enemies
                 they
                 are
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 pluck
                 away
                 Christ
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 426
              
               
                 Enemies
                 cannot
                 be
                 withstood
                 ,
                 unless
                 there
                 be
                 growing
                 ,
                 619
              
               
                 Errour
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 597
              
               
                 Experiences
                 particular
                 ,
                 of
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 tenderness
                 of
                 mind
                 ,
                 611
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 F
              
               
                 Faculties
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 see
                 whether
                 we
                 grow
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 595
              
               
                 Faith
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 grows
                 ,
                 so
                 do
                 we
                 grow
                 ,
                 593
              
               
                 Faith
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 grace
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 607
              
               
                 Faith
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 And
                 wherein
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 it
                 lies
                 ,
                 622
              
               
                 Family
                 ,
                 where
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 in
                 Egyptian
                 darkness
                 is
                 a
                 sad
                 one
                 ,
                 422
              
               
                 Fear
                 ,
                 all
                 is
                 not
                 banished
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 553
              
               
                 Fear
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 499
              
               
                 Fear
                 distractive
                 ,
                 fear
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 554
              
               
                 Feared
                 the
                 Lord.
                 See
                 Them.
                 
              
               
                 Fellowship
                 with
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 is
                 sweet
                 ,
                 422
              
               
                 Free-set
                 ,
                 many
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 by
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 deceived
                 ,
                 517
              
               
                 Free-going
                 in
                 the
                 acceptable
                 year
                 ,
                 three
                 things
                 did
                 hinder
                 ,
                 530
              
               
                 Free-set
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 be
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 ,
                 533
              
               
                 Freedom
                 there
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Invisible
                     .
                     Both
                     by
                     grace
                     ,
                     518
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Visible
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 Fruitfulness
                 ,
                 what
                 growth
                 is
                 there
                 in
                 this
                 ,
                 600
              
            
          
           
             
               
               
                 G
              
               
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 much
                 dwelled
                 upon
                 ,
                 635
              
               
                 Going
                 forth
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 478
              
               
                 Gospel
                 is
                 an
                 incomparable
                 benefit
                 ,
                 526
              
               
                 Grace
                 ,
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 it
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 457
              
               
                 Graee
                 is
                 either
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 Relative
                 ,
                 562
              
               
                 Or
                 2.
                 
                 Inherent
                 ,
                 564
              
               
                 Grace
                 will
                 grow
                 by
                 the
                 opposition
                 it
                 meets
                 withal
                 ,
                 either
                 from
                 1.
                 
                 Without
                 ,
                 601.
                 
                 Or
                 2.
                 
                 Within
                 ,
                 602
              
               
                 Grace
                 relative
                 ,
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 assurance
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 616
              
               
                 Graces
                 three
                 ,
                 which
                 respect
                 the
                 root
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 593
              
               
                 Grow
                 as
                 Calves
                 of
                 the
                 Stall
                 ,
                 the
                 comparison
                 wherein
                 it
                 stands
                 ,
                 559
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 when
                 is
                 any
                 thing
                 said
                 so
                 properly
                 ,
                 565
              
               
                 Grow
                 up
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 before
                 this
                 be
                 ,
                 there
                 must
                 be
                 implantation
                 into
                 him
                 ,
                 567
              
               
                 Grow
                 in
                 Grace
                 they
                 do
                 ,
                 though
                 no
                 sooner
                 converted
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 die
                 ,
                 579
              
               
                 See
                 Children
                 .
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 if
                 you
                 do
                 not
                 ,
                 conclude
                 one
                 of
                 two
                 things
                 ,
                 558
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 many
                 do
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 589
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 know
                 it
                 ,
                 591
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 the
                 Motives
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 617
              
               
                 The
                 Helps
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 621
              
               
                 Grow
                 we
                 must
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 our
                 measure
                 ,
                 638.
                 
                 And
                 herein
                 help
                 each
                 other
                 ,
                 641
              
               
                 Grow
                 ,
                 many
                 may
                 though
                 they
                 perceive
                 it
                 not
                 ,
                 627
              
               
                 Growing
                 up
                 into
                 Christ
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 there
                 in
                 the
                 expression
                 ,
                 570
              
               
                 Growing
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 think
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 ,
                 Comfort
                 ,
                 643
              
               
                 Growth
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 562
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Arguments
                 to
                 prove
                 it
                 ,
                 577
              
               
                 Growth
                 ,
                 the
                 greater
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 more
                 honour
                 and
                 service
                 God
                 hath
                 ,
                 583
              
               
                 Growth
                 compared
                 to
                 Trees
                 or
                 Plants
                 ,
                 592
              
               
                 Growth
                 is
                 placed
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     In
                     the
                     Uuderstanding
                     .
                     596
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     In
                     the
                     Will.
                     598
                  
                
              
               
                 Growth
                 ,
                 wherein
                 to
                 look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 604
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 H
              
               
                 Head
                 ,
                 the
                 Glory
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 wherein
                 it
                 lies
                 ,
                 571
              
               
                 Heal
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 could
                 our selves
                 ,
                 yet
                 our
                 wound
                 is
                 incurable
                 ,
                 449
              
               
                 Healing
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 it
                 ,
                 438
              
               
                 Healing
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 brings
                 ,
                 440
              
               
                 Healing
                 is
                 not
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 448
              
               
                 Healing
                 concerns
                 two
                 sorts
                 of
                 Persons
                 ,
                 470
              
               
                 Heart-softness
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 614
                 ,
                 &c.
                 wherein
                 it
                 lies
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Humility
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 grows
                 ,
                 so
                 do
                 we
                 grow
                 ,
                 595
              
               
                 Humility
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 Grace
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 613
              
               
                 Hypocrites
                 may
                 grow
                 in
                 some
                 things
                 ,
                 620
              
            
          
           
             
               
               
                 I
              
               
                 Inlargement
                 promised
                 to
                 a
                 soul
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 481
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 K
              
               
                 Knowledge
                 ,
                 In
                 this
                 Grace
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 604
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 L
              
               
                 Liberty
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     It
                     s
                     subject
                     ,
                     482
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Its
                     causes
                     ,
                     483
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Its
                     parts
                     ,
                     485
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Its
                     degrees
                     ,
                     508
                  
                
              
               
                 Light
                 our
                 ,
                 from
                 whence
                 comes
                 it
                 ,
                 422
              
               
                 Love
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 works
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 a
                 kindly
                 hatred
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 465
              
               
                 Love
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 herein
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 608.
                 
                 And
                 that
                 for
                 several
                 ends
                 ,
                 609
              
               
                 Love
                 towards
                 one
                 another
                 ;
                 herein
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 612
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 M
              
               
                 Malachy
                 ,
                 what
                 it
                 signifieth
                 ,
                 411
              
               
                 Members
                 grow
                 not
                 alike
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 measure
                 ,
                 573
              
               
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 Grace
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 613
              
               
                 Ministry
                 all
                 ,
                 for
                 what
                 end
                 ,
                 620
              
               
                 Ministers
                 are
                 to
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 639
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 O
              
               
                 Obedience
                 slavish
                 is
                 a
                 bondage
                 ,
                 498
              
               
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 wait
                 diligently
                 on
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 427
              
               
                 Ordinances
                 being
                 used
                 conscientiously
                 and
                 diligently
                 tend
                 to
                 growth
                 ,
                 629
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 P
              
               
                 People
                 under
                 the
                 influences
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 growing
                 condition
                 ,
                 560
              
               
                 Planted
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 never
                 were
                 ,
                 grow
                 worse
                 and
                 worse
                 ,
                 590
              
               
                 Prayer
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 means
                 to
                 increase
                 Grace
                 ,
                 624
              
               
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 625
              
               
                 Professed
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 many
                 have
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 are
                 fallen
                 ,
                 589
              
               
                 Profession
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 make
                 and
                 grow
                 not
                 ,
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 sad
                 condition
                 ,
                 587
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 S
              
               
                 Saints
                 Communion
                 is
                 to
                 build
                 up
                 each
                 other
                 ,
                 637
              
               
                 Sin
                 is
                 a
                 comprehensive
                 evil
                 ,
                 442
              
               
                 Sin
                 hath
                 ill
                 qualities
                 and
                 consequences
                 ,
                 444
              
               
                 Sin
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 general
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 490
              
               
                 Sin
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 part
                 of
                 bondage
                 ,
                 494
              
               
                 Sin
                 is
                 a
                 grievous
                 bondage
                 ,
                 512
              
               
                 Sin
                 though
                 it
                 lie
                 hard
                 ●pon
                 any
                 soul
                 ,
                 
                 yet
                 shall
                 it
                 be
                 overcome
                 ,
                 555
              
               
                 S●ns
                 yoak
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 strugling
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 comfort
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Soul-distempers
                 hinder
                 growth
                 ,
                 632
              
               
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 how
                 he
                 is
                 grieved
                 ,
                 545.
                 
                 And
                 therefore
                 cautions
                 not
                 to
                 grieve
                 him
                 ,
                 546
              
               
                 Spirit
                 properly
                 is
                 not
                 grieved
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Sun
                 ,
                 Christ
                 is
                 to
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 414
              
               
                 Sun
                 ,
                 wherein
                 doth
                 the
                 resemblance
                 between
                 Christ
                 and
                 it
                 hold
                 ,
                 416
              
               
                 Sun
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 have
                 it
                 risen
                 upon
                 them
                 ,
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 421
              
               
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 ,
                 against
                 its
                 shinings
                 shut
                 not
                 the
                 windows
                 ,
                 424
              
               
                 Sun
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 would
                 give
                 such
                 ,
                 is
                 cause
                 of
                 admiration
                 ,
                 427
              
               
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 ,
                 why
                 is
                 Christ
                 so
                 called
                 ,
                 431
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 T
              
               
                 Them
                 that
                 feared
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 that
                 ,
                 429
              
               
                 Things
                 best
                 ,
                 in
                 them
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 617
              
               
                 Truth
                 will
                 set
                 a
                 man
                 free
                 ,
                 533
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 V
              
               
                 Vnderstanding
                 ;
                 in
                 this
                 let
                 us
                 try
                 our
                 growth
                 ,
                 596
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 W
              
               
                 Walking
                 holy
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 herein
                 labour
                 to
                 grow
                 ,
                 615
              
               
                 Wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 that
                 ,
                 435
              
               
                 Wings
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
                 ,
                 what
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 436
              
               
                 Wings
                 ,
                 why
                 so
                 called
                 ,
                 437
              
               
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 tremble
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 comfort
                 ,
                 475
              
               
                 Wounded
                 ,
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 so
                 ,
                 Christ
                 pittyeth
                 ,
                 463
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
           
             The
             last
             Table
             ,
             containing
             the
             general
             and
             particular
             Heads
             ,
             as
             they
             follow
             in
             their
             order
             ,
             in
             the
             foregoing
             Subject
             ,
             
               Christ
               his
               Willingness
               to
               accept
               humbled
               Sinners
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 THe
                 Text
                 opened
                 ,
                 651
              
               
                 Out
                 of
                 which
                 this
                 Point
                 of
                 Doctrine
                 issues
                 ,
              
               
                 That
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 will
                 not
                 cast
                 out
                 any
                 poor
                 soul
                 that
                 cometh
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 652
              
               
                 Here
                 is
                 observed
                 ,
                 First
                 ,
                 That
                 coming
                 unto
                 Christ
                 presupposeth
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Hearing
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Learning
                     .
                  
                
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 By
                 Hearing
                 is
                 understood
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 usual
                 means
                 of
                 Salvation
                 ,
                 654
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Some
                 whisperings
                 ,
                 motions
                 ,
                 and
                 secret
                 workings
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 By
                 Learning
                 is
                 understood
                 ,
                 first
                 the
                 opening
                 of
                 the
                 understanding
                 ,
                 655
                 and
                 thus
                 a
                 poor
                 soul
                 is
                 taught
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 he
                 is
                 lost
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 he
                 must
                 not
                 lie
                 securely
                 in
                 this
                 condition
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 That
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 help
                 in
                 the
                 Creature
                 ,
                 656
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 That
                 nothing
                 can
                 skreen
                 him
                 from
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 657
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 That
                 Christ
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 let
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 oyntments
                 to
                 heal
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 Now
                 for
                 the
                 Acts
                 wherein
                 it
                 formally
                 consists
                 ,
                 are
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 In
                 a
                 desire
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 658
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 passing
                 all
                 other
                 stands
                 and
                 rests
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 Christ
                 ,
                 659
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 In
                 coming
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 660
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 coming
                 with
                 heart-words
                 ,
                 661
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Words
                     of
                     Confession
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Words
                     of
                     Petition
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 In
                 closing
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 662
              
               
                 The
                 Second
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 ,
              
               
                 What
                 is
                 meant
                 by
                 not
                 casting
                 out
                 ,
                 663
              
               
                 
                 1.
                 
                 Not
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 heart
                 ,
                 664
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Not
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 Church
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Not
                 sending
                 away
                 empty
                 ,
                 either
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 or
                 after-coming
                 ,
                 665
                 ,
                 666
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Not
                 out
                 of
                 heaven
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 Doctrine
                 proved
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 66
                 ,
                 71
              
               
                 If
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 Then
                 2.
                 from
                 Christs
                 being
                 argued
                 unchangeable
                 ,
                 668
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 From
                 Christs
                 slighting
                 of
                 his
                 Fathers
                 gift
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 From
                 Christs
                 failing
                 in
                 his
                 trust
                 ,
                 669
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 From
                 Christs
                 undervaluing
                 of
                 his
                 blood
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 From
                 undoing
                 what
                 the
                 Father
                 had
                 done
                 ,
                 670
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 From
                 Christs
                 bringing
                 upon
                 himself
                 the
                 imputation
                 of
                 delusion
                 ,
                 671
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Because
                 of
                 the
                 many
                 invitations
                 made
                 hy
                 him
                 to
                 poor
                 creatures
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Because
                 of
                 his
                 being
                 contradicted
                 of
                 imposture
                 ,
                 672
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Because
                 inconsistent
                 with
                 Christs
                 bowels
                 and
                 tenderness
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 first
                 Use
                 is
                 to
                 lament
                 the
                 backwardness
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 in
                 coming
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 673
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Use
                 shews
                 the
                 grievous
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 unbelief
                 ;
              
               
                 By
                 considering
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 unreasonableness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 675
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     In
                     respect
                     of
                     our selves
                     ,
                     675
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     In
                     respect
                     of
                     Christ
                     ,
                     676
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 injuriousness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 unkindness
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 678
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 danger
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Binding
                     the
                     guilt
                     of
                     all
                     other
                     sins
                     upon
                     the
                     soul
                     ,
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Bringing
                     blood
                     upon
                     a
                     mans
                     own
                     head
                     ,
                     679
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Bringing
                     the
                     blood
                     of
                     Christ
                     upon
                     a
                     mans
                     head
                     ,
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 Use
                 serves
                 for
                 Exhortation
                 to
                 every
                 poor
                 soul
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 680
              
               
                 From
                 whence
                 ,
                 several
                 considerations
                 against
                 the
                 many
                 hard
                 thoughts
                 of
                 coming
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
                 As
                 ,
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 How
                 injurious
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 grace
                 ,
                 681
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Christ
                 leaves
                 the
                 soul
                 altogether
                 without
                 excuse
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 How
                 prejudicial
                 to
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 683
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 experiences
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 soul
                 can
                 have
                 no
                 evidence
                 of
                 being
                 given
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 until
                 it
                 come
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 How
                 willing
                 to
                 run
                 at
                 hazard
                 ,
                 seeing
                 there
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 certainty
                 of
                 speeding
                 ,
                 684
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 It
                 s
                 a
                 grief
                 to
                 Christ
                 that
                 the
                 soul
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 perswaded
                 of
                 his
                 good
                 will
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 Use
                 exalts
                 the
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 Christ
                 to
                 poor
                 sinners
                 ,
                 685
              
               
                 The
                 fift
                 Use
                 declares
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 falling
                 away
                 from
                 Christ
                 ,
                 either
                 from
                 Justifying
                 ,
                 or
                 Sanctifying
                 
                 grace
                 once
                 received
                 ,
                 686
              
               
                 The
                 sixth
                 Use
                 puts
                 in
                 a
                 double
                 caution
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     That
                     impenitent
                     sinners
                     encourage
                     not
                     themselves
                     in
                     an
                     evil
                     way
                     ,
                     upon
                     the
                     account
                     of
                     Christs
                     tenderness
                     and
                     mercy
                     to
                     poor
                     sinners
                     ,
                     687
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     That
                     they
                     that
                     are
                     in
                     Christ
                     ,
                     take
                     heed
                     they
                     abuse
                     not
                     this
                     grace
                     to
                     wantonness
                     ,
                     689
                  
                
              
               
                 The
                 seventh
                 Use
                 serves
                 for
                 a
                 comfort
                 to
                 Gods
                 people
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 fears
                 and
                 doubts
                 ,
                 that
                 Christ
                 will
                 never
                 cast
                 them
                 out
                 ,
                 690
              
               
                 The
                 first
                 Objection
                 .
                 That
                 the
                 soul
                 thought
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 &c.
                 but
                 saies
                 he
                 is
                 cast
                 off
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 concludes
                 it
                 was
                 never
                 truly
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 is
                 answered
                 ,
                 691
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Objection
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 soul
                 knows
                 not
                 whether
                 ever
                 yet
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 is
                 cast
                 off
                 ,
                 is
                 answered
                 ,
                 692
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Though
                 Christ
                 seems
                 not
                 for
                 a
                 time
                 to
                 own
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 doth
                 support
                 it
                 ,
                 693
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 When
                 the
                 heart
                 is
                 unsatisfiedly
                 drawn
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 When
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 willing
                 to
                 receive
                 him
                 as
                 King
                 and
                 Saviour
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 When
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 content
                 to
                 wait
                 a
                 while
                 ,
                 694
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 When
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 frequent
                 in
                 acting
                 of
                 faith
                 ,
                 to
                 receive
                 Christ
                 ,
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A89411-e340
           
             Non
             loqu
             〈…〉
             nur
             mag●a
             sed
             vivimus
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             26.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             est
             substantivum
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e1410
           
             Col.
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             Iob
             5.
             26.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             15.
             16.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e14140
           
             Eph.
             2.
             10.
             1
             
             Cor.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             *
             How
             sparkling
             is
             knowledge
             ,
             when
             set
             off
             with
             the
             ●oll
             of
             a
             modest
             self
             depression
             ?
             Ignorance
             checkered
             with
             Impudence
             ,
             is
             all
             the
             stock
             that
             many
             confident
             Predicants
             set
             up
             withall
             .
          
           
             *
             O
             the
             stupendious
             stupidity
             ,
             and
             dismal
             blockishness
             of
             those
             ,
             who
             having
             contracted
             the
             guilt
             of
             most
             monstrous
             and
             abhorred
             villanies
             ,
             are
             yet
             as
             sens●●ss
             as
             stocks
             ,
             as
             hard
             as
             rocks
             ,
             and
             complain
             not
             of
             any
             stirrings
             and
             gripes
             of
             con
             science
             !
          
           
             Esa
             .
             57.
             16.
             
          
           
             So
             sparks
             fly
             over
             from
             Dublin
             .
          
           
             Zeal
             .
          
           
             Ex.
             32.
             19.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             *
             Cap.
             Johnson
             .
          
           
             W.
             Fisher
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             21.
             17.
             
          
           
             *
             Though
             the
             Ocean
             bubble
             and
             boyl
             like
             a
             pot
             ,
             yet
             the
             falling
             tears
             ,
             of
             con●●ite
             ,
             self-condemning
             Christians
             do
             suddenly
             asswage
             the
             Seas
             rising
             roughness
             ,
             and
             check
             its
             mutinous
             ,
             and
             menacing
             motions
             .
          
           
             *
             Oritic
             .
             S.
             5.
             
          
           
             Courage
             .
          
           
             Ex●
             .
             4
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Car.
             11.
             23.
             
          
           
             Luke
             9.
             61.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             *
             They
             are
             great
             enemies
             to
             their
             own
             comfort
             ,
             who
             live
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             this
             Ordinance
             ;
             and
             whilst
             the
             Congregation
             is
             trumpeting
             out
             Gods
             praises
             ,
             sit
             like
             mopish
             mutes
             ,
             with
             a
             discontented
             eye
             and
             cloudy
             countenance
             ;
             as
             if
             the
             musick
             which
             they
             hear
             were
             howling
             rather
             than
             Singing
             .
          
           
             †
             He
             was
             far
             from
             the
             opinion
             and
             temper
             of
             those
             whom
             the
             very
             thoughts
             ,
             much
             more
             debates
             of
             having
             their
             poor
             Babes
             Baptized
             ,
             do
             strangely
             transport
             with
             rage
             and
             an
             high
             indignation
             〈…〉
             inst
             any
             that
             shall
             attempt
             it
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             3
             Tim.
             6.
             8.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             ●o
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             9.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov
             3.
             28.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             11.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             11.
             
          
           
             Prev
             .
             24.
             29.
             
             Rom.
             12.
             20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             6.
             
          
           
             Prevented
             by
             his
             coming
             out
             of
             his
             closet
             at
             11
             clock
             in
             the
             night
             .
          
           
             *
             Awake
             O
             sleepy
             sl●ggard
             ,
             and
             let
             not
             the
             rising
             Sun
             find
             thee
             fl●t
             on
             thy
             back
             ,
             and
             when
             the
             great
             eye
             of
             the
             world
             is
             up
             and
             open
             ,
             let
             not
             thine
             be
             shut
             ,
             me
             thinks
             its
             bright
             and
             penetrating
             raies
             should
             scatter
             that
             cloud
             of
             sleep
             and
             security
             that
             hangs
             upon
             thy
             dull
             and
             depressed
             brow
             .
             Knowest
             thou
             not
             O
             drowsie
             drone
             ,
             that
             thou
             hast
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             work
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             but
             a
             little
             time
             to
             dispatch
             it
             in
             ?
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Nov.
             19.
             1654.
             
          
           
             *
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 produceth
                 a
                 calm
                 ,
                 a
                 quietness
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 against
                 all
                 distracting
                 fears
                 O
                 he
                 is
                 come
                 ,
                 saith
                 a
                 Martyr
                 ,
                 and
                 death
                 was
                 nothing
                 to
                 him
                 ▪
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 most
                 real
                 good
                 in
                 heaven
                 or
                 in
                 earth
                 ,
                 other
                 goods
                 are
                 vain
                 and
                 empty
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 ●ound
                 and
                 solid
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 bread
                 indeed
                 ,
                 and
                 no
                 delusion
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 world
                 and
                 Satan
                 would
                 perswade
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 brings-with
                 it
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 good
                 ,
                 which
                 way
                 soever
                 God
                 turns
                 ,
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 creatures
                 that
                 depend
                 on
                 him
                 ,
                 turn
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 seasons
                 prosperity
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 it
                 mel●eth
                 out
                 the
                 sweet
                 ▪
                 and
                 giveth
                 us
                 the
                 marrow
                 and
                 fatne●s
                 of
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 will
                 season
                 the
                 bitterest
                 cup
                 of
                 affliction
                 ;
                 the
                 valley
                 of
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 death
                 will
                 be
                 ▪
                 but
                 as
                 another
                 place
                 ,
                 
                   Hab
                   ▪
                
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 It
                 will
                 work
                 effectually
                 deliverance
                 out
                 of
                 affliction
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 It
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 more
                 then
                 Conquerors
                 ,
                 Triumphers
                 ,
                 Rom.
                 8.
                 31.
                 
              
               
                 
                 8.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 teaching
                 nature
                 ,
                 Psal
                 .
                 119.
                 125.
                 
                 When
                 the
                 Lord
                 shines
                 on
                 our
                 Readings
                 ,
                 Studyings
                 ,
                 Meditating
                 ▪
                 then
                 we
                 are
                 taught
                 indeed
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 It
                 melteth
                 the
                 heart
                 kindly
                 in
                 a
                 mans
                 bowels
                 ,
                 though
                 as
                 hard
                 as
                 an
                 Adamant
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 lightning
                 melteth
                 the
                 sword
                 ,
                 the
                 scabbard
                 being
                 untouched
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 standing
                 before
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 Gods
                 anger
                 ,
                 or
                 his
                 love
                 ,
                 Zech.
                 12
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 By
                 this
                 the
                 ●oul
                 groweth
                 up
                 from
                 strength
                 to
                 strength
                 ;
                 terror
                 and
                 sorrow
                 doth
                 weaken
                 the
                 soul
                 exceedingly
                 .
                 The
                 joy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 his
                 peoples
                 strength
                 .
                 Where
                 will
                 men
                 ripen
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 Sunshine
                 ?
              
            
          
           
             2
             Chro.
             32.
             25.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             2.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             60
             ▪
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             20.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             4.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22
             ,
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.
             27.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             10.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Acts
             26
             7.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e22390
           
             Doct.
             1.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             17.
             1.
             2
             
             Kin.
             20.
             3.
             
             Psal
             .
             1.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             1.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             5.
             12.
             
             R●m
             .
             12.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             14.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             19.
             
             Ephes
             .
             5.
             12.
             
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Act.
             26.
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.
             1.
             
             Psal
             .
             8.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             17.
             
             Matth.
             1●
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             10.
             
             Colos
             .
             4.
             5.
             
             Mat.
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             21.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
             Rom.
             10.
             2.
             
             Phil.
             3
             〈◊〉
             .
             Eccl.
             7.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             Gen
             ,
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Num.
             14.
             from
             6.
             to
             10.
             
          
           
             Gal
             2
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             1.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             64.
             5.
             
             Rom.
             12
             8.
             
             Gal.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             27.
             
             Deut
             5.
             32
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             39.
             1.
             
          
           
             Acts
             18.
             25.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             25.
             
          
           
             Ephe.
             5.
             15.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             20.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             12.
             14.
             
             ●er
             .
             20.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             10.
             32.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2●
             
          
           
             Col.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             
             Isa
             .
             53.
             6.
             
             Psal
             .
             95.
             〈◊〉
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             15.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             13.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             7.
             
             Mat.
             15.
             22.
             
             Isa
             .
             29.
             13.
             
          
           
             Luke
             18.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             10.
             25.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             4.
             8.
             
             Rom.
             8.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             4.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             69.
             12.
             
             Gal.
             4
             29.
             
             Gen.
             21
             9.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             20.
             10.
             
             Psal
             .
             1.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             16.
             
             He
             that
             despiseth
             his
             way
             shall
             die
             .
          
           
             Ier.
             48.
             10.
             
             Mal.
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             44.
             16.
             
          
           
             Acts
             19.
             24.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             24.
             
             Mat.
             23.
             14.
             
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             24.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             27.
             13.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             12.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             13.
             and
             14.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             15.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             16.
             1
             
             Pet.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             14.
             10.
             
             Psal
             .
             95.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             25.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             24.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             25.
             
             Psal
             .
             119.
             59.
             
          
           
             Iob
             19.
             28.
             
          
           
             Luke
             23.
             34.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             5.
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             44.
             15.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             27.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             25.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             26.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             18.
             21.
             
             Heb.
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             20.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             17.
             1.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             14.
             23.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             12.
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Phil
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Sam.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             35.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             5.
             
          
           
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             Col.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             111.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             2.
             10.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             101.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             5.
             
             &
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             17.
             24.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             25.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             25.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             10.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             14.
             8.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             6.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             13.
             13.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             13.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             24.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             107.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             9.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10
             ▪
             5.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             9
             ▪
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15
             ▪
             41.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             18.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             I●h
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             v.
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             8.
             18.
             
          
           
             Hag.
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             25.
             
          
           
             Iames
             5
             〈…〉
             .
          
           
             Hab.
             2.
             11.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             42.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             5.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             26.
             16.
             
          
           
             Verse
             12.
             
          
           
             Mat
             ▪
             11.
             19.
             
          
           
             Iob
             ▪
             11.
             12
             ▪
             
          
           
             Ier.
             8.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             8.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             12.
             15.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Cor.
             3
             18.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             30.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             16.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e27010
           
             Mat.
             13.
             3.
             
             &
             4.
             
          
           
             Verse
             11.
             13.
             
          
           
             Verse
             14
             &
             15.
             
          
           
             Verse
             19.
             &c.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             16.
             25.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             24.
             3.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             24.
             37.
             
          
           
             Verse
             42
             ,
             43.
             
          
           
             Verse
             44.
             
          
           
             Math.
             13.
             25.
             
          
           
             Verse
             13.
             
          
           
             Plut.
             Problem
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             So
             Grotius
             .
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             25.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             45.
             14.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             14.
             11.
             
          
           
             Math.
             19.
             15.
             
          
           
             Verse
             2.
             
          
           
             Verse
             6.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             〈◊〉
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             3.
             
             Isa
             .
             58.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mica
             .
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Acts
             3.
             21.
             
             Vntil
             the
             time
             of
             the
             restitution
             of
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             Verse
             6.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             24.
             v.
             36.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             24.
             v.
             4●
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             24.
             ver
             .
             51.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             23.
             12.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             47.
             1.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             46.
             11.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             1.
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             19.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             10.
             
             Mat.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Verse
             8.
             
          
           
             Verse
             5.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Ioh.
             〈◊〉
             .
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             22.
             
          
           
             Luke
             .
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             Verse
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             26.
             
          
           
             Verse
             2.
             
          
           
             Verse
             3
             and
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             2.
             20.
             
             And
             many
             other
             places
             .
          
           
             〈◊〉
             .
             55.
             1.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             King.
             8.
             27.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             47.
             13.
             
          
           
             Verse
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             23.
             
          
           
             Amos
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             1.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             37.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             7.
             46.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             29.
             
          
           
             Mica
             .
             5.
             4.
             
             Isa
             .
             40.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             
             ●9
             .
             18.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             13.
             10.
             12.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             21.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             6.
             6.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             1.
             66.
             
             Psal
             .
             1.
             19.
             11.
             
             Col.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             15.
             16.
             
          
           
             Luke
             24.
             45.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Luc.
             24.
             25.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5●
             
          
           
             Acts
             26.
             28.
             
          
           
             Acts
             24.
             25.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             1.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             5.
             25.
             
             Mat.
             13.
             14
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             18.
             
             I
             told
             you
             often
             ,
             and
             now
             tell
             you
             weeping
             ,
             
               with
               more
               affection
               then
               before
            
             .
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             12.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Chron.
             29.
             18.
             
             Ver.
             9.
             and
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             21.
             30.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             5.
             20.
             1
             
             Iohn
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh
             2.
             21.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Thes
             .
             4.
             9.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             1.
             
             Verse
             18.
             1
             
             Cor.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16.
             
             Mat.
             13.
             52.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             It
             grieved
             Peter
             when
             Christ
             came
             over
             so
             often
             with
             it
             ,
             Lovest
             thou
             me
             ?
             Ioh.
             21.
             17.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             1.
             1.
             
             Eccl.
             12.
             10.
             
          
           
             They
             had
             the
             same
             manna
             ,
             but
             were
             allowed
             to
             dress
             it
             diversly
             .
          
           
             Isa
             .
             28.
             10.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             21.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             2.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Rom.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             ●
             Cor.
             11.
             30.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             37
             ,
             3●
             39.
             
          
           
             Doct
             ▪
             
          
           
             ver
             .
             10.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             29.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             9.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             2.
             
          
           
             R●v
             .
             19.
             9.
             
          
           
             R●v
             .
             31.
             29.
             
          
           
             The
             High
             Priest
             to
             m
             〈…〉
             ry
             only
             a
             V
             〈…〉
             gin
             .
             Lev.
             21.
             1
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             2
             Cron.
             29
             30.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             H●b
             .
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Is●
             .
             ●3
             8.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             32.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             16.
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             4.
             
          
           
             Cant
             5.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             9.
             
             Isa
             .
             54.
             5.
             
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             10.
             42.
             
             Heb.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             4.
             10.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             17
             9.
             
          
           
             Act.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             34.
             8
             ,
             11
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             u●t
             .
          
           
             Eph
             5.
             25.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             18.
             25.
             
          
           
             Colos
             .
             2.
             15.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             4.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             11
             2.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             29.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             2
             C●●
             .
             11.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             22.
             23.
             
             Lat.
             Alex.
             Gen.
             Dier
             .
             l.
             2.
             
             Page
             58.
             
             One
             promising
             another
             ,
             were
             called
             Sponsus
             &
             Sponsa
             .
          
           
             Ezek.
             16.
             
             Not
             great
             ,
             Deut.
             7.
             7.
             
             Nor
             good
             ,
             Jos
             .
             24.
             23.
             they
             were
             Idolaters
             .
          
           
             So
             1
             Sam.
             12.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             44.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             62.
             5.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             13.
             24.
             
             Mar●●e●h
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             made
             to
             dwell
             .
          
           
             Zeph.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             32.
             41.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             30.
             
             Psal
             .
             35.
             27.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             65.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             25
             ,
             26
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             23.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             8.
             
          
           
             Hos
             2
             ▪
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Is●
             .
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             D●u●
             ▪
             32.
             4.
             
          
           
             Deut
             3.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             2.
             16.
             
             He
             hate
             〈…〉
             puting
             away
             among
             men
             .
             Hos
             .
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             4.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal
             130.
             4.
             
             There
             is
             forgiveness
             with
             thee
             ,
             &c.
             
             Heb
             9.
             24.
             
          
           
             Heb
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             30.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             30.
             
          
           
             Judg.
             14.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gen
             29.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ioh
             ,
             2.
             1.
             10.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             2●
             .
             3.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             25.
             6.
             
          
           
             Est
             .
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             4.
             
             Luke
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             9.
             7.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             14.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             25.
             41.
             
          
           
             Ruth
             .
             2.
             10
             ,
             13
             
          
           
             ●am
             .
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             2.
             24.
             
             Eph.
             5
             30.
             
             &
             31.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             25.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb
             4.
             16
             ,
             Come
             boldly
             to
             the
             Throne
             of
             grace
             .
          
           
             Psalm
             45.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             7.
             5.
             
             He
             is
             held
             in
             the
             Galleries
             .
             2
             Co.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             12.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             40.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             37.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             4.
             2.
             
             Luke
             22.
             15.
             
             Math.
             26.
             29.
             
             Isa
             .
             53.
             11.
             
          
           
             Es●h
             .
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             25.
             
             &
             27.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             24.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             9.
             8
             ▪
             
          
           
             Eph
             5
             27.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             16.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             17.
             12.
             
          
           
             Lam
             3.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             6
             〈…〉
             .
          
           
             Vse
             4.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             24.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             28.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20
             30.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             3.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             11.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Vse
             5.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             10.
             
             Rom.
             8.
             27.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             11.
             
             Iohn
             3.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             45.
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             
             1●
             .
             H●s
             .
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             26.
             
          
           
             Luke
             3.
             58.
             
          
           
             In
             Rom.
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Vse
             6.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             5.
             37.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Ioh.
             5.
             
             Ephes
             4.
             30.
             
          
           
             Luke
             1.
             75.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             31.
             23.
             
             Psal
             ▪
             91.
             
             ●4
             .
          
           
             Deu.
             30
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             33.
             1.
             
          
           
             Luke
             2.
             48.
             
          
           
             Pro●
             23.
             
             37●
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             44.
             17.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             31.
             11.
             
          
           
             Numb
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             10.
             
             〈…〉
             .
             20
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             6.
             
             Rev.
             21.
             2
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Vse
             7.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             2.
             32.
             
             Isa
             .
             61.
             10.
             
          
           
             Vse
             8.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             28.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             30.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             25
             
          
           
             Heb.
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             130.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             19.
             21
             
          
           
             Ier.
             32.
             
             4●●
             .
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             
          
           
             1
             Thess
             .
             1.
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Pet.
             2.
             
             ●0
             .
          
           
             Isa
             .
             35.
             8.
             
             Izek.
             44.
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             25.
             
          
           
             Acts
             10.
             14.
             
             &
             15.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             20.
             6.
             
             Lev.
             19.
             23.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             19
             5.
             
             Numb
             24
             9.
             
             Iohn
             15
             19.
             
          
           
             VVhich
             Covenant
             is
             the
             Gospel
             preached
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             116.
             6.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             13.
             29.
             
             Numb
             .
             25.
             13.
             
          
           
             Ezek
             16.
             8.
             
             Numb
             .
             24.
             9.
             
             Amos
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             .
             5.
             6.
             
             Levit.
             14.
             5.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             29.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             13.
             22.
             2
             
             Chron.
             30.
             18.
             
             &
             19.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Doctrine
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Ve.
             24.
             
             &
             25.
             
          
           
             Mat
             3.
             12.
             
             Mat.
             23.
             47.
             
             Rom.
             9.
             6.
             
          
           
             Reason
             ▪
             
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             70.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             11.
             6.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             27.
             
          
           
             Rom
             9.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             22.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             32.
             
             &
             34.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             28.
             58.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3
             19.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Ma●
             .
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             15.
             
             &
             2.
             18.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             31.
             
          
           
             Isa
             25.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             57.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             11
             31.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             ver
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             15.
             
             Iohn
             5.
             35.
             
             Iohn
             12.
             6.
             
             Isa
             .
             50.
             10.
             
          
           
             Mark
             6.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
             Act●
             2.
             41.
             
             Ez
             〈…〉
             .
             33.
             3
             
             〈…〉
             &
             32.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Ioh.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             4.
             14.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             8.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             26.
             12.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             18.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Psal
             111.
             10.
             
          
           
             Iob
             28.
             28.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             6.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             7.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rom
             ,
             3.
             23
             ▪
             
          
           
             1
             Eccles
             .
             ▪
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             lib.
             11.
             cap.
             13.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2
             ▪
             12.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             24.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             25.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             25.
             11.
             
             Mic.
             7.
             18.
             
             &
             19.
             
          
           
             Ezek
             7.
             5.
             
             Hos
             .
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             N●h
             .
             13.
             22.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             3.
             1
             ,
             to
             the
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             10.
             5.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             17.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             Ma●
             .
             ●5
             .
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             6.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             16.
             26.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             90.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             33
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             22.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             24.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             25.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             5
             44.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             10.
             
             Isa
             .
             50.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             1.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             27.
             
          
           
             Ibb.
             11.
             20.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             20.
             
          
           
             Iob
             6.
             20.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             .
             3.
             16.
             
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             9.
             8.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             3.
             
             Exod.
             16.
             13.
             
             Num.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             4.
             3
             ,
             〈◊〉
             ul
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             90.
             20.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             19.
             
          
           
             Iob
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             10.
             
             See
             Iob.
             1.
             10.
             
             His
             substance
             is
             increased
             ,
             the
             Original
             is
             ,
             it
             breaks
             out
             .
          
           
             Doct
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Met.
             2●
             .
             48.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             45.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Iames
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Iosh
             .
             5.
             24.
             
             Acts
             17.
             31
             ▪
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1●
             .
             22.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             4.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             11.
             3.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32
             27.
             
          
           
             Rev
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luke
             18.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             37.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             90.
             4.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             2.
             17.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Acts
             11.
             37.
             
             Mat.
             24.
             36.
             
          
           
             Acts
             1.
             7.
             
             Exod.
             12.
             41.
             
          
           
             The
             like
             may
             be
             said
             of
             death
             and
             judgement
             .
             Iob
             14
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             95.
             
             &
             Heb
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             94.
             7.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             13.
             1
             
             Pet
             ▪
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             90.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             35
             ,
             36
             ,
             37.
             ●ab
             .
             2.
             3.
             
             Psalm
             13
             1.
             ●●v
             .
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Iob
             7.
             3
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             19.
             
             Heb.
             10.
             36.
             
             Hab.
             2
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             63.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             13.
             
          
           
             Iam
             5.
             11.
             
             Rev.
             13.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luke
             8.
             15.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             24
             ,
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             17.
             
             Heb.
             2.
             10.
             
             Rom.
             8.
             17.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             9.
             
             Rev.
             6.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iob
             14.
             15.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             40.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             21.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             18.
             3.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             15.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             87.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             48
             ,
             49
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             
             ●2
             .
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             8.
             11.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             9.
             27.
             
          
           
             Iona●
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
             Isa
             .
             29.
             1.
             4
             
          
           
             Verse
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             12.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             31.
             
          
           
             Iob
             21
             7
             ,
             8
             〈…〉
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             14.
             
             Iob
             21.
             30.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             1
             ▪
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Iob
             21.
             24.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat
             24.
             49
             ,
             ●0
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             1.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Iob
             23.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Iob
             13.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             ●er
             .
             23.
             92.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             
             1●
             .
             and
             as
             an
             edged
             sword
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             10
             31.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             27.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             4.
             
             Iob.
             19.
             27.
             
          
           
             Hab.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             28.
             16.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             37.
             
          
           
             Isa
             28.
             15.
             
          
           
             Acts
             24
             ▪
             25.
             
          
           
             Ioh
             5.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             Vse
             last
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Iob
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Verse
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             51
             ▪
             
          
           
             Mark
             13.
             35
             ,
             36.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             20.
             7.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             As
             Gen.
             15.
             fell
             upon
             Abraham
             .
             Mat.
             26.
             40.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             30
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Doct.
             1.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             Ionah
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             9.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             25
             ,
             37.
             
             &
             40.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             40.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             21.
             18.
             
          
           
             Mark
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             
             Psal
             .
             5.
             
             ●7
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             ●0
             .
             25.
             
          
           
             Luke
             .
             18.
             8.
             
             Rev.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             19.
             15.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             24.
             33.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             26
             ,
             30
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             4.
             21.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Thes
             .
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             12.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             35
             ,
             36
             ,
             37.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             31.
             40.
             
          
           
             Act
             26.
             31.
             2
             
             Cor.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             5.
             12.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             33
             ,
             34
             38.
             
          
           
             Ma●k
             14.
             37.
             
          
           
             Ma
             〈…〉
             20.
             20
             ,
             21
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             52.
             15.
             
          
           
             Gen
             ▪
             9.
             33.
             
          
           
             Luke
             17.
             26
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             Luke
             ▪
             12.
             34.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             12.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             〈◊〉
             20.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             ●am
             .
             6.
             5.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Ma●k
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             Iob.
             29
             18.
             
             Psal
             .
             30
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             77.
             3.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             45.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             24.
             30.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             80.
             13.
             
          
           
             Caut.
             2.
             15.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             6.
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             49.
             23.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             25.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.
             31.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             62.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             8.
             6.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             22.
             29.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             15.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             32.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ep
             hes
             .
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ionah
             49.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             16.
             10.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             13
             ▪
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Thes
             .
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             104.
             20.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             11.
             
          
           
             Phil
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             16.
             19.
             
          
           
             He
             may
             speak
             once
             ,
             yea
             twice
             ,
             yet
             man
             regardeth
             it
             not
             ,
             Iob
             33.
             
             The
             Disciples
             were
             reproved
             time
             after
             time
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             2.
             
          
           
             M●●a
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             85.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             3.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ionah
             1.
             
          
           
             Mark
             14.
             40.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             12.
             
          
           
             Iob.
             29.
             
             ●8
             .
             Psal
             .
             3●
             .
             6.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             ●4
             .
             14.
             
          
           
             Luke
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             29.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             1
             
             〈…〉
             ▪
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             Vse
             4.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             16.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             26
             ▪
             7.
             
          
           
             Iudg
             4.
             26.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             28.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             65.
             5.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             45.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             11.
             9.
             
          
           
             Vse
             6.
             
          
           
             Vse
             7.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26
             4
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Vse
             8.
             
          
           
             ●ames
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Cor.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Iob
             33.
             26.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             26.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             121.
             4.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Chron.
             29.
             
          
           
             Iob.
             18.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             11.
             
          
           
             Luke
             9.
             32.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             53.
             
             Mar.
             14.
             38
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             32.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             
          
           
             3
             Ioh.
             4.
             1
             
             Thes
             .
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             4.
             17.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             132.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.
             15.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             15.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             76.
             5.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             28.
             36.
             
          
           
             Vse
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             〈◊〉
             .
             29.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             30.
             
          
           
             Vse
             5.
             
          
           
             Vse
             6.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             3.
             3.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             5.
             
             Heb.
             11.
             7.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             23.
             
             Psal
             .
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             58.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             5.
             28.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             15.
             52.
             
             Calv.
             H●ll
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             19.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             58.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mic.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             14.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Iob
             15.
             21.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             5.
             12.
             
          
           
             Iob
             33
             ,
             14
             ,
             to
             19.
             
          
           
             Iob
             39.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             8.
             6.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             19.
             16.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             36.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             39.
             
          
           
             Act.
             〈◊〉
             .
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             6
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             as
             Thcophil
             .
             Rom.
             8.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             40.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             1.
             
             Prov.
             25.
             2.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             ●at
             24.
             44.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             16.
             15.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             10.
             
          
           
             Reas
             .
             3.
             
             Luke
             2●
             .
             35.
             
          
           
             E
             〈…〉
             es
             .
             9.
             12.
             
          
           
             
          
           
             ●eas
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Iames
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Iob
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             
          
           
             Vse
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             18.
             9.
             1
             
             Sam
             15.
             1
             
             Thes
             .
             5.
             3.
             
          
           
             Vse
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             33.
             14.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             7.
             19.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             34.
             
          
           
             Acts.
             20.
             31.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             9.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             26.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             35.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             43.
             
             Mat.
             25.
             26.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             64.
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom
             8
             ▪
             13.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             1.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             17.
             to
             21.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             27.
             11.
             
             Hos
             .
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             44.
             
          
           
             Num.
             23.
             10.
             
          
           
             Iob
             8.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             sa
             .
             50.
             11.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             12
             ,
          
           
             Isa
             .
             58.
             
             Heb.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             
             Ezek.
             33.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             10.
             16.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             17.
             
          
           
             Acts
             8
             ▪
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Pet.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             24.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             12.
             1
             ,
             2
             ▪
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             10.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             27.
             23.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             ●it
             .
             3.
             11.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             12.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             ●7
             .
             2●
             .
          
           
             ●ob
             〈◊〉
             .
             ●5
             .
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             15.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             14.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             8.
             11.
             
          
           
             Object
             .
          
           
             Answ
             .
          
           
             Z●●h
             .
             12.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             6.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             18.
             23.
             
          
           
             Job
             31.
             21.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             6.
             
          
           
             ●sa
             .
             1.
             10.
             to
             17.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             18.
             28.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             23.
             
          
           
             Pro●
             .
             4.
             23.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             44.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Tim.
             6.
             5
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Job
             1.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             21.
             18.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             ul●
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             37.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Verse
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             27.
             1.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Chro.
             16.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             King.
             11.
             33.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             50.
             11
             ▪
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             11.
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             16.
             10.
             
          
           
             Judg.
             15.
             20.
             
             Ch.
             20.
             v.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             
          
           
             1
             Chron.
             29.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             
          
           
             Levit
             ▪
             6.
             12.
             and
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             31.
             18.
             
          
           
             Trapp
             his
             Com.
             place
             of
             Apost
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             27.
             46.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             5.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             44.
             17.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             7.
             38.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             10.
             28.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             27.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             19.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             20.
             20.
             
          
           
             ●●v
             .
             2.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             3.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             7.
             and
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             10.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             15.
             
          
           
             N●●
             .
             9.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             6.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             〈◊〉
             .
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             13.
             
          
           
             Gal
             6.
             
          
           
             I
             hil
             .
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             33.
             
          
           
             Iude
             20.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             4.
             30.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             7.
             38.
             
             Luke
             32.
             32.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             〈◊〉
             12.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             19.
             
          
           
             Heb
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             32.
             40.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             26.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             10.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             1.
             6.
             
             Isa
             .
             64.
             7.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             23.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ma●k
             .
             16.
             11.
             
          
           
             Luke
             15.
             6
             ,
             9
             ,
             24.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             10.
             26.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             23.
             3.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             1.
             
          
           
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             6.
             66.
             
          
           
             Job
             27.
             10.
             
          
           
             Job
             6.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             24.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             23.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             39.
             ult
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Job
             8.
             14.
             
          
           
             Job
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Mark
             11.
             21.
             
          
           
             Job
             6.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             8.
             
             ●5
             .
          
           
             Isa
             .
             29.
             8.
             
          
           
             Job
             8.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             23.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             Psal
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             Job
             8.
             14
             ,
             1●
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             26
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             25.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             17.
             9.
             
          
           
             Jam
             1.
             26.
             
          
           
             Acts
             26.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             
          
           
             Jam
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             58.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             Job
             8.
             15.
             
          
           
             ●ude
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam
             28.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5.
             24.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             31.
             
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             Acts
             1.
             7.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             5●
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             12.
             
             Rom.
             1●
             .
             20.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             139.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             17.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             Math.
             6.
             33.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             11.
             28.
             
             Zech.
             1
             3.
             1.
             
             Revel
             .
             22.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             25.
             23.
             1
             
             Cor.
             7.
             31.
             
             Psal
             .
             63.
             5.
             
             Prov.
             11.
             13.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3
             8.
             
          
           
             Luke
             10.
             42.
             
          
           
             So
             Lazarus
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Iames
             1.
             26.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             10.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             1.
             
             Ioh
             12.
             35.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             18.
             
             Heb.
             12.
             17.
             
          
           
             Num.
             4.
             30.
             and
             34.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             
             Rev.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
             Luke
             12.
             19.
             
          
           
             Iob
             14.
             
          
           
             James
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1
             28.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             31.
             18.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Acts.
             24.
             25.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             .
             66.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             60.
             
          
           
             Gal
             1.
             16.
             
             Mat.
             4
             ▪
             0.
             
             Isa
             .
             21.
             12.
             
             Psal
             .
             118.
             2.
             and
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor
             6.
             2.
             
          
           
             Josh
             .
             18.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             95.
             7.
             
             Heb.
             3.
             7.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             51.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.
             28.
             
          
           
             Mark.
             10.
             50.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             19.
             27.
             
             Mat.
             18.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ec●l
             .
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             2.
             17
             ▪
             
          
           
             Gen.
             20.
             11.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             17.
             16.
             
          
           
             Act.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             19.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             57.
             19.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             19.
             
             &
             20.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             30.
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             123.
             〈◊〉
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             20.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             32.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             34.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3
             ▪
             13.
             
             Lev
             19.
             17.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             22.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             17.
             10.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             22.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             8.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             5.
             25.
             
          
           
             Acts
             8.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             1.
             16
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             1.
             
             Ioh.
             10.
             10.
             
             Cant.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             26.
             
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             24.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             16.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             26.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             63.
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             143.
             2.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             2
             Kings
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             138.
             6.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             11.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             18.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             22.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             45.
             
          
           
             Doct.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             86.
             15.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             52.
             5.
             
          
           
             Reason
             .
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Ez●k
             .
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             Judg.
             10.
             14.
             
             Deut.
             32.
             37.
             
          
           
             Isa
             50.
             11.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             56.
             3.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             45.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             5.
             40.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             50.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             13.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             56.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             ul●
             .
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             41.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             24.
             4.
             
             Psal
             .
             86.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             14.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             34.
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             37.
             37.
             
          
           
             Doctr
             ▪
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Job
             5.
             26.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             28.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             〈◊〉
             .
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             29.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             14.
             
             〈◊〉
             hil
             .
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             4.
             
             ●om
             .
             7.
             24.
             
             Iob
             42.
             17.
             
             Gen.
             25.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             71.
             18.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             17.
             24.
             
             Chap.
             14.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             84.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             9.
             
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             24.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             37.
             
          
           
             Luke
             21.
             28.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             4.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             12.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Luke
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             Iames
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Verse
             10.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             14.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             29.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             4.
             
          
           
             Luke
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             25.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             28.
             
             Ezek.
             39.
             17.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             14.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14
             ▪
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             64.
             4.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             
             Psal
             .
             36.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             106.
             4.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             29
             ,
             30.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             11.
             
             Exod.
             32.
             6.
             
          
           
             Judg.
             9.
             27.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             8.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             29.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             25.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             29.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             15.
             24.
             
          
           
             Rom
             ▪
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             15.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             3.
             2.
             1
             
             Cor.
             13.
             12.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             75.
             8.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Ioh.
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             23.
             
          
           
             Hest
             .
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             24.
             23.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             34.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             29.
             2
             
             Tim.
             4.
             8.
             and
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             Luk
             22.
             12.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             2.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             2.
             
          
           
             His
             ascention
             and
             return
             to
             fetch
             them
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             27.
             1
             
             Thes
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             9.
             28.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             54.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             17.
             24.
             
             Ioh.
             6.
             39
             ,
             40.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Iob
             31.
             17.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             91.
             14.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             29.
             
          
           
             Esther
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Chro.
             20.
             7.
             
             Mat.
             12.
             50.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             9.
             
             Ephe.
             1.
             2.
             and
             3.
             
          
           
             H●b
             .
             12.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             1.
             10.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             17.
             13.
             
             Luke
             22.
             15.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             4
             10.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             12.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             6.
             2
             
             Cor.
             12.
             4.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             34.
             33
             ,
             34.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             4.
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             1.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             64.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             9.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             
             3●
             .
          
           
             Zech
             3
             2.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             10.
             1
             
             Cor.
             11.
             24.
             
             Acts
             15.
             9.
             
             Mat.
             26.
             29.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             .
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ephe.
             5.
             18.
             
             Psal
             .
             36.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9.
             17.
             
          
           
             Num.
             11.
             5.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             64
             4.
             
          
           
             Luke
             14.
             18.
             
             Phil.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22
             ▪
             10.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             22.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             3.
             
          
           
             Math.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Luke
             16.
             24.
             
          
           
             Luke
             16.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             6.
             24.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             24.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             2.
             
             &c.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             30.
             20.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             15.
             32.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             2.
             
          
           
             Verse
             10.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             14.
             32.
             
          
           
             Iob
             11.
             20
             
             :
             Rev.
             22.
             15.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Pet.
             2.
             22.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Iob
             31.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             6.
             25.
             
             Mat.
             5.
             28.
             
          
           
             Luke
             ▪
             13.
             24.
             
          
           
             Zach.
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             8.
             21.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             6.
             12.
             
             &
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             5.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             58.
             1.
             
          
           
             Acts.
             9.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             16.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             26.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             
             ●0
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             14.
             18.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             21.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             43.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             2.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             10.
             17.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             28.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             21.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             95.
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             14.
             
             Ioh.
             17.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             11
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             7.
             
             Rom.
             10.
             21.
             
             Isa
             .
             65.
             2.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             13.
             7
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             22.
             
             ●1
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             8.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             109.
             18.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             4.
             27.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             39.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             7.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.
             24.
             
          
           
             2
             Chro.
             24.
             2.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             6
             66.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             19.
             20.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             27.
             
          
           
             Acts
             4.
             11.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             6.
             4.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             26.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             19.
             20.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             20.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             19.
             22.
             
          
           
             Job
             .
             27.
             9.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             13.
             23.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             9.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             2.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             29.
             19.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             3.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             5.
             40.
             7.
             34.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             17.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             84.
             11.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             49.
             11.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             17.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iob
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Ruth
             1.
             19.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             21.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             29.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             15.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             8.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             11.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             21.
             
          
           
             Amos
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             32.
             12.
             
             &
             17.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             23.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             12.
             10.
             
             Ioh.
             10
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             2.
             and
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             101.
             4.
             119.
             115.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             20.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             66.
             18.
             58.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9.
             17.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             26.
             23.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             28.
             9.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             31.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             20.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             94.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             50.
             21.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Hos
             .
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             106.
             4.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             47.
             12.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             33.
             14.
             
          
           
             Acts
             24.
             25.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             18.
             6.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             32.
             
          
           
             M●ca
             .
             3.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             66.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             7.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             9.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             9.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             29.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             3.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             19.
             39.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             142.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             13.
             11.
             
             〈…〉
             9.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e128610
           
             Psal
             .
             74.
             9.
             
          
           
             Da●
             .
             2.
             33
             ,
             41
             ,
             42.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             15.
             26.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             60.
             1.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             32.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             1.
             78.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             84.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             24.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             41.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             14.
             
             The
             wisdom
             and
             power
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             60.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             1.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             23.
             
          
           
             Jo●
             .
             1.
             9.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             13.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             19
             4.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             26.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             104
             30.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             44.
             22.
             
          
           
             Josh
             .
             10.
             12.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             13.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             3.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             10.
             23.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             60.
             2.
             
          
           
             4.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             11.
             7.
             
          
           
             5.
             
          
           
             *
             Peter
             mel●s
             because
             Christ
             looks
             on
             him
             .
             6.
             
             Gal.
             1.
             2
             ,
             20.
             
             Not
             I
             ,
             but
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             me
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Psal
             .
             89.
             15.
             
             I
             will
             walk
             in
             the
             light
             of
             his
             countenance
             .
          
           
             8.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             51.
             9.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             14.
             38.
             
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom
             1.
             26.
             
          
           
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             2.
             11.
             
          
           
             11.
             
          
           
             Phil
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             1.
             
          
           
             12.
             
          
           
             Luke
             .
             1.
             78.
             
          
           
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             84.
             
          
           
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             60.
             1.
             
          
           
             Doctr.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             22.
             ch
             .
             11.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             120.
             
             〈◊〉
             Chr●n
             .
             21.
             30.
             
          
           
             Bacon
             advancement
             of
             Learning
             .
             li.
             2.
             p.
             121.
             
          
           
             Iosh
             .
             1.
             5.
             
             Heb.
             13.
             5.
             
          
           
             Acts
             16.
             29.
             
             Acts
             2.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             3
             ▪
             5
             
          
           
             Exod.
             24.
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             50.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             106.
             32.
             
             〈◊〉
             Sam.
             19.
             29.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             H●b
             .
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             14.
             34.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             26.
             39
             ,
             42.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             3.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             7.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             25
             ,
             26.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             ult
             .
          
           
             Ier.
             23.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             143.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             30.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             2
             
             Cor.
             5.
             2.
             
             Made
             sin
             that
             we
             might
             be
             m●de
             the
             righteousness
             of
             God
             in
             him
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             25.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             6.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             10.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             32.
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             139.
             9.
             
          
           
             Job
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             ●ph
             .
             〈◊〉
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             43.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             15.
             26.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             147.
             15.
             
          
           
             Acts
             19.
             20.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             18.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             24.
             32.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             57.
             19.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             33.
             14.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             8.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             103.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             15.
             
          
           
             Mark
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             147.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             17.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             9.
             14.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             39.
             
          
           
             Iob
             5.
             18.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             33
             56.
             
          
           
             Vse
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             34.
             4.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             8.
             38
             ,
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             4.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             Acts
             24.
             25.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             33.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             27.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             5.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             21.
             
          
           
             Ez●k
             .
             16.
             61
             ,
             63.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             
          
           
             Galen
             .
             Arist
             .
             Ethic.
             lib.
             1.
             c.
             ult
             .
             cited
             by
             Regn.
             on
             Hos
             .
             pag.
             77.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             12.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             6.
             
             &
             8.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             11.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             15.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             8.
             
             Psal
             .
             19.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             9.
             2.
             
          
           
             Iob
             21.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             27.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             24.
             13.
             
             Prov.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             5
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             139.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             King
             22.
             
          
           
             Mark
             14.
             33
             ,
             34.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             85.
             
          
           
             M●c
             .
             7.
             18.
             
          
           
             Luke
             5.
             3.
             
          
           
             Luke
             10.
             30.
             
          
           
             Num.
             12.
             
          
           
             Luke
             18
             37.
             
             Ephe.
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             12.
             5.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             9
             41.
             
          
           
             Luke
             8.
             43.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             9.
             21.
             
          
           
             Mat
             7.
             16.
             
             Act.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             11.
             27.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             44.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             8.
             
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             10.
             
             Isa
             .
             53.
             
             Psal
             .
             119.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             3.
             12
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             65.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             15.
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             18.
             31.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             57.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             65.
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Iames
             1.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             103.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             18.
             33.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             24.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             54.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             42
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             88.
             6.
             
          
           
             ●am
             .
             3.
             
             ●9
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             13.
             
          
           
             I●aiah
             64.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             14.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             5.
             12.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             6.
             19.
             
          
           
             Ho●
             .
             14.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             5●
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             18.
             14.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             30.
             6.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             13.
             2
             
             Cor.
             1.
             20.
             
          
           
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             Isa
             .
             42.
             7.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             〈◊〉
             .
             32.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             49.
             8.
             
             &
             9.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             4.
             18.
             
             &
             21.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             33.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             24.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             13.
             c.
             1.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             36.
             
          
           
             Gal
             5.
             1.
             c.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             17.
             
             Rom.
             8.
             15.
             
          
           
             Luke
             1.
             74.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             42.
             7.
             
          
           
             Luke
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             32.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             12.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             5.
             ver
             .
             13.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             25.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             24.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             16
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             144.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             26.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             21.
             21.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             21.
             20.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             16.
             26.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             14.
             14.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             25.
             46.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             33.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             29.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             34.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             3.
             
             Iob
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             26.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             3.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             10.
             18.
             
          
           
             Luk
             11.
             21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             15.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             Joh
             3.
             18
             ,
             36.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             23.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             1.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             40.
             7.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Eph
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             23.
             34.
             
          
           
             John
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             13.
             
          
           
             Isal
             .
             61.
             1.
             
          
           
             Isal
             .
             42.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             146.
             8.
             
          
           
             Act.
             26.
             8.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             22.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             2
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             13.
             
             Ioh.
             1.
             2
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Acts
             12.
             18.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             14.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.
             24.
             
             &
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             1.
             25.
             
          
           
             Isal
             .
             40.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             22.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             6.
             
             Exod.
             21.
             5.
             
             &
             6.
             
             Rom.
             6.
             19.
             
             Psal
             110.
             
             Rom.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             15.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             88.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             15.
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             1.
             
             &
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             56.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             Gal
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             32.
             
             Rom.
             10.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             32.
             
          
           
             Iob
             9
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             Acts
             20.
             23.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             1●
             .
             13.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             9.
             11.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             6.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             107.
             10.
             
          
           
             Iob
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             71.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             8
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             3.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             21.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             1
             
             King.
             21.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             24.
             
          
           
             Mic.
             7.
             3.
             
             Rom.
             6.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             4.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             6.
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             2.
             
          
           
             Luke
             1.
             74.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             77.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             85.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             125.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             73.
             2
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             Luke
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             57.
             16.
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             26.
             
          
           
             Luk
             16.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             12.
             
             2●
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             21.
             26.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             29.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             1
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             24.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             19
             :
          
           
             Prov.
             5.
             11.
             
             Prov.
             23.
             29.
             
          
           
             Vse
             2.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             51.
             1.
             
          
           
             John
             8.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             Levit.
             25.
             41
             ,
             42.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             45.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             19.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             6.
             
             They
             had
             not
             root
             ,
             though
             they
             had
             blade
             enough
             .
             Mat.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             8.
             44.
             
          
           
             Acts
             26.
             18.
             
          
           
             Acts
             26.
             9.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             3.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal
             2.
             
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             1.
             13.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Cor.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             
             3●
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Vse
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ez●k
             .
             18.
             31.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             19.
             
          
           
             Fullers
             Lives
             pag.
             38
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             4.
             
          
           
             Iob
             35.
             8.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             6.
             24.
             
             Mar.
             2.
             27.
             
          
           
             Vse
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             6.
             2.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             25.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             Acts
             1.
             7.
             
          
           
             When
             liberty
             was
             proclaimed
             from
             Babylon
             ,
             some
             would
             stay
             there
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             25.
             45
             ,
             46.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             5.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             34.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             21.
             6.
             〈◊〉
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             61.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             22.
             19.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             17.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             14.
             
          
           
             M●ca
             .
             7.
             17.
             
          
           
             Vse
             6.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             .
             〈◊〉
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             ●5
             .
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             45.
             
          
           
             2
             ●im
             .
             2.
             22.
             1
             
             Cor.
             6.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             51.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             11.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Seneca
             .
          
           
             Is●
             .
             17.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Gal
             5.
             13.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             51.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             85.
             8.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             31.
             2
             
             Pet.
             2.
             14
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             13.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             15.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             9.
             19
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             22.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             1.
             74.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             4
             19.
             
          
           
             Gen
             9.
             25.
             
          
           
             Rom
             7.
             12.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             4.
             
             Gal.
             3.
             25.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             32.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             32.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             31.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             ult
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             2.
             11.
             
             Exod.
             20.
             20.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Chro.
             21.
             30.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             13.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             2.
             24.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             8.
             32.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             11.
             21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat
             〈…〉
             1.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             H●b
             .
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Iob
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Eccles
             .
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             12.
             1
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             17.
             11.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             15.
             17.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             5.
             
             Mat.
             6.
             29.
             
             Iohn
             2.
             
          
           
             ●octr
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             12.
             
          
           
             Pli●
             .
             lib.
             13.
             
          
           
             Iob
             14.
             7.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             84.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             43.
             31
             ,
             32
             ,
             33.
             
          
           
             Pro●
             .
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             2.
             52.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             27.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             50.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             3.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             34.
             
             Cant.
             2.
             6.
             
             Iohn
             20.
             28.
             1
             
             Cor.
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             Ioshuah
             7.
             26.
             2
             
             Sam.
             18.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             3.
             9.
             
             &
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Math.
             13.
             21.
             
          
           
             Math.
             13.
             21.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             129.
             6.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             6.
             2
             
             Cor.
             9.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             59.
             21.
             
             Iohn
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             19.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             2.
             7.
             
             Heb.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             32.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             5.
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             11.
             29.
             
             Exod.
             32.
             12.
             
          
           
             Eph
             2.
             21.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             19.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             16.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             17.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             2.
             
             Phil.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             7.
             25.
             
             Hos
             .
             14.
             5.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             Plut.
             l.
             11.
             c.
             2.
             cited
             by
             Trapp
             upon
             Mat.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             40.
             28
             ,
             29.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             19.
             
             Col.
             1.
             11.
             
             Eph.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             18.
             3.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             1●
             .
             5.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             23.
             40
             ,
             41.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             18.
             8.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             13.
             13.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             18.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             1.
             41.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             18.
             17.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             12.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             14.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             11.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Ezek.
             6.
             9
             
          
           
             Rom.
             4.
             20.
             
             Exod.
             17.
             7.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             55.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             7.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             47.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             45.
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             7.
             1
             
             Iohn
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             17.
             
             Eph.
             1.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             1
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             7.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             12.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             16.
             31.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             45.
             
             Iude
             12.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psalm
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             28.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             19.
             30.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             30.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             43.
             25.
             
             Ier.
             31.
             34.
             
          
           
             Mica
             .
             7.
             
          
           
             ●lat
             .
             16.
             24.
             
          
           
             Hab
             2.
             4.
             
             Mat.
             11.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             16.
             10.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             11.
             29.
             
             Exod.
             32.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             17.
             
          
           
             Eph●
             4.
             14.
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Tim.
             3
             6.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             5.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             13.
             15.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             9.
             9.
             
             Iohn
             6.
             66.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             10.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             
             Col.
             6.
             12.
             
             Gal.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             7.
             50.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.
             4.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             Acts
             9.
             22.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             9
             〈…〉
             
          
           
             Exod.
             32.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             31.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             44.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             6.
             10.
             
             Mat.
             13.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             53.
             
             Iohn
             17.
             3.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             5.
             45.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             24.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             John
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             John
             16.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             8.
             32.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             9.
             10.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             79.
             6.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             18.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             22.
             34.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             17.
             5.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             15.
             
          
           
             Faith
             may
             grow
             objectively
             ,
             when
             more
             is
             revealed
             .
          
           
             Psal
             .
             31.
             32.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             5.
             19.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             30.
             1.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Luke
             7.
             47.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim
             1.
             13
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             1
             16.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Thes
             .
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Cor.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Cor.
             12.
             25.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             16.
             17.
             
          
           
             Act.
             2.
             
             ●6
             ,
             47.
             
             Eph.
             4.
             30
             ,
             31.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             3.
             30.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             6.
             36.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Acts
             13.
             22.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes
             .
             4.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             
             H●b
             .
             6.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             20.
             28.
             
             Can.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             21.
             17.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             26.
             
          
           
             3
             Iohn
             2.
             
          
           
             Iude
             12.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             6.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             Acts
             4.
             u●●
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             41.
             
          
           
             1
             Chron.
             29.
             
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             20.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             16.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             34.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             12.
             25.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet
             1.
             5.
             to
             12.
             
          
           
             Zec●
             .
             12
             10.
             
          
           
             Jude
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim
             2.
             8.
             
          
           
             James
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             James
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             18.
             32.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gen
             32.
             12.
             
             &
             v.
             9.
             
          
           
             Iob
             22.
             21.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             13.
             5.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             11.
             9.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             32.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             28.
             38.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             15.
             
             Gen.
             32.
             
             Dan.
             10.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             18.
             42.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             1.
             17.
             2
             
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             25.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             23.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             31.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             36.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             63.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             12.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             12.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Pet.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             55.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             92.
             12.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             40.
             29.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             27.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             104.
             34.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             2.
             11.
             
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             34.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             30.
             4.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             46.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             2.
             35.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Cor.
             9.
             2.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             15.
             5.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             23.
             31.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Tim.
             1.
             7.
             2
             
             Tim.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             34.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             1.
             44
             ,
             45.
             
          
           
             Ioh
             4.
             24.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             32.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             2.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             39.
             2.
             
             Gen.
             18.
             19.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             
             Hos
             .
             14.
             
             Mar.
             4.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             2
             ▪
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             23.
             5.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A89411-e153120
           
             Ich.
             1.
             21
             ,
             25.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             18.
             15.
             
          
           
             Acts
             3.
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             21.
             15.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             148.
             14.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             1●
             .
             28.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             54.
             13.
             
             Ier.
             31.
             33.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             10.
             14.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Ioh
             12.
             32.
             
             The
             brazen
             Serpent
             lifted
             up
             .
             Num.
             21.
             6.
             
          
           
             Acts
             9.
             7.
             
             &
             chap.
             22.
             9.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             6.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             10.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             27.
             
          
           
             Now
             the
             ●●rds
             of
             Love.
             
          
           
             Iaa
             .
             25.
             4.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             8.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             3.
             
             Luk.
             19.
             4.
             
             Psal
             .
             119.
             20.
             
             Cant.
             2.
             5.
             
             Psal
             .
             42.
             2.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             50.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             14.
             36.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             5.
             3.
             
             Psal
             .
             123.
             2.
             
          
           
             Hos
             .
             14.
             1.
             
          
           
             Lok
             .
             15.
             19.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             18.
             13.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             13.
             1.
             
             Luk
             8.
             24.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             34.
             
             Psal
             .
             35.
             11.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             7.
             23.
             
             Can.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             89.
             33.
             
          
           
             Hos●a
             1.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             25.
             
             Heb.
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             1.
             53.
             
          
           
             H●b
             .
             2.
             17.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             26.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             6.
             
             ●9
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             8.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             T●t
             .
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             8.
             44.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             20.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             13.
             8.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             8.
             31.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Acts
             13.
             48.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             89.
             19.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             38
             ,
             39.
             
             Psal
             .
             40.
             7.
             
          
           
             Acts
             13.
             48.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             29.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mark
             14.
             33.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             44.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor
             5.
             20.
             
             Ezek.
             18.
             31.
             
          
           
             Zach
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             12.
             32.
             
             Mat.
             24.
             28.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             10.
             
             Isa
             .
             53.
             1.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             15.
             18.
             
             Gen.
             42.
             17.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             21.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             40.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             15.
             16.
             
             Mark
             5.
             26.
             
          
           
             ●ohn
             5.
             40.
             
             Mat.
             23.
             37.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             5.
             6.
             
             Col.
             2.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes
             .
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             32.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2
             13.
             
          
           
             Acts
             20.
             26.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             29.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             28.
             
          
           
             Vse
             3.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             21.
             15.
             
          
           
             Isalah
             50.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             7.
             25.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             8.
             
          
           
             Isa
             .
             30.
             18.
             
             Rom.
             10.
             ult
             .
             Rev.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             Mar.
             5.
             26.
             
          
           
             Iames
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             13.
             8.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             6.
             37.
             
          
           
             Acts
             13
             48.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             7.
             
          
           
             E
             〈…〉
             her
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mar.
             3.
             5.
             
             Mat.
             23.
             37.
             
          
           
             Vse
             4.
             
          
           
             Verse
             44
             ,
             45.
             
             Hos
             .
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Vse
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1
             30.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             10.
             28
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             32.
             40.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             
          
           
             Vse
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom
             2.
             
          
           
             H●b
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Iude
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ma●
             .
             4.
             39
             ,
             40.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal
             .
             30.
             7.
             
          
           
             Iona.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             〈…〉
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             John
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Iohn
             5.
             10.